Island Seclusion: Undiscovered Escapes for a Secret Retreat

5. Saba, Caribbean – The Untouched "Unspoiled Queen"

Skip the crowded resorts of Aruba and the Bahamas—Saba is the Caribbean’s best-kept secret. A five-square-mile volcanic island with no beaches, no cruise ships, and no high-rise hotels, it’s a place for those who crave adventure over cocktails by the pool. Nicknamed the “Unspoiled Queen,” Saba’s jagged cliffs drop straight into the sea, creating a paradise for divers, hikers, and anyone seeking an island escape untouched by mass tourism. The island is home to Mount Scenery, the highest peak in the Dutch Caribbean, where hikers ascend through cloud forests and past giant ferns. Below the surface, Saba’s marine park offers some of the most pristine diving sites in the world. Best for: Hiking, diving, and escaping the typical Caribbean scene. How to get there: Fly from St. Maarten (15-minute flight).