If you picture lobster with two big claws, the tiny island of Saba would like a word. Next month, from Nov. 19 to 22, this Dutch Caribbean island is throwing its Rum & Lobster Fest, four days of food and drinks built around spiny lobster fresh from the protected Saba Bank and the island’s own Unspoiled Queen liqueur rums.
Saba goes by the nickname “The Unspoiled Queen,” and its liqueur rums carry the same name. Organizers promise rum recipes with a twist of Saban fruits, herbs and spices. The festival itself is a team effort among the island’s restaurants, bars, hotels, dive shop, transportation providers and arts and crafters, and it’s open to visitors and locals alike.
Saba’s Spiny Lobster Comes Without Claws
Unlike the clawed lobster from the North Atlantic, spiny lobster has no claws at all. Organizers say the tail makes up for it, with larger, sweeter meat that’s great for butterflying and grilling over an open flame. It’s firmer, too.
The Rum & Lobster Fest brings together some of the best of Saba and the Caribbean, and the drinks lean on Unspoiled Queen rums. Participating restaurants are adding lobster specials, too.
Here’s What Each Day Brings
Each day has something different on the schedule, so you can go all in or pick a favorite.
- Thursday, Nov. 19: The fest kicks off with Island Indulgence: A Rum & Lobster Affair, a dinner under the stars at the new Island Paradise restaurant. You’ll need a reservation, and the dress code is Elegant Boho.
- Friday, Nov. 20: The Rum & Lobster Crawl hits seven stops around the island for rum cocktails, lobster bites, trivia and music, then wraps with a finale party. The crawl has limited spots, so sign up early.
- Saturday, Nov. 21: The Bay Front Party takes over Fort Bay Harbor with live music from Percy Rankin and the Band. Entry is free.
- Sunday, Nov. 22: Cocktails & Crafts lets you paint your own rum glass at The Studio at Juliana’s Hotel. Later, the Sunday Sundowner at Tropics Café brings live music and special lobster dishes just for the festival.
Getting There Is a Quick Hop From St. Maarten
Saba is home to just over 1,800 people, and it’s easy to reach. You can fly in from St. Maarten on Winair in under 12 minutes, or ride the Edge or the Makana Ferry, which takes about 90 minutes.
Some hotels are running festival deals, too. Saba Arawak Hotel has a Junior Suite at a special rate of $125, including tax, and Cottage Club is taking 10% off during the fest.
With six weeks to go, now’s a good time to plan. Book the crawl and Thursday’s dinner first.
Then pack something Elegant Boho and bring your appetite. You might head home wondering why lobster ever needed claws.