Cliffs vs. Beach

[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 ! :-)

[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.

[jan24]

We stay on the cliffs every time, and probably always will. One big draw for us is an ocean front room. On the cliffs, most rooms have an unobstructed ocean view and a clear view of the sunset. Many of them also have private balconies. On the beach, very few rooms have an ocean view, and the ones that do command a premium price. My wife and I like to spend a lot of quality time on our balcony, so this is important to us. Another plus is the overall vibe of the West End. Most of the people you encounter on the West End are chill and there is very little hustle. On our trips we always love to spend a few days on the beach, but frankly, at the end of the day I can't wait to get back to West End. On our last trip (2 weeks ago) I found the hustlers to be relentless. Now, this may be due to the slow season and less tourists being around. I can usually take them in stride, but after 7 hours on the beach it got to the point where I had a hard time being polite. At that point I couldn't wait to get back to the West End and chill out.

I agree with you completely....Love De Bar and Grill, Pee Wee's, etc. real People on the West End to get to know....Love bike rides, short walks to quaint breakfast spots that you know you are helping a local and they appreciated it by showering yu with love.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[RockRobster]

Each to their own!

However....I am a dedicated beach comber....and have loved 7Mile for more than twenty years.....that said...

I am now a cliff guy. I like coming "home" at night....no noise...no traffic....no higgling....no hassles....I can wake in the morning, walk down stairs or jump into the ocean and swim for my breakfast...and go to the beach when I wish. When staying on the beach the last few reaches....I felt like I needed to escape to the cliffs at night...and didn't want to come back down the hill.....