Negril

Jamaica > Negril

On the arid western tip of Jamaica, Negril has had a reputation for Bacchanalia, hedonism, marijuana smoking, and nude bathing since hippies discovered its sunny shores during the '60s. Negril became more mainstream during the early 1990s as big-money capitalists built mega resorts, most of them managed by Super Clubs or Sandals. Yet some resorts still reserve stretches of beach for nude bathers, and illegal ganja is still peddled openly.

Clothed or unclothed, visitors are drawn to Negril white Seven Mile Beach and some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Jamaica. Opening onto a tranquil lagoon protected by a coral reef, the beach here is set against a backdrop of sea grapes and coconut palms. The low-rise resorts blend gracefully into the flat, sandy landscape.

There are really two Negrils. The West End is the site of modest cottages and character-filled local restaurants. The other Negril is on the East End, along the road from Montego Bay; the best hotels line this panoramic beachfront. The town center itself offers little of interest.

Negril or Mo Bay?

Negril, especially during the past two decades, has become the most serious tourist competitor to Montego Bay. These two resorts are markedly different in what they offer: Despite some new first-class hotels opening up, Negril is not anywhere near the same league as Montego when it comes to posh hostelries.

For a serious golfer, Mo Bay wins again; it offers some of the finest courses in the Caribbean. And for those who view sightseeing as part of their holiday, Montego Bay offers the most diversified attractions in Jamaica; Negril, other than its beaches, is not blessed with great sights.

What does Negril offer, then? There is no more laid-back place in all the Caribbean for sunning by day and "sinning" when darkness comes. For those who want to literally hang out, Negril also offers the only officially sanctioned nude beach in all Jamaica. Negril is a sensual, fun-loving Eden where you can find shelter in everything from a Rastafarian hut to an overcrowded Jacuzzi where fellow guests might all be naked. If you like hallucinogenic brownies and 7-mile-long (11km) beaches but hate fancy French brasseries, Negril is the place for you.

Recently, Negril is also becoming increasingly attractive as a family destination.

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Beautiful Beaches

by Ana from us

I visited Negril with my 15 yo daughter, and realized that although beautiful and enchanting these is not a for two females, accommodations are good all over the place, food wonderful, but it seems to me that the local man feels that lonely woman are looking for company and will aggressively inform you, you easily become the center of attention of the surrounding community that wants to sell you something, most of them polite when rejected but seems to me that I spent a lot ... [read more]

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