1st time to Jamaica - Negril and southern beaches?
Nov 3rd, 2008, 10:27 AM
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1st time to Jamaica - Negril and southern beaches?
We are young 50's professionals, (too old for party/club scene and too young for an oldies place) looking for a relaxing and mostly casual 'girls getaway' at the beach next summer. We are thinking of trying a new island and thought about Jamaica, specifically the Negril area. Normally, we like smallish hotels on the beach, beachview room with patio or balcony, but also enjoy cliffs as long as there is a good pool and a balcony with a view of the sea below. Need 2 beds (or 2 bedroom suite), not a 4 poster hotel catering to honeymooners 
We've thought of splitting our time (total of 8 or 9 nights) in two different places (perhaps one more expensive and the other more 'atmosphere', but not quite as grand). We were looking at Shafston Great House (nr Bluefields) and then Rockhouse (one of the villas). However, looking on this site, people seem to like the Treasure Beach location and a place called Nirvana on Negril beach.
BOTTOM LINE: we want time on a clean, not crowded, no trinket sellers, sandy bottom beach; room with private outdoor space overlooking beach (or sea from cliffs); inexpensive drinks, easy access to good food choices without breaking the bank, a casual, relaxing week with friendly people.
Final 2 questions. Is a car necessary for Rockport or Shafston or TB? Do both Negril and Treasure Beach (if decide on including that) use MB airport or does TB use Kingston?
thanks for your patience and your help!
We've thought of splitting our time (total of 8 or 9 nights) in two different places (perhaps one more expensive and the other more 'atmosphere', but not quite as grand). We were looking at Shafston Great House (nr Bluefields) and then Rockhouse (one of the villas). However, looking on this site, people seem to like the Treasure Beach location and a place called Nirvana on Negril beach.
BOTTOM LINE: we want time on a clean, not crowded, no trinket sellers, sandy bottom beach; room with private outdoor space overlooking beach (or sea from cliffs); inexpensive drinks, easy access to good food choices without breaking the bank, a casual, relaxing week with friendly people.
Final 2 questions. Is a car necessary for Rockport or Shafston or TB? Do both Negril and Treasure Beach (if decide on including that) use MB airport or does TB use Kingston?
thanks for your patience and your help!
Nov 3rd, 2008, 12:17 PM
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Well I can't offer anything on Treasure Beach.
But on Negril, I can.
The ride from Montego Bay to Negril was great for us. It's a nice coastal ride, and I personally enjoy seeing more of a country outside the "tourist" area.
Negril was great! We stayed both on beach and on cliffs. We preferred the cliffs, and Rockhouse Hotel is GORGEOUS!!!!!! Great restaurant as well, and a short walk to Rick's Cafe (look it up!). It's great out there, and it was away from the bustling beach. It was nice to be able to lay out at your own pool!
I loved Negril and would definitely go back! It was beautiful, and the people are great!
But on Negril, I can.
The ride from Montego Bay to Negril was great for us. It's a nice coastal ride, and I personally enjoy seeing more of a country outside the "tourist" area.
Negril was great! We stayed both on beach and on cliffs. We preferred the cliffs, and Rockhouse Hotel is GORGEOUS!!!!!! Great restaurant as well, and a short walk to Rick's Cafe (look it up!). It's great out there, and it was away from the bustling beach. It was nice to be able to lay out at your own pool!
I loved Negril and would definitely go back! It was beautiful, and the people are great!
Nov 7th, 2008, 10:10 AM
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chgeeb,
I've been reading trip reports about Rockhouse and am confused. Posters disagree about the studios: Some say the upstairs ones with a balcony have a better view than the villas and are a fine size, i.e. they are the way to go. Others say they are tiny and cramped. We are 2 people and prefer two beds.
They also disagree about the villas: worth the price or not worth the price (which is just about double). The website says a couple have an upstairs loft with another bed, that would be our preference, if we go with a villa.
I'm thinking 3 nights in studio vs 2 nights in villa.
Oh, do the studios have a mini refrigerator that we can store wine, milk, etc?
I've been reading trip reports about Rockhouse and am confused. Posters disagree about the studios: Some say the upstairs ones with a balcony have a better view than the villas and are a fine size, i.e. they are the way to go. Others say they are tiny and cramped. We are 2 people and prefer two beds.
They also disagree about the villas: worth the price or not worth the price (which is just about double). The website says a couple have an upstairs loft with another bed, that would be our preference, if we go with a villa.
I'm thinking 3 nights in studio vs 2 nights in villa.
Oh, do the studios have a mini refrigerator that we can store wine, milk, etc?
Nov 7th, 2008, 10:43 AM
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Esm,
I'm not sure about your question to be honest!
We were only there 2 nights (our hotel had some problems, so we stayed at Rockhouse 2 nights), but it's beautiful. It's up to you what you think is a better value and if you really need 2 beds. The villas are more secluded and quiet (that is my personal preference) than a hotel-y feel in the studios. So it's up to you! But the grounds, food, and everything is beautiful.
I'm not sure about your question to be honest!
We were only there 2 nights (our hotel had some problems, so we stayed at Rockhouse 2 nights), but it's beautiful. It's up to you what you think is a better value and if you really need 2 beds. The villas are more secluded and quiet (that is my personal preference) than a hotel-y feel in the studios. So it's up to you! But the grounds, food, and everything is beautiful.
Nov 7th, 2008, 01:51 PM
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Hi EsmJ25,
My family has been going to Negril for 25 years. What keeps bringing us back is the beach, which is one of the prettiest and longest we've seen anywhere, including Greece!
That being said, you will find plenty of vendors of every sort on the beach (except at the far end near the public park and beach- past Hedonism). We like the parade of people, and find that a simple "no, thanks" usually works, but sometimes it doesn't.
If this sounds bothersome to you, you probably don't want to stay on the beach. However, you should be aware that if you stay on the cliffs,( ROCKHOUSE, etc) it's a fairly long hike or expensive cab ride ( about $35 US roundtrip) to get to the beach for the day.
You asked about airports. Negril is about a 90 min drive from MOBAY, or you can attempt to take a short Air Jamaica flight. I recommend the drive because it winds along the beautiful coast and lush pineapple plantations, and doesn't involve a teeny often delayed Air Jamaica flight!
If you'd like recommendations for places on the beach, my two favorites are: COCO LA PALM ( but only the upstairs rooms) and its slightly swankier neighbor, IDLE AWHILE. Both of these are on the best part of the beach.
My family has been going to Negril for 25 years. What keeps bringing us back is the beach, which is one of the prettiest and longest we've seen anywhere, including Greece!
That being said, you will find plenty of vendors of every sort on the beach (except at the far end near the public park and beach- past Hedonism). We like the parade of people, and find that a simple "no, thanks" usually works, but sometimes it doesn't.
If this sounds bothersome to you, you probably don't want to stay on the beach. However, you should be aware that if you stay on the cliffs,( ROCKHOUSE, etc) it's a fairly long hike or expensive cab ride ( about $35 US roundtrip) to get to the beach for the day.
You asked about airports. Negril is about a 90 min drive from MOBAY, or you can attempt to take a short Air Jamaica flight. I recommend the drive because it winds along the beautiful coast and lush pineapple plantations, and doesn't involve a teeny often delayed Air Jamaica flight!
If you'd like recommendations for places on the beach, my two favorites are: COCO LA PALM ( but only the upstairs rooms) and its slightly swankier neighbor, IDLE AWHILE. Both of these are on the best part of the beach.
