— By Andrea E. McHugh —
With extended family scattered across the East Coast, a group of us — six adults and three kids — decided to forgo the chaotic “who’s hosting Thanksgiving?” decisions and logistics and pack our bags for Jamaica instead. With everyone hailing from the Northeast, turkey and mashed potatoes in the tropics was a new one for us. Regardless, the experience made it easy to swap the crackle of a fire in the hearth and crisp fall air for palm trees, thatched-roof beach cabanas and waterslides.
Jamaica, the third largest of the Caribbean islands, is just 90 miles south of Cuba, and for many Americans, relatively easy to get to with dozens of direct flights from major U.S. airports daily. There are three major airports on the island: Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay (MBJ), Ian Fleming International Airport in Boscobel (OCJ), and Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston (KIN).
Before booking a flight, visitors need to decide which of the six main tourist regions they want to explore: Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Kingston, South Coast, Montego Bay, or Negril. Each has their own unique character, but all share diverse landscapes ranging from miles of sandy coastline to mountainous and forested areas. We chose to head to Negril, known for its spectacular beaches, breathtaking clips and mellow vibes.
As Jamaica is the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean, getting around and communicating with locals is a breeze.
Perched along the westernmost part of the island, Negril is one of Jamaica’s most visited regions. It’s famous for the exquisite white sands of Seven Mile Beach, endless outdoor adventure, extraordinary sunsets, and iconic laid-back vibe. It’s also ideal for families as there are a wide range of resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals — and most offer plentiful all-age activities.
One drawback of Negril is that the closest airport, Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, is about 80 miles away. Much of the road to the airport traces the coastline. It’s stunning, but it’s only a two-way stretch. Depending on traffic, it can take up to two hours by bus or car between destinations. Travelers should take that into consideration when planning an itinerary on arrival and departure days.
Beaches Negril is a family-friendly resort on Seven Mile Beach with ample space to enjoy water sports or simply relax.
Like any international destination, immigration and customs at Sangster can be a lengthy process. Many experienced Negril travelers choose to purchase Club Mobay, an airport concierge and lounge service which, most importantly, fast-tracks passage through immigration and customs.
The service has other perks, including the club’s arrival and departure lounges, which includes complimentary bars, light snacks and beverages, high-speed internet, and shower facilities. While we didn’t need the latter, the kids enjoyed the snacks and beverages immensely, especially after the flight.
Prices range from $35 to $50 per adult (or $85 for arrival and departure package) and $23 to $25 per child ($48 round trip package). Some resorts and hotels offer Club Mobay as an added fee when booking your stay. While it will add more to your overall vacation spend, it’s the best way to avoid long lines — especially when traveling with kids.
I traveled to Negril once without Club Mobay and never made the mistake again.
On the widest stretch of Seven Mile Beach, you’ll find Beaches Negril. The all-inclusive resort is made for family travel with multiple pools including a small waterpark with waterslides and lazy river, live entertainment, and family friendly activities. Our group of three pre-teens loved having their independence at the resort, taking advantage of waterslides, shuffleboard, anchored resting spots in the ocean close to shore, and the water sport equipment.
There are 13 restaurants onsite, so dining choices are diverse (kids will especially love YoYo’s Frozen Yogurt Bar and funky food trucks!) and there are multiple options for those with dietary needs. As we traveled over Thanksgiving, the resort had a special traditional holiday spread with all the fixings, and the kids loved the weather of desserts from pies and puddings to cake and fresh fruit. Our group of none also had a blast at the hibachi restaurant, complete with hilarious singing chefs.
The resort offers a kids camp led by certified nannies — including the Caribbean’s first autism-friendly kids camp, officially designated as an Advanced Certified Autism Center via completion of advanced training requirements and needed accommodations for visitors. Teens and tweens will love getting on the water aboard Hobie Cats, paddleboards, and kayaks, and by night, enjoy the teen lounge with games and music.
Cliff jumping at Rick’s Café in Negril’s West End has been a beloved tradition for decades. Adults and children alike enjoy the thrill, but participants should be strong swimmers.
There’s no shortage of Negril lodging with a wide array of activities suitable for all kids, from youngsters to adolescents. Among them, be sure to check out Royalton Negril with their selection of all-ages activities and adventures.
The Kids Club, designed for ages 4 to 12, offers a supervised space to play games, chill and watch cartoons, or have fun on the playground. The club’s mascot, Turbo the Turtle, keeps young ones entertained while also teaching about topics relevant to the region like healthy oceans and aquatic ecosystems. The on-site splash pad features fountains, sprayers, and slides set in a shallow, free-form pool. Parents of teens, rest assured: Travelers between 13 and 17 years old have a dedicated and supervised lounge and can take part in tennis, ping pong, billiards, video games and more.
As Negril is dominated by all inclusive resorts, many travelers dine exclusively on property — understandable as most travelers want to get the most out of the hefty meal-inclusive price tag. But it would be a mistake to not explore some of Negril’s local spots. The town is dotted by plenty of roadside jerk stands, which easily seduce diners with wonderful aromas from the grill. Paired with an ice cold Red Stripe beer, a plate of jerk chicken or jerk fish is just about perfect.
If you walk along Seven Mile Beach, you may run into Miss Lily’s — a colorful bum bar, beach shack, and Negril staple. The chill restaurant offers toes-in-the-sand of traditional Jamaican dishes, like Jamaican patties — flaky pastries filled with spiced ground beef or chicken, which became a favorite among our group — plus more conventional U.S. eats. Visitors can make an afternoon of their time at Miss Lily’s if they score a beach lounger. Although part of the Skylark Negril Beach Resort, the restaurant is an independent brand and has a location in New York City (and one in Dubai!)
Erica’s Hideaway in the West End has served up authentic Jamaican eats for more than 40 years. A chalkboard menu touts dishes like curry conch, curry goat, or fresh caught Red Snapper, and the restaurant is a favorite among locals as well.
When Rick’s Café was founded in Negril in 1974, the site was chosen for its west-facing panoramic views of the Caribbean.
Merging dining and outdoor fun, iconic Rick’s Cafe is a bustling tourist attraction and deservedly so. Set atop the West End cliffs, Rick’s was founded in 1974 and offers one of the best sunset views on the island. The cafe is also known for cliff diving and jumping, by pros and any other thrill seekers ready to take the plunge from their 10-foot, 15-foot, 25-foot, and 35-foot perches. After building up some courage, my family and I took the plunge from the 15-foot platform, and couldn’t stop after that!
It’s free to enter Rick’s, but guests cannot bring any food or drink inside. Families with little ones may not feel comfortable with the crowds, free-flowing cocktails or loud music, and cliff jumping is for neither the faint of heart nor weak swimmers.
With coral reefs and stunning marine life, snorkeling and scuba diving is one of the best activities in Negril. A short boat ride can take adventists to breathing spots to see sea turtles, rays, giant starfish, and more. Snorkeling is an especially enjoyable family activity and with just some instruction, child and adult travelers alike will easily acclimate and enjoy the experience, provided they are good swimmers. My family was thrilled with our snorkeling adventure and the opportunity to swim amongst the colorful schools of fish and get up close to other sea life. Plus, the experience was included in our Beaches stay.
Looking to enjoy marine life a bit closer to shore? Take advantage of Nigril’s paddleboarding and kayaking! Many resorts offer these onsite, but travelers will also find plenty of local companies along Seven Mile Beach offering catamaran sails, parasailing, speed tubing and other aquatic pursuits – even a tiki-hut boat!
You’ll find ample water sports along the beach in Negril, from catamaran sails, scuba and snorkeling to parasailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, water bikes and and glass-bottom boat tours.
While relaxing on the beach in Negril is as relaxing as it gets, Seven Mile Beach has a number of beachfront massage “spas.” These hubs are simple, open-air massage spaces where guests can get deep tissue, Swedish, hot stone and couples massages for a fraction of the cost compared to resort spas. I saved a ton of money by opting for an on-beach massage from a local business rather than the fancier spa at my resort, and I truly felt like I was a world away with the ocean breeze wafting through the space. It’s not hard to find reflexology or drop-in yoga on the beach either!
We found Negril to be an ideal choose-your-own-adventure destination that allows families to digitally disconnect and enjoy the beauty of nature and a vibrant culture. We also loved celebrating a holiday far from home with extended family where no one had to craft a menu, cook all day or clean the house!
Negril made it far too easy to forget about the regular demands at home and fully digitally disconnect. The natural beauty of its lush forests, the gentle, crystalline ocean waters, the outdoor adventure, the traditional foods, and most of all, the warm hospitality of the Jamaican people made the trip a spectacular experience that made us want to return.
November through May are the island’s busiest months as many visitors look to trade cooler temperatures for Jamaica’s idyllic tropical weather. Families on a budget will find the best deals July through October. Late spring and early fall are the rainier parts of the year.
Photos by Andrea E. McHugh
—
About the Author: Andrea E. McHugh is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience covering travel, food and wine/cocktails, sustainability and culture. She’s a regular correspondent for the Boston Globe and her work has appeared in Wine Enthusiast, Parade Magazine, US News, BBC Travel, USA Today, Yankee Magazine, Business Insider and more. She lives in New England and loves traveling with her small family. Find her at andreamchughmedia.com or on Instagram @newportstyle.
The post A Family Friendly Adventure in Negril, Jamaica appeared first on Road Trips For Families.
With extended family scattered across the East Coast, a group of us — six adults and three kids — decided to forgo the chaotic “who’s hosting Thanksgiving?” decisions and logistics and pack our bags for Jamaica instead. With everyone hailing from the Northeast, turkey and mashed potatoes in the tropics was a new one for us. Regardless, the experience made it easy to swap the crackle of a fire in the hearth and crisp fall air for palm trees, thatched-roof beach cabanas and waterslides.
Jamaica, the third largest of the Caribbean islands, is just 90 miles south of Cuba, and for many Americans, relatively easy to get to with dozens of direct flights from major U.S. airports daily. There are three major airports on the island: Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay (MBJ), Ian Fleming International Airport in Boscobel (OCJ), and Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston (KIN).
Before booking a flight, visitors need to decide which of the six main tourist regions they want to explore: Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Kingston, South Coast, Montego Bay, or Negril. Each has their own unique character, but all share diverse landscapes ranging from miles of sandy coastline to mountainous and forested areas. We chose to head to Negril, known for its spectacular beaches, breathtaking clips and mellow vibes.
As Jamaica is the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean, getting around and communicating with locals is a breeze.
Negril
Perched along the westernmost part of the island, Negril is one of Jamaica’s most visited regions. It’s famous for the exquisite white sands of Seven Mile Beach, endless outdoor adventure, extraordinary sunsets, and iconic laid-back vibe. It’s also ideal for families as there are a wide range of resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals — and most offer plentiful all-age activities.
One drawback of Negril is that the closest airport, Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, is about 80 miles away. Much of the road to the airport traces the coastline. It’s stunning, but it’s only a two-way stretch. Depending on traffic, it can take up to two hours by bus or car between destinations. Travelers should take that into consideration when planning an itinerary on arrival and departure days.
Beaches Negril is a family-friendly resort on Seven Mile Beach with ample space to enjoy water sports or simply relax.
Like any international destination, immigration and customs at Sangster can be a lengthy process. Many experienced Negril travelers choose to purchase Club Mobay, an airport concierge and lounge service which, most importantly, fast-tracks passage through immigration and customs.
The service has other perks, including the club’s arrival and departure lounges, which includes complimentary bars, light snacks and beverages, high-speed internet, and shower facilities. While we didn’t need the latter, the kids enjoyed the snacks and beverages immensely, especially after the flight.
Prices range from $35 to $50 per adult (or $85 for arrival and departure package) and $23 to $25 per child ($48 round trip package). Some resorts and hotels offer Club Mobay as an added fee when booking your stay. While it will add more to your overall vacation spend, it’s the best way to avoid long lines — especially when traveling with kids.
I traveled to Negril once without Club Mobay and never made the mistake again.
Where to Stay in Negril with Kids
Beaches Negril
On the widest stretch of Seven Mile Beach, you’ll find Beaches Negril. The all-inclusive resort is made for family travel with multiple pools including a small waterpark with waterslides and lazy river, live entertainment, and family friendly activities. Our group of three pre-teens loved having their independence at the resort, taking advantage of waterslides, shuffleboard, anchored resting spots in the ocean close to shore, and the water sport equipment.
There are 13 restaurants onsite, so dining choices are diverse (kids will especially love YoYo’s Frozen Yogurt Bar and funky food trucks!) and there are multiple options for those with dietary needs. As we traveled over Thanksgiving, the resort had a special traditional holiday spread with all the fixings, and the kids loved the weather of desserts from pies and puddings to cake and fresh fruit. Our group of none also had a blast at the hibachi restaurant, complete with hilarious singing chefs.
The resort offers a kids camp led by certified nannies — including the Caribbean’s first autism-friendly kids camp, officially designated as an Advanced Certified Autism Center via completion of advanced training requirements and needed accommodations for visitors. Teens and tweens will love getting on the water aboard Hobie Cats, paddleboards, and kayaks, and by night, enjoy the teen lounge with games and music.
Cliff jumping at Rick’s Café in Negril’s West End has been a beloved tradition for decades. Adults and children alike enjoy the thrill, but participants should be strong swimmers.
Royalton Negril
There’s no shortage of Negril lodging with a wide array of activities suitable for all kids, from youngsters to adolescents. Among them, be sure to check out Royalton Negril with their selection of all-ages activities and adventures.
The Kids Club, designed for ages 4 to 12, offers a supervised space to play games, chill and watch cartoons, or have fun on the playground. The club’s mascot, Turbo the Turtle, keeps young ones entertained while also teaching about topics relevant to the region like healthy oceans and aquatic ecosystems. The on-site splash pad features fountains, sprayers, and slides set in a shallow, free-form pool. Parents of teens, rest assured: Travelers between 13 and 17 years old have a dedicated and supervised lounge and can take part in tennis, ping pong, billiards, video games and more.
Dining in Negril
As Negril is dominated by all inclusive resorts, many travelers dine exclusively on property — understandable as most travelers want to get the most out of the hefty meal-inclusive price tag. But it would be a mistake to not explore some of Negril’s local spots. The town is dotted by plenty of roadside jerk stands, which easily seduce diners with wonderful aromas from the grill. Paired with an ice cold Red Stripe beer, a plate of jerk chicken or jerk fish is just about perfect.
If you walk along Seven Mile Beach, you may run into Miss Lily’s — a colorful bum bar, beach shack, and Negril staple. The chill restaurant offers toes-in-the-sand of traditional Jamaican dishes, like Jamaican patties — flaky pastries filled with spiced ground beef or chicken, which became a favorite among our group — plus more conventional U.S. eats. Visitors can make an afternoon of their time at Miss Lily’s if they score a beach lounger. Although part of the Skylark Negril Beach Resort, the restaurant is an independent brand and has a location in New York City (and one in Dubai!)
Erica’s Hideaway in the West End has served up authentic Jamaican eats for more than 40 years. A chalkboard menu touts dishes like curry conch, curry goat, or fresh caught Red Snapper, and the restaurant is a favorite among locals as well.
When Rick’s Café was founded in Negril in 1974, the site was chosen for its west-facing panoramic views of the Caribbean.
Water Fun
Merging dining and outdoor fun, iconic Rick’s Cafe is a bustling tourist attraction and deservedly so. Set atop the West End cliffs, Rick’s was founded in 1974 and offers one of the best sunset views on the island. The cafe is also known for cliff diving and jumping, by pros and any other thrill seekers ready to take the plunge from their 10-foot, 15-foot, 25-foot, and 35-foot perches. After building up some courage, my family and I took the plunge from the 15-foot platform, and couldn’t stop after that!
It’s free to enter Rick’s, but guests cannot bring any food or drink inside. Families with little ones may not feel comfortable with the crowds, free-flowing cocktails or loud music, and cliff jumping is for neither the faint of heart nor weak swimmers.
With coral reefs and stunning marine life, snorkeling and scuba diving is one of the best activities in Negril. A short boat ride can take adventists to breathing spots to see sea turtles, rays, giant starfish, and more. Snorkeling is an especially enjoyable family activity and with just some instruction, child and adult travelers alike will easily acclimate and enjoy the experience, provided they are good swimmers. My family was thrilled with our snorkeling adventure and the opportunity to swim amongst the colorful schools of fish and get up close to other sea life. Plus, the experience was included in our Beaches stay.
Looking to enjoy marine life a bit closer to shore? Take advantage of Nigril’s paddleboarding and kayaking! Many resorts offer these onsite, but travelers will also find plenty of local companies along Seven Mile Beach offering catamaran sails, parasailing, speed tubing and other aquatic pursuits – even a tiki-hut boat!
You’ll find ample water sports along the beach in Negril, from catamaran sails, scuba and snorkeling to parasailing, paddleboarding, kayaking, water bikes and and glass-bottom boat tours.
Relaxation
While relaxing on the beach in Negril is as relaxing as it gets, Seven Mile Beach has a number of beachfront massage “spas.” These hubs are simple, open-air massage spaces where guests can get deep tissue, Swedish, hot stone and couples massages for a fraction of the cost compared to resort spas. I saved a ton of money by opting for an on-beach massage from a local business rather than the fancier spa at my resort, and I truly felt like I was a world away with the ocean breeze wafting through the space. It’s not hard to find reflexology or drop-in yoga on the beach either!
Your Unique Negril Vacation Awaits
We found Negril to be an ideal choose-your-own-adventure destination that allows families to digitally disconnect and enjoy the beauty of nature and a vibrant culture. We also loved celebrating a holiday far from home with extended family where no one had to craft a menu, cook all day or clean the house!
Negril made it far too easy to forget about the regular demands at home and fully digitally disconnect. The natural beauty of its lush forests, the gentle, crystalline ocean waters, the outdoor adventure, the traditional foods, and most of all, the warm hospitality of the Jamaican people made the trip a spectacular experience that made us want to return.
November through May are the island’s busiest months as many visitors look to trade cooler temperatures for Jamaica’s idyllic tropical weather. Families on a budget will find the best deals July through October. Late spring and early fall are the rainier parts of the year.
Photos by Andrea E. McHugh
—
About the Author: Andrea E. McHugh is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience covering travel, food and wine/cocktails, sustainability and culture. She’s a regular correspondent for the Boston Globe and her work has appeared in Wine Enthusiast, Parade Magazine, US News, BBC Travel, USA Today, Yankee Magazine, Business Insider and more. She lives in New England and loves traveling with her small family. Find her at andreamchughmedia.com or on Instagram @newportstyle.The post A Family Friendly Adventure in Negril, Jamaica appeared first on Road Trips For Families.