Need recommendation for cliffs hotel where a solo won't be hassled

My husband and I were 19-time visitors to Jamaica betweem 1986 and 2007; 14 of those times to Negril, always to the beach.

I've been to other places in the Caribbean and in Europe, but only Jamaica makes all the tension in my neck and shoulders go away.

My husband passed away last fall, and I've been considering a solo "retreat" kind of trip back to Negril. I don't want a party scene. I want to sit, read, think, drink coffee, eat some fresh Jamaican food, have ackee and salt fish for breakfast, watch the sunset, maybe grieve a bit, maybe scatter a small amount of his ashes in the Caribbean that he loved so much. What I do NOT want is to be hassled by gigolos. I am 59 years old and overweight, which makes me a prime target.

I don't think I could bear going back to the beach where we went so many times together, so I wasthinking of staying on the cliffs. I've been looking at Catch a Falling Star, Westender, and Jackie's. The last one worries me a bit, for while I've been known to do some yoga, I am not a yoga/meditation devotee (mostly because I am working al the time). I just want to relax and heal my soul from all I've been through.

Can anyone suggest a property for me?

Tensing Pen would be perfect to relax. Catcha is great too but more action.

Haven't stayed at any of the properties you mention but thinking Westender would be a good choice. Not handy for getting out and about but may be good for your agenda. Good reviews, seaviews and like that they also have their own beach area as well.

I'm a xtabi fan and I'm sure you can be hassle free on their property(" I think it's true,that science has proved,heart aches can be healed by the sea")Jah bless...

Hello Hackwriter, Sorry on the loss of your husband. We will be trying The Westender Inn this winter this last trip we actually were so lucky to have been able to stay in a private residence off of Westland Mtn. Rd. (by canoe bar). But it was in the hustle and bustle of everything and we are light sleepers so it wasn't for us, beautiful home though, my friend started working at Westender so we got to check out some of the rooms and cabins. Jackie's on the Reef is a 3 min. walk from Westender. All the ppl. we talked to really loved the fact that it was so peaceful there. The van (driver) will take you to the beach or town for $3.50 ea. way. Westender has 2 pools wi-fi, ac, cable, a restaurant/bar, we will be there mid jan. Lots of ppl. on here really like Catcha, but that's really close to Rick's and all that goes with that. I agree with you that Jamaica has the ability to make everything seem betterIt's a great place to heal, I don't feel most of my aches and pains while there, the tension just leaves me, and i even manage to loose a few lbs. effortlessly while there, Hoping for 30 lbs this yr (will be there for 84 days) should be doable. :)

The Westender fits what you're describing very well.

Tensing is extraordinarily quiet. No higglers, gigilos, hustlers, anything. If you want to be left alone at the hotel, you will be left alone. The place is small, so not many guests. We have been there during times when the resort was entirely full, and it still seemed like it was our own private paradise. I value peace and relaxation above all while on vacation, and Tensing has that vibe.

I recommend Tensing Pen also. Always a guard at the front gate, quiet and peaceful inside. If you want to step out, some good eats right outside the gate, Ras Roddys for ital., Ahbees for the best burgers on the island, or just down the road LTU for breakfast, or De Bar for awesome jerk chicken & lobster. Of coarse they also have their own restaurant, so you never have to leave if you so choose.
Sorry to hear about your husband, I did what you are thinking of doing, my first wife's ashes were spread at White Sands, she hated the cold, and Negril was our second home. Peace to you

How did you feel when you went for that purpose? Was it helpful or just very sad? I'm so torn because something tells me it would be a healing thing to do, but another part of me feels it would be a waste of $1000+ (including airfare) to sit and cry for three days. Thanks.

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Originally Posted by phineasfreakears

I recommend Tensing Pen also. Always a guard at the front gate, quiet and peaceful inside. If you want to step out, some good eats right outside the gate, Ras Roddys for ital., Ahbees for the best burgers on the island, or just down the road LTU for breakfast, or De Bar for awesome jerk chicken & lobster. Of coarse they also have their own restaurant, so you never have to leave if you so choose.
Sorry to hear about your husband, I did what you are thinking of doing, my first wife's ashes were spread at White Sands, she hated the cold, and Negril was our second home. Peace to you

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For me it was a mix of emotions. Yes it was sad, like you are letting go and saying goodbye for the last time. It was also happy, and gave me a sense of closure, knowing she would be forever in a place she loved so much.I think the hardest part was just traveling there, with the ashes, memories and thoughts of trips and experiences you shared fill your head the whole time..I am happy i did it, I can feel her there every time I return. She is at peace, and so am I.

Crying is a part of healing. I say go and let yourself heal/cry. It will be worth the money.

Just my humble opinion.

Jah bless

First of all, I'm so sorry about the loss of your husband. Love the idea of taking some ashes and leaving in Negril. Negril has always soothed my soul. While I have never lost a spouse, I did lose my mother and go through a divorce months apart. Thought the cliffs would be a healing place for me, and maybe this is just my experience -- and I'm prepared to take heat for it -- but I felt so lonely there. The wind and the waves crashing on the rocks really made me feel empty and sad inside. Decided to cut my cliff stay short and head to the beach. Once I got moved back to the beach (I'm a beach girl), I felt at ease again, less anxious, and was able to grieve and come to terms with my life again. It was a solo trip for me, and while I was sad and contemplative, I had never felt so alive and in the moment. One of my favorite trips EVER.

First let me say I am sorry to hear of your loss and God's speed for healing. Second I am a 30 plus visitor for 25 years and met my husband in Negril who happens to be much older than I and loves Jamaica just as much as I do. We discussed this situation of end of life plans which we want to be cremated and our ashes put together and scattered in Negril by family or friends when the time comes. So if you feel it too much a burden keep them and go enjoy a place where you heart and soul comes alive. All we have in the end are memories and what better place to reflect on them.

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Originally Posted by hackwriter

My husband and I were 19-time visitors to Jamaica between 1986 and 2007; 14 of those times to Negril, always to the beach.

I've been to other places in the Caribbean and in Europe, but only Jamaica makes all the tension in my neck and shoulders go away.

My husband passed away last fall, and I've been considering a solo "retreat" kind of trip back to Negril. I don't want a party scene. I want to sit, read, think, drink coffee, eat some fresh Jamaican food, have ackee and salt fish for breakfast, watch the sunset, maybe grieve a bit, maybe scatter a small amount of his ashes in the Caribbean that he loved so much. What I do NOT want is to be hassled by gigolos. I am 59 years old and overweight, which makes me a prime target.

I don't think I could bear going back to the beach where we went so many times together, so I wasthinking of staying on the cliffs. I've been looking at Catch a Falling Star, Westender, and Jackie's. The last one worries me a bit, for while I've been known to do some yoga, I am not a yoga/meditation devotee (mostly because I am working al the time). I just want to relax and heal my soul from all I've been through.

Can anyone suggest a property for me?

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So very sorry for your loss.

I agree on Westender. The staff is amazing and the vibe nice and mellow. You will get the peace your soul deserves. I don't feel the trip will be a waste, cry, shout whatever it takes and know that Jamaica will be there to soothe or whatever you need her to be. Also, think a day at Jackie's, maybe even a massage if you're into that sort of thing, would do your body and soul some good.

Blessings to you during this healing process.

I just did a solo trip in August 2014, I recently lost my mom this June 2014 while she was in the hospital, I told her if she would pull through I would take her with me. My sister and I took my mother to Jamaica twice, Once at age 70 and then again at age 75 she loved it. I was going to cancel and decided to go and bring some of her ashes with me. I did bring her in my heart, soul, reminiscing memories there. I rented a boat and did just that with a few of my friends who reside in Jamaica. It was the best decision I made, it was so soothing seeing her ashes dissipate with the beauty of the sea. With that, I know she'll be with me everytime I'm in Jamaica.

I suggest the Blue Cave Castle. Small, very private, and a great place for reflection and quiet. Respect and condolences.

I scattered my husbands ashes in Negril on the reef while snorkeling in 2011, I cried pretty much that whole reach - bit his request gave me the push to go to negril by myself which I probably would never have done if I didn't have the 'mission' to scatter his ashes... He loved the beach and so I have stayed on the beach (I love it too) - but the gigolos are a big hassle for a single female so staying on the cliffs is probably a good idea - I'm thinking of switching to the cliffs for my reach in Feb myself - as a single female the beach is not very relaxing unfortunately....

The most relaxing place I have stayed on the cliffs is Mirage. Now Le Mirage. There is no restaurant or bar, but it is very relaxing. The sister property is Charela on the beach. You can hang out there under the palm trees on the beach at Charela all day. No one will bother you there. Le Mirage has nice Big rooms with a fridge, great porches, balconies and shade down by the cliff side. Without a restaurant and bar, it is Very quiet. There are places close by to get food.

My condolence on your loss......Negril is a good place to grieve. i am a beach girl and found the waves to be very cleansing and soothing to the soul. There you can scream and get some of the angst out! This pain never goes away but it does get easier with time. Go to Jamaica to help with the healing.

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Originally Posted by Ras Walleye

I suggest the Blue Cave Castle. Small, very private, and a great place for reflection and quiet. Respect and condolences.

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I'll second BCC if a pool is not a must have. You will have ocean access if it's not too rough. Teddy's is on premises for any meals. There is a store (L&M) across the street for most anything else you may need. There's a few other places for food\drink within a short walking distance. At the castle you'll be able to find most of what you are looking for whether its to be left alone or someone to talk to. For the most privacy I suggest getting a room on the second floor if you can.

My condolences,

Kevin

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Originally Posted by TrelawnyT

The most relaxing place I have stayed on the cliffs is Mirage. Now Le Mirage. There is no restaurant or bar, but it is very relaxing. The sister property is Charela on the beach. You can hang out there under the palm trees on the beach at Charela all day. No one will bother you there. Le Mirage has nice Big rooms with a fridge, great porches, balconies and shade down by the cliff side. Without a restaurant and bar, it is Very quiet. There are places close by to get food.

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I stayed at Le Mirage solo as well. Loved it. Great seaviews from every room. Very quiet and very safe. Right beside Tensing Pen for a fraction of the cost. The only reason I didn't suggest it is because there's no restaurant on property. Continental breakfast is supplied. I loved sampling the close by restaurants but I sensed you may want the convenience of staying on property when you choose. You can go next door to Tensing Pen very easily.

My condolences as well.

The Sap Retreat would be great!

Bringing this up again because with recent events in the West End, I'm kind of nervous about it. Now I'm thinking of staying at Sunset at the Palms (my sister and brother-in-law may want to go too), in which case the only issue is what I need to take the cremains to Negril, and whether I can discreetly bury the remains in the sand under a sea grape tree on Bloody Bay beach. I have the death certificate that has the cremation information right on it. I wonder if that is enough to pass muster with TSA. Now I haven't been to Jamaica since around 2009, so I don't know if it's still a breeze for US nationals to get through customs in Montego Bay, but last I went there the only possible issue might have been with TSA here in the US (though by the time I go, I will have Global Entry).

Just put the urn in your checked baggage .

One in a million chance of a problem

Cap

Xtabi, seaside cabin #5. Private patio, private access to the water. No hassles whatsoever...

If I were going solo, I believe Catcha would be a nice choice. The Geminie 1 and 2 rooms are cozy.a great restaurant . The bartenders are fun and a variety of people each evening . I would never feel out of place here traveling solo.

I would go with Catch a Falling Star. No other place like it.

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Originally Posted by hackwriter

and whether I can discreetly bury the remains in the sand under a sea grape tree on Bloody Bay beach.

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I wouldn't imagine that you would have any trouble with this, unless it was on an AI section of Bloody Bay, in which case the staff may wonder what you are doing. Another option might be to hire a boat (like Famous Vincent) to take you out into sea and scatter the ashes. Of course this is a very personal decision, but going out in a boat might allow you some private time to reflect and memorialize your husband how you see fit. I'm sure Vincent and staff would be very respectful of this request.

We visited the westender for our first time in april and the first thing my gf said to me was this is the perfect place to stay if you just want to relax by yourself and be left alone with no hassles from anyone. The property is very well kept and seems very safe and secure. We were showed a few rooms and they were wonderfull and we are considering staying there in the future. The only downfall for some would be that it is not really walking distance to anywhere but if you are just planning on a vacation to relax and do nothing i think it would be a great choice. Hope you find the place you are looking for and enjoy returning to beautyfull Negril.

I am so sorry for your loss. My hubby and I stayed at Catcha after a very hard few months and when I tell you we didn't move, we did not move. And you know what, we didn't have to...they have terrific food/drinks and the wonderful staff took great care of us. We didn't have to be around anyone, no one bothered us, we just healed ourselves. One day we sat in one of the cliff "nooks" and one day we sat on the day beds and just watched the tides. My husband also treated me to a massage, I had it right on the porch, it was fantastic and private and just what I needed. I hope it works out that you go, heal, and are able to also enjoy. Catcha is a great place for it. Blessings.

Nobody on this board ever says it but, if you want seclusion on the cliffs with plenty of good food within a short walk go to the Rockhouse. It's on the high end but, their 2 restaurants, DeBar across the street, 3 Dives maybe 150 yards down the road, Sips & Bites right next store and short taxi rides to LTU, Tensing Pen, Caio Jamaica, Xtabi or Ivan's make this the best spot.

My sympathy for your loss, hopefully your trip is one of healing and remembrance. Time does heal all wounds and hopefully your tears will be tears of happiness as you remember all of the good times that you shared.

I agree..or just a 2 min. walk further from Rockhouse is Sunset On The Cliffs..nice & quite there too with only 20 rooms all perched with that million dollar ocean view!

Westender is great...but be prepared to stay there....it is a long haul to the west end where the "action " is...

SEASTAR!

Cap

I know Seastar has a lot of fans on here, but for what the woman wants, I think there are many others that have been mentioned that will provide less opportunity for hassle

Catcha is so awesome.. Good for the soul. But I thing my second and third would be Tensing Pen the Spa Retreat.

Catcha would be a great option. No hassle but enough interaction in evenings without having to leave the property.

My condolences for your loss!

I'm a solo female traveler and have stayed at Le Mirage and Catcha Falling Star. Either place would be perfect for you.
You will not be bothered at either place - at all.

I like Mirage because I also like to reflect, drink coffee, read, etc. The balconies at Mirage are perfect for that. There is a lovely pool and breakfast is included. There isn't a restaurant on property, but so many close by.

I also like Catcha for all the same reasons. I was upgraded to a one bedroom villa when I stayed, which had a beautiful view, beautiful balcony. Restaurant on property and also has a lovely pool.

Between the 2 - I found the balconies at Le Mirage more private. I could leave the front door open without fear during the day when I was on the balcony, and the breeze was heavenly. If you choose to stay there, definitely choose 2nd or 3rd floor.

I highly recommend the healing and loving support you will feel from either property. Especially if you explain why you are there. You will be watched over quite well.

I traveled to Jamaica shortly after my Father passed away and it was so healing. I wish you all the best.

Hide Awhile.. the name says it all

I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope this trip brings you a little peace and a lot of healing. I would recommend Tensing Pen if you really want just "you" time. Great sunsets, great food, and cool staff. If you choose to go out and about there are a couple of places within walking distance, Ahbee's, Sharks, Ras Roddy's for Ital, LTU if you want to walk up the road a bit (just past Rick's). Definitely a no gigolo zone. Wherever you stay I wish you an amazing trip.