Negril Travel Answers

Well Negril is likely the nicest of the three main tourist areas on the north and west sides of Jamaica, the others being Mo Bay (Montego Bay) and Ocho Rios. Clearly youa re leaning towards AIs (all inclusive resorts). Not my particular cup of tea, but to each his own. Out of those mentioned the RIU on Bloody Beach is probably the nicest. Sandals and Couples are really generic. You would do just as well to go to the nearest one to you, as they are all the same. One thing about an AI, is that all is already paid for, so it does tend to make the guests stay there and not venture out. I would rather go to a resort that is not all inclusive and have more freedom to pick and choose. But that's just me. I know Jamaica pretty well, and lived in Jah Town (Kingston) for some time back in the day, and frequently go back. Don't worry about, finding things to do, bars and such. Plenty within reach. Oh, - one thing. If you are serious about jumping off the cliff at Rick's, at Treasure Beach, perhaps you need to take a look at their fatality rate..... rickscafenegril.com/otherinj... http://www.rickscafejamaica.com/ travelpod.com/travel-photo/k... Here is some stuff from our VT members about Negril, including cliff jumping. Negril Things to Do Enjoy my Jamaica. One love.....d:o)

Yeah, I agree with alot of the previous comments---Riu is HUGE, if that is your thing, the other 2 are a little smaller but still big. My advice would be to pick one, but still give yourselves the leeway to go up the cliffs more than just to see Ricks----Samantha Brown (Travel Channel foodie) was just there last December interviewing Ras Rody, who has a small roadside restaurant fairly close to Ricks. Maybe you could rent scooters for a trip up to the lighthouse, which is past Ricks a little. The swimming off the cliffs is much better than swimming at the Beach----more things to see if snorkling as well, ---I also agree that jumping at Ricks is a little scary----there are plenty of places to jump off the cliffs where it is only 15 feet or so----the Max that I would want to jump! Have a great trip---Negril is truly a special place!

Ok but there are two RIUs from what I heard. Which one is the best out of your opinion? And the reason I chose all inclusive is becasue i heard like 95 percent of the hotels are AIs. If you know of a hotel where it is not and could save me 700- 1000 to spend on my own food and bars then I would consider it. Thanks for all your help! Anymore info or places that are a must visit would be great!

If you want to stay on the beach, check out the websites of Treehouse, Firefly, or Aqua Moon for non-AI.....I won't suggest the cliffs, from what you said about getting bored easily (:>) There may be one or more areas of RIU, ---it is the first resort that you get to coming from Mobay, and a little further from the rest of Negril. The three places I suggest are all on the beach and close to anything you will need for a fun trip. Usually if you pick a big beach resort, they will pick you up for free at the airport....a great$$ saver! dusty

Well I think we are going to go with a big AI resort considering this is our fist time out of country and it seems a bit more conveineint. I was wondering which you guys would prefer RIU NEGRIL or RIU Tropical Bay? Which is closer to the action? I heard that the two hotels are only 1/2 mile apart. So maybe not a huge deal. Any other things you guys recommend besides... Horseback Riding Snorkeling Ricks Cafe ....

Well I think we are going to go with a big AI resort considering this is our fist time out of country and it seems a bit more conveineint. I was wondering which you guys would prefer RIU NEGRIL or RIU Tropical Bay? Which is closer to the action? I heard that the two hotels are only 1/2 mile apart. So maybe not a huge deal. Any other things you guys recommend besides... Horseback Riding Snorkeling Ricks Cafe ....

just looking at their site, it looks like there is a price difference, so maybe one is nicer than the other? other things to do--- check out the youtube video from Rocklands Bird Sanctuary------nearby Mobay in Anchovy Y's Falls is not too far from Negril---a nice walk through the jungle to a small river with falls and pools--- Rent a scooter from Tykes Bikes (or elsewhere) and go up to the lighthouse--Jamaica's westernmost point Eat dinner at Rockhouse on the cliffs---the best meal in Negril with views!

All good recommendations. I would perhaps add the Royal Palm Reserve, a protected flora/fauna area just a few miles inland from Negril close to the town of Sheffield. It is just breathtaking. There is a a long boardwalk that you can walk deep into the reserve, and they have over 40 observation towers that give you just spectacular views over the area. I agree with the Lighthouse as well. Nearby is the Lighthouse Inn, where the cusine is very good. What thwey do have that in quite good, is a local "Mento" show. They used to do this once a week but if you check with them you can find out the day(s) they do this. They will also pick you up and drop you off at your hotel if you make dinner reservations. Mento, by the way, is Jamaican folk music that is similar to Calypso but different. It predates ska and reggae, and if not for Mento, there likely would be no reggae. Well worth seeing. (Reggae is the soundtrack to my live/movie....) Don't know if this is your style, but this is a little known hideaway on the beach in Negril, that is just beautiful, and serene. I do like this place a lot. No, it is not a huge place, but for a couple it is definately worth it. Just though I would throw it in here. http://www.nirvananegril.com/ If you are interested in the "real" Jamaica, relatively unspoiled still, a drive past the Lighthous down the south western coast is the place to go. Relatively void of tourism, the people are friendly and the scenery is great. One love bwoy......d:o)

good stuff erik----I thought about mentioning Royal Palm, but depending on when you go, it can be hot and boring---most of the birds and stuff are going to be active early morning, and young couples don't necessarily get up early :>! Past the lighthouse is lovely, and also up into Orange Hill (is that the right name?) There are some huge mansions up there worth driving by...just watch out for that cow that might be just around the next corner! A day trip to the fish market in Savannah La Mar is also real fun, but again, you would need to go pretty early to see it....Sav can be a blast to visit, and less than an hour away by van.... I am sure your resort will have someone to do this for you, but if you want an option call my friend Tony Vassel at 876-771-1800--he may have some even better options, like concert tickets, etc...

I have not heard about these Mento sets---I will definitely be checking this out next trip! Great tip!

Hey dustmon, looks like we are on the same page. I lived in Jah Town way back when reggae was just starting. Got to meet several icons, like Lee "Scratch" Perry, Coxone Dodd, the founder of Studio one, Gregory Isaccs, Jimmy Cliff and Burning Spear. Met Bob Marley on Maui in the late 70s. Check out my reggae page. "Reggae: The soundtrack to my life......" - Personal Page by Odinnthor To the original Poster, I highly recommend that you check out dustmon's Negril pages and tips. Great stuff there.

wow----I am so envious mon---saw Bob at the Fox Theater in the early 80s right before he died, so I felt lucky about that....I bow to your negrilisms....

No bwoy, - no need for dat. Mi love mi bloodclot Jamaica mon! I an I, will always com' bac to it mon. De tings mi love are fo' tru. Mi just gi a piece a saltfish wha' mi buy dung a Buddy shop. All tomorrow mi be still a chaw dat bwoy! Ja mon! Bumpaclot dat bwoy.......d:o)

We want to stay at one of the resorts on the 7 mile strip. We are fine with staying around the resort for the majority part of the trip so we want a resort with lots to see and do. We were thinking maybe beaches because it has its own waterpark. Familys and Kids do not bother us so that is not a problem. As long as there is room to explore and we get our beaches and great service. We also want to be pretty close to the west end as Ricks is top of my list of places to go. We dont really like being secluded as we get bored easily.

If you don't want an all inclusive, try Rooms on the Beach at Negril. the rooms are large, and clean. It is right on the beach. We like to sit right on the beach as it is very safe, but if you want a little more security net, they have a very low wall that you can sit behind, and not have the interaction with the locals and vendors. They have a pool too. They are walking distance from Alfreds for music at night, and lots of other restaurants and bars. We have never done the all inclusive thing, but when talking to those who have, we have been made aware of the fact that they don't want you to leave thier property, and will tell you that the area is not safe to go about. This is not true. The west end (Ricks and cliffs etc.) is about a 10 minute taxi ride at most.