Chris, whatever your group plans to do, I think you'll really love Negril. Its the best beach I've been on and I've been on lots. Excellant to walk on barefoot, bars and bathrooms everywhere, don't have to pay to sit on a beach chair (at least it used to be like that), the Negril "town" is walking distance, local taxis are cheap.
The only thing that's get annoying (IMO) are the hustlers. I found that if I put my headphones on (even if no music) they leave me alone.
Enjoy !