First=timers to Negril

[koolking]

Hi Everyone!! Thanks to the folks on this fine board, it helps tremendously in planning our vacation. We'll be arriving early evening on the 18th of this month and are really looking forward to Negril and to hopefully meeting many like-minded people. We're fairly seasoned travellers but Jamaica will be brand new to us. Perhaps not a fair question; but would like to hear of any comparisons to the South East Asian beaches for anyone who knows. Also, what will Christmas be like, lots of fun we hope!! We'll be at Point Village and will be doing lots of beach walking and people watching. All the best to all of you!

[Flipadelphia26]

I cant answer about the south east asian beaches. sorry.

What I can tell you is this. I was in Negril for New Years last year, and it was hopping. I am assuming Christmas is the same way.

As for your stay at point village. There are quite a few AI beaches and resorts between you and the thick of what makes Negril so Charming. So dont get discouraged when you walk off your property. You may consider taking a cap toward town a ways and then getting on the beach.

[Weathermon & Mi Lady]

Christmas is quiet. The day after is a Jamaican holiday (Boxing Day) and the beach is hopping. This will be the 3rd consecutive Christmas/New Years for Mi Lady and I. We love it!

[txraider]

Agreed. Christmas quiet, then every day after Boxing day more and more folks showing up until the crazy party on New Year's. Everyone has a smile on their face New Year's Eve. It really seems to be the country's most popular holiday.

[saeyedoc]

I've been to Railey beach in Thailand, if that counts. Sand in Negril is just as nice, so is the water. Scenery is way more stunning in Thailand.

[newfiegirl59]

anyone know if mega mart will be open on Boxing Day?

[Rum-polephoreskin]

Never been to S/E Asia.
Comparing Negril beach to any beach on the big island of Hawaii = Negril wins.

I will say this too, I don't come back to Negril strictly for the beach ( though it's a big plus), I come back for the entire Negril ambiance.
If there is one source for the ambiance I'd say it is the people of Negril.

PS don't overlook the west end

[walleyed99]

Hi Everyone!! Thanks to the folks on this fine board, it helps tremendously in planning our vacation. We'll be arriving early evening on the 18th of this month and are really looking forward to Negril and to hopefully meeting many like-minded people. We're fairly seasoned travellers but Jamaica will be brand new to us. Perhaps not a fair question; but would like to hear of any comparisons to the South East Asian beaches for anyone who knows. Also, what will Christmas be like, lots of fun we hope!! We'll be at Point Village and will be doing lots of beach walking and people watching. All the best to all of you!

Cannot speak about the X mas season, but if you have questions about point village please do not hesitate to ask. We will be staying in Apt 105 for our 3rd time this January. Enjoy it, its a nice quiet place but the fun is only a short walk or cab ride away

[Rasthai]

koolking, we've been to Thailand quite a bit and beaches are similar, both have great fine sand and beautiful water, but as Saeyedoc says SE Asia scenery nicer, more dramatic and of course less expensive. However, Negril is only place we've been who's overall vibe comes close to Asia. Like Asia, wandering down the beach in Negril is an experience of its own with unique characters and a funky bar or good place to eat only a few steps away and Negril is much easier to get to. Negril and SE Asia our 2 favorite destinations, well with maybe an Amsterdam visit thrown in for good measure!

[koolking]

thanks everyone for the nice comments. We did get one PM but my anti-virus software won't let me open it, sorry about that!