Decisions decisions

[wnyjim]

Ok so the wife and I are planning another trip to Jamaica for 2 weeks in September. This will be our 3rd time.

First trip 10 days, we did the AI thing in Mo Bay at Sandals was more than I had hoped for but we didnt get the local feel. Being insulated left us wanting.

Second trip 2 weeks we hit Negril hired our own driver and stayed at Firefly. Spent about 3 nights in the beach cabin and then upgraded to the penthouse.
We enjoyed our stay and walked the beach everyday. Food was sometimes a chore as we went in the low season.

Now here I am ready to begin planning for our 3rd trip and I am thinking maybe switch it up a little. I have pretty much decided to go check out the Lost Beach Resort which is further south of Negril for part of our trip. I checked it out online and sounds like something for us.(Anyone been there? Your experience?) A nice beach that we are likely to have to ourselves. We have often wanted to find a beach off the beaten path with no Higglers and just us and the sea....This is at the time of our anniversary and we are romantic what can I say. Also need a driver that knows that area.....TO get from Mobay to LBR.

So the remainder of the trip is what I am looking to fill. 1/3 will be LBR...Any ideas as to a good but not name brand AI in Negril? I would like 1/3 at a place like that. Nice section of beach and great food is #1. We are also suckers for value we do not go for inflated prices.

The last 1/3 I am thinking maybe the cliff's. Closest we got was Ricks last time. Here is what we need. Shallow and calm water with easy access as the wife is a nervous swimmer. Loves the water so it has to have that. Also some seclusion for the room or cabin. We like our oasis of privacy as each time we come to Jamaica we are again on honeymoon.

Last is to maximise on transportation. Begin with an AI to get the free ride or end for same. Anyone having done this before please give info and ideas on getting around and again maximising value.

The wife leaves the planning up to me and we discuss before we decide and book.....

Cant wait for our next trip but it comes and goes so fast. Thank you for any help...

[Sweetness]

Hands Down - GRAND PINEAPPLE for a small AI on beach (great location) with great food (in my opinion) and unlimited drinks adding wonderful STAFF.

Cliffs (now your talkin lol)....with shallow entrance to sea, hmmmm. Xtabi has a cave with shallow access but shallow/calm water is something that is determined by Mother Nature. For me I love a place on cliffs w/a pool to swimming and then a cheap quick cab ride to the beach for shallow wading in the GORGEOUS sea. So no worries about cheap transportation - route taxis are very easy and accessible and only the equivalent of a couple dollars per person.

Enjoy your reach and can't wait to hear about it. Bless

[TizzyATX]

For the cliffs, maybe try Xtabi? I'm pretty sure there is easy, sandy, shallow water access from one of their caves....and seems like a really cool place to stay...

Sorry I can't be of more help but someone will come along that can.

[TizzyATX]

Oops, didn't see your post sweetness hahahaha

[wnyjim]

Grand Pineapple is one place we have been thinking of. Refresh me is it GP that has the water tricycles? My wife really wants to ride one of those....Thank you for your help.

[*vi*]

wnyjim, yes they do!

[Sweetness]

Really really nice gardens, outstanding buffet (in my opinion) - I was happy because every meal had beautiful fresh sliced fruit, salads, cheeses and then carving station and many sides. Also you can order bugers/fries anytime. Unlimited ice and soda was such a luxury (lol) Comfy beds, clean rooms, AC, Courtney the carver (I have a bunch of trip reports from there, just search Sweetness Grand Pineapple.) I was only able to afford it when they had a deal though - out of my range at regular price but a wonderful property. Fresh beach towels, loungers, security, good mid beach location too.

[wnyjim]

Thanks for the picture VI very cool and exactly what the wife wants to ride this time. Still need more info on the cliffs and Lost Beach Resort if anyone knows about either.

[bjritz]

The cave beach at Xtabi is very easy water access. So are the low platform ladders. Just about every night I would back down a ladder and just swim out a bit to cool off. Then hop out on a ladder.

[wnyjim]

You guys are so helpful and with pictures too. Please keep them coming I want to show my wife tonight. We can begin enjoying our trip even before we go.