Trip report - March 2018

This board was very instrumental in helping us break out and enjoy Negril a few years ago so I am writing this report in the hope that someone else can be inspired to step out a bit from their comfort zone. Thanks to Rob for keeping this board a nice place to do research on and get feedback from.


This was a report from our first visit to Negril - http://negril.com/forum/showthread.p...-the-last-one!

Once we were bitten we went back again - http://negril.com/forum/showthread.p...highlight=made

And then the last trip - http://negril.com/forum/showthread.p...ght=compulsive

We had not been away for a couple of years and our previous trip was to Mexico, we sat down and decided where we should go this year. The allure for us to visit Mexico is strong because of a number of great trips there in the past, it is much cheaper than Negril and we do like the culture. The only problem is that it is not Negril. We also wanted to do a 10 day trip instead of 7 days. I eventually found a deal for CoCoLapalm and pulled the trigger.

You all know what leads up to a trip to Negril. Visiting negril.com multiple times per day. Making lists of things you want to see and do. Checking on 2 for 1 drink specials and entertainment. Finding out what restaurants you need to visit, etc. etc. It does become obsessive for some reason versus going on other vacations. Part of it is seeing the great pictures that everyone always posts and imagining being in that same spot.

Day 1

We went from Friday to Monday. I booked Club MoBay for the arrival as we were coming in at 1.20 and there were multiple fights around that time. I know that there are debates about whether this is a worthwhile cost, for us it pays for itself in the reduction of stress at the airport. The arrival hall was about half full but it was filling up quickly. We were in the Club MoBay lounge in about 15 minutes having a cold beer, some snacks, and were able to get changed into shorts. Grabbed some bottled water, more beer and out to our awaiting ride that they had alerted for us.

We have used Joe Cool numerous times in the past and have always had awesome service. We were lucky enough to have Latoya drive us this time. She is a great, safe and friendly driver. A quick stop at Mega Mart to stock up on beer, wine and snacks for the week and off we went to Negril. Being Friday afternoon traffic was fairly heavy through MoBay and also Lecea. One checkpoint just outside of MoBay. They just tool a quick look into the car and waved us on. Arrived safe and sound at CoCoLapam.

We had chosen CoCoLapalm because of its central location and the excellent reviews that it gets everywhere. We also liked the size of the beach and the availability of shade. Our room was a standard and we were more than pleased. Modern, clean, nice TV, good sized bathroom and it was located on the ground floor steps from the beach. There was some noise from people having their doors slam closed but other than that we did not hear anything else. I understand that they still have some older outdated standard rooms that are closer to the road.

Dinner was at Best in The West. The service was excellent and the chicken was okay. A little dried out. The downer of the meal was that one of the ladies that served us then launched into a spiel on the Royalton and the time share options and will we go for an information sessions. It was not pressure packed but still not welcome. The Royalton also has people walking the beach trying the same thing. It is a shame that a company with Canadian roots is doing business in this manner, not to mention the Elephants Ass of a building they have put up.

We went back to the hotel to hear the band playing. I found a “Negril Wallet” with $80.00 US or so in it. Now you might ask what a Negril Wallet is. It is a Ziploc baggie with cash in it. You know what you carry around on the beach so that if you go swimming your money does not get wet. We were wondering how we could find the owners and took it back to our room for safekeeping. A little while later we were sitting on the steps leading up to the pool having a drink and a couple was searching in the sand with the flashlights from their phones. We asked what they were looking for. Guess what? They had lost their Negril wallet. I told them to hang on for a minute and went back to get the wallet we had found. They were so pleased and offered a reward but we just asked them to play it forward sometime. I really believe in Karma so I know that it will come back to us in some form.

Day 2

This was a beach day. We had nothing planned but taking in the sights, sounds and food on the beach. There is a continental breakfast included at CoCo. It includes fruit or fruit juice, coffee or tea and a basket that has banana bread, toast, muffins, a croissant and a pastry. After breakfast we went for the first of many walks. Our goal was to cover all of the 7 miles plus Bloody Bay. Today we went down to the river so we could see the fishing boats.

We then settled into a nice spot on the beach. There was always somewhere to sit even though a lot of people reserved their spot early on. The security guards will also look after you in setting up a couple of chairs in your favorite spot. We started to play the towel card game at this point and accumulated 10 cards during the course of the week. Do people really steal a beach towel? We had sour sop juice from Flex, fruit and then patties from Norman.

Dinner was at Vinnie’s across the street and down a little from CoCo. Red is cooking there now and the food was great. We had steamed fish and jerk chicken. There was a bit of a wait for the fish but the staff was kind and let us know that is was on its way. We went back later in the week.

Had a couple of glasses of wine on the upper deck and called it a night.

Flex

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CoCo Sunset

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Day 3

Started off with a walk in the other direction to the end of the main beach.

We went across the street to mass at St. Cecilia's. Fadder Jim is truly and inspirational man. He has a new bus coming that will enable more kids to make it to school and save the multiple trips currently made in the smaller bus they have. His work through St. Anthony's kitchen is awesome. The number of kids and people they feed each day is great. It was standing room only so I stayed outside while my wife managed to get a seat. Lots of comings and goings to watch.

Lunch was at Montana's. Tony was a gracious host, the sandwiches were good and the price was even better.

We had arranged to meet our future parents in law at Drifters on Sunday afternoon since they were in Negril as well. We went early to get a seat and proceeded to polish off a couple of buckets of Red Stripe. The show was good but the PA kept getting feedback. I am sure Luddy was not pleased as it happened mostly during his set. The sax player was king of funny to listen to as he did not hit many notes. The "Dancing Queen" made an appearance. Not my cup of tea but she appeared to be having fun.

Stopped by Alfred's for fish and chips. They were good and a single portion was enough to feed both of us.

We sat at the bar at CoCo for their happy hour. The nice thing is that you can order anything from the Happy Hour menu and it is half off. You don't have to order 2 of the same drink. Vernon at this bar is a good guy and makes sure you are looked after. White Sands had a band playing with a steel drummer. we popped over and had a couple of drinks. Prices were very reasonable. 2 beers for 607 JA. The band was good.

Fun read, great pics.......ughhhh.... Last year I got that Royalton shpeal thrown at me on the beach.... I took the card and flipped it in the garbage......sorry, but you couldn't pay me to stay there !!

That was very nice of you to return the Negril wallet. I'm enjoying your report!

Drifters

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Day 4

This was just a chill day on the beach. We walked up to the bay where Pimento's and Sandals are as we had stayed at Seashore By The Bay before. The Azul Sensatori is huge. We went all the way to Hedo and then walked back. We walked 14 KM's this day = 8.6 miles. Lunch was at Chances. Pizza was good and the beer was cold. I paid in JA but the exchange was not the best.

Finally saw the fruit lady. I believe her name is Ms. Curtis. I don't know how she can carry that basket on her head and two bags. Great fruit and a very nice lady. It was nice to see everyone assisting her to get loaded up for her walk.

We also saw the blind man - William. Made sure to speak with him and give him some money. What a hard life and such a nice guy. Told him how much I was giving him and he asked if I could tell him what some of the other bills were that he had been given.

Had dinner at CoCo. Good food and good service. Their prices are a little higher than others but not by much and they have a large menu to choose from. Coupled with the Happy Hour it works out to be pretty decent. You can take your drinks from the bar to dinner.

Day 5

Imagine just another chill day. Sand gravity really does take over. I had lobster from Patrick on the beach. Decent size and he was a nice guy to chat with. The security guys recommended him and it was very tasty. More juice from Flex and patties from Norman. It sure is nice when you don't have to leave your beach chair to enjoy great fresh products.

We only did 11 Km's this day. Dinner was at Kenny's Italian Cafe. Great service and good food. The wine is on the expensive side but you can always just drink beer. We walked on the sidewalk at night and never felt unsafe.

Day 6

We had read about Half Moon Bay and wanted to check it out. Went out to the road and caught a route taxi. 185 JA each. Now I know that there are arguments about tipping route taxi drivers but I always tip. Using the argument that you don't tip a bus driver at home is not apples to apples. The bus driver does not own the bus, insure it, put gas in it ...... Nice ride and it is fun to talk to locals that are just going about their day. Paid the admittance and settled on the beach. First impression was what a really chill place that we will be able to spend the day at. Talked to the guys that would be running Calico Jacks and agreed to go out for lunch. Bought a couple of beers. $4.00 US each.

That when things came to a screeching halt. A party Cat was rounding the bay. Please, please, please don't be coming here to wreck our peace and tranquility. Wishful thinking. As it gets closer we have to listen to the instructions being relayed to the guests. They would be at the beach until at least 1.30. My wife looked at me and said let's go. There were 30-40 people on board and there is 10-12 beach loungers. When we ere leaving the owner asked why were going so we told her. She apologized and gave us our entrance fee back. She also said that if we come back she would include the boat ride to the bar. Nice gesture on her part and smart business practice. The boat comes in on Wednesdays and Saturdays in case anyone is interested. We had picked Wednesday because of the band that was going to be playing later in the day.

The ride back in the route taxi was a little cramped. I was squeezed into the very back row but it was still fun.

Half Moon Bay

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We ate at Sun Beach for lunch and it was good. Service was also very good and we were pleased with the meal.

Day 7

Made plans to go to Somewhere West. I had called Angie earlier in the week and they were busy with a large crowd for a couple of days and suggested we come for Taco Thuzday. She offers a free pickup and drop off service. Driver was a little late but Angie was in contact and we were now on Jamaican time so we sat and shot the breeze with Freddie from CoCo. Adrian picked us up and was a great guy. Safe driver and really fun to chat with. The drink of the day was Mojitos and they were awesome. We had a little wait for the food but it really was not an issue as the view and atmosphere was really good. We had the chicken tacos and they were great. Done with a Caribbean flair. If you have not been to this hidden gem I highly recommend it.

It was overcast and there was a bit of rain but we got to see some dolphins so all was good.

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They had some other goods for sale and the cookies were really nice.

We ate at Treehouse this night and the food was good and service was great. Not the best chicken I had during the week but it was decent.

Day 8

Walked the beach. Chilled on the beach for the whole day.

We had lunch at Jam Tex Mex. Quesadilla was very good. They advertise a lunch menu with reduced prices but we were charged the dinner price. Not worth arguing over but not a good business practice.

We went back to Montana's for dinner. It was pot roast night. 1000 JA for pot roast, potato salad and steamed veggies. Telka was back in the kitchen so a taxi driver that was hanging out served us. The food was really good and the atmosphere was really nice. Good conversations going on all around. She mentioned that in the busy tine she can do 50 or so pot roast dinners before 7.00 PM on a Friday.

The fruit lady had not been around for a few days. We missed her on the beach.

Day 9

We had complete our walk of all of the beaches. Went out front to catch a taxi. First guy has a white plate so I say no thanks. He starts to argue and shows a red tag of some kind. Still not getting in. Next guy is a charter guy and he wants $10.00 so I say no thanks. Next driver is a route guy so off we go 150 JA each. We cut through the beach access and come out to see the size if the Royalton from the beach side. No wonder the locals call it the Elephant's Ass. Not very pretty. We walked the whole beach. Some of the vendors at the one end need flood insurance! The water was right up into the stalls. We were sorry to see that the Original Office of Nature was no longer there. Had a nice meal there a few years ago.

Walked back out to the road and the first cab to stop was a charter but he was a nice guy and agreed to 400 JA to take us back to CoCo. Shaun Tours was a pleasure to speak with and we would use him again if the need came up.

We went to Dru's for their Happy Hour that starts at noon and goes to three. We would have stayed to have something for lunch but we could barley talk over the radio station being played through one speaker. It was pointed at the beach but I don't understand the need for some places to have the music this loud during the day. I guess they think it will draw people in. Drinks were good and a good price.

Back to Vinnie's for dinner. We just wanted something simple and they have chicken sandwiches. Very tasty and Red was hustling to make sure everyone was taken care of. I don't know how he manages to cook all that great food out of a couple of barrels.

Day 10

Last full day and more beach time. Time to use up the last of our supplies so Wray and Nephew mixed with various juices and Ting. Red Stripe light with lime and Red Stripe with Lemon were the drinks of the day.

The only plan was to have dinner at Pushcart. Free pick up and you pay for the return. Tipped the driver and he told us what time he would be back to get us at. Food and service was excellent. It was nice to see the Managers out on the floor assisting with service. We had calamari and fried chicken. Both were very nice. The ride back cost $10.00.

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Drank our last bottle of wine sitting on the pool deck listening to the music coming from next door. Contemplating how we can just stay and forget about everyday life. Unfortunately that is not an option. We are truly blessed and lucky enough to be able to make a trip like this. That is magnified ten fold when you see how hard the people have to work just to get by and their high cost of living. Everything in Negril is more expensive that what we pay back home.

Day 10

We did not have to leave until 1.20 so we made the most of the day walking and hanging on the beach. Lunch was at CoCo so I was able to have the Mac and Cheese again. Great side dish.

Travel to the airport was with Jamaican Tours and the driver was nice and offered some commentary on the way. Check in was fast and there was no lines in security. Nice time of the day to travel. The flight back was uneventful and WestJet is a nice airline to fly with.

great report! Thanks for sharing.