Jamaica Places

Negril

On a winding coastal road about 55 mi (89 km) southwest of Montego Bay, Negril was once Jamaica's best-kept secret. This community, long sheltered from development by the surrounding Great Morass, was first introduced to tourism in the 1970s, when it became a haven for hippies. At first residents rented them rooms (or hammocks), but slowly mom-and-pop hotels began to spring up on the cliffs and along the beach. But even then the place had a laid-back vibe.

Today, Negril is quickly (some say too quickly) catching up with the rest of Jamaica. Sprawling all-inclusive resorts have appeared, with more on the horizon. One good thing: The development so far is still of the low-rise variety, as local law mandates that no building here can be taller than the tallest palm tree. The two massive Riu hotels certainly push the envelope, however.

Despite it all, Negril hangs on to its reputation as a wild vacation destination. Nudity is still common on the beaches of Bloody Bay. The infamous Hedonism II, boasting the highest repeat guest rate in the Caribbean, has been the topic of plenty of stories involving late-night hot tub parties. Reggae clubs attract some of the island's best musicians to the cliffs that overlook spectacular sunsets. And, although not as popular as it was during the '70s, more than one establishment still sells hallucinogenic teas, and freelance entrepreneurs still hawk ganja.

One thing that hasn't changed at this west-coast community (whose only true claim to fame is a 7-mi [11-km] beach) is its casual approach to life. As you wander from lunch in the sun to shopping in the sun to sports in the sun, you can find that swimsuits and cover-ups are common attire. Want to dress up for a special meal? Tie a pareu over your swimsuit.

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