islegrl

We are true lovers of the BVI- Tortola (but not Cane Garden Bay beach) and Jost being our favs. Can anyone give me a realistic comparison of the two- Negril (but not the AI part of Negril, the smaller places on the beach) the beach, crowds, locals, vibe, etc. vs. Tortola- (Smugglers cove, for example- or Jost- White Bay)?

Thank you all... in planning stages, and have found some great deals to Jamaica- but am leary of the touristy places.

suze

I adore Negril but have never been to Tortola to make the comparison you seek. I was there on "the Cliffs" last summer to 10 days. None of the places to stay there are overly "touristy", it's rather more rustic. Take a look at Negril Escape, Tensing Pen, Catcha Falling Star, Citronella, for beautiful and low-key places located out the west end road on the cliffs. On the beach I spent some time at Charela Inn on the beach because I was staying at their sister hotel Mirage Resort on the cliffs.

Weadles

I can't help with the comparison either, since I haven't been to Tortola. But I think of it as being probably more upscale than Negril. Like Suze, I adore Negril, and have gone there many, many times. It's the kind of place where you can feel entirely comfortable eating a wonderful cheap dinner on the beach in your bathing suit. But more importantly, and unlike so many of the other islands I've visited, it has maintained an authentic Jamaican charm and identity.

From the reggae clubs on the beach to the jerk chicken and sour sop juice stands along the road, you're never going to feel like you're in the Caribbean version of Miami, well, unless you visit Rick's Cafe, but that's a different story... Of course there are many more tourists than when I first visited in 1982, but the beach- which BTW is one of the best in the Caribbean- is about seven miles long, and it's possible to escape the crowds even during school and spring break weeks.

My husband and I always stay at one of the small hotels in the middle of the beach. We don't like to go AI in Jamaica, because the food is so good, and it's great to get out of the hotel to meet people and eat at local places.

If you need more privacy than the beach provides, look at some of the smaller properties on the cliffs. Just be aware that you may not be within walking distance of the beach.

Good luck, and have a great time!

qwovadis

Have been to both kind of depends on what you want.

Negril has more of a dodgy rustic rasta hedonistic vibe beaches are nice mountains rivers falls like Dunn's are fun to climb but quite touristic lots more variety.

Tortola better beaches flat island not much variety great
snorkel dive fish more upscale and low tourist.

For me BVIs less dodgy rasta feel more laid back.

islegrl

Ok- many thanks. If anyone else has any comparisons, please do respond... the BVI are so magical- there are few "upscale" (Little Dix, Peter Island, etc.) places, but our experiences have been anything but-wonderful locals and expats, beautiful beaches. But that is what we like.
I think staying in one of the smaller places on the beach sounds perfect for us- we love the local places and I enjoy walking around first thing in the morning watching everyone get set up for the day. Negril sounds appealing for sure (and prices seem to be much lower than BVI)- are the beach spots roped off (i've noticed in some of the pics that they seem to be???)can you walk the expanse of the beach- or are there fences?

suze

Yes you can walk the length of the beach. Right in front of some of the hotels, they have roped off areas for guests with loungers, etc. but down along the waterline is wide open.

Weadles

I don't know when you are planning on going, but if it is during a busy vacation time like spring or school break, you should reserve ASAP. Some of the hotels are quite small- 20 rooms or less- and they fill up quickly.

We always stay at COCO LA PALM, in one of the upper-floor jr. suites ( if interested, ask for one NOT over the bar), but if you prefer something slightly more upscale, look next door at IDLE AWHILE. I'd also recommend CHARELA INN and RONDEL VILLAGE.

I don't know the cliff hotels/inns at all, since we prefer to be on the beach, but I see that SUZE made some recommendations above.

About your question: If you walk too close to some of the AI's like COUPLES or BEACHES, you may get approached by a guard or two asking if you're a guest there. Stay close to the water and it shouldn't be a problem. Once you get past the big hotels at that end of the beach ( away from town, toward HEDONISM), there's no problem at all. And certainly not a problem in front of the small hotels mid-beach and closer to town.

suze

Thanks Weadles, yes what I described as the beachfront was at one "of the small hotels mid-beach" (Charlea Inn to be exact). I didn't realize the big resorts out further might be different. Thanks for the additional info.