My wife and I just returned from our sixth visit to the Gate House on Saba. The hotel is charming with bright, airy rooms, each with a small vase of fresh flowers. There are spectacular views from a number of different vantage points on the property.

But the true soul of the Gate House can be found in the owners, Lyliane and Michel. They are perfect hosts, making you feel welcome from the time you arrive to your departure. It's as if you're guests in their home. They'll help you connect with whatever local services you need (taxi, restaurants, lace sellers, dive operations, etc.) to get the most enjoyment out of Saba. They have created a casual, relaxed atmosphere where they are also attentive to your needs. Returning guests will find that Michel and Lyliane remember your likes and dislikes, your guest "personality," and try to customize your stay a little bit more each time.

Michel's meals are delicious. They're creative and simply but elegantly presented. Lyliane's love of wine is matched by her enjoyment in sharing that with her guests. She always finds just the right wine to fit the food, your preferences and your pocketbook. The true French enjoyment of food and wine, without pretention, is evident with the Jobs.

We find it difficult not to return every year. We're now starting to bring family and friends with us!

We spent 3 nights at the Gate House before heading to St Martin. When we left St Martin we were sad to end our vacation but when we left Saba we were leaving new friends. Everyone on the island is incredibly welcoming and glad to share this special place. Even with such wide spread friendliness, Michel and Lyliane Job manage to stand out. They make every guest feel special and perfectly cared for without being intrusive.

We stayed in a first floor room with a panoramic view of the Caribbean. Everything was impeccably clean and well cared for from the furnishings and linens to the grounds and pool. Michel and Lyliane catered to every need including arranging transportation and tours to feeding us around our dive schedule and setting up a special table outdoors so we could enjoy the view during lunch on our last day. We expected great food and wine and both exceeded even our very high expectations. We especially enjoyed Lyliane's recommendations, all of which perfectly complimented the food. I can still taste the Sauterne with the foie gras and hope to score recipes for spicy shrimp and the seafood salad with cous cous. If you are lucky enough to go when they have walnut cake - don't miss out!

Lyliane personally made sure all of our arrangements went off without a hitch and coordinated with our dive company (Sea Saba) making our trip completely effortless. When we left our wetsuits on the boat by accident, a concerted effort of the Gate House, Sea Saba and Peddy the taxi driver made sure we had all of our gear at the airport.

We have other friends who vacationed at the same time on other Caribbean islands who left their trip feeling like they had been taken advantage of or hadn't gotten what they expected. We sounded like we were gloating to admit that the accomodations, food and diving all exceeded our expectations. Unlike our friends, the price at the end was exactly what we expected and as quoted.

We can't wait to go back and wouldn't think of staying anywhere but the Gate House!

Saba is a simple unspoilt island - if you are looking for nightlife this is not the place to come! But if you are looking for great, welcoming people, beautiful scenery, fantastic diving this is the place for you.

The Gate House was very nice. The hosts Michel and Lyliane made us feel right at home (in fact, one of our daughters said 'it's like staying in someone's home'). Michel is a super chef and both meals we had there were delightful. We sat outside, with views of St. Martin and surrounding islands.The rooms are simply but nicely furnished. No airconditioning but we didn't need it - lovely tradewinds at night. We would definately return there.

My husband and daughter went diving with Saba Deep - Big Mike was a 'dude' as my other daughter said. Not sure he is on the web but all arrangements can be made when you get there. Visability was fantastic and the dives breathtaking.

The girls also loved JoBeans glass on Booby Hill, where they learnt to make beads.

Don't rent a car - the roads are something else! We took taxis and got to know most of the taxi drivers - who also told us the history of the island and suggested places to go snorkelling etc.

One thing, Winair is quite unreliable - you might want to book your departure flight from Saba one day before your connection back from St. Martin. If you ever want to leave that is....

Location: Saba (NA – Caribbean - http://www.sabatourism.com )

Lodging: The Gate House ( http://www.sabagatehouse.com )

Comment
My wife and I recently stayed at the Gate House for 7 days on our three-week vacation to the Caribbean. The Gate House is a bread and breakfast as are the majority of lodgings on the island. The owners, Michel and Lyliane Job are from France and have lived in the States for over 20 years before coming to Saba. From the moment we arrived, to the day we left, we felt welcome and were graciously attended to. They are great hosts with Lyliane doing the greeting, serving (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and general customer contact, and Michel doing the cooking. And what a cook he is! All food is fresh and prepared by hand. His southern lobster, prepared a number of ways, is outstanding, their wine selection is second to none, and his deserts are to die for! The rooms are quiet, spacious and very comfortable.

Saba is located about 23 miles south of Sint Maarten and is reached either by plane or boat. It is a small and very laid-back island with virtually no crime. The main attraction being scuba diving, which is great. (The Gate House works with the dive shops on the island, primarily Saba Deep.) There are several good restaurants on the island if you want a change from the wonderful meals at the Gate House. Hiking is also a big attraction with numerous trails including one to the top of Mount Scenery, the volcano that formed Saba. Saba is definitely a place to relax and smell the flowers that are in great abundance. The scenery is wonderful going from somewhat arid areas at the lower levels to a rain forest in the upper areas.