Any advice?

[Sand gravity]

Hi
I am a longtime, if sporadic, lurker on this site. This year I am doing something a little different- usually I head down to the beach for a solo vacation that entails doing a lot of nothing but lying on the beach- hence the name- but this year am bringing my family for a 6 night stay next week- my wife, two grown sons and son's fiancee. I've booked 3 nights at Zimabali and another 3 nights at Xtabi
Has anyone stayed at Zimbali- what's it like? How is Xtabi?
Not real familiar with the cliffs- any "must go" places for sunsets, lunch, and dinner close to Xtabi?
I am happy with a book and a beach chair but I think that they may need a little more stimulus, so any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks

[beachballler]

Sand Gravity, I pulled off a similar trip in early October. We stayed on the cheap at Samsara and really enjoyed walking across the street to Pressa's. It's maybe a 3-5 minute walk for you back towards the beach. A sweet family owns/runs/cooks at the local place where you can get great food at a more than fair price. Enjoy!

[Big_frank]

If you're there on a Saturday night, call Seastar Inn for free pickup and drop off and attend their delicious all you can eat buffet/entertainment evening with live band, 'African style drummers' @ 20 dollars per person. Check their website for pictures, details.

[rjonsun]

Pressa's and 3 Dives are both within walking distance and great places to eat with a real Jamaican feel. Although I have never seen sunset from Xtabi, I know it is fantastic from Blue Cave Castle which is close by, so Xtabi must be good too.
Take a day trip to Mayfield Falls. Everyone will love it and the more the merrier. We just combined a trip to Mayfield Falls with Roaring River for a full day of fun.
Regards,
Bob

[STRIPER]

Famous Vincent will show you a good time snorkeling on the reef,the trip by boat from xtabi is cool as you'll get to see many properties from the water. Well worth the price,I've also used him as a water taxi into town,certainly not quick but hey,it's island time!

[CosmicMoose]

I'll throw in my two cents...

Go see Elvis at Peewee's for breakfast, $5j for two eggs, bacon, two slices of toast and coffee.

If you are looking to try some great local dishes, the nyammings platter at Pushcart has curried chicken, bushman stew, curried goat and oxtail.

Seafood - go see Quality at his Sea Breeze restaurant up near Canoe. I ate there twice in one week; it was that good. I had mahi in a garlic sauce and then a few days later I had grilled lobster with garlic butter. Two thumbs up!

I second the trip to Mayfield Falls, was a real nice 1/2 day trip.

Snorkeling just off the cliffs was pretty good, I must say.

Keep your eyes on here for specials at Canoe; they had a 2-1 lobster dinner that was great.

Sunset from Xtabi should be nice, good snorkeling there too, probably better in the mornings. It seems to get a bit choppier in the afternoons.

Idk if this would be of interest, but I'll throw it out there too. Barney's Hummingbird Garden. Was pretty cool hand feeding the speedy guys. $17usd/$2000j

Lastly, enjoy your trip!

~Moose

[Tent Guy]

We went to eat dinner at Zimbali. 5 course meal. They cook in front of you. 2 mile drive up a dirt road took 20 minutes. Say hi
to Lassie and bring some dog biscuits.

[JitterBug]

what is that wrapped in banana leaves? blue drawers?

[dash]

what is that wrapped in banana leaves? blue drawers?

Wonderful steamed fish. I would think Zimbali would be pretty quiet. Zen -like. It's an organic farm. If you are at Xtabi on Tuesday 3 dives next door is good bet for dinner, sunset, and live music. Webcast is a bonus. If in Negril on Thursdays the Jungle is hopping. Hire a good driver for the evening and enjoy. Always ...the one Love Pub Crawl.

[Jaherring]

Places for good grub>>>>
Ivan's
Ltu Pub
Sharks
Ciao Jamaica
Hungry Lion
Ahhhbeees for the best burger in Negril.