Where to stay, what to eat & do
Negril is a small resort town stretched over two western parishes: Hanover and Westmoreland. Famous for seven glorious miles of white sand beaches and jaw-dropping sunsets, Negril has always captivated tourists and locals alike. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or frequent the area regularly, here’s how to make the most of your time in this famed vacation destination.
What to do
Cliff Diving & Sunsets
For the best uninterrupted sunset views anywhere in Jamaica, take a ten-minute drive from the town centre to the world-famous Rick’s Cafe on West End. The complex includes a bar, restaurant, a shallow-water pool, and of course free reign to jump from the thirty five-foot cliff. Adventure seekers can dive off into the Caribbean Sea from several points, then spend the evening watching one of the world’s most stunning sunsets. Add Bob Marley’s music playing in the background, and you have a truly unforgettable experience. Pro tips: The restaurant is pricey. Also, bring a camera!
Seven Mile Beach Cruise
Want a great, uninterrupted sunset view, but don’t want to jump from a 35-foot cliff? Consider a more relaxed beach cruise. Tiki Pon Da Sea offers a unique twist on this popular water experience in the form of thirty, sixty, and ninety minute cruises along Negril’s seven mile stretch. Cruises of up to twelve people can enjoy views of the beautiful coastline, all the while sipping unlimited rum punch cocktails and snacking on complimentary plantain chips. If you’re more of an early riser, there’s the option of a 6:30 a.m ninety-minute cruise along the South Negril River – bottomless coffee included.
Dream Weekend
Every summer, hordes of people descend on Negril’s beaches for one insane week of hedonism. The Dream Weekend includes beach parties, water parties, and jouvert parties featuring performances by some of the hottest artistes, bikini clad party-goers, and all the liquor they can enjoy. Of course, these parties are only for adults 18 and over. And since you’ll be drinking, it’s best to stay nearby to avoid having to drive. Book accommodation early as rooms tend to get snatched up months in advance.
What to eat
From upscale hotel dining to rustic seaside jerk spots, Negril has options to suit every taste and budget. One popular spot with both locals and visitors is Pimentoz Jerk, an open-air restaurant on Norman Manley Boulevard. They offer a range of Jamaican dishes including jerk chicken, pork, and sausage, as well as sides of bammy, festival, rice and peas, and seasonal vegetables. Visit the cliff side on Negril’s West End for Italian and other restaurant options, as well as a slew of bars serving up tropical mixes.
Where to stay
There’s no “one size fits all” type of accommodation. However, Negril has a variety of options to suit the traveller’s needs, and budget to find a place that will meet those needs, that won’t break the bank. Whether you want to stay in an all-inclusive hotel, a low-cost guest house, or an AirBnB, you’re sure to find somewhere that will enhance your vacation experience.
All-inclusive hotels
Being a popular tourist destination, Negril is home to a number of internationally branded all-inclusive hotels. Located mainly in the Long Bay area (Negril’s beach side), they offer all the facilities and amenities to satisfy travellers who want to be catered to on their vacation. Hotels are also a great option when travelling with children. From supervised activities, to menus tailored for young palates, children are guaranteed to be entertained and satisfied for the duration of your stay. However, a hotel stay can get quite expensive, especially in peak tourist season or if you’re travelling in a large group.
Staying in an AirBnB
It’s becoming increasingly common to stay in AirBnBs instead of hotels, for good reasons. For one, AirBnB has a wide variety of accommodations. Want to stay in a treehouse? A residential home? A villa? Any of those places can be an AirBnB. You also have the ability to pay per night, rather than per person. This can work out to be significantly cheaper than staying in a hotel, especially when travelling in groups. Staying in an AirBnB means having your own space. You don’t have to join long buffet lines, or jostle for a shady spot by the pool; meaning there’s more time to relax and customize your vacation experience the way you want it. On the flip side, the usually lower price of an AirBnB can mean giving up on certain amenities, plus there’s likely an extra cleaning fee included in your booking.
With so much to see and do in Negril, it’s no wonder that Negril is known as Jamaica’s playground. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next trip to Negril now! Happy travelling!