HELP this newly divorced Couples Resorts only staying Jamaica loving female :)

So Negril is my spot. Has been since I first laid eyes on it and always will be. My soon to be EX husband and I have traveled there every year for the past five years and stayed at Couples Negril. Been all over the caribbean as well but there is no place like Jamaica IMO. Since we are no longer a couple (YAY! LOL) I am torn on where to stay for my solo trip this year.
I am not picky but not down for a ghetto place either. My main requests are: on the beach but enough space to have my own little private spot to call my own to read, safe for a solo female traveler, a patio or balcony to smoke on, and I know this request sounds NUTS but a decent bed I.E. not rock hard (even at couples I had to request a memory foam topper and I am doubtful that request would be met at a non AI place)

I have narrowed it down to Idle Awhile (shocker since Issa fam owns it and I know what to expect kind of LOL) Tree House Resort, Rondell Village, Country Country or Travellers.

Any and all suggestions appreciated. I just want to park my newly divorced ass on the beach for the week and drink dirty bananas and red stripes, eat some bomb Jamaican food, read a few good books and take a dip in the ocean every once in a while.
I am not scared or intimidated to travel alone, not intimidated by the vendors etc. but I also am aware of the freaks that come out at night LOL and just want to make sure I feel safe at night and have decent accommodations.

Any and all tips and advice appreciated.
Thanks guys :)

Can’t go wrong with Idle Awhile. With Charela and other great places right there you won’t need to walk long distances after dark for dinner.

I would throw Cocolapalm in the mix as well..I wouldn't put Travelers in the same league as the others personally but hey..your in Negril no matter what you choose and its all good

Idle Awhile would be perfect for you. We've done Couples, but once we tried Idle, we'll never go back to Couples

When we were done with AI's we enjoyed both Charela Inn and Idle Awhile.

nirvana is lovely. We stayed in the upper Veranda unit. Nice space, comfy bed, beach front is spacious. Have also stayed at IAW and loved it. Rooms 201 and 202. Really nice room, comfy bed. Large veranda. Smaller beach area with a lot of families w/ children... but they do have the bar and restaurant, if that interests u. Either place i think u would love.

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Originally Posted by Ever72

nirvana is lovely. We stayed in the upper Veranda unit. Nice space, comfy bed, beach front is spacious. Have also stayed at IAW and loved it. Rooms 201 and 202. Really nice room, comfy bed. Large veranda. Smaller beach area with a lot of families w/ children... but they do have the bar and restaurant, if that interests u. Either place i think u would love.

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Lots of children at Nirvana or IAW? Not that I hate kids LOL just don't have them so would prefer there to not be too many.

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Originally Posted by gregandkelly63

When we were done with AI's we enjoyed both Charela Inn and Idle Awhile.

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Awesome! Thanks! I will plan to go in May so stop by and I will buy you guys a drink for your advice :p

Good to know from a Couples goer :encouragement:

Idle awhile is fabulous. Second choice would be Charela next door.

idle awhile imo your best bet. have stayed at the other places and all good but as long as u are ok with the cost and they have an opening they are tough to beat.

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Originally Posted by jennifereisme

Lots of children at Nirvana or IAW? Not that I hate kids LOL just don't have them so would prefer there to not be too many.

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Nirvana is a small property, so there won't be many people of any age there.That said, the cabins are usually rented by families with children and the beachfront rooms are usually adults. We have been a number of places in Jamaica and Nirvana is a favorite.

How about a private suite at The Point Village. Gated community so you will feel safe, main beach to sit and read or a CO secluded beach. No hassles from hagglers and Rick's Cafe quality sun sets without the crowds and high prices. Fed yourself so you can't complain about the food and lots of private spots to call your own. The only downside is you will need a reliable and trusted driver. The Point Village is on the 7 mile beach, but it's at the north end of the beach and is a ways from town. In fact it's 1 property over from Couples.

We have stayed at CCLP but it seemed to big for us. They have everything you need if you don’t wanna go to far off the path. We loved Idle Awhile in November ( with only 2 Little’s ones for 2 days). Country Country had lots of kids. I personally don’t care for that area of the Beach. I like it from Charles to Firefly. Idle totally spoiled us.

We have stayed at Couples Negril, Couples Swept Away and multiple non A/I including Negril Tree House. I always recommend Negril Tree House for those on their first trip off the big A/I. The rooms are at least as nice as a standard CSA room and the service is much better than Couples. They take care of everything for you and basically have the same beach. Some of the others mentioned don't have as nice of beach space as you may be used to at CSA.

A friend just stayed solo at Firefly Beach Cottages and enjoyed it immensely. The other reason I mention Firefly is that she commented on how nice her mattress was...all new mattresses apparently. :encouragement:

Keep in mind that if you follow the roll call for your dates and contact a couple boardies and hook up, you don't have to be alone unless you want to be.

Whether there are kids at resorts or not depends on when you are going. Idle Awhile's beach is small, so you will feel their presence if any are there. The beach at Nirvana is so huge, you could easily find a quiet spot. The beachfront suites at Nirvana may have the best location of any, you're literally right on the beach. No bar or restaurant, but White Sands is right next door and some rooms come with cook service. Absence of public services means no one should be on property that's not staying there, very secure.

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Originally Posted by RonMon

We have stayed at Couples Negril, Couples Swept Away and multiple non A/I including Negril Tree House. I always recommend Negril Tree House for those on their first trip off the big A/I. The rooms are at least as nice as a standard CSA room and the service is much better than Couples. They take care of everything for you and basically have the same beach. Some of the others mentioned don't have as nice of beach space as you may be used to at CSA.

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Is the basic garden room ok? If not which would you recommend?

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Originally Posted by Bnewb

A friend just stayed solo at Firefly Beach Cottages and enjoyed it immensely. The other reason I mention Firefly is that she commented on how nice her mattress was...all new mattresses apparently. :encouragement:

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Thanks for the input! Never even considered Firefly. Will check it out.

My gut has been telling me to go with IAW for the past couple months and you should go with your gut normally right? I was trying to keep board under $1000 though but I know you do get what you pay for.
Thanks for all the input!! Keep it coming mon!

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Originally Posted by jennifereisme

Is the basic garden room ok? If not which would you recommend?

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We just get the basic garden room. It was more than fine, nicer than the basic room as CSA. Request a fridge though!

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Originally Posted by RonMon

We just get the basic garden room. It was more than fine, nicer than the basic room as CSA. Request a fridge though!

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Cool beans. Thanks!

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Originally Posted by saeyedoc

Whether there are kids at resorts or not depends on when you are going. Idle Awhile's beach is small, so you will feel their presence if any are there. The beach at Nirvana is so huge, you could easily find a quiet spot. The beachfront suites at Nirvana may have the best location of any, you're literally right on the beach. No bar or restaurant, but White Sands is right next door and some rooms come with cook service. Absence of public services means no one should be on property that's not staying there, very secure.

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This was exactly what I was trying to say. I love IAW but if there's a lot of people and kids, the beach area is tiny and you will be crammed in there with everyone. But it can be fun, too!!! Nirvana is more spread out. I also really love the little back garden at Nirvana. May not be possible to get Veranda suite depending on time of year you'll be there but you can always email them and ask. Good luck!

As a solo female traveler, I always stay at the White Sands.......Best value on the beach ( check pics, rates, and reviews, you will see for yourself !!!! ) Basic , but clean rooms, excellent housekeeping, each room has a fridge and ac. Each room also has a terrace, or balcony. The staff is great, and has a very social bar....it's perfect for the solo traveler, as it is smaller but plenty of people around, as they get a lot of repeat visitors. They serve breakfast, and lunch, and it is in walking distance to everything......Best part, it is on the best stretch of the beach, right along with CoCo, Nirvana, Charella, and Idle Awhile, but for less than half the price of these other places !!!!

I'll second Idle and Charela. Charela has the advantage of ocean view rooms with a nice patio. Very private, friendly spot for a solo traveler

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Originally Posted by jojo p

As a solo female traveler, I always stay at the White Sands.......Best value on the beach ( check pics, rates, and reviews, you will see for yourself !!!! ) Basic , but clean rooms, excellent housekeeping, each room has a fridge and ac. Each room also has a terrace, or balcony. The staff is great, and has a very social bar....it's perfect for the solo traveler, as it is smaller but plenty of people around, as they get a lot of repeat visitors. They serve breakfast, and lunch, and it is in walking distance to everything......Best part, it is on the best stretch of the beach, right along with CoCo, Nirvana, Charella, and Idle Awhile, but for less than half the price of these other places !!!!

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Wow really! What room do you book? Garden or beach side? Are the terrace or balconies private? Thanks for the suggestion.. Wasn't even considering it and it's hella cheap :)

Jennifer, yep, like I said, best value on the beach........I always get beach side....and like second floor, for a balcony ( and yes, they are private ).....I love sitting out on my balcony, having a drink just chilling....especially in the evening, as it is quite there in the evening......right across the street is the popular Best in the west chicken place, and Mickeys store , where you can get pop, water, ice, beer, rum, snacks and such....... you will love it there.....excellent security as well...... One big tip should you decide to give it a try...call the office direct, they will give you rate, and availability right then...... Francis or Terri Ann are the greatest, and will set you up !

By the way, there are at least a couple dozen boardies, that already have White Sands booked for the boardie bash in April, I somehow feel sorry for the resort.....hahahahaha !!!!

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Originally Posted by Irine

Keep in mind that if you follow the roll call for your dates and contact a couple boardies and hook up, you don't have to be alone unless you want to be.

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Well Irine, in May, there are almost no boardies... lol (I found that out last year)... very quiet time of year.... so she'll have no problem getting the peace she needs...


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Originally Posted by jojo p

By the way, there are at least a couple dozen boardies, that already have White Sands booked for the boardie bash in April, I somehow feel sorry for the resort.....hahahahaha !!!!

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Haha. Maybe I should go in April then?

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Originally Posted by jennifereisme

Wow really! What room do you book? Garden or beach side? Are the terrace or balconies private? Thanks for the suggestion.. Wasn't even considering it and it's hella cheap :)

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As WS has become a regular stop for me now, I back up everything JoJo says! And I've met other single female travelers at WS, so she's not alone in her travels there. One thing I might mention about the garden side is that the rooms are larger, a lil nicer than the beach side (with larger balconies as well). Also, WS just did a fantastic job renovating their pool on the garden side last year and it's a nice place for a few days of peace and quiet (no local vendors or tourists to bother) during a week long stay. So if you don't mind the walk across the daily walk across the street, the garden side also has it's advantages.


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Originally Posted by ukran1ans

Well Irine, in May, there are almost no boardies... lol (I found that out last year)... very quiet time of year.... so she'll have no problem getting the peace she needs...


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Yeah, I have traveled there all different months Jan, Feb, Mar, April and last year May and found May my favorite so far. The off peak price doesn't hurt either :)

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Originally Posted by jennifereisme

Haha. Maybe I should go in April then?

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As I was saying to Irine, if you want people to hangout with, April will definitely be a better option. I was there in May last year and the resort was maybe 1/3rd capacity and the beach was quiet (the bars were closing early and not too many live bands to be found). So it all depends on what kind of experience you're looking for.


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Originally Posted by jennifereisme

Yeah, I have traveled there all different months Jan, Feb, Mar, April and last year May and found May my favorite so far. The off peak price doesn't hurt either :)

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Yeah, with WS, the peak vs offpeak prices only differ by $20/day for their standard rooms. So that never really comes into play for me :)

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Originally Posted by ukran1ans

As WS has become a regular stop for me now, I back up everything JoJo says! And I've met other single female travelers at WS, so she's not alone in her travels there. One thing I might mention about the garden side is that the rooms are larger, a lil nicer than the beach side (with larger balconies as well). Also, WS just did a fantastic job renovating their pool on the garden side last year and it's a nice place for a few days of peace and quiet (no local vendors or tourists to bother) during a week long stay. So if you don't mind the walk across the daily walk across the street, the garden side also has it's advantages.


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Owner of WS just got back to me since I had a question about smoking cigs on the balcony LOL and suggested a room with a kitchenette... Thoughts?

Jennifer, rooms with a kitchenette are larger, and nice..... is you don't mind paying the extra price.......and yes, if you have the option, late April is awesome ! :)

ukran1ans.......Yes, you are correct, the garden side has it's advantages as well, looking forward to seeing the newly remodeled pool, all though I think a lot of us will be spending a lot of time in the ''VILLA POOL''....:)

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Originally Posted by jennifereisme

Owner of WS just got back to me since I had a question about smoking cigs on the balcony LOL and suggested a room with a kitchenette... Thoughts?

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Well, they smoke anything on the balconies... lol (there's always an astray on the balconies). I've never had a room with a kitchenette since I go to the beach restaurant daily for lunch or breakfast (they have a pretty decent menu and a great view of the beach but are only open til 3pm). When I was there in Feb, I've met some guys that 'snowbird' there in the kitchenette for a few months and really like it. I, myself, don't feel like cooking for a week's stay but if I ever stay a much longer stretch, I'd get the kitchenette room. Also, both the bar and the restaurant allow you to just sign your room number to the bill and you can pay at the office at the end of the week (which I prefer to do for just the restaurant). I just make sure I have a few singles to tip the waitresses for each meal, since the office doesn't distribute them tips at the end of the week.


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Originally Posted by jojo p

ukran1ans.......Yes, you are correct, the garden side has it's advantages as well, looking forward to seeing the newly remodeled pool, all though I think a lot of us will be spending a lot of time in the ''VILLA POOL''....:)

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Ahh.. the Villa pool? Stepping it up girl! LOL


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