Saba’s Rum & Lobster Fest wrapped up over the weekend. A 10-day celebration of the unique tastes and experiences of the Unspoiled Queen, the event showcased some of the very best that the destination has to offer. The Out n’ About flew over for the weekend to get a taste of the island’s hospitality and cuisine.
The slate of special activities during the highly anticipated annual event was a hit among visitors and Sabans alike. Centre stage during the fest were Saba’s spiny lobster and Unspoiled Queen Liqueur rums by Saban Rock Living, which were both creatively incorporated into special menus across the island’s bars and restaurants. Here’s a peek at some of the fest’s highlights. Like what you see? Check out the Saba Tourist Bureau, who kindly sponsored the trip, and you’ll be a step closer to the island’s many experiences. Keep an eye out for more exciting coverage in our Special Editions!
Rum & Lobster Crawl
In what might have been the biggest social event of the fest, a few dozen rum lovers and foodies made their way about Windwardside, tasting different cocktails and lobster treats at each stop. The pub crawl started and ended at the Hideaway Bar & Grill, where everyone was introduced to the entire line-up of delicious rums by Saban Rock Living. All of the rums are uniquely flavoured, with locally grown ingredients. Passion fruit & Scotch bonnet, soursop, and Orange spice (based on a light Saba Spice rum) were just some of the flavours enticing the crowd. For the rest of the evening, these rums would be combined in cocktails and punches at Tropics Cafe, Colibri, Amonhana, Zanzi Bar, and again when the cruisers came full circle to Hideaway for a full-on after-party. For anyone who hasn’t been to Saba recently, both Colibri and Amonhana are new and welcome editions to the bar and restaurant scene. Lobster treats featured were croquettes and fritters (Tropics Cafe), lobster balls (Colibri), pizza (Amonhana), stuffed Johnny cakes (Zanzi Bar), and wrap bites (Hideaway). While all the drinks and treats were great, the Hummingbird nectar (Colibri), along with the Johnny cakes and pizza, really stood out, while the party scenes at Zanzi Bar and Hideaway were the most exciting.
Airport Sunrise Fun Run, Walk & Flow
While getting up at 4:00am after a pub crawl is not usually in the itinerary, this new and unique annual event was well worth it. What better place to greet the rising sun after warming up amid crisp seaside air, than the runway of Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport, famous for being the shortest commercial runway in the world? The family-friendly event saw young and old walking, jogging and running along the runway, as well as doing yoga with a backdrop of the changing sky and dramatic cliffs. As an added bonus, kids did not miss the chance to check out the airport’s fire trucks.
Crafty Vibes at the Museum
The beautiful grounds of Saba’s beloved Harry L. Johnson Museum became vibrant with art aficionados and creative spirits during a special arts & crafts event. Artisans introduced visitors to their crafts, from paintings to jewellery and rums, and held interactive workshops – a lovely daytime fair, in peaceful surroundings.
Lobster Fishing Experience
We learned more about the life of a fisherman, and the hard work it takes to catch lobster, with a fishing trip led by “Mr. Fish”. Aboard a small boat, a group of us ventured out more than five miles off the shore at Fort Bay, to where traps were set. Skilfully hoisting and emptying the large traps, lobsters and a few types of fish were the bounty, and the traps were returned to their depths with new bait. The captain also showed us how to check when lobsters had eggs, since these lobsters, along with those that are too young, are returned to the waters. A special feature of the vessel, which he designed himself, was an underwater compartment where the lobsters could safely be kept. The fishing experience is definitely a recommended activity for anyone interested in the trade, or for anyone with an appreciation for where their food comes from – as long as you’ve got the sea-legs for it!
Chez Bubba Special Evening
Chez Bubba, an elegant and partly open-air restaurant, was the perfect setting for a cosy, social evening after a day chock-full of activity. Guests enjoyed beers, wines and, of course, items from the special rum & lobster menu, among good company, the gentle feeling of rainforest, and the impressive live vocals of Caroline De Schryver. The lobster plate of the evening was nachos, complete with fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, crema, and black beans.
Sunset Booze Cruise
A sunset cruise around Saba’s rugged coast is a must for any visitor, offering unparalleled views of a majestic landscape that can only be experienced by sea. Aboard the Fin & Tonic, we enjoyed three types of rum punch, tasty lobster snacks, and great music in what was the final scene of a truly fantastic festival celebrating the Unspoiled Queen.
Getting to Saba is easy
Getting to Saba is easy with Winair offering daily flights to the island, including special day-trip fares. For those, who prefer to travel by sea, enjoy a scenic 90-minute ferry ride aboard the Makana Ferry, with service between Saba and St. Maarten four days a week. Alternatively, hop onto The Edge ferry, which operates twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays from Simpson Bay, providing another option to reach Saba. Whether you’re flying or sailing, your journey to Saba is just a short trip away!
