The Negril Experience, Jamaica

[Michelle A Thurston]

                                                            NEGRIL SUNSET

 

Negril has always had a free-spirited reputation, so its no surprise that the famous Seven Mile Beach is a magnet for topless -- and sometimes nude -- sunbathing. You can catch a glimpse of extra flesh almost anywhere along this strand, but especially around the Hedonism II and Breezes Grand (formerly Grande Lido Negril) resorts, each of which has its own nude beaches.

SUMMARY ~ I would definitely entertain going back to this resort! Hopefully sooner rather than later! The butlers were consistently at the front desk asking all guests if there was anything they could assist with. It seemed to be a very well managed hotel.

 

 

 

                                     Sandals -pool area infront of Swim-up Lagoon ButlerSuites
Sandals Negril – THE LUXURY INCLUDED VACATION

GENERAL COMMENTS ~ Everything about the resort was excellent, but one needs to be concious about room location. Make sure you request for a specific room at the far end of the resort to get aware from the evening noise of the piano bar area, near the gift shop end of the resort.  The Premium rooms are a bit old and tucked away on the far side of the resort – somewhat small. You might opt to upgrade to a larger Grand Lux beachfront room instead – a much nicer choice. The Swim-up suites are truly amazing and worth every penny. This is a smaller scale Sandals with the true Jamaica feel and a very happy staff.  The food was excellent for the most part. The main pool just off the lobby was somewhat loud and many opted for the more quiet end of the resort, by the Piano bar.

ENTERTAINMENT ~ at the Piano Bar – early evening was a fantastic pianist! If you’re lucky you catch one of the beautiful famous sunsets while sitting, listening to music.

Later the place filled as ShyamMoses (www.shyammoses.com) enlightened the crowd with his amazing talents. He’s a true local musician ~ not to be missed. You can even take him home with you as I did buy purchasing one of his many CD’s.   Bayside offered the amazingly young Steel Drum band – Silver Birds – another local band not to be missed. (Place 4^th in World Steel Drum Competition in LAX)

THE BEACH ~ is also nicer at this end. Lovely beach, a bit narrowed from hurricane exposure. Vendors were set up just beyond the property line for souvenier shopping. There was also a day where the vendors were lined up on the Sandals beach.

RESTAURANTS ~ The Bayside restaurant was wonderful for breakfast – with a full buffet and many different delicable options. For lunch – the Grill or Bayside again. The seating on the terrace is so nice at lunchtime, just to sit and watch the world pass by, while you enjoy your amazing vacation.  The Barefoot Restaurant on the beach and the Japanese Restaurant seemed to have the best food, however Donovan at The Grill, rocked on the Jerk Chicken

Many weddings were happening at the resort from sun up to sun down 

 

                                       Beaches Negril Wedding Gazebo - Seven Mile Beach

 On to Beaches Negril Resort & Spa to do a walk through there. Security at the front steps met me to make sure I belonged there. Very nice to see that not anyone can just walk in.

210 Rooms – 20 acres property
     Beaches DLX room, 2 dbl beds











                                                One Bedroom Concierge Suite, 1 King, balcony


I was toured around by the very friendly and professional Darren. Thank you Darren for taking the time to show me around.

The resort is what I expected. Expansive pools with the water park/slides on the side. A larger RedLane Spa than Sandals Negril (nice, very nice). 9 treatment rooms + a couples massage room. They also offer a very nice 2nd floor waiting room for couples. The massage by Paula was one of the best I’ve had.

The property currently is awaiting a new GM so I didn't get to meet one. 

The kids club could be a bit larger as it seems busy in the toddler room, but they do offer different rooms for the different ages. Sesame Street Characters are the hit here. You’ll see them around the resort taking picture with children AND ADULTS. I’m not sure who enjoyed them more.

In touring the property, one thing I found is it’s large and there is a lot of walking. You’ll want to make sure that you request a ground floor if you can’t do stairs. There are no elevators. The building are mostly 3 story and wood structure. Deluxe Negril rooms are ample in size. If you can get away with the KING bed, do it, as you will have more walking room inside. Balconies are small but at least they have a balcony.

The Honeymoon JS are very nice. Nice size with a sitting area that has a pullout sofa.

The 1 bedroom Suite is very spacious and a nice upgrade for someone wanting just a bit more room than the Honeymoon JS offers.

Seville Restaurant is for adults only (16 + up) – Excellent food

Pool bars seemed to be quite busy and drinks were great!

 

The wedding Gazebo is in a beautiful spot, just off the expansive 7 mile Beach and in a Palmed area. Very nice and very busy. Beaches handles many weddings and does an excellent job.  

The new Martha Stewart packages became available for brides starting January 2010.

NOTE – Wifi is available in the lobby area, however if you want it in your room you will pay $14.95 per day.
Horseback riding is approximately 45 minutes from the resort

River rafting in Trelawny is approximately 2 hours away.

Dolphin encounter is approximately 3 hours away

Zip lining in Montego approximately 1 ½ hours, depending on traffic and time of day.

Beaches offers a catamaran for private parties, receptions,etc. email: [e-mail]

I hope you find the above information informative.

 

 

 

ON TO ~HILTON ROSE HALL MONTEGO     If you're in Montego Bay Rose  Hall  Beach. If you're staying at one of the luxury beachfront resorts here, such as the Iberostar, Half Moon, the Hilton Rose Hall, or the Ritz-Carlton, then this glorious strip of sand is right outside your doorway. If not, you can access this strand at the Rose Hall Beach Club, which has a restaurant, beach bar, and live entertainment, among other amenities.   

 

This hotel has been renovated and has a very nice contemporary feel. The waterpark is by far, one of the nicest I’ve seen on any resort. 

 

 

Another beautiful setting for a beautiful wedding.

 

 

 

 

SEE YOU THERE MON!......
Michelle Thurston~Owner
Your Travel Concierge of Naples
Email:  [e-mail]
Website:  www. YTCNaples.com
Phone: [phone]
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*Certified Travel Associate ... CLIA Master Cruise Counselor ...  Destination Specialist~ Caribbean ... US Virgin Islands Specialist*

 

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