Just got back from Idle Awhile. Second time there in the last 12 months. Everything, i.e., food, accommodations, staff, was excellent. We have a 6 year old son and he loves it there. All of the staff are super friendly. We ate there a lot this time and the food was terrific. They had a gift for us in our room welcoming us "back home". Really relaxing. Highly recommend Idle Ahile. We'll be back!
[email protected]

I have stayed there myself and loved it too.

One of the gems of Jamaica.

I got ill from eating conch out of season at another restaurant on the island and they picked an herb for me and brewed a tea that had me 100% in no time.

They treated me like family.

I recommend Idle Awhile to anyone headed to Negril. Wonderful place!

Joshua,
We have never been to Negril before but plan on going oneday..and will stay at Idle Awhile which was highly recommended by alot of people on this forum!Thanks for another recommendation..makes me feel even more that it is the right choice.

Christie

Christie-

I think we're in the same position with respect to future Jamaica travel. Idle Awhile is where I've decided we'll stay (due to the ovewhelmingly positive feedback from posters) when we go to Jamaica (I'd love to stay at Jamaica Inn but it looks a little too pricey). The website looks great.

When do you think you'll get to go?

Mah,

You'll love it! Small and intimate without being oppressive.

We are usually very insular on vacation since it's the only time we get to spend any amount of time together but we met 2 couples while we were at Idle Awhile and really enjoyed hanging out with them.

Jamaica Inn is worth saving up for, I would suggest that you try to visit late April/May/early June when it's classed as Off-season but it's not hurricane season. It's a wonderful place.

Now all I have to do is find somewhere as good for next year - sigh!

Mah,
I hope to go sometime around March or April.I have to talk my husband into it though.

I did have him talked into it..until we went to St John in Sept.We talked with a couple that lived there for a little while and did not like it.That is all it took for my husband to change his mind again.Darn! Maybe I will have some luck talking him into going.

When would you like to go?

Christie

Christie

Christie, just keep at it. I'm sure with your enthusiasm and powers of persuasion that you'll convince your husband to try Jamaica in no time.

Joshua, thanks for adding your name to the long list of IA admirers. If I ever get to NEgril I fully intend to split my time between there and a place on the cliffs.

christie,

I'd like to go in the early summer. However, we're trying to save as much as possible to buy a new house so it may not work out.

My DH has also talked to people that didn't like it so that doesn't make it any easier to convince him.

Mah,
We are in the same boat..we are also trying to buy a bigger house.We have 3 boys and have outgrown our current one.It could be a while before we travel again.

I might have to watch movies that show nice tropical scenery like another poster Ej is doing. Until we can travel again.

Good luck with getting a new home!Hopefully it will not take too long.

Christie

Ej,
I would like to also split time between Idle Awhile and Rockhouse..on the cliffs.Because the snorkeling at the Rockhouse is said to be great!

Where were you thinking of staying on the cliffs?

I might have to just watch movies until we can travel again.

Christie

Christie, I am torn between the ROckhouse and Tensing Pen. Both look wonderful to me. Rockhouse used to have the edge with their restaurant and bar on site, but I think I heard that Tensing Pen added one when they rebuilt after Ivan last year.

I just love the idea of climbing down a ladder into the sea from the cliffs. Snorkeling and paddling around in that gorgeous water. Clearly what I need is a job that gives me at least 6 weeks of paid vacation a year so I can spend time in Negril, Treasure Beach AND Porty. What do you t'ink?

ej,
That sounds great!If you find that kinda job..please let me in on it!

Christie

Our last trip to Negril was split between the beach and the cliffs -- I forgot where we stayed on the beach -- it was fine for us, but not as nice as Charela Inn where we've stayed before and love because their restaurant is so good and the staff is so delightful. Our 3 nights on the cliffs were at Rockhouse in one of their delightful round cottages with thatched ceiling and outdoor shower. Simply stunning. Tensing Pen also looked great. (Our trips were pre-Ivan so obviously things may have changed a bit).

It IS like having two different vacations, splitting time between those locales, and I highly recommend it!

Having spent four nights at the Rockhouse in January and having seriously considered Tensing Pen, thought I would throw my two cents in. I really really wish that we had split our time between the cliffs and the beach, and at the beach we absolutely would have stayed at IA. We did spend a day there, and the property was lovely, the food was good, and the staff so very nice.

As to the Rockhouse v. Tensing Pen, we went with the Rockhouse b/c of the restaurant/bar and the swimming pool. It would be a tougher call with Tensing Pen now having a restaurant (which looks great on the website). We did some snorkeling climbing down the ladders at the Rockhouse, and it was very windy and choppy and quite a workout, but maybe it was just the wrong time of day. I actually like the look of Tensing Pen more than the Rockhouse--just a bit more isolated and romantic. But we absolutely loved the pool at the Rockhouse and spent a lot of time there.

Of course, I now regret that I didn't give more serious consideration to Jamaica Inn.....maybe next time!

Kym