1st Timer who needs HELP

[thesg79]

Congrats on picking Negril as your first visit in Jamaica....My wife and I visited Montego Bay as our first visit, and while we had a great time, our second visit to Jamaica (and every other visit after that) was to Negril - and was 10x better.

We too liked the 'no worry' style of all inclusive, but wanted to also experience the local vibe. We like to stay at Couples Swept Away for 3-4 nights and then spend 3-4 nights at a non-AI, preferably Catcha. CSA - while expensive, is great for location but we also enjoyed the food, swim-up bar, staff, etc...Haven't been to any other AI's in Negril, but we loved CSA. Ask anybody about Catcha and they'll tell you your wife will be in love as soon as you get there.

Our next trip (November) will be completely non-AI this time...looking forward to it, 4 nights on the beach at Country Country and 3 nights at Catcha. While it's easy to get used to the 'no worry' style of AI's, we're confident that we'll enjoy the 'NO PROBLEM' part of non-AI...

[original spanky]

swept away would be a great choice. have stayed many times as well as many times non ai. both great. don't let them scare you about getting off property. go to a show one night (if you can stay up that late). prob want to book thru negril one stop . won't cost any more for you and they can assist on a room. ensure you are not next to the road or right by the dining area.. my only complaint about swept away is you have to wear hard soled shoes to get into a couple of the restaurants.

[candyapple]

I totally agree with Ras Walleye, there are many great options beyond the Couples compound. One of which is the Charela Inn where I have been visiting for the past two years. Great ambiance, excellent food and friendly staff who after checking in by day 2 they know your name. They make you feel right at home. They offer different meal plans to suit your needs, i always take the map which includes breakfast and a 5 course dinner giving me the chance to eat out for lunch. Am not much of a drinker so the AI wouldn't be an option for me.

Their rooms are nicely decorated and affordable. The front desk team can assist with the arrangements of scuba diving.

Hope you will have a wonderful vacation.