Cliffs vs. Beach

[nutz4travel]

We did a cliff/beach split last December and were supposed to do it again in April but changed our plans last minute and just stayed on the beach with one night at Seastar at the end. We loved the cliffs for many of the same reasons that have been mentioned here - the peace and tranquility, the awesome view of the sea; it reminded me of a cruise ship at sea. For us, Negril is about the beach and it just seems wrong to not be there. We love sitting under an almond tree watching the endless parade of people and vendors, the way that everything comes to you... Our next trip will be beach only but I know that we will return to Catcha at some point, even if it's only for a few days.

[Lorax2]

We were just talking about this very subject last night...still can't decide which we like better...we live near the ocean and have several beaches within a couple of miles from our house, including one that is about 1.5 miles long...we still love the beach in Negril with it's beautiful clear warm water, tropical landscape, and endless bars and restaurants...We also love the cliffs with its beautiful resorts, great restaurants, dramatic cliffscapes, and chill vibes...whenever we stay on the beach we find ourselves visiting the cliffs, and when we stay on the cliffs we always plan a beach day or two...oh crap...don't ask me to decide...I can't do it, they both have too much to offer...I think we will continue to visit and stay at both whenever and wherever the mood strikes us, it's all just too much fun ! :-)

[groove16]

We were just talking about this very subject last night...still can't decide which we like better...we live near the ocean and have several beaches within a couple of miles from our house, including one that is about 1.5 miles long...we still love the beach in Negril with it's beautiful clear warm water, tropical landscape, and endless bars and restaurants...We also love the cliffs with its beautiful resorts, great restaurants, dramatic cliffscapes, and chill vibes...whenever we stay on the beach we find ourselves visiting the cliffs, and when we stay on the cliffs we always plan a beach day or two...oh crap...don't ask me to decide...I can't do it, they both have too much to offer...I think we will continue to visit and stay at both whenever and wherever the mood strikes us, it's all just too much fun ! :-)

great post, buddy....

I'm a beach boy, but we have been migrating toward the beach whenever possible for 20+ years before we discovered Jamaica...closest beach for us is 3-4 hours...
but I love the cliffs and the swimming and jumping, but it is harder to get from place to place than down on the beach, and the walking is a lot tougher as the terrain is rocky and narrow, either uphill or downhill, and not much breeze (on my walk) due to the walls of the resorts....

[BIG SHINY n Rootsy]

Those are all very insightful responses and they are truly appreciated. It really is great to hear the varying opinions of so many like minded people that seem to enjoy and love their stays as much as we do. It seems to me that the whole topic is really just a case of "to each their own".

As much as we like the beach "activity" I think the views and privacy of the cliffs might be something I could learn to enjoy. After reading all the positive reviews I would definitely be up for giving it a try for a few nights sometime. One of our favorite things to do when we meet new people is do a little private tour swap of each others places. We have been fortunate to see some beautiful places on the beach but haven't had the chance to see any of the cliff property's yet. Now I know we will have to make a point to get up there and see what it's all about.

Thanks again for all the great replies (I would love to hear more) and keep us in mind for a tour.

[Dwest]

It's so subjective and thank god we don't want all to have the same environment! I feel hemmed in at the beach, which I know is weird. I love to go and have lunch and play in the water, etc. there is just too much stuff there for me. I like the faaaaaarrrrr west end because I like the countryside and quiet. I think the cliffs allow you to view the ocean from an amazing perspective and you can see it and hear it and smell it. I'm intrigued by the beach, some of the hotels seem awesome and if I had endless Money, I'd probably try one but I would hate in my limited resources to be at the beach and say....wish I could be back at the Westender. There is no BEST place, there is only the best for us and that can even change! Whenever I've travelled, I've always made sure that where I stayed was peaceful so that I could go back and chill.
But I know we all relax in different ways, for instance, I don't drink much, don't need it, especially in Jamaica although I do like a really nice cocktail mid- afternoon...and maybe a red stripe with my lunch......

[sonja]

love going to the beach during the day, but love coming home to the West End. it's a totally different vibe.

[ladyluckireland]

We are going for our first time next April and we are doing 4 nights on the cliffs at seastar and 10 nights on the beach.A lot of people said to try both and see the diffrence looking fordward to it.

[nicollet]

I would recommend Xtabi for the 4 heights on the cliffs, In a seaside cottage.This is the way to really experience the beauty of the cliffs,sitting cliff side to the water.Seastar is great, but nowhere near the same experience.

[Ras Walleye]

Seastar is a great place but just so you know it really isn't on the cliffs. It is across the road and a couple hundred yards up the lane so there is no ocean view or access. Chris & Francine are awesome hosts and their staff is fantastic. Just not really a cliff resort.

[Fred Stripe]

I have tried all the different options and decided to just stay at CoCo the whole 10 nts. Go to Xatabi for 3/4 hrs or Seastar or Ivans then come back to the beach. No packing/unpacking. Not as nice as an OCF cottage at Xtabi but you get to try both.