Negril

Negril coastline, with the famous “7-Mile Beach” visible in the background. Taken by Wikimedia Commons user Cocoloco.

Negril is that beautiful resort town that many tourists flock to when heading to the island of Jamaica. Located on the western coast of the island, it seems to be resort after resort, back to back, one after another. Like other areas in Jamaica, the tourism industry appears to have segregated the hotels and guest cottages from the real heart of the city. If coming from Montego Bay, a traveler will pass a strip, miles in length, with these accommodations; to continue on would get you to a roundabout which is nearer to the heart of real Negril. Several decades ago, before a new highway was built to reach Negril from Montego Bay, it was simply winding back roads that would take only the most dedicated and adventurous tourists out there to experience the sunsets on Jamaica’s west coast in relative solitude. With the highway, it is now one of the most popular tourist destinations.

Though Negril has gentrified faster than anything south of Brooklyn, it is no wonder why it is popular among travelers. Most of the accommodations that are available for a traveler will be located along that main strip, which winds beside the shoreline and 11 km of beach. Many establishments have been set up throughout, to benefit from the proximity to monied-tourists. There are numerous food stands, bars, clubs, restaurants, shops, and other vendors waiting to cater to each and every tourist.

See & Try in Negril:

• The Jungle – A club in the center of the main strip that opens at 9pm and closes at 3am. For $15 USD, one can have unlimited well drinks and beer; For $20, top-shelf liquors are included. 
• Step Aside Jerk Chicken - Marshall Campbell, a local Jamaican, runs a jerk chicken stand that is among the very best in all of Jamaica. He goes by the name “Step Aside,” and for about $5 USD, you can get 1/4 chicken and a few slices of bread.
• Rick’s Cafe – Well-known for the side of the cliff that it’s built upon, tourists can jump into the water below.
• Negril Sunset – Jamaica may be like any other Caribbean island, in that there are seemingly endless opportunities for great photos of sunsets, but if you’re gonna do it anywhere on this island, do it in Negril.