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Welcome back, vacationers! This blog post is going to cover all the key information you need to prepare for a trip to the Negril region of Jamaica, in addition to providing an honest review of several all-inclusive resorts in the area. If you’re interested in visiting Montego Bay, I have a similar guide to that region for you here. Let’s dive into where to stay near Negril, Jamaica, along with some tips for the South Coast!
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Know Before You Go: Jamaica Edition
Here are a few simple facts about traveling to Jamaica to help you prepare for your upcoming visit to Negril, Jamaica!
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Language
Jamaicans speak English, however, there is an island dialect that you may have trouble understanding. One phrase you will hear often and learn to love: yah mon!
Currency
The local currency in Jamaica is JMD, or the Jamaican Dollar. If you’re visiting a resort, USD will be widely accepted and favored. You do NOT need to exchange currency in the airport. However, you should carry some cash with you to tip hotel staff, drivers, tour guides, etc.
Weather (Best Time Of Year To Visit Jamaica)
The weather in Jamaica is hot and humid year-round. It’s a tropical climate, so expect strong sun and temperatures in the low 80s – mid 90s, depending on the season. I visited in mid-August and it was definitely 90+ F everyday with a UV of 7+. The warmer months also tend to be the rainiest — it’s not abnormal to experience daily sun showers or thunderstorms in the afternoons. Don’t worry, they pass quickly.
Pro-tip: Hurricane season in the Caribbean is from August – November. Additionally, the most popular time to visit Jamaica for tourists is during the winter months. This is when prices will be the highest, so plan accordingly!
Wi-Fi / Phone Service
All-inclusive resorts around Jamaica will all provide high-speed Wi-Fi that will work throughout the property. Additionally, if you have an international phone plan, it should switch on when you land no problem for data and phone calls. My favorite phone carrier for travel is T-Mobile’s Magenta Plan!
Transportation
It’s not recommended to rent a car in Jamaica. Similar to my experiences in Barbados, Jamaicans drive on the opposite side of the road, tend to speed, and cut around each other very often since there’s no road lines. I would also avoid taxis. Stick to the resort shuttles!
Water
You can brush your teeth with the sink water in Jamaica, but I would stick with bottled water at the all-inclusive resorts for drinking. Stay hydrated!
What To Pack For A Trip To Jamaica
Not only is Jamaica a vibrant Caribbean island, it’s an independent country! I was actually in Jamaica on it’s Independence Day of August 6! The country just celebrated its 62nd year of independence from the British. I’m not just sharing this because I like to include some historical context in my blog posts, but because you’ll need your PASSPORT! This is the #1 thing you’ll have to pack for your trip to Jamaica.
Additionally, don’t forget your beach essentials: SPF, swim suits, a cover-up, a hat, in addition to some shorts / tops / sneakers for an excursion (or some pickleball!). I would also pack 2-3 outfits that fit the Resort Evening dress code for dinners. This means collared shirts for men, dresses / skirts / slacks for women, and a nicer sandal, heel, or dress shoe (no flip flops). Now that you have some basic information for Jamaica, let’s dive into Negril, Jamaica specifics!
How To Get To Negril / South Coast, Jamaica
As mentioned above, Montego Bay is home to Jamaica’s largest international airport. This is by far the easiest way to get to Jamaica! There are loads of non-stop flights from major US cities on airlines like JetBlue, Southwest, and American Airlines.
From Montego Bay, you’ll need to ride in the resort shuttle to reach Negril, which is located on the far west coast of the island. This shuttle ride is about 1.5 hours long. If you’re traveling to the South Coast from Montego Bay, this shuttle ride will take about 2 hours.
I wouldn’t recommend taking taxis in this area and Jamaicans tend to drive quite fast, so I wouldn’t rent a car either. Instead, it’s seamless to board a shuttle at the airport and get dropped off right at your resort! If you want to leave your resort during your stay in Jamaica, there are other shuttles that can bring you on excursions. More on this below.
Staying In Negril, Jamaica
There are two all-inclusive resorts, located a 5 minute shuttle ride from one another, in the Negril region that I recommend exploring. Sandals Negril is for guests 18+ and is better for couples (king-size beds only!). Beaches Negril is better for large groups, as there are 3-4 bedroom suites and villas to book that are more family-friendly. Plus, kids are not only allowed but fully cared for here — there are SO many incredible amenities I’m excited to cover below! I toured both resorts during my recent trip to Jamaica.
Sandals Negril: Overall Resort Review
Of all the Sandals resorts I toured in Jamaica during my recent trip (hello, country #52!), I think Sandals Negril was my favorite. First, it’s the perfect size. It’s not too massive, but also has plenty to do. It sits right on Jamaica’s famous 7-mile beach in the perfect location in Negril, Jamaica. The resort stretches horizontally along the beach, meaning most of the suites and restaurants are ocean-front.
Sandals Negril: Recommended Suites
During my time at Sandals Negril, I was able to tour 3 suites. Sandals Negril offers all 3 tiers — Luxury, Club, and Butler. The Luxury rooms here all face the gardens, while the Club and Butler levels are ocean-front.
The Bamboo Grove Swim-up Club Suite is a swim-up suite at Sandals Negril that is peak luxury. It has a cozy king-size bed, massive en-suite bathroom with soaking tub and double sink, and sliding glass doors that lead right onto a private patio with pool access.
The suite that impressed me the most at Sandals Negril was the Bamboo Grove One-Bedroom Skypool Butler Suite — Sandals Negril’s NEW Butler suites with sky pools! You heard that right… these suites are located within the Bamboo Grove Village and have private, infinity sky pools on the outside deck, in addition to personal Butler service, offered from 8 am – 8 pm daily.
Sandals Negril: Restaurants & Activities
There is a main pool area and giant buffet for breakfast and lunch, called the Bayside Restaurant, that sits on a terrace overlooking the water. There are several swim-up pools here as well, including a diving pool, where guests can get scuba certified (for free!).
The Aqua Center also offers sailing on Hobie Cats, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, and more. Guests can also enjoy excursions with Island Routes right from the property as well. I saw several catamaran boats anchored RIGHT off the short during my tour of Sandals Negril.
During our tour, we had the privilege of speaking to several chefs and general managers on property. We got a full kitchen tour of the new tapas restaurant concept on-site, Brava! This place offers authentic Spanish tapas and sangria, all served on hand-made pottery that was shipped from Spain! The chef recommended that guests dine here for dinner at least 2-3 times during their time at Sandals Negril to try every small plate!
Additional restaurants on-site here include: Perla Latin Fusion, Crema Ice Cream, Sundowner Caribbean, Kimonos for Japanese, Barefoot by the Sea, and a pizzeria option.
Interested in visiting yourself? You can use this link to book direct to save!
Beaches Negril: Overall Resort Review
Beaches is a resort chain under the Sandals’ family. However, the brand has been curated for families, kids, and large groups! The Sandals brand mostly caters to couples. Beaches family resorts, which are located in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos, offer spacious rooms and suites, water parks, and an array of activities for kids of every age.
The Beaches Negril resort is located about 5 minutes by car down the road from Sandals Negril, and is also located on the most pristine stretch of Jamaica’s famous Seven Mile Beach.
At Beaches Negril, just about everything is included, making it the best value for your all-inclusive family vacation package. Everything you can possibly imagine is beachside at Beaches Negril — from lively pools to restaurants and bars. Continue reading below to learn about the suites and activities included!
Beaches Negril: Recommended Suites
Beaches Negril has been elevated in the past few years. Now, 100% of the rooms and suites are NEW! There have been a sweeping array of enhancements added to each of the three levels of accommodation at Beaches — Luxury, Concierge, and Butler level.
During my time at Beaches, I was able to tour the brand-new Firesky Reserve Villa Four Bedroom Butler suites. These spacious 4 bed, 3 bath villas sleep 10+ guests across three floors of tropical bliss. Each villa comes complete with its own private pool, walk-in showers, soaking tubs, bunk beds, and a sleeper sofa bed in one of the family rooms.
I also toured the Eventide Penthouse Three Bedroom Balcony Butler suite. Situated on the second floor of the Eventide building, in the most desirable section of the resort, this modern 3 bed, 3.5 bath penthouse overlooks the Caribbean! Inside, you’ll find a king bed, queen sleeper sofa, a second bedroom with two queen beds, and a third bedroom with bunkbeds.
I would recommend either of these butler-level suites to any groups or extended families looking to travel together to Negril, Jamaica. Rates begin at $47 per child, per night. You can click this link to learn more and book direct!
Beaches Negril: Restaurants & Activities
At Beaches Negril, just about anything you could ever imagine is included, from every land and water sport under the sun, to anytime gourmet dining at up to 20 specialty restaurants, activities and amenities for all ages.
The Mill is the largest restaurant at Beaches Negril, and offers a buffet for breakfast, lunch, as well as dinner served from 5:30 – 9:30 pm. During my time at Beaches, I also toured Yaku — the first of its kind Peruvian restaurant! People were RAVING about this restaurant! They have the ability to accommodate large groups, and even celebrate birthdays!
Additionally, for dining, there are 2 food trucks on site, a pizza restaurant, several Asian cuisine options (Kimonos and Soy Sushi), and seafood / Caribbean-inspired eateries, such as The Jerk Shack and Stew Fish.
As for activities, this resort BLEW ME AWAY with its options for families! For small children under the age of 4, there was an entire daycare + Kids Camp center, staffed with certified caretakers. There were nap rooms, nursing rooms, a giant indoor jungle gym, and so much more. Parents could drop their kids off here for an entire day while they relax, if they wanted to.
Outside, there is a lazy river, several pools, a playground, and giant waterpark, complete with several waterslides. Not to mention the beachfront, located just steps from the pools.
Day and night entertainment includes a Sesame Street parade, in addition to live music, beach parties, and tween-only, in addition to adult-only night clubs. There truly is something for EVERYONE at Beaches Negril!
Interested in visiting Negril, Jamaica yourself? You can use this link to book direct to save!
Staying Along The South Coast of Jamaica
Sandals South Coast: Overall Resort Review
Located along the South Coast of Jamaica in Whitehouse, this 2-mile stretch of coastline deserves some attention. This all-inclusive resort located along the “sexy South Coast” was one of the most all-encompassing resorts I’ve ever visited. This place really has it all — including suites at the Luxury, Club, and Butler levels. Want to treat yourself to the vacation of your lifetime? Here you can. There’s Over-the-Water Butler Bungalows, swim-up suites in the reimagined beachfront Dutch Village, and first-of-their-kind Rondoval Suites. These round suites have their own private pool access, walk-in showers, and the tallest ceilings I’ve seen.
Sandals South Coast is a bit isolated from other resorts, so this place will provide the most relaxing stay. There’s so many restaurants and activities to enjoy on site, you don’t even have to leave! But if you want to, Island Routes provides aquatic excursions, such as catamaran cruises, right from a dock on the property. I toured a few suites during my time in Jamaica, so let’s learn about those!
Sandals South Coast: Recommended Suites
I stayed in a Club Level suite that I HIGHLY recommend during my three nights at this resort! The Starlight Beachfront Suite with Balcony Tranquility Soaking Tub is located on the second, third, and fourth floors of the Starlight buildings. These spacious suites overlook the pools below, and South Coast beach. Glass doors open to reveal a private balcony complete with a Tranquility Soaking Tub for two, privacy curtains, and a bistro dining set. The inside has a cozy king-size bed, HD Smart TV, and en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower.
In addition, guests at this level enjoy Club Sandals concierge services to handle any special requests and reservations, private check-in, all day in-room dining, and access to the Club Sandals Lounge.
If you’re looking for a Butler Elite suite, I can’t recommend the Rondovals more. As mentioned in the resort overview, the Rondoval Swim-up Butler Villa includes a private pool sanctuary. These secluded, first-of-their-kind Butler Suites are nestled among the resort’s lush gardens and are the definition of “exotic hideaway”.
Once inside, guests will notice soaring ceilings, porcelain tile flooring, a custom king-size bed with exotic, carved headboard and a lavish private pool sanctuary-with direct access from the bedroom — plus a sprawling living area, which includes an HD Smart TV and in-room premium bar. The bathroom provides a large, solid-stone soaking tub, walk-in shower, as well as a unique freestanding vanity and double-sided mirror. To round out the experience, these private villas include personal butler service, 24-hour in-room dining and VIP Check-In.
Hit the links above to further explore these accommodation options and to book direct to save!
Sandals South Coast: Restaurants & Activities
In terms of dining, Sandals South Coast features 9 always included restaurants for guests to choose from. There’s Italian at Giuseppe’s, Asian at Sushi on the Sand and Jasmine’s, Mediterranean at Neptune’s (my personal fav!), and classic Caribbean / Jamaican options at Eleanor’s, The Jerk Shack, and more.
During my stay at Sandals South Coast, I also found myself at the Bayside Restaurant every morning to enjoy the breakfast buffet and Cafe de Paris for a cappuccino!
As for activities, don’t miss the Red Lane Spa, fitness center, day & night entertainment in the main Peacock Piazza area, in addition to the following land and sea activities:
- Kayaks
- Waterskiing
- Windsurfing
- Snorkeling
- Sailboats
- Tubing
- Paddle Boarding
- Glass Bottom Boats
- Wakeboarding
- Kneeboarding
- Day & Night Tennis + Pickleball
- Shuffleboard
- Lawn Chess
- Croquet
- Basketball
- Beach Volleyball
- Board Games
- Pool Tables
- & more!
I also enjoyed a 3-hour scenic catamaran cruise with Island Routes right from the Sandals South Coast dock! This tour allowed us to see the entire south coast and swim in a marine park — definitely check it out if you want a change from the pools and beach chairs.
Interested in visiting yourself? You can use this link to book direct to save!
That brings us to the end of this blog post all about where to stay on the west coast of Jamaica, outside of Montego Bay! If you want to learn more about staying in Montego Bay, Jamaica, check out this post. I hope these tips for where to stay in Negril, Jamaica and the South Coast inspire you to consider a Sandals resort for you + yours.
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