For a beach vacation that’s off-the-beaten-path, Negril, Jamaica, is one of the best-kept secrets in the Caribbean. A hangout for hippies and musicians in the 1970s, this idyllic spot on Jamaica’s western tip is perfect for those seeking authentic local cuisine, lively nightlife and some of the best beaches the island has to offer. Here are six reasons to pack your bags now.
With panoramic ocean views, soft white sand and a lush tropical backdrop, Seven Mile Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Jamaica. Spend a day swimming and snorkelling in the clear waters, lazing in the sand, and chowing down at the abundant beachfront bars and restaurants.
For an unforgettable experience, take a luxury catamaran cruise at sunset, complete with snacks, cocktails, tunes and snorkelling over colourful reefs. Negril is known for its sunsets, so get ready to snap some Instagram-ready pics to keep your memories warm for the rest of the winter.
Negril has a slew of spots offering delicious authentic Jamaican cuisine, ranging from no-frills beach huts selling grilled lobsters to five-star oceanfront restaurants serving seafood delicacies. Don’t miss the spicy jerk chicken at 3 Dives Jerk Centre and enjoy breathtaking cliffside views at Rockhouse Restaurant, where the blackened Mahi Mahi, coconut chicken and curried shrimp promise to delight.
Grab a table on the terrace at the famous Rick’s Café and watch daredevils plummet from 35-foot high cliffs into the turquoise ocean below. Got guts? Bring your bathing suit and try cliff diving for yourself.
You can listen to reggae anywhere in Jamaica (the birthplace of the genre), but Negril is legendary for hosting stellar shows. One hot spot is Bourbon Beach–a vivacious venue on Seven Mile Beach that attracts fun-loving tourists and locals alike. Sip a Red Stripe while listening to live local acts and dance on the beach late into the evening.
In Negril, hotels are no taller than the average palm tree and there is a variety of accommodation available for every type of traveller. From sprawling, all-inclusive family-friendly resorts, such as the Beaches Negril Resort, and romantic boutique hotels to luxurious spa retreats for total relaxation seekers (try the stunning waterfront Spa Retreat Boutique Hotel), wherever you check-in, a warm welcome is guaranteed in Negril.