Dream escape: Negril
Refreshing turquoise waters, swaying palm trees and warm breezes are what await you in this Jamaican paradise
Nestled on the western tip of the island of Jamaica is the laidback town of Negril. Often described as the “capital of casual” by locals, this stunning destination boasts white-sand beaches, protected coral reefs and lush tropical landscapes.
And with the town offering everything from quirky cottages and mom-andpop restaurants to formal beachside resorts and upscale dining, everyone is sure to find something they’ll love.
Start your getaway by basking in the sun at the renowned Seven Mile Beach, a gorgeous stretch of coastline bustling with activity. “A great walking beach with many pit stops for a bite to eat or a cold drink,” says a reviewer from California. “The locals are amazingly friendly and we had a wonderful time catching up regularly with all the characters we met along the way.”
To see what Negril has to offer below the water, head to Half Moon Bay.
“The snorkeling here is amazing!” raves MBAikins on TripAdvisor.com. “There are so many fish to see in the lagoon, especially on the side with all the mangroves.”
After you towel off, make the short drive south to Rhodes Beach Resort to take an excursion ($70 per person) through the former plantation’s terrain and ride one of 70 horses along the beach. “We were taken through the mangroves and up the hillside while being told about the trees and wildlife,” says a reviewer from Ohio. “Then after a change of saddle came the highlight: swimming with the horses in the sea!”
End your day with a visit to Negril Cliffs, where you can dine at restaurants overlooking the ocean. “The best place for a sweeping view of the coastline and the turquoise-blue Caribbean Sea,” says lollygal on TripAdvisor.com. “The sunsets here are breathtaking.”
Great day trip: Appleton Rum Tour
Book a tour ($125 per person) to see the historic Appleton Estate distillery in the Nassau Valley. The sixhour tour includes a scenic bus ride along the coast to the historic estate (which dates back to 1749), a tour of the facility, the chance to learn about Appleton’s secret ingredients and operations and a tasting of both rum and fresh-pressed cane juice.
Don’t miss: Mayfield Falls
Take the one-hour drive to the stunning Mayfield Falls, where you’ll find two sparkling waterfalls, 21 natural pools and a plethora of flowers, birds and other wildlife. Explore the sights yourself or book a tour ($20 per person) to be guided through the area.