NEGRIL
Area: Jamaica
Country: Jamaica


Location:
At the W tip of Jamaica, 52 miles W of Montego Bay and the international airport.

Telephone code from UK:
1 876

Position:
The resort has developed primarily along a seven-mile stretch of white sand beaches, and continues through to West End (Negril Point), where the coastline is rocky with some towering cliffs. Most (but not all) hotels are on the seaward side of the main road.

Description:
Negril's atmosphere is very different from Montego Bay and Ocho Rios and, despite a fair number of large hotels having been built here in the past, there is still plenty of space and a rural feel. No buildings are allowed to be higher than the palm trees. The coast road carries a fair amount of traffic but it does not spoil the scene in the way that the main roads around Montego Bay do. There are just a few shops and the odd bar/restaurant at intervals along the road. The centre, such as it is, comprises a modern block of shops with inexpensive restaurants, a tourist office and a post office. On a ruggedly rocky stretch of coast known as West End, most of the discos, popular bars and live music venues (where reggae is king) can be found. West End is also about the best place in Jamaica for scuba diving. The area is something of an artists' colony and the drugs scene is fairly prominent here: it is not unusual to be asked if you want to buy "ganja" (marijuana) _ which, as in Britain, is illegal. A free attraction in Negril are the magnificent sunsets.

Suitability:
Negril has always been most popular with freewheeling younger tourists although it has now become a "package" destination; it is something of an artists' colony and tends to attract hippy types and local Rastafarians. The resort has continued to grow, with the addition of more upmarket properties and all-inclusive hotels, to embrace the more affluent visitor. Overall, the resort is still a mecca for the younger music enthusiast, the artist and those who enjoy the sea, sun and parties.

Accommodation:
Predominantly alongside the coast road; some hotels are right on the beach, others are set back inland in the low hills.

Shopping:
Most hotels have tourist shops and small boutiques and there are roadside stalls and craft stands which sell souvenirs. Some shopping in the town-centre shops and shopping plaza. The serious tourist shopper will need to travel to Montego Bay or Ocho Rios for variety and choice.

Beach:
One long beautiful seven-mile stretch. Good swimming with the water fairly shallow near the shore. Excellent water clarity makes this resort a haven for divers and snorkellers, particularly by the coral reef.

Entertainments:
Daytime: a few of the larger hotels have tennis and squash courts and health clubs. Horse riding can also be arranged locally. Water sports _ these are Negril's strong point. The swimming here is excellent and para-sailing can be found at two or three places along the beach; most hotels offer windsurfing, water-skiing and sailing facilities, often free. Snorkelling is best off the cliffs at West End as is scuba diving; there are several diving schools with full instruction courses and equipment. Nightlife: plenty of music bars and some discos.

Eating:
Jamaican foods and dishes abound in tiny food stalls on the roadside and in hotel restaurants. Seafood is easily available, as are hamburgers and french fries. Most guests "dine around" at different properties; French, Italian, American and Continental cuisine are available. Plenty of variety in both cost and setting.

Public-transport:
Negril is often the termination point for the minibuses which travel across the island. Travelling on these buses is not for the fastidious or the faint-hearted. Hotels can arrange transportation for guests to and from the airport and for tours of other parts of the island. Within Negril most people walk or rent bicycles or motorbikes. Car hire is available.

Local-excursions:
Little in the way of organised excursions in the immediate area and sightseeing usually involves going to Montego Bay for shopping and attractions; some hotels provide their own transport to Montego Bay.