I’m just back from the beautiful island of Saba, one of my favorite places in the Caribbean. I was sent there last year on assignment for X-Ray Magazine (article here) and I fell in love. The volcanic island is stunning with epic ocean views everywhere you go and the few people who live there just “get it” - they take care of their island. Saba has been protecting it’s marine and terrestrial ecosystems since the 80s and you can see the difference. When I’m diving in Saba I can’t help but notice the diversity of a healthy reef, not to mention, the diving is super cool - it is black sand (hot sand in some places due to geothermal activity below), mini canyons and lava-formed pinnacles. Above water there are numerous well-maintain hiking trails. The people are lovely, the food is amazing…and the island is filled with artists.
I have been wanting to do an all-girls diving trip for years and I knew Saba would be the perfect place - and luckily a bunch of my friends trusted my recommendation. The plan was to dive and get creative, but also have a stress-free, relaxing trip. We stayed at the lovely Queen’s Gardens Resort which is peaceful and beautiful and several of the artists came to us for classes, so we didn’t even have to leave the zen-like atmosphere of Queen’s (plus the greatest gin bar in the Caribbean is at Queen’s, so no reason to leave, imo.) I wanted to make this dive trip (SeaSaba) for all levels of divers with no judgement, no pressure, and just support and I really think the amazing women who joined me helped to make that happen. They helped one another, shared tips for improvement, brought snacks on the boat and shared, and there was so much laughing. I was remind that each and everyone one of us has our own insecurities, but when we are surrounded by positivity, we can share them and get useful feedback (which mostly consisted of - you’re crazy, your painting is beautiful.” I hope everyone left feeling lifted up, at least a little
Diving was only part of the experience - after spending the mornings on the boat we did daily afternoon art classes: painting, glass bead making, jewelry, and making leather handbags. We did yoga, we hiked, we also did a wine tasting and more than a little gin tasting and lots of eating. I swear, the tiny island of Saba collectivly has the best resturants in the Caribbean. I had such a great time and it was so nice to spend a week surrounded by friends. I really want to do this trip again…maybe September 2020…so watch this space! ;)
