Negril Travel Guide
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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 1960s. The resort became more mainstream during the early 1990s as big-money capitalists built megaresorts, most of them managed by SuperClubs 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 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.
Which One's For you: Negril or Mo Bay?--Negril, especially during the past 2 decades, has become the most serious touristic 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 the 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 11km-long (6 3/4-mile) beaches but hate fancy French brasseries, Negril is the place for you.
For some reason, Negril is also becoming increasingly attractive as a family destination.
One caution: Though the temptation to take a moonlit walk on Negril's beach is powerful, resist. It's possible you could be mugged at night, or worse.
