As one of many largest and hottest islands within the Caribbean, Jamaica boasts a wide selection of actions that entice vacationers and locals alike. From horseback driving to sipping a piña colada by the seaside to free-falling right into a pure swimming cave, the nation has a lot extra to supply than you may suppose.
Negril, particularly, is a city towards the west finish dubbed “the capital of informal.” In different phrases, it’s a chill spot. With a number of resorts nestled within the cliffs or proper on the gorgeous Seven Mile Seaside, you possibly can’t go flawed when planning a go to. Whether or not you need an adventurous or relaxed vibe (or each, why not?), take a look at our newest ELLE Escapes for every part it’s good to know.
What to See
Chukka Horseback Expertise
Situated between Montego Bay (the place you’ll fly in) and Negril, Chukka is a good segue to interrupt up the 1.5-hour drive and get into the Jamaican way of thinking. You’ll be able to lay in hammocks above the water, have a drink by the oceanside pool, drive ATVs, and trip horses on (or in!) the seaside. It’s undoubtedly extra of an upbeat spot, so select your avenue accordingly.
Glass Backside Boat Trip
Don’t simply benefit from the views of the clear blue waters—go beneath the floor. Glass Backside affords boat rides with a literal glass backside so you possibly can see the ocean flooring, in addition to snorkeling excursions the place you possibly can rise up shut and private with creatures of the ocean. I personally noticed squid, stingrays, coral, and all types of colourful fish. Sometimes, you possibly can see turtles, too.
The Blue Gap
When you have time to take a day journey from Negril, the Blue Gap in Ochos Rios is certainly one thing to expertise. You’ll be able to swim in and round a number of waterfalls and pure springs made out of limestone and surrounded by the Jamaican forest, or go rafting, tubing, or horseback driving with a information. For an actual adrenaline rush, attempt leaping into the springs from ropes or rocks. After, I like to recommend grabbing some pure limestone for an exfoliating scrub therapy, or higher but, take pleasure in an genuine Jamaican meal on the encircling property.
The place to Eat
Zimbali Culinary Retreats
Meals lovers will recognize Zimbali Culinary Retreat’s farm-to-table eating expertise within the coronary heart of the countryside. A number of programs take you thru the island’s most interesting and freshest substances, and you may discover the grounds and farmland the place your meal is sourced from. Zimbali doubles as a resort that hosts farming and cooking courses, so you may even keep and make a complete journey out of it.
Miss Lily’s
Situated at Skylark Negril Seaside Resort, Miss Lily’s is a beachfront restaurant and lounge that lends itself effortlessly to enjoyable within the solar. Its grilled curry shrimp salad and smokehouse platter, particularly, are must-orders, and it’s best to undoubtedly pattern one (or two, or three) signature cocktails (the Coco Lily was my private favourite). New Yorkers can get a style for themselves at Miss Lily’s East Village location, though it goes with out saying that the views are a lot better on the seaside.
Push Cart
Perched above the ocean and overlooking the adjoining Rockhouse Lodge & Spa property, Push Cart is a laid-back restaurant and rum bar with nightly DJs and a dancehall-inspired aesthetic. What’s extra, it has an enormous number of Caribbean rums which are completely paired with jerk rooster, shrimp, and sausage ready through genuine recipes sourced from across the island. You’ll be surrounded by album and tour posters, in addition to street-inspired wall artwork, string lights, and, after all, the cliffs and ocean beneath.
The place to Drink
Rick’s Cafe
At sundown, Rick’s Cafe is certainly the place the occasion is in an in any other case calm Negril nightlife scene. Get pleasure from entire lobster and a scrumptious cocktail—I had the Jamaican Me Loopy and Rasta-politan—whereas trying over the cliffs at sundown. You can even bounce off the notoriously excessive cliffs for the entire crowd to see, which might in all probability offer you a better excessive than the rest you may be considering of doing in Jamaica.
Woodstock
Located on Seven Mile Seaside in shut proximity to accommodations and resorts, Woodstock is a music and occasion venue that’s a assured good time. Have a espresso there in the course of the day or a drink at evening (or each) and let the stay reggae and seaside waves transport you to a different time…and a greater psychological state.
The Bar
One of many perks of staying at a resort in Negril is the straightforward entry to the property’s bars and eating places. A number of have glorious choices which are as straightforward as strolling out of your room, particularly The Bar at Tensing Pen Resort. Whether or not you select to have a rum cocktail by the pool or wish to chat up the bartender (shout-out Razorblade!), that is by far probably the most enjoyable and handy choice.
The place to Keep
Tensing Pen Resort
One of many westernmost resorts on the island, Tensing Pen places you proper on the sting of the ocean, surrounded by the water, rocks, and considerable foliage. There are many seating areas among the many cliffs, the place you possibly can sunbathe, meditate, or just benefit from the sound of crashing waves. Follow morning yoga overlooking the ocean, or take pleasure in an out of doors sundown therapeutic massage for a calming respite. You’ll be able to swim within the resort pool adjoining to the cliffs, or, in case you’re craving an affordable thrill, bounce off the wooden bridge (or climb down a ladder) instantly into the ocean.
Rockhouse Lodge & Spa
Ah, Rockhouse. Bob Marley and The Rolling Stones used to remain there between excursions, which just about tells you all it’s good to know concerning the resort’s cool issue. With rooms, bathhouses, bars and eating places, and a pool proper smack on the cliffs, there’s hardly wherever on the premises that doesn’t have a spectacular view. Higher but, Rockhouse has a complete behind-the-scenes facet of its property that’s moderately outstanding: Behind an unassuming fence throughout the road, there’s an enormous greenhouse and outside hydroponic backyard the place the employees grows veggies which are served at its eateries. It’s additionally the place the furnishings discovered within the rooms and lounges of the resort (and its sister resort, Skylark), the candles on the frequent space tables, and the spa merchandise used at each properties are made. On Sundays, you possibly can head over to the studio close by for a psilocybin-enhanced morning meditation and sound tub, in case you really feel so inclined (translation: meditation on magic mushrooms). Rockhouse additionally has an eponymous basis, The Rockhouse Basis, which is dedicated to supporting and increasing native faculties in Negril. Over $7 million has been invested to date which, in addition to all the opposite perks, is cause sufficient to guide a keep.
Skylark Negril Seaside Resort
Because the sister resort of Rockhouse, Skylark additionally boasts superb eco-conscious efforts, whereas providing a enjoyable and splendid getaway. The resort sits on Seven Mile Seaside, so it’s near tons of sights each on and off the property. When you’re from New York, the design sensibility may look acquainted: Serge Becker, a companion and inventive director of the Miss Lily’s restaurant within the resort, can be behind well-liked NYC spots La Esquina, The Field, and Lure Fishbar. Aspect notice: Skylark can be at the moment revamping its spa, which, as soon as completed, might be a peaceable refuge on the roof of the resort, overlooking the seaside under.