Travels

March 2019, we left Ottawa to Montego Bay, Jamaica on Sunwing airlines. Once we landed in Montego Bay, we boarded a transfer bus which made many stops along the way to our resort in Negril.

Negril is a town in western Jamaica. It is well known for its sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Negril is relativly small but a widely dispersed beach resort town covering two parishes, Westmoreland and Hanover.

The drive between Montego Bay and Negril is approx 76KM, 1 hour and 15 minutes.

We made a pit stop half way for a break and refreshments, it was a beautiful sunny warm day. We stayed at ROOMS Resort, the last on the stop.

We made many stops along Negril’s seven mile beach. One resort had Easter Bunny characters greeting the guests.

The rain started along the way to our stop. Rooms Resort gate staff removed the chain across the driveway to let us in. The guest agents were very friendly and helpful. This resort is close to the road, Norman Manley blvd, and in walking distance to many shops and restaurants.

Rooms Resort are several two story block buildings all with either patio or balcony. Rooms Negril has a total of fifty seven rooms, including Ocean Front and special Family Rooms, which feature two double beds and a pullout sofa bed.

Our room was in the first building on the ground floor, the patio was large and beautiful garden view. Dining options include (not all inclusive resort) Continental breakfast which is included at the sugar cane Cafe. A la carte breakfast and lunch can be purchased at the Sugar Cane Cafe as well. The Fields Beach bar is where you can enjoy some refreshing tropical drinks. There are many restaurants from fast food to gourmet within walking distance to choose from as well.

Some amenities at Rooms include an ocean front fresh water swimming pool, a fitness centre, full-sized Chess game and a great location along Negril’s well known seven-mile beach. There are many excusions available to purchase, the front desk will be happy to help you book them.

Rooms was located around the 2 mile end of the 7 mile beach. We walked most of the beach daily, its an easy walk however you need to be prepared for many persisiting vendors, friendly but persistant. From our resort walking towards the beginning of the beach, where the town of Negril is, there are not as many hotels/resorts but interesting things to see.

Arthur’s restaurant was a place we frequented often, the owners were so friendly and food was great and of course right on the beach, day or night the atmosphere was awesome

Kamara’s was a beach bar/restaurant right beside us, can’t beat the location of oceanfront dining.

So much to do or not if thats your choice. Swimming, snorkleing, parasailing, are just a few options right at the resort.

Walking towards the seven mile end there are a few things to see along the beach, very creative artists.

Can’t forget Margaritaville when in Jamaica!

Walking a bit further down this beautiful beach we find so many fun places with entertainment, drinks and good food. Woodstock was next on the walk, some interesting woodwork here. Great bands playing here day and night as well.

On our walk to the end of the beach, we continue to find things that take us off our journey to the end…But this is also what we always do. Its not about the destination but about the journey that gets you to your destination!

We got off the beaten path (beach) and walked on a (somewhat) of a path, came across a local with a huge piece of Aloe which he gave me for my sunburn. Next we found some locals cutting coconuts, of course we got one – and they added the rum :). Next we came to Island Lux, a couple restaurants and some shops, we found ourselves here a few times. This is almost at the end of the seven mile beach.

Negril beach is the nicest beach I have seen, and the sunsets are so amazing, every night!

Catamaran Cruise & Snorkle tour then on to Rick’s Cafe!

Time to explore places off the beach, off to Mayfield Falls we go. We booked a taxi to take us 1hour and 15min to Mayfield Falls located in the parish of Westmoreland.

We chose this one because it was off the beaten path, well hidden and thrives with wildlife, cool, crystal clear waters. Walking & swimming through the river was very resfreshing. Part of it you can swim under the rocks, experience the “washing machine” the last most powerful waterfall. When not in the water you can explore the amazing nature along the immaculate pathways.

This is an eco-tourism attraction. Mayfield Falls consist of 2 amazing waterfalls, 21 natural pools, 52 types of ferns and tons of exotic flowers, plants, birds, butterflies and wildlife native to Jamaica. The physical activity is medium, you walk through water for about an hour. The guides are great and help when/if needed. (tips are expected at the end of the tour, they are great and do love what they do). This really has a jungle feel to it while exploring the grounds. There is a cafe onsite with Jamaican cuisine, change rooms and restrooms.

On our drive back, we came across these walls with information about past presidents, the National anthem and National symbols.

Beautiful plants and flowers everywhere, most of these are at our resort.

Fun Facts about Negril, Jamaica.

Negril is short for Negrillo, which means “little black ones”, named by the Spanish in 1494. There are two theories of how it got this name, The black cliffs south of the village or the large amount of black eels along Negril’s coast.

Negril’s seven mile beach has been rated one of the top ten beaches in the world.

Negril is famous for its nightlight scene along the Norman Manley Boulevard. The Reggae beats will keep you dancing all night long.