Looking for advice on first trip to Jamaica (honeymoon)

My fiance and I are shooting for mid June to early July and plan on at least 2 weeks. This is a first for both of us so any advice or tips helps,thanks ahead of time


The first big thing that came up is where to stay. I was looking at a few places and reading lots of stuff online. At first we were set on sandals Negril but then started reading on other places.

In the end we like Blue cave castle and was going to go there the whole time. I like to get out and see stuff when I travel not sit one place the whole time so I was looking more at NON AI.

So we went to the travel agent and she kept pushing the AI so we said we would look into some of them more and we would give a AI a shot for the first week and then NON AI the 2nd week.

We like couple swept away and are thinking that will be the AI we go with and then BCC will be the 2nd week.

Today we just got a print out quote from the travel agent and she has Grand pineapple beach,sunset at the palms,RIU palace tropical bay, and couples negril on the list along with a non ai called jakes.


We are looking to stay in Negril the whole time and leave the northern citys for next time.

As far as AI stuff I would like to have a mini bar in room and want places to eat not a buffet only type deal. One other thing would be water sports and scuba.

Thanks again for any advice.

How about Couples Swept Away for the AI (they have mini bar, ala cart dining (in addition to buffet) and water sports including scuba included) and Catcha Falling Star or Tensing Pen for the Non-AI? First week on the beach and second week on the cliffs.....

Grandpineapple would give you best of both worlds. Walkable to all non AI stuff but still has AI?

Jakes is actually in the Treasure Beach area I believe just a fyi for you....my girl and I stayed at blue cave castle and it was a very chill place, great for laying on a raft or snorkeling and the food there on site is terrific! We seen famous vincent picking people up everyday for a day on the water too. Can't go wrong with the castle if you want a cliffside experience

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Originally Posted by Escanabajosh

So we went to the travel agent and she kept pushing the AI...

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Seriously, you might want to rethink your travel agent. I understand that she may have to recommend places that will pay her a commission, but you want a travel agent to facilitate what you want, not tell you to want something different.

That said, there is some sense to doing a week on the beach then a week on the cliffs at BCC, and Grand Pineapple as others have said puts you in the middle of things while providing support for the first timer in Negril while you learn the runnings. Riu and the other big AIs at (or past) the north end of the beach I would not especially recommend; if you're there, you might as well be in Mo Bay and save the drive to Negril. We love the beach, but good friends have stayed at BCC and it's a very impressive place - just not on the beach.

You can read up on Grand Pineapple quite a bit here, and they have their own Web site so you can see what they offer. Don't worry too much about needing your AI to provide all the activities you want, because there are plenty of options for everything, and the AI may well only be subcontracting for the activities anyway.

You will like Blue Cave Castle and Grand Pinapple. Swept Away is very nice but alot more $. Just got back to the U.P. after two weeks on the beach

Our first trip to Jamaica was a "destination wedding" for our friends son. It was at the Riu Club Hotel. It's located on Bloody Bay, not 7 Mile Beach. If you truly want to understand the real charm and joy of Negril then I would recommend any one of the many, many fine NON AIs on 7 Mile Beach or the Cliffs.

The real Negril is something that just cannot be experienced in an AI. The real Negril isn't about the food and the booze, it's about the people who live there and in the surrounding hills.

It's about the brown pork guy, the patty guy, Miss Tillie and her fresh fruit, Ciiiiiiiiigarettes guy, the 45 Gallon Drum Jerk Chicken chefs... and the list goes on. We have travelled the world over the past 40 years and for the last 4 we have called Negril our home away from home.

In a NON AI you will also meet an incredibly rich and diverse array of visitors who, like you, just want to chill and take it all in.

Having said that - if you are timid or don't have much in the way of experience with different cultures, then perhaps an AI is best. But you will be missing the real Negril.

Congratualtions on your nuptials. Choosing a vacation site in Negril is like choosing a single malt whisky... there are no bad single malts, some are just better than others. It just depends upon your taste.

Fire your travel agent and spend some time reviewing various sites to get an idea of what you like. Negril One Stop is a great site that shows you the various properties and has both pictures and video so you can get an idea of what the places look like. They also list the prices and amenities so that you can get an idea of what they offer. If I were to use any travel agent for Negril it would be these folks as they know what the heck they are talking about. Most travel agents try to put you up in an A/I as it pads there pockets quite well.

I agree with booger. Fire your travel agent. They get bigger commissions on Ai's and free stays. GO with Negril One Stop they are honest and great at what they do. They also spend a lot of time personally checking out each of the hotels on their site.

http://www.negrilonestop.com/

Sunny is right...Swept Away is great but pricey(do the Atrium rooms,dont ned to pay for OCF) then do Catcha...I stayed at Riu Trop 5 times,,,nice but WAY overpriced now,,,Riu Club(cheap but when you get there you know why and beach is lame). Couples Negril is nice but quiet...SSATP is O/K but across the street,not OCF....

Actually,if you dont really need all inclusive I would do CoCo La Palm and then Catcha... Booger is right,,go through Negrilonestop.....

I would like to caution you that if you do the AI first....please do not be worried about their cautionary tales of safety only at their facility.....I have had friends stay at AI's and they reported being told to only go where their bus takes them and not to get off the bus before the destinations because it is "safer"......they have to have a hook to bring people back to their expensive hotel....please also be aware that the AI's (with exception of grand pineapple) are at the far end of the beach or bloody bay.....not in the area of many small bars/hotels that the people on here talk about. I agree with Fred Stripe....you will find that you probably won't eat or drink as much as you have paid for in the AI and the sports such as scuba are usually an added cost.

Coming from someone that has stayed at Couples Swept Away, I can tell you three things off the bat:

1) We never felt any pressure to stay on the resort grounds by CSA staff. In fact, they hooked us up with transportation whenever we requested it.
2) Scuba and other water sports are NOT an added cost (Certified Divers get a free dive every day. Non-certified divers can get a free course and a free dive). They also have hobie cats, snorkeling, water skiing and catameran cruises ALL included in the price of the stay.
3) It is on a great stretch of beach and close to many of the small bars/hotels on the Long Bay. Just walk out to the beach with a fresh Red Stripe, turn left, and you will hit the first bar before you finish your beer.

Oh, and I agree with Fred Stripe, we prefer the Atrium Suite as well.

All of the above recommendations are excellent but I encourage you to not abandon your original plan to stay at the Blue Cave Castle for part of your stay. It is one of the most unique and wonderful places to stay and chef Teddy's food is amazing.

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Originally Posted by Muck

Coming from someone that has stayed at Couples Swept Away, I can tell you three things off the bat:

1) We never felt any pressure to stay on the resort grounds by CSA staff. In fact, they hooked us up with transportation whenever we requested it.
2) Scuba and other water sports are NOT an added cost (Certified Divers get a free dive every day. Non-certified divers can get a free course and a free dive). They also have hobie cats, snorkeling, water skiing and catameran cruises ALL included in the price of the stay.
3) It is on a great stretch of beach and close to many of the small bars/hotels on the Long Bay. Just walk out to the beach with a fresh Red Stripe, turn left, and you will hit the first bar before you finish your beer.

Oh, and I agree with Fred Stripe, we prefer the Atrium Suite as well.

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Sorry I should have specified that this was Sandals that they stayed at.

As a. 40 year traveler I must say the advice you have been given is great and accurate.
I love grand pineapple but my opinion it's the best value out there not where I would go for my honeymoon.
I also suggest swept away for your all inclusive. Eat and drink till u wear it out and then hang out on the cliffs. Can't go wrong with blue cave or catcha.

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Originally Posted by ROBIN

Sorry I should have specified that this was Sandals that they stayed at.

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No problem.....not all AIs are as bad as some want to make them out to be. Just as not all Non-AIs are the cat's meow. :)

I'm with Sunny. If I were the OP and were going to spend 2 weeks in Negril, it would be CSA for me the 1st week and Catcha the 2nd. That would be heaven.

Where ever you stay be sure to take the One Love bar crawl. It's a do not miss adventure and alot of fun.

We honeymooned at Couples Negril and loved it. We signed up for their romance rewards program and it allowed us to also visit Couples Swept Away. It was just what we needed after the hoopla of the wedding. Our next trip will be non-AI. If you are doing two weeks, I'd say you could start AI and get relaxed and then switch once you get your sea legs. If you go to Couples Negril consider these things:
1. Take advantage of the free water sports stuff. We sailed around bloody bay on a hobie cat, snorkeled twice (once at night for like $20 extra), wakeboarded, etc.
2. Make reservations at the fine dining restaurant as soon as you arrive - Otaheite. We stayed for a week and ate their twice. Other restaurants were also good but Otaheite was really nice.
3. Consider the private dining on the beach option. So romantic.
4. Leave the resort and facing the bay, take a right. Walk past the other resorts until you reach the Office of Nature. Bring $20 per lobster and enjoy just caught grilled lobster with lime and scotch bonnet pepper. Delicious. Red Stripe too.
5. Do the romance rewards thing and spend at day at Swept Away. They have a delicious little lunch spot on the beach with espresso and tasty treats.

Couples Negril has a mini bar in the room. Well, it's sort of a maxi bar. You get full size bottles of rum, vodka, etc. If you let them know it is your honeymoon and bring a copy of your marriage certificate you will get free 30 min couples massage and a bottle of champagne in your room as well.

But next time? I'm totally going non-AI.

First trip was AI, never again! There are too many places to, to eat and drink, to limit yourself. If you are like me, you would feel ridiculous spending all that money on an AI and still going off resort. A beach/cliffs split is perfect!

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Originally Posted by tfw73

First trip was AI, never again! There are too many places to, to eat and drink, to limit yourself. If you are like me, you would feel ridiculous spending all that money on an AI and still going off resort. A beach/cliffs split is perfect!

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Which AI?

I never felt ridiculous, I felt I got my money's worth and more. If I had to pay out of pocket for snorkeling, water skiing, the booze cruise, and food/drinks, it would've cost me ALOT more money had I not stayed at CSA. That even factors in our dinner at Ivans and visiting the bars on the beach. I'm not sure my wife and I could stay at a nice non-AI for a week and get all that I listed above for $2500 without serious skimping.

Not all AIs are the same and shouldn't all be lumped together to be judged.

Where I DO agree is that people who go AI should take some time to get out of the resort and visit the local establishments and people.

Blue cave castle is nice great restaurant too. I'd look into catcha and tensing pen which I think is the best in negril.

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Originally Posted by Ras Walleye

All of the above recommendations are excellent but I encourage you to not abandon your original plan to stay at the Blue Cave Castle for part of your stay. It is one of the most unique and wonderful places to stay and chef Teddy's food is amazing.

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I agree! :)

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Originally Posted by Muck

Which AI?

I never felt ridiculous, I felt I got my money's worth and more. If I had to pay out of pocket for snorkeling, water skiing, the booze cruise, and food/drinks, it would've cost me ALOT more money had I not stayed at CSA. That even factors in our dinner at Ivans and visiting the bars on the beach. I'm not sure my wife and I could stay at a nice non-AI for a week and get all that I listed above for $2500 without serious skimping.

Not all AIs are the same and shouldn't all be lumped together to be judged.

Where I DO agree is that people who go AI should take some time to get out of the resort and visit the local establishments and people.

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Couples Negril...it is ridiculous to me to spend that much when you want to leave the resort. Ten nights at CN price vs. non-AI, we spend a lot less non-AI and we don't skimp on anything.

We have been going to Negril for 6 years...only once AI. I even went with my 3 teenage girls no hubby and stayed at CocoLaPalm for 10 days (also a great beach non all inclusive). I agree with the Catcha Falling Star or Catcha Gardens which is across from Ricks for the cliff visit. They are both great properties. There are many great places to eat in Negril. Go on TripAdvisor and look up restaurants in Negril. The locals who run them are wonderful.

Non-AI 16 night we paid $3000 air and hotels. I just looked at what it would cost for the same amount of time at CSA $14000 AI on apple vacations.
I could do whatever I want for $11000

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Originally Posted by Bob-n-Sandra

Non-AI 16 night we paid $3000 air and hotels. I just looked at what it would cost for the same amount of time at CSA $14000 AI on apple vacations.
I could do whatever I want for $11000

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That's insane...$14,000????? You should drop whatever travel agency you work with and check out vacationstogo.com. I just got a the following quote for airfare and hotel for 16 nights.....$6524.18

Resort: Couples Swept Away Negril
Location: Jamaica/Negril
Depart: November 10, 2013
Check In: November 10, 2013
Check Out: November 26, 2013
Adults: 2 Kids: 0
Includes: 1 Room, 2 air tickets, meals, drinks and activities
Room Description: Garden Verandah Suite
Total price, all travelers: $6,524.18

I rechecked and it is $7000 for 2. I swear it was $14000 the first time I checked on apple vacations. Sorry!

I just did 10 nts,Dec2-12 (right before high rates kick in Dec15) 4nts CoCo(free brkfst)2 nts Seastar(free brkfst)4 nts OCF cottage at Xtabi....$2000 total /tax & xfers & air from Newark.....$1000 to spend so 10 nts for $3,000......!!!!!!!!

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Originally Posted by Fred Stripe

I just did 10 nts,Dec2-12 (right before high rates kick in Dec15) 4nts CoCo(free brkfst)2 nts Seastar(free brkfst)4 nts OCF cottage at Xtabi....$2000 total /tax & xfers & air from Newark.....$1000 to spend so 10 nts for $3,000......!!!!!!!!

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Which is close to what we pay for the both of us to stay a week at CSA. $3500 - 7 nights with an upgraded Atrium Suite, includes air (for 2), transfers and taxes. Also includes scuba, snorkling, golf, water skiing, booze cruise, one spa session for the wife, first rate workfout facilities, tipping, and all the food and drink we can consume. The drinks alone make it a good deal for us. Staying Non-AI, I could see our daily booze bill alone rise well over $100/day. We generally spend an extra $500 or so for an evening(s) on the cliffs and vendors on the beach.

I'm not sure the two of us could make $1000 stretch for 10 days....If it were just me, then probably so.

Our next trip in December will be a Non-AI/AI split. We're going to do 3 days at Catcha (haven't decided between Gardens or Falling Star yet), then 7 days at CSA.

I stayed at CSA and it is great...Gym is great too....Yeah,I dont scuba or go on snorkel trips or golf,skiing which cost ya good money so it makes sense if you utilize all that.Yes,the drinks are nice there.I also stayed at Catcha and would have to stay there again,not the gardens...

Catcha wont even let those staying at the Gardens come on te property until 5pm like everyone else????

well that is a bunch of replys! thank you each and everyone :)

I will have to check out some of the other places now, we are even talking about doing 3 five day stays now,lol

The big thing I have with the AI is my fiance isn't a drinker....we have been together for 6 years and I've seen her drink/get drunk 2 times and it wasn't preaty,lol...she says she's gunna drink but I doubt it will be much....as for me I am born and rased YOOPER so I can drink....thing is she says she dont want me drinking all day so I dont think the AI will be worth it...but we do wanna scuba dive and might even go for our cert while staying at CSA.

I'll do some checking and try and post a replys in the next day or so...again thanks for all the help

Couples Swept Away!! We got married there and spent the week in 2006. They have diving, snorkling, catamarans, wind surfing, nightly entertainment etc. all included in the price. This is also an adults only resort. Great for a honeymoon and very romantic. It is also quite there. Grand Pineapple is closer to Alfreds and the Jungle both night party spots with loud music. Catcha is a beautiful place to say on the Cliffs with great food and a stunning view. The only down side to staying on the cliffs is being able to walk. I like to take long walks the beach every day. There is really nowhere walk like that on the cliffs. If you are looking at a non inclusive on the beach for your second week Coco LaPalm is in the middle of the beach with great rates and friendly staff.

Coming from someone who is in the exact same situation as you (honeymooning in negril 6/30-7/8/13 for our first visit) I looked into AI's, namely CSA. I can stay at at a nice non ai(looking at idle awhile) and fly there for less than half of the same time in an atrium room with flight. AI sounds like a nice deal but you'd have to eat and drink a lot on the actual property to get your moneys worth. I figure a nice ocean view room and $200 spending money a day is better. I've been reading every hotel's profile at negril one stop to get an idea of a hotel that would fit us and of course reading every thread here.

think you should Ditch the travel agent....

Like everyone else has said.... Search NegrilOneStop and Negril.com to find the perfect accomodations.

Search something like Cheapflights to find good airfare.

Utilize all the great info on this board to arrange for transportation/eating/drinking/activities.

Youre good 2 go

we saved over 1,000 canadian dollars by going thru expedia, we stay at ROOMS, our cost from Jan 25th to Feb 11th , for 18 days with Westjet was 3100 canadian for our room and breakfeast ,flight, for our drinks, red stripes, and food , by the way i eat lobster on the beach everyday, and going out for dinner each nite plus the catamarans, and snorkeling trips and trip to SAV for spices,souviners, etc ,is 1000 canadian, total cost about 4100 canadian, all in for 18 days, soon come

by the way do not go thru a travel agency, save the 1000 dollars, soon come

Not many of us Yoopers in Negril. But you will feel right at home with all the people from Canada

Maxwell...Idle Awhile is very nice and I'm almost positive that they re affiliated with Swept Away and allow you to use the gym/health club at CSA which is Very nice.....I booked a non A/I in Cabo through Expedia....I wanted to change the hotel to an A/I which was more money....Expedia STILL wanted to charge me the $50 change fee.....
Never again....Go with Negrilonestop.....They do the hotels,xfers,and their prices Include taxes (many dont include the taxes so you think youre getting a lower price).....

My best advice! dont get married, you could ruin a good vacation!

lololol thats not nice