Inspired by Manda's - My Experience in Negril

Background information:- I was born and raised in Jamaica but migrated as a teen over 30 years ago. Initially I returned to the island often to visit family but most have since migrated to Canada. Yep, majority of my family is spread around Canada, not in Jamaica as many thought because of my many trips back. Now I return to show my own family my yaad, the beauty the island is know fo, and experience the fancy resorts I saw so many times from outside the gates. I am from the north coast, a town nested in the hillside and surrounded by green vegetation. Growing up that was considered ‘bakka bush” as in the country not town. My time is spend mostly in Ocho Rios. Discovery Bay and Runaway Bay. Next I will return to Port Antonio, Ocho Rios and Negril.

I read a lot about Negril but once on the island was often told, cho nuh badda waste yuh time, nutting nuh di deh (don’t waste your time, nothing is not there). I kept reading about Negril and finally decided to do a three weeks island trip starting in Montego Bay, Negril, and of course the north coast. So flew into Montego Bay and being from the west cost stared our recovery at the Sunset Beach and Spa. This is a kiddie friendly and family resort, less the nude and topless beach. You wouldn’t expect that. After a few days we deiced to move onto Negril, the place I have read so much about.

Negril - from what I read I was expected to be greeted by this lovely stretch of beach. Kind of what you see when driving in Discovery Bay. We entered Norma Manly Blvd, no beach. Where is the beach? I saw places that looked like they could use a good coat of paint but no beach. Where is the darn beach?. The driver explained you have to get over there and walk pass this, that and the other. Ok, I will see the beach later. I did not know the beach was PUBLIC ACCESS. I am expecting to enjoy some quiet, undisturbed moments once I locate the beach. I finally got on the beach and was greeted by two guys going at it with all the BCs Jamaica is known for.

Anyway spent most of the day looking around and things to do, stores to explore like in Ochee. Oh no, not much. We were hungry and need food. I don’t like jerk chicken, never had it outside the tourist areas. I prefer hot sauce on my chicken. I prefer coco bread and meat loaf (not the American kind) to beef patties. We finally found some place to eat but things were laid back, they forgot we were there because we were hungry. We got severed had the things we ordered.

We spent time doing A/I and room oly

Ok, the town was not as pretty as I though, the beach was not as close as I thought and food was not as quick as I thought. This is day 1 and things can only get better, right?

Here is my Negril album:http://travel.webshots.com/album/579789397VGJaAM

Okay, I want to know more, and love your pics!

So did you love it or hate it?
was everything as you thought it would be (or seems ):D sorry could not resist

Great start looking forward to reading more :) Beautiful pics as well

Anxious to hear more! Nice pictures fi sure!!!

It was definitely what is seems just not what I expected. I will share my Ocho Rios and Montego Bay album.

So I found the beach, less the 2 guys, it was as long and lovely as I read. Now, where can I find a large cup of coffee. I amthe ONLY true coffee drinker in my entire family (Jamaican side) and the only female who enjoys a nice bottle, opps I mean glass of wine. We got settle in with the kids and waited for my cousins who were arriving later from Canada. Outside the walls of an A/I, Jamaica is one of the few places I have problems finding a large cup of coffee or ever drank instant. I am up at 6 and in search of a cup of coffee. Spending time in Ocho Rios, with a lot of hustle and bustle, Negril was very, very quiet. . Basically nowhere was open to get a cup of coffee. Who is on vacation here, I am up they are not Since breakfast came with our reservation I figured, coffee will be served at 7:30 as stated. Stupid me, 7:30 American time is roughly 9 ish Jamaican time(generalization here) . So 8 ish the cook staff showed up to START cooking. I have food issues on vacation, I like it fast. This is probably the major reason for my A/I stays along with a nice glass of wine at dinner. We finished breakfast about 10 ish. Rest time is wasted time for me on vacation

We decided to head to the pool but this is what it seems, it was half filled and not ready to use. Yes, we are pool people and personally I hate sand and don’t need the sun. We headed back to beach, the kids enjoyed the beach and being a non swimmer at the time watched. I learned to swim at 44. Forget about fish nah walk, me nah swim.

Now it’s time to eat and the start of where to eat and how long the wait is going to be. No time to wait, we are going to try jerk chicken. Two pieces of jerk chicken for $5US, I am thinking that is a $20 fowl and we are still going to be hungry. I don't care for jerk sauce so it was just Ok. This day I had one of the best pizza ever, ok it was about $30+US.

My first day of leisurely breakfast, kids swimming, jerk chicken and wonderful pizza, too restful for me. I don’t go on vacation to rest. I had YS Falls, Mayfield, the cliffs, a few days at an A/I and more time on the beach to look forward to. I should have skipped the BEACH and head directly to the cliff. If anyone say certain things to me before my kids or my hubby, I won't just say NO, I am going to back hand you.

Montego Bay - http://travel.webshots.com/album/579784721HCGFQd

Ocho Rios: -http://travel.webshots.com/album/579787401ACHYNy

Great start and Beautiful pictures. I'm looking forward to reading more.
I'm also curious, like Tictoc, Whether you end up loving Negril at the end or you end up not liking Negril at all. You can't really tell yet which direction this is going. I am intrigued though.:)
Thanks for sharing your story

Ok, day wasted, opps I mean a day of rest . Today we are heading to YS Fall. I love waterfall from Dunn’s River to Niagara, Alaska and Yosemite. We started early (Jamaican time). It was not as adventurous of Dunn’s River but more breathtaking. On the way back we drove down Bamboo Ave, stopped and took a nice stroll. We were with the kids and I wanted to see Peter Tosh Mausoleum. Mercy, Mercy, Mecry, I know there is a bud called herb that grows like weed but I was not ready to see it in a garden with the kids. Well, kids we are in Jamaica just don’t write about his in your book report. There was some thing truly touching, special, like going home to say goodbye to a family member. We stopped at a small mom and pop restaurant for dinner, which was very good. We are back, nice and tired, but of course the kids were hungry AGAIN. We walked around and more fast jerk chicken. Room Only with 2 kids is not cheap if nice meals are involved.

I wanted to view the sunset and decided to walk over to the beach. I got a few of the expected comments of hey sweet dawat. They are Jamaicans guys, easy on the eyes so I smiled and replied, good mon. Not too long before the offers of ‘getting together” started. Sorry, no I am not here for that. Blah, blah, blah, don’t be like that. Unlike anywhere it was repeated to the point of enough (different words) I AM NOT HERE FOR THAT.

The next morning I decided to take a walk with hubby, hey sweet dawta, I have all the energy for you. Yes, you do and a job will cure that. Now in the dialect 'his kind' can’t do a dawta right. Maybe they missed the fact that I am married, nope did not matter. Again and again even on the street. Ok,what’s going on, I don’t look that good. I started to complain about it and my cousin started to laugh. Well, you are a Jamaican with a white guy on the beach. Soooo, well they think you are a beach *****…AHHHHHHHHHHH. This sweet dawta a what, OMGOSH. Wait, I can’t be a BW, I don’t know how to swim, I would assume a prerequisite. Later I got offered herb with my kids too far away I was done. For years that was a no-no in Jamaica at least in Ocho Rios. I am not going to let that ruin my time but I am not going to risk it happening again.

Now more than ever I am looking forward to having fun at SATP and away from it all. I have never chosen an A/I as a hideout before, just someplace where I did not have to think about what to eat. We got there and it was quiet, almost dead. The place is amazingly peaceful and serene but not for me. The staff was friendly and the food very, very good. Still too quiet but it was fine to try some place different. The vibe on this section of the beach was a bit different but still offers to buy, this time craft, just once weed. However , the walk across the street, down a bit before hitting beach sounded better in theory than reality, especially after a few drinks. An evening stroll on the beach was out, something I always enjoyed.

What now, what do I do, where do I go. The cliffs, dear God let it be the reason I don’t cut this trip short. So far I have been called a BW and my hubby JOHN. At this time, I am think this place is the only destination on the never again list (returning summer 2012:-)

I'm eagerly waiting for more. I love reading stories from returning residents. Great pictures. Where is that place that has the cabins on stilts? So beautiful!

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Originally Posted by *vi*

I'm eagerly waiting for more. I love reading stories from returning residents. Great pictures. Where is that place that has the cabins on stilts? So beautiful!

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It's Sunset at the Palms. The best food and staff you can ask for at any resort. It's very quiet and peaceful so if you are looking for action it might not be your best choice. As you can see form the pics, my son loved it and wants to go back:-)

Wow, it does look pretty cool:-)

Ok, time spent so far: the town is not as pretty, the beach not as close, the food not as fast and as for the men, I am still praying for the next unsuspecting female. The excursions out of town were truly memorable but we still have a few days to go. I am banking a lot on the cliff experience.

Well, we got to Xtabi and the view literally took my breath away. I mean literally, I held my breath and forgot to breath. I am a cruiser at heart, and there is no greater feeling that sitting on the deck of a ship and staring at the open seas. The view and affordable drinks topped any cruise deck experience. I have seen many places but this view ranks among the best ever and all others pale in comparison. Now I want to start this whole vacation over, getting up every morning and enjoying a cup of coffee (packing my own) while enjoying the view and ending the day with a nice glass of wine watching the sunset.

We decided to do just that, start the vacation over . I might not be having the vacation I planned but something more memorable with snorkeling, cliff jumping, breathtaking views and sunsets.

Hhhhmmm, "the beach not as close"? To what? Like in not visible from the road? Thank god, just imagine all the cars on Norman Manley zooming by all the while when walking Negril's beautiful seven mile beach or relaxing in its lovely tropical waters! Already nuff jet-skis over there for my taste. ;-) Guess it all depends on your perspective, preferences and/or the place you are staying at.

I am enjoying the report tell us more about the cliffs.

If you are looking for food that is consistently good and the best fresh drinks I would suggest the seastar inn for one of your trips if you go back and like the cliff area.

It is set back a little bit off the main road but you will not be left waiting for your food, nor will you have to worry about cost or niceness of the food.

They have 2 bedroom apartments which are great for families and breakfast is free there too.They throw in a few extras.They have a van there for tours and all staff and owners are very respectful and kind and the owner is a black woman and a white man only he is not known as John but Chris!
They really do have a lovely set up couple of minutes walk to Ricks cafe one way and xtabi is in the other direction.

I am trying to understand some of your comments about certain things as you said you grew up in Jamaica, did you not ever see or hear any of the things that you experienced in Negril that annoyed you before?

If not why do you think that was? nice area, family vibe? quiet or no beach?

I have faced some comments regarding some of the things you have mentioned but then a strangers comment I dislike has absolutely no impact on my holiday of a lifetime.
Their comment means nothing when I look at the bigger picture.
I just take the good with the bad
To me everything is as it seems in Jamaica because I am aware of the bad side which can include violence, illegal activities of all sorts, poverty, some people may have race/class issues
and the good side
the people, the music, the concerts, the reggae singers, the 5* all inclusives, the lobster and champagne and helicopter rides and trips to mansions and waterfalls and being on a tropical beach with amazing sunset views sipping the best drinks being served some of the best homecooked food in the world.The morals and values and manners of most of the people one meets there.The people who can make things with their bare hands, skilled talented and wise people all with a story to tell.
Beautiful scenic locations

If my holiday lands anywhere inbetween the good and the bad, I am happy

Seriously though if you felt there were issues with the black female white man thing and waiting for food and such
try the seastar inn owned by a black jamaican female and white man the food is lovely and in real time and they even have a childrens menu.I have NEVER heard one complaint about the place and every time I have been or sent someone else there there is nothing but praise for how very well organised and well presented everything is.

There are farms in Negril and plantations and a waterpark and other activities your children may enjoy.

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Originally Posted by Reggae_Girl98

Hhhhmmm, "the beach not as close"? To what? Like in not visible from the road? Thank god, just imagine all the cars on Norman Manley zooming by all the while when walking Negril's beautiful seven mile beach or relaxing in its lovely tropical waters! Already nuff jet-skis over there for my taste. ;-) Guess it all depends on your perspective, preferences and/or the place you are staying at.

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Actually yes because I read oh it's an EASY 2 minutes walk. I have never been someplace where I was so unprepared for the reality, than Negril including our wonderful time on the cliffs. I never got the chance to walk the seven mile beach as I had hoped.

We stayed at Hidden Paradise and SATP. Other places we have stayed are Sunset Beach and Spa, Sunset Jamaica Grande, Couples San Souci and Beaches Boscobel. Negril was a learning experience. Since I am going back, on the cliffs, I would say nothing ventured nothing gained:-) I travel a lot so I know sometimes when you get lemons trade it for lime, grab some salt with Tequila and take some shots. We took some GREAT shots on the cliffs:-)))))))

"I am trying to understand some of your comments about certain things as you said you grew up in Jamaica, did you not ever see or hear any of the things that you experienced in Negril that annoyed you before?"

Actually No. I have heard Jamaican men blow so much hot air, I know some are responsible for global warming:-) I know the game and at my age (almost 50 less a few) I have probably written some of the plays they try to run. I was not prepared for the vibe of "hey sweet dawta since you are here you MUST WANT or NEED something" . There was an arrogance about it and a shock when the answer was no (stronger words) I never FELT the family vibe in Negril, very few families or kids even for the summer. There were tons of singles and couples. Then again I chose places that might not have been very kid friendly such as SATP and time on the cliffs.


Now we are ready to get away from the beach and explore the cliffs. The vibe was different, not many people selling anything, NO solicitation, and the guys blew the usual hot air but gave it up once they knew I am a yardie. We started the mornings snorkeling with Vincent. We had snorkeled in Montego Bay and chose the resort for this reason. Now, came talk of cliff jumping. I am starting to scream, no one is jumping and ruin these few days for me. I am out voted and everyone decided to go jumping. Andrew, demonstrated the right techniques and before long hubby jumped followed by my son and my daughter. Mi can’t swim, mi nah jump. Next we went to explore the cave at the base of the cliff, pretty cool. My kids at 9 and 12 at the time, preferred the cliffs. The question, why didn’t we stay here all the time. Well dears, ‘they’ say the beach was lovely and did not mention anything about much more like: the jet skis, the swearing, the loud music, the solicitation, the busy freeway to cross, and dem fellas. Now leave me alone, you got a few days of ‘paradise’….LOL!

Since we are hanging out at Xtabi we bought a few drinks , tipped nicely but headed a few doors down to Just Natural. The people there reminded of the Jamaica I grew up in. They were GENUINELY friendly. My son was getting grumpy before the food was ready and they offered him a snack form the cupboard or something. Eating out in on the garden patio made the whole experience special. We did this for the last few day and before long the beach was a distant memory. On our way out we stopped by for one last look at the cliffs. I knew Negril was one place I may never return to and would simple enjoy pictures of the cliffs from others.

No, not what it seems. Coming from the west coast as a family, visiting the north coast plus Negril can be very, very expensive and tiring. Our budget does not allow for a repeat vacation above a certain cost. My poor kids have decided they needed a break from summer vacations and asked not to next summer. We are planning a few days at Catcha, Haaa that view!

My take on Negril, IMOP, many (not all) go to enjoy the beach, sun and get a nice tan. If I get any darker there is no chance for anyone to see me in the dark, say cheese:). Clearly it will appeal to us differently but the pics capture some of the beauty why we all go to Jamaica. I am happy for those who got the chance to walk the beach undisturbed.

I am bellying aching about a vacation while planning the next. I am blessed and THIS IS WHAT IT SEEMS!

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Originally Posted by Sweet_Dawta

I have never been someplace where I was so unprepared for the reality, than Negril including our wonderful time on the cliffs. I never got the chance to walk the seven mile beach as I had hoped.

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Sweet Dawta,

I am glad you have decided to join this message board forum. This issue is essentially why I created Negril.com over 15 years ago. Everyone deserves to have the best vacation possible. With the helpful information that is available here from our nearly 3000 members, you will be able to get some great advice for your upcoming trip.

It is unfortunate that you joined only after your first visit to Negril, because the folks here would have been able to help you better prepare and know what to expect. The Sunset At The Palms Resort is not even located on the main beach, which is commonly referred to as the "7 mile beach", so suggestions would have been offered as to other places to stay so you would walk the famous 7 mile beach. Also, you would have been made aware that during the time you were visiting Negril was not during busy season, and there would be fewer families and more singles and couples around, especially at a property like SATP as opposed to some place like Beaches, which was designed with families in mind.

The Negril cliff area also referred to as the West End has a saying that goes "The West End is the Best End" and this is true for many visitors to Negril. This area has always been more laid back with a friendlier vibe - being less crowded with smaller businesses than the main beach area. Many posters with families do find this part of Negril more to their liking although most would suggest not walking too far on the West End Road (One Love Drive).

The advances by the beach "boys" is a well discussed topic on this board. This is not a new aspect to Negril, on my first visit back in 1985, my wife at the time was approached even with me within earshot. There is even a film made back in 1976 that touches on this topic in Jamaica, the movie is called Smile Orange. It may shed some insight for you on this age old subject.

Being a returning Jamaican on holiday does put you in a slightly different position than the majority of our members, but you have more shared experiences than differences. Once again, I am glad you have joined the board and hope that you take advantage of the wealth of useful information that can be provided by our posting members!

Rob, I watched "Smile Orange", but I also recently watched a movie called "Heading South" set in Haiti in the 80's, it also shows the
relationship with (some) tourists and the (some) locals as well with similar goings-on that happen in Jamaica. It reminded me of Jamaica and it was actually a pretty good movie.

Here's the movie trailer. It's on Netflix if anyone wanted to watch it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TC8q5lSkp0



The Beach "boy" or "gigolo" phenomenon is not strictly a Jamaican thing Sweet Dawta, it happens all over the world. If you've traveled to other places like I'm sure you've have,
you would know that. :D

All I can say is the playgirls/playboys are there the world over and for people who think the 5* hotels do not have them ,
at most touristy places in the world think again!
The only difference will be their approach may be smoother or their uniform maybe smarter! It is there and I do not know their reasons for doing what they do so I just go about my holiday and leave them to it.

In one or two countries I have been tourists have thought my partner was a beachboy! One fairly old big fat white lady even must have thought it would be ok to share LOL
Holding out her sunscreen to her gigantic naked @@@@ does not ruin my holiday though makes for interesting conversation at the bar later! and of course the Ja men think no-one is supercharged like they

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Originally Posted by sandy-girl

The Beach "boy" or "gigolo" phenomenon is not strictly a Jamaican thing Sweet Dawta, it happens all over the world. If you've traveled to other places like I'm sure you've had, you would know that. :D

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Yes, I have. In the past 6 yrs I have been to Jamaica (2x), Mexico (6x), Canada (1x), 3.5 weeks in Europe this summer (Austria, Denmark, Italy, Spain), several trips across the US by plane, train and auto including Alaska. I have planned and was well prepared for all these EXCEPT Negril, even the pickpocket in Barcelona. If what I experienced is a Beach 'boy' gigolo phenomenon, that I am better off staying away from ALL beaches especially with kids. You are right, I should have known, especially since I took my kids:)

What makes Jamaica unlike anywhere else for ME, there is always something worth returning for. It's more than just one beach, one waterfall, one style of resort, and one vibe. It not a see one, see it all type destination.

As much as I should have known, I have travled for decades not knowing what others did, seen, and experienced. I can still recall some of those less than perfect vacations and road trip with great fondness. In 20 years I might be saying OMGOSH 2K, not a bad offer gurl. I might recall it as 2K pounds or euros.

"A vacation is like love - anticipated with pleasure, experienced with discomfort, and remembered with nostalgia"

We tried to get to Mayfield but due to bad roads, rain and lightening we got their but decided not to go in. Now with Montego Bay and Negril checked off our list we are heading to my hometown, followed by Ocho Rios.

This weekend I will watch Smile Orange and Heading South. Rob, Thanks for your post.

Hahaha Hilarious TicToc, lady wanted to pick up your partner. Experiences that make for good laughter and memories later on. :D

@sandy-girl
" If you've traveled to other places like I'm sure you've have, you would know that":confused:

This comment was first a bit confusing but made me smile and think:). However, the biggest thing I did not know about Jamaica was there was a time of year called 'hurricane season'. Over 30+ years of traveling, only the past 10 I have used internet for help. Each summer I would plan my trip because I was a student and later as a mom HOPED it did not rain "too hard". Only once it did, talk about luck. You would think growing up there I would have known that "hurricane season" is between June and September/October.
June too soon
July stand by
August come if you must
September remember
October all over (not really)

Also not until the last 10+ years, with travels to many other places, did I realize how truly beautiful the ENTIRE island is. I was standing at the ruins in Tulum and my first thought was, the view from the cliffs in Negril is betta. As other places, it seems the further I travel away from Jamaica the closer it takes you back.

There is so much I don't know, should have known, and yet to see and experience on the island.

Oh Yeah, watched How Stella Got Her Grove Back. Knowing all this already did not prepare me..lol!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FXXJxy7hUc