
Negril - Jamaica Casual Capital
Dubbed the "Capital of Causal", Negril, Jamaica, is a freewheeling, carefree, and casual town where the unwritten dress code is swimsuit, shorts, and sandals. Some people say Negril is a state of mind. It can be whatever you want it to be. For your vacation, you can do everything or nothing. Want to hang out on the beach all day? No problem! You'll find some of the best in the world here. How about watching some of the most spectacular sunset? You are in luck. Not only is this the perfect place to do so; it is a required ritual. So shed your worries, your inhibitions, and even your clothes, and come enjoy one of the most laid back places in the Caribbean.
Profile
Negril is located on the most Western tip of Jamaica. It started out as a small fishing village and until the late 1970s, was a place where only carefree, ganja smoking hippies and rastas hung out. Up until the early 1990's, with the exception of Hedonism II, the only accomdations in Negril were small mom and pop hotels, villas, inns, and cottages. But oh how times have changed. Led by Superclubs, Sandals, Couples, and new comer Riu resorts, today Negril accommodations are as sophisticated and main stream as those of Montego Bay and Ocho Rios.
The town of Negril extends from the Lighthouse at Negril Point in the Parish of Westmoreland, to Bloody Bay in the adjoining parish of Hanover. One of Negril's main attractions is its famous seven-mile stretch of soft white sand beach, located in an area called Long Bay. There are really two sides to Negril. On the West side of the seven-mile strip, closer to the town center, you'll find the older hotels, inns, and cottages and your local restaurants. On the East end are the big all-inclusive and newer resorts.
All the activities in Negril are centered around hotels and tourism and take place mainly along the road fronting the seven-mile strip. The hotels and restaurants are located on the beach side of the road and the other businesses such as car rentals, malls, and shops are on the other side. The town center is located in the far west end of Negril. Here you will find a shopping center and craft market and the road that takes you along the rugged cliffs, past Rick's Cafe, to the Lighthouse.
Attractions and Activities
If you are looking for lots of attractions or an activity-filled vacation, then Negril is not the place for you, unless, of course, your activities is water or beach related. Although you don't have the variety or quality of attractions as you do in Montego Bay or Ocho Rios, you can, nonetheless, still find things to do in Negril. But before you book a vacation to negril, just remember this is a place to kick back, unwind, and relax.
Hotels and Resorts
Negril's accommodations run from the luxurious to the basic. They also come in different flavors. You can find wild and raunchy, quiet casual, romantic couples only, family and kids friendly, luxurious pampering, and boutique garden villas. So know exactly what kind of Jamaica vacation you want, then choose an accommodation that suits you.
Restaurants and Night life
Because many of the restaurants are located on the beach, Negril has some of the best casual and romantic dining in Jamaica. Although you can find various cuisines, most restaurants serve foods with a Jamaican flare. Most of the all-inclusive resorts serve traditional American and Continental cuisines and many do have restaurants that serve specialty cuisines like Italian, French, and Japanese.
Your best bet for nighttime entertainment is in one of the hotels or resorts. Hedonism II have top class entertainment every night with a disco that rocks until 5 a.m. and you can buy nightly pass for about $75 US. You can listen to live music overlooking the cliffs at Rick's Cafe and Sand at the Caves. If you want to dance to some serious reggae music, disco style, then check out "The Jungle" night club across the street from Beeches Resorts.
Shopping
There are not many places to shop in Negril. In fact there is only one place that offer duty-free shopping and that is the Time Square Plaza. here, you'll find your usual jewelry, cigars, and liquors as well as other Jamaican souvenirs. If you need coffee and liquors, go to the Hi Lo supermarket located in the Sunshine village Plaza in the town center near the roundabout. It is much cheaper there.
If you want local souvenirs, wraps, hats, and crafts then check out the many small shops located in "A Fi Wi" (Jamaican patois meaning "ours") Plaza also located near Sunshine Village shopping plaze. There are also two craft markets where you can buy any local souvenirs. One is located near the Aerodrome across the streets from the entrance to Hedonism II and Grand Lido. The other is located on the beach just before you reach the roundabout.
Negril Top Ten Attractions
Find out what else aside from the beach and the strip you can do while you are in Negril. While the attractions are not on par with those you'll find in Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, there are still plenty of opportunities to have fun and explore Jamaica.