Going to Negril…stay by the cliffs or stay by the beach? Lots is written on the web about the beauty of seven mile beach in Jamaica’s west coast, but the promise of ‘never-ending action’ on the beach and in the nightclubs was not what we were after. We chose to stay on the cliffs, and we were glad.
The privacy was fantastic, but still had a good amount of options for restaurants and bars within walking distance. Our bungalow (with the most amazingviews) had its own stairway to a private deck, with a ladder that goes into the sea. We were able to jump in and snorkel in the clear, warm right off the deck.
The ocean is temperamental, so we had to make sure the waves weren’t slapping the cliffs too hard or we’d get pummeled into the rocks if we swam too close. Mornings were best as the sea was so calm we could have been swimming in a pool.
Pompoui was irie and loved the local radio station
The best local radio ever
Hello Sunset
Negril Jamaica Night skies from our deck
Rhodes Hall Plantation
We spent an afternoon hanging out withe the horses at Rhodes Hall plantation. Abraham swam with his horse, I opted out.
The Surroundings, Music & People
We ventured out for several walks. Lots of locals just walking around saying hi to one another going about their business. It’s obvious how important music is to the culture, as you hear music coming out of each shop as you walk by. It’s a beautiful thing.
There are less tourists on this part of the island, and no 7-11 stores, but we found all the things we needed at the local market. We did get jipped once by a local boy, on our way to visit the Negril lighthouse. Maybe it was the heat or perhaps we wanted to be naive, but he told us that he was a ‘rapper’ and that we should pay him $20 $15 $10 for his CD. Always up to support new artists, we gave him the money. (He did perform for us on the spot, and even had his friend jump off the cliff to punctuate the show).When we got back to our bungalow, we realized he’d given us a used unusable CD.
Food
Our bungalow had a full kitchen. For fear of ever going hungry, we went to the Weisemart Market down the street and stocked up on water, coffee, fresh juices and meat patties, (they’re so good and so much fun to eat). But we knew we were going on a search to find the best Jamaican Jerk Chicken we could get our hands on.
We tried a few places during our stay, some ok, some just so-so, but the hands down winner was Three Dives Restaurant on West End Road. Read more about it from other reviewers here.
The walk to the restaurant (in the dark) was an adventure in itself since a storm was brewing and it had started to sprinkle. We scared each other and laughed alot on the way there. It was worth the trek from our bungalow. The chicken was perfectly seasoned through and through, the sauce was kicking and spicy, and the beans and rice was perfect for holding the sauce. We liked it so much we ordered another plate to bring home. Don’t miss this place!
Conclusion
Negril Jamaica Critter
We loved Negril. The people were extremely polite and friendly, even if they’d been drinking a lot. (Our driver Naya had a beer in hand as he tried to back up from a driveway). Like any place, you have to keep your wits about you, as some more opportunistic locals will see tourists as an opportunity to make money. Carry small change. Smile back if you want. The laid-back, sunny attitude of the people in Negril can’t be fabricated, they really do take their time here. In a restaurant, “Your breakfast is coming” can easily turn into an hour. Maybe an hour and a half. But who are we to come to their island and ask them to hurry anything up? It’s island time.
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