The popular beach resort of Negril is best known for its gorgeous Seven Mile Beach, magical sunsets, clothing-optional beaches, wild parties and handful of hedonistic beachfront resorts.
Once a hippie haven of the 1970s, Jamaica's ‘capital of casual' Negril is less developed than Montego Bay and offers a wide range of accommodation options that range from low-end budget hotels to luxurious all-inclusive beachfront resorts set in lush manicured gardens – just perfect for honeymoon couples.
Away from the beach, discover Negril's lush mountain scenery on foot, bike or horseback.
Visit the mineral springs at Mayfield Falls, explore caves at Roaring River and enjoy the rides and carnival amusements of Anancy Fun Park.
For the best vistas on the island, climb to the top of the century-old lighthouse at West End Road.
Negril's best beaches include the following…
Pick your own spot to sunbathe on arguably the best beach in Jamaica – an 11km-long, palm-fringed white-sand beach that shelves gently into a wide, protected lagoon of clean aqua blue water.
Although undeveloped in places, this laid-back beach is mainly lined with a choice of open-air restaurants, bars, clubs and low-rise resorts.
Friendly (but often persistent) vendors ply a brisk trade along the public section of the beach that reaches up to the high-water mark.
Facilities include parasols and sun loungers for hire, showers and toilets. Numerous water sport activities include scuba diving, fishing, tubing, glass-bottom boat trips, sailing, sea kayaks, water-skiing, windsurfing and snorkelling (which is best just south of Negril town).
Seven Mile Beach is excellent for honeymoon couples, however it is good to note that topless bathing is common here and there are several sectioned-off and private areas for sunbathing au natural.
One of these is Jamaica's best-known nude beach at the infamous Hedonism II resort, located at the northwest end of the beach on the promontory separating Negril Beach from nearby Bloody Bay; only resort guests or day-pass holders may sunbathe here.
Large, all-inclusive resorts fringe the northern end of the beach, while smaller family-run hotels line the southern end.
Choose from a range of low-rise accommodation options, including modest cottages, boutique-style hotels and all-inclusive resorts, none of which infringe the local building code, which forbids the construction of buildings that rise above the canopy of the coconut palm trees.
Splash out in a luxury beachside villa at the Moon Dance Villas, offering 24 hour personalised service and located in the centre of the beach strip. Or try the all-inclusive Couples Swept Away Negril, which boasts one of the finest sports complexes in the Caribbean.
Seven Mile Beach faces Long Bay and is framed by 12m-high cliffs at the southern end of Negril town, and by a lush promontory separating Bloody Bay at the northern end.
Negril is located on the western tip of Jamaica, around 89km west of Montego Bay Airport, about a two-hour drive.
Unwind on the white sands of this 2km-long, narrow, half-moon-shaped beach lined at the southern end with large all-inclusive resorts.
Mainly private, this beach is a lot quieter than nearby Seven Mile Beach.
Stay at the luxury Riu Tropical Bay resort, which offers numerous activities including a dedicated kids centre.
Or head to the eco-friendly Sunset at the Palms Resort, where you can stay in small timber cottages rising on stilts from a lush landscaped garden scattered with royal palms and mango trees.
Negril offers an excellent choice of accommodation options to suit all budgets.
South of downtown Negril is West End Road, known as the West End, which is lined with resorts that offer more privacy.
The Caves
Location: Negril
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD879 per room
Description: This 5-star couples-only accommodation in Negril boasts an Aveda spa, on-site dining and a bar made from 2 limestone grottos. Just 10 km from Seven Mile Beach, it features cliff-side guest suites and cottages with ocean views. A minibar, small fridge and coffee-making facilities are provided for each accommodation at The Caves. All stylish accommodation offers a separate seating area, and many offer a private terrace. Guests at The Caves can relax in the Cliffside hot tub or at the Blackwell Rum Bar. Free bike rentals, guided snorkelling tours and local transfer services are also available. Private Cave dining offering a 5-course meal also available at an additional cost that can be reserved upon check-in. Guests can also visit the 24-hour self-service bar or choose in-room dining options. This property is within 15 minutes’ drive of Negril Hills Golf Club and Kool Runnings Waterpark. Crocodile Reserve & Bird Sanctuary is 22 km away.
Couples Negril
Location: Negril
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD607 per room
Description: Couples Negril is located on the beachfront just outside Negril, on the western tip of Jamaica. It offers 2 outdoor pools, a spa and air-conditioned rooms with a private balcony. The rooms at Couples Negril feature plenty of natural light and views of the beach or garden. Each one comes with flat-screen cable TV, iPod docking station and a private bathroom with a hairdryer and bathrobe. The resort’s 4 restaurants offer a range of food, from Asian to Caribbean. The bar offers live music, and you can also arrange to have a romantic dinner on the beach. The Couples’ spa offers a wide range of massage and beauty treatments. There is also a hot tub, tennis courts and a modern fitness centre. You can enjoy yoga, Pilates and water sports at the resort. Montego Bay Airport transfer, off site excursions, glass bottom boat ride, trip to Margaritaville, shopping shuttle, catamaran cruise and trip to Popular Sunset Bar are included.
Sunset at the Palms
Location: Negril
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD531 per room
Description: Boasting 3 km of private sandy beach, a full-service spa and gourmet dining, the luxury Sunset at the Palms resort features treehouse-style rooms nestled among the 10-acre tropical garden. Every room features an open balcony with a day bed. Satellite TV, free Wi-Fi and a minibar are included. Sunset at the Palms Resort’s rooms are styled with dark-wood floors and have Asian-inspired furnishings. Guests can lounge poolside or work out in the well-equipped fitness center. Other on-site activities include tennis courts, beach volleyball and snorkeling. Sunset Resort’s Palms Spa offers massages, facial scrubs, and body and beauty treatments. Caribbean and international cuisine is served at Palm Grove Restaurant. Fine dining is offered at Lotus Leaf, while sandwiches can be enjoyed beachside at Palm Breeze Bar & Grill. Drinks are available at the pool swim-up Bamboo Bar. Negril Airport is 4.4 km from this resort and the Negril Lighthouse is 9.2 km away.
The Cliff Hotel
Location: Negril
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD435 per suite
Description: Featuring free WiFi, a spa centre and an outdoor pool, The Cliff Hotel offers accommodation in Negril. The hotel has a year-round outdoor pool and sun terrace, and guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Free private parking is available on site. All Suites have pristine views of the Caribbean Sea and have private balconies with hammocks. All units are air conditioned and equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and hair dryer. There is a 24-hour front desk, concierge service, hairdresser's, and gift shop at the property. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes at Zest restaurant and enjoy relaxing treatments at KiYara Spa. This hotel has water sports facilities and car hire is available. You can play billiards and darts at the hotel. The nearest airport is Montego Bay Airport, 86 km from The Cliff Hotel.
SPA Retreat Boutique Hotel
Location: West End, Negril
Rating: 5-star
Ave nightly price: AUD278 per room
Description: Featuring spa treatments, a sun terrace with swimming pool and massage service, SPA Retreat Boutique Hotel is located 3 km from Coral Beach and 4 km from the Negril Lighthouse. The cottages offer free Wi-Fi, wooden décor with stone walls and are equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fan and a private bathroom with shower. Some of the accommodations also feature a terrace with garden views. The on-site restaurant Blue Mahoe serves Jamaican cuisine and international food. The property offers daily yoga lessons and meeting facilities as well. The complex is 5 minutes’ drive from the Norman Manley Sea Park Beach and 3 km from the Times Square Shopping Mall. The Sangster International Airport is a 90-minute drive away.
Negril is located on the western tip of Jamaica, around 80km (50mi) southwest of Sir Donald Sangster International Airport (MBJ), also known as Montego Bay Airport.
The most convenient and quickest route to Negril is by air to Sir Donald Sangster International Airport (MBJ), followed by a bus or car ride.
The beach resort is about an hour and twenty minute drive along the coastal highway that links Montego Bay with Negril.
Read more about how to get to Negril, Jamaica…
Latest update: Negril, Jamaica: 12 May, 2022
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