Just what we wanted....just what we needed....trip report....

Been back awhile, since May 22nd from a 7 night visit to Negril. Hesitate to post a report because I really don't have much to report, at all. Even Captain Kirk noticed we did not do much of anything, on our last day he came over to us and said.....is today the day you are going to do something...well, no, it is our last day....we're doing it.

So we stayed at Charela Inn. We loved everything about the Charela Inn. That beach will be forever etched in our minds. Last year we stayed at Idle Awhile and when we glanced over there this year, we just thought it seemed tight. For us, we are Jersey people, we can spend a day at the beach, no problem, and do just that for a week each August with our very large extended family. And that is just what we did for our get away from reality week in Negril, spend the day at the beach, day after day, after day, after day. We did head to the cliffs one afternoon, went to Rick's which we had been avoiding. But since it was so quiet at the beach in May we thought it might be good to be in the crowd. It was.

We decided to do all-inclusive since we had such a good, unbelievable deal. We have done non-AI and enjoyed all the different meals and venturing out but this year, we just felt like doing absolutely nothing. Husband was away in the winter for 8.5 weeks. It was really wonderful. The staff is wonderful. The rooms are comfortable and clean and very nice. Not one complaint from beginning to end.

We love Negril. We love the water. We love that there are no big high rise buildings. We love that you can walk for miles and never tire of walking past the other hotels, the shops, the bars and further up the nothing much around the public beach. We love that it is fun, quirky, different, welcoming and not pretentious. We alternated between lounging, walking forever and spending time in the water. This was a total decompress and spend time just us trip and that I what we did. We found our spot on the beach and spent every day having our home base spot.

We enjoyed fabulous full breakfasts, cappuccinos delivered to our table on the beach each day at 11, wonderful lunches and fabulous 5 course meals for dinner each night. The drinks were wonderful. Nothing mixed or pre made. It was quiet, but got lively on entertainment nights and we enjoyed the shows. There was a bit more rain than we are used to having in Negril but it was fine. We were in a beachfront jr suite so even in the rain we felt like we were still on the beach sitting on our balcony or in our sitting area. The ac was most welcomed as it is hotter in May than our usual Jan trip. The two fans were great so we did not have to run the ac all that much. Never did room service.

It was a perfect time for two people who appreciate the "vibe" of Negril. Two people who at this point have been to a lot of places...in other words....old. My husband travels an unbelievable amount of time each year, he works for a company based in China. His numerous trips help with our airfare, especially now that the price of traveling from New Jersey rose $200 each, each way from last year. It used to be so cheap we would just pay and save the miles.

We found everything to be great. No hassles. No problem. We spent more time in the ocean than I ever had at any time in my life. It was wonderful.

We will remember fondly each and every day we spent, though nothing monumental, it was memorable. He left for China and Thailand for a month last week but I know that when he gets back we will once again be talking about this night or that day. Though they were pretty much the same they are etched in our minds. We will be talking about the trip until we begin our planning for the next one in earnest. Which has already begun, since we are planning a trip with our "kids" and other family members, 12 in all. I just want them to experience Negril.

Happy travels, all. We look forward to reading all about your reports, seeing your photos and your questions. Sorry we are so boring....but we are happy and love Negril....so we can't be all bad....now can we?

I can't think of a better place to do "nothing" than at Negril. Your trip sounded wonderful!

My kind of people. Glad you had a good time.

Great report,thanks for sharing!!

Perfect Vacation!........matter of fact, my wife will follow that same routine next week at IA..........Nice report.....Thanks..........Soon Come!

I appreciate and totally understand.

You see, I live in a very isolated spot in the Cockpit Country that would seem to be quite mundane to some.

To me, it is exciting and I love the feeling of being able to assimilate myself into the culture and becoming "at one" with my surroundings.

Sometimes "excitement" to me is having an old farmer stopping for a cool drink of water and just sitting out and staring silently down into the valley below.

Nirvana.

Peace and Guidance

I found that I could do nothing in Negril in a way I've been unable to anywhere else. Normally I feel like "I can't just sit here, I have to DO something." For some reason in Negril I can just sit there, do nothing, and actually enjoy it.

Nice report! Nothing any better than kicking back in Negril. Remember, "Doing nothing IS something" LOL

Nice to see that we aren't the only ones who do nothing on vacation! Any pictures to share??

Love your trip report! And ditto to both you and jon c! I'm a type A personality and am always running around and extremely time conscious. It helps for the job I have, but not for my blood pressure. I went to Negril for the first time this past December and fell in love with it. I loved so many things-- the people, the beach, the locally-owned restaurants and hotels, the food, the sunsets, etc, etc. But one of the things I enjoyed the most was sitting on the beach every single day and just chillin'. I had no idea what date, what day or what time it was the entire trip. And I stayed "unplugged" for the entire 2 weeks. It was heaven. Negril, soon come. In December I shall be in heaven again. Not a moment too soon...:)

I love Charela and the Grizzles

I gotta throw a "ditto" out there as well. And I agree that it's nice to see that there are others who just go to RELAX! We have been to most of the "attractions" around the area over the years, but we still feel like its perfectly acceptable to just hang out and do NOTHING. Thanks for the great report.

Great trip report!!! I stayed at Charela Inn back in 1987 and it was charming. I know it's bigger now but I'm sure the Cool vibes remain the same.

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Unfortunately my photos came out too dark, but posting a view from our room and one from our side balcony.

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I forgot one crucial little tidbit. Not only did I love doing nothing this past December in Negril, I too, did it at Charela. Absolutely adore Charela and that's where I'll be again this December. I'm attaching a few photos of the room I stayed in.
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We stayed in an a junior suite. We liked the idea of walking right out to the beach from the room, but like staying upstairs for the better privacy. Love the view from your room! Attachment 28943Attachment 28947Attachment 28949

Nice report. My kind of vacation.

I was there the same time as you - by myself, doing pretty much the same thing you did. Eat, drink, relax, repeat. Mine was a short stay - just a 4 night get-away.

There were a number of singles during my stay. It seems like a perfect place to spend time solo. Safe and friendly. I would certainly consider Charela for a sole visit if I needed a total get away. Hope you had a good stay.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 2nutz4travel

Nice to see that we aren't the only ones who do nothing on vacation! Any pictures to share??

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I like doing nothing on my vacation, too....lol