Looking for advice on first trip to Jamaica (honeymoon)

[jar77]

Blue cave castle is nice great restaurant too. I'd look into catcha and tensing pen which I think is the best in negril.

[Beth Ann]

All of the above recommendations are excellent but I encourage you to not abandon your original plan to stay at the Blue Cave Castle for part of your stay. It is one of the most unique and wonderful places to stay and chef Teddy's food is amazing.

I agree!

[tfw73]

Which AI?

I never felt ridiculous, I felt I got my money's worth and more. If I had to pay out of pocket for snorkeling, water skiing, the booze cruise, and food/drinks, it would've cost me ALOT more money had I not stayed at CSA. That even factors in our dinner at Ivans and visiting the bars on the beach. I'm not sure my wife and I could stay at a nice non-AI for a week and get all that I listed above for $2500 without serious skimping.

Not all AIs are the same and shouldn't all be lumped together to be judged.

Where I DO agree is that people who go AI should take some time to get out of the resort and visit the local establishments and people.

Couples Negril...it is ridiculous to me to spend that much when you want to leave the resort. Ten nights at CN price vs. non-AI, we spend a lot less non-AI and we don't skimp on anything.

[Beachgyrl67]

We have been going to Negril for 6 years...only once AI. I even went with my 3 teenage girls no hubby and stayed at CocoLaPalm for 10 days (also a great beach non all inclusive). I agree with the Catcha Falling Star or Catcha Gardens which is across from Ricks for the cliff visit. They are both great properties. There are many great places to eat in Negril. Go on TripAdvisor and look up restaurants in Negril. The locals who run them are wonderful.

[Bob-n-Sandra]

Non-AI 16 night we paid $3000 air and hotels. I just looked at what it would cost for the same amount of time at CSA $14000 AI on apple vacations.
I could do whatever I want for $11000

[Muck]

Non-AI 16 night we paid $3000 air and hotels. I just looked at what it would cost for the same amount of time at CSA $14000 AI on apple vacations.
I could do whatever I want for $11000

That's insane...$14,000????? You should drop whatever travel agency you work with and check out vacationstogo.com. I just got a the following quote for airfare and hotel for 16 nights.....$6524.18

Resort: Couples Swept Away Negril
Location: Jamaica/Negril
Depart: November 10, 2013
Check In: November 10, 2013
Check Out: November 26, 2013
Adults: 2 Kids: 0
Includes: 1 Room, 2 air tickets, meals, drinks and activities
Room Description: Garden Verandah Suite
Total price, all travelers: $6,524.18

[Bob-n-Sandra]

I rechecked and it is $7000 for 2. I swear it was $14000 the first time I checked on apple vacations. Sorry!

[Fred Stripe]

I just did 10 nts,Dec2-12 (right before high rates kick in Dec15) 4nts CoCo(free brkfst)2 nts Seastar(free brkfst)4 nts OCF cottage at Xtabi....$2000 total /tax & xfers & air from Newark.....$1000 to spend so 10 nts for $3,000......!!!!!!!!

[Muck]

I just did 10 nts,Dec2-12 (right before high rates kick in Dec15) 4nts CoCo(free brkfst)2 nts Seastar(free brkfst)4 nts OCF cottage at Xtabi....$2000 total /tax & xfers & air from Newark.....$1000 to spend so 10 nts for $3,000......!!!!!!!!

Which is close to what we pay for the both of us to stay a week at CSA. $3500 - 7 nights with an upgraded Atrium Suite, includes air (for 2), transfers and taxes. Also includes scuba, snorkling, golf, water skiing, booze cruise, one spa session for the wife, first rate workfout facilities, tipping, and all the food and drink we can consume. The drinks alone make it a good deal for us. Staying Non-AI, I could see our daily booze bill alone rise well over $100/day. We generally spend an extra $500 or so for an evening(s) on the cliffs and vendors on the beach.

I'm not sure the two of us could make $1000 stretch for 10 days....If it were just me, then probably so.

Our next trip in December will be a Non-AI/AI split. We're going to do 3 days at Catcha (haven't decided between Gardens or Falling Star yet), then 7 days at CSA.

[Fred Stripe]

I stayed at CSA and it is great...Gym is great too....Yeah,I dont scuba or go on snorkel trips or golf,skiing which cost ya good money so it makes sense if you utilize all that.Yes,the drinks are nice there.I also stayed at Catcha and would have to stay there again,not the gardens...

Catcha wont even let those staying at the Gardens come on te property until 5pm like everyone else????