Here’s my 2 cents…

Having already paid for the all you can eat and drink, you’re going to find it hard to get off the property with all 20 people. In other words, you have 1 maybe 2 nights when you will leave. If you can get the entire group to agree to leave the property, I would suggest renting a tour bus and going to Rick’s for sunset. Plan on getting there around 4PM, have a few drinks, watch the cliff divers (even try it yourself, it’s a great feeling if you can get up the nerve) stay for the sunset then go back to the RIU for dinner and drinking. Rick’s is very expensive… very touristy and the food is not very good but it is an experience for 1st timers. The sun sets around 6 or 6:15 in January so you would be back at the RIU by 7:30 for dinner.

There’s also the reggae parties at Alfred’s and Bourbon Beach; I think they alternate on Tuesday and Thursday nights. This would be a good trip for the entire group. I love the fire eater @ Bourbon Beach. As with everything there is a downside. For the reggae parties it’s the hasslers, cover charges and sand fleas/no see ‘ems. I wouldn't suggest Sea Star on a Saturday Night because it would just be too crowded to try to hang with 20 people.

If you can only talk one or two other couples to going off property with you, I would suggest a sunset dinner at one of Negril’s finer restaurants. My first suggestions would be either the Rockhouse or Catch-a-falling-star up on the cliffs. You will need reservations at these places, my suggestion would be to make it for 5:30 and enjoy a 2 hour meal. My other suggestion would be to walk the beach to either Norma’s or Kuyaba for dinner (reservations again around 5:30). A taxi back would probably be best call. Negotiate before you get in.

As for day trips, I would skip them. You spend too much time in a taxi/bus and it’s better to enjoy the beach and/or pool.

Before I get hammered for the touristy suggestions remember that they are 1st timers staying at an AI.

Corona… you will have a lot of fun doing any of these suggestions. If you are interested in a more “local” experience or just have a more adventurous group let us know. This is a great community of people and they give great suggestions.