ADVENTURE QUEST | Landing the Shortest Runway in the World – Sarosh Georges Jacob Quest to the remote Island Saba
HAUTEOC caught up with one of our friends from NYC, Adventurer Sarosh Georges Jacob on his incredible trip to a remote island east of the Virgin Islands, not your typical landing but definitely exciting – we asked him to share his journey with us – check out his incredible video and photos to Saba!
SAROSH: Saba (say-bah) is located not too far from St Maarten and has a land area of only 5 sq miles. The entire island is basically a big volcano so there are not too many flat surfaces to land on. (photo of Sarosh Georges Jacob – RT) 
HAUTEOC: Sarosh you have such a great appetite for adventure, how did you learn about Saba and what peaked your interest in heading there.
SAROSH: I first heard about Saba when I was reading an article on some of the top scuba diving sites in the world. What interested me the most was how off-the-beaten-path Saba is. The island is so laid back; it’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. As I was on limited time, I could only spend 3 days there but I could have easily stayed longer.
HAUTEOC: Amazing landing you captured on film, and interesting to note how short the strip was, what kind of plane was that?
SAROSH: With Saba, the adventure begins the minute you land… literally! At only 1300 feet, Saba’s landing strip is the smallest commercial runway in the world. I believe the plane was a DHC-6 Twin Otter.
HAUTEOC: What were some of the best scenes or favorite things to do out there while you were visiting?
SAROSH: One of my favorite things about my stay in Saba was simply relaxing outside the balcony of my cottage and staring out into the endless blue sea and lush green mountains. The magnificent scenery gave way to an array of activities to conquer. Hiking and scuba diving in Saba is incredible. If ecotourism is your thing, Saba is the place to go.
HAUTEOC: If you could do it all over again anything you would’ve like to have done or done differently?
SAROSH: I would have timed my hike to the top of Mt Scenery a little better. Mt Scenery is the tallest mountain on the island and its peak is often hidden in the clouds. When I first arrived, the sky was clear so the view was perfect. I should have hiked that day but instead I waited. When I finally did make it to the top, the clouds rolled in and blocked the view but no worries, there’s always next time.
ABOUT SABA ISLAND: Saba Island, located East of the US Virgin Islands, is part of the Netherlands Antilles and as such part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Saba is ideal for the traveler looking for a secluded haven, in peaceful and friendly surroundings. Rising steeply from the azure sea, the tiny island in the Caribbean is a magical experience far away from the cares and worries of today’s hurried world. Four small villages area as quaint and charming as the gentle, friendly manner of the Saban people, descended from hardly 17th century pioneers. Visitors feel they have stepped back in history yet many modern luxuries are here to be enjoyed.
Saba is a monument to nature’s best above and below the ocean’s surface. The famous Saba Marine Park is second to none. Saba is a magical place for adventure, scuba diving, hiking, exploring nature yet so much more!
Superb diving is the reason most tourists make it to Saba. A marine park was designated in 1987, and carefully controlled operation of the dive sites scattered throughout the park (which surrounds the entire island) has kept the reefs in pristine condition. Visibility is excellent and, as well as fine coralheads near the surface for snorkelling, there are sheer walls dropping to over 300m just offshore. Most of the best dive sites are on the calmer, western side of the island, where you’ll find great pinnacle dives as well as ridges and beautiful coral gardens.
SAROSH: If crazy landings are not your thing, you can also take the ferry from St. Maarten but I would highly recommend flying since it only takes 15 minutes. I dove with Sea Saba and they were great. I stay at The Cottage Club (RT-photo) . Chris and Ina who run The Cottage Club were so nice and they really go out of their way to make your stay in Saba an enjoyable one.
Operators include Saba Deep (tel 599-416-3347), Saba Reef (tel 599-416-2541) and Sea Saba (tel 599-416-2246). Rates are normally $50/90 for a one-/two-tank dive, $65 for a night dive and $30 for a snorkelling trip, with an extra charge for equipment. A resort course for first-time divers costs around
$80 and (if there are three or more takers) a full certification course taught over four or five days runs about $350. Bear in mind that prices normally come down significantly if you visit the island as part of a package that includes diving. For example, seven nights accommodation and ten dives cost $992/1138 per person at Juliana’s ($822/889 if two divers are sharing a room) and $680 year-round at El Momo, booked through Sea Saba Meet Lynn & John and the Team - Dive the Sea Saba Difference, Since 1985 come see as the Island as they know it “The Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean!”. To learn more about this hidden gem, contact us at 949.683.2228 or BOOK TRAVEL@HAUTEOC.com
ADVENTURE AWAITS YOU | Reserve a Fabulous Island Luxury Getaway at Half Moon | BOOKTRAVEL@HAUTEOC.com
Half Moon Caribbean: Jamaica: Montego Bay
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The newest facility in Half Moon’s impressive lineup is the Fern Tree Spa, a 68,000 square foot sanctuary that gives new meaning to the term “destination spa”. Drawing on Jamaica’s lush landscape and centuries-old healing traditions as inspiration, the spa will meld modern spa techniques with Jamaica’s ancient healing remedies of native herbs, fruits and botanicals. More than likely the largest spa of its type in the Caribbean, it offers an incredible array of not only treatments and treatment facilities but also wonderful fountains and waterfalls where guests can just relax in a tranquil atmosphere. The spa is fully equipped to handle wedding parties with special facilities just for these events. There is also a bar serving an array of healthy beverages, and products used in the spa can be bought at the spa boutique. For exclusive offers and special pricing contact us at 949.683.2228 or BOOK TRAVEL@HAUTEOC.com
