2nutz in Negril - our December 2012 trip report

[Melody]

Thanks 2nutz, enjoyed your report and photos very much!

What are your comments, AI vs non AI? Seeing as you almost immediately booked 2 more non AI trips, I take it you were pleased with that route?

I see Coral at Catcha did spoil you a bit for CC. That's rotten you were given a superior room after booking a premium...I hope they compensated you? I was very fortunate to be given the beachfront rooms both times. I agree it's quiet around there in the evenings. First trip, we went off property every night but one (and traveled with my teenager, so just relaxed in our room when we got back). Last trip, our dinners were included (yes, great food). Befriended a couple staying there who liked to visit and have a couple of drinks after dinner. Enjoyed that. My November traveling companion was a bit of a stick in the mud and didn't like to leave the hotel, didn't like to have drinks, didn't enjoy the pub crawl....I still had a great time, but felt held back from doing what I'd like...when he did join me, he put a damper on things. Coco in April...a little worried I won't love it as much as CC, but it will be more lively I'm sure. (I may have mentioned previously, going with a different friend!) We will likely go out to dinner elsewhere most evenings though.

[nutz4travel]

Melody - to answer your AI vs Non-AI question - we really liked it better. It did end up costing us more than a nice AI would have, but I still prefer the non-AI route. I loved being on Long Bay and really do like the smaller resorts; the AI's are all so big and impersonal. It's hard to explain, but it's so nice to not feel like you're being "herded". We didn't venture out much for meals, but we could have and probably will do more of that next trip. Not to mention, we never had an issue finding a chair on the beach which is an issue at some of the AI's and the beach, at CC at least, rarely feels crowded.

I wouldn't say that Catcha spoiled us for CC, we really enjoyed the grounds (they are beautiful) and our cottage. And yes, we did get refunded the price difference in the end. I would recommend CC to others, it's just not for us. I need somewhere I can sit outside at night without worrying about getting eaten alive and we're looking for somewhere with a bar that is a bit more lively. We're not the stay up all night and party type, but we do enjoy hanging out at the bar in the evening.

[Melody]

I need somewhere I can sit outside at night without worrying about getting eaten alive

I take it that you experienced more bugs while at CC than Catcha? Do you attribute that to your CC cottage being amongst the foliage? I did get more bites during my November stay vs. my February stay, and used bug spray regularly in November and didn't use any in February, but I didn't notice bugs flying around and therefore didn't know whether they were sand flea bites from being on the beach or not. As we were beachfront both times, there was was no foliage right in front of our balcony either time. I assumed the bugs will be the same at Coco as at CC....unless nearby foliage makes that much difference? Maybe there are less bugs on the cliffs?

Anyway, I'm glad you still enjoyed yourselves. What a wonderful idea those pub crawl t-shirts were! Thoughts and prayers will be with you and Mr. Nutz on Monday!

[garysteph1018]

Enjoyed your report Mrs. Nutz... Glad Mr. Nutz's health is better. Can't wait to meet you guys in April!

[nutz4travel]

Enjoyed your report Mrs. Nutz... Glad Mr. Nutz's health is better. Can't wait to meet you guys in April!

Thanks! It was fun to do! Mr. Nutz is feeling good and our time in Jamaica did us both good. MRI on Monday so fingers crossed that it brings good news

[MoFromMonroe]

Thanks for the great report and wishing you a good MRI on Monday.

[WestEndGirl]

Thanks for the great pics & trip report! The photos you have of me are my only proof that I was really there for a week!!

I can imagine how rough it has been for you two since the diagnosis, so I am very happy that you had this wonderful time together.
Fingers crossed for Monday. XO Lori

[Mike_D]

Great report and awesome pics! I really enjoyed it.

[justchuck]

Thanks for a nice report and all the pics. We're going to Catcha in May so it was nice to read your thoughts on the place.

[mavmaiden]

Hey #1 nut!

I LOVED your trip report! Awesome story and magnificent photos!

We have a LOT in common. I split my trip, too. And funny, from your other post, it sounds like you'll be staying at least part of your next trip at Charela. And I'll be spending part of my next trip at Catcha! I'll be splitting between Catcha and Charela in December. I also went to Margaritaville and enjoyed it. I knew what to expect...good drinks, decent food and a few hours of fun. Having said that, I LOVED Ivan's and it is so much fun to try the small restaurants on the beach and in the West End. While at Charela's, I had Tony's fresh juice every morning, too. My 50th birthday was Dec. 26th. I loved the One Love Bus Crawl, too. Like I said, I read your review and noticed lots of commonalities!

I'm truly sorry to hear about Mr. Nutz's diagnosis, but am happy to hear he's doing well and that your trip was so wonderful. Jamaica can only help.

Thank your for taking the time to tell your story and post your magnificent photos. This trip was the first time for me in Negril. And I had been back home 3 days when I made my Charela reservations for this coming December. Guess that pretty much defines how much I loved it.

If you want me to send your more photos from Charela or if you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me. Perhaps I'll be seeing you and the Mr. in December!

By the way- I love the t-shirts you made for the crawl. So cool. And so nice for Mr. Nutz to give Lenbert the shirt off his back.