Let’s Drift Over to Negril This Week!
After Negril, we’ll hop over to another island for a bit, and then in May, once Montego Bay and South Coast reopen on May 30th, I’ll return to finish the Jamaica series.
But before I dive in, I want to talk about what’s been happening in Jamaica, because it matters — and because Jamaica is more than just a destination to me.
The Heart of Jamaica: Strength, Community & Pure Resilience
As you know, some Sandals resorts are temporarily closed due to Hurricane Melissa. But please rest assured…
Jamaicans are one of the most resilient, strong, and hardworking people I have ever met.
They don’t complain, they don’t sit back, and they don’t take a “poor me” approach to anything.
They come together.
They help each other.
They get their hands dirty.
And they rebuild with so much pride and unity — it’s honestly inspiring.
The progress they’ve already made is incredible, but if you know the Jamaican spirit, it’s not surprising at all.
Tourism continues across the island, and truthfully, they need us now more than ever.
If you already had plans to visit, please, please don’t deviate.
Those beautiful people will be so happy to see you — and simply by travelling, you’re helping families, communities, and small businesses recover in ways you may not even realze.
And if you’d like to help even more, the Sandals Foundation is doing phenomenal work on the ground. Every single dollar goes directly to the people.
Reopening Updates
• Sandals Ochi & Sandals Negril — December 6th
• Sandals South Coast — May 30th
• Sandals Montego Bay & Sandals Royal Caribbean — May 30th
Since I already covered Ocho Rios, today we’re heading to Negril… and we’ll save MoBay and Royal Caribbean for spring.
Sandals Negril — A Place That Feels Like an Exhale
There’s something almost indescribable about Negril.
The moment you arrive, something in you softens.
Your shoulders relax, your breathing steadies, and your worries drift away with the warm Caribbean breeze.
Negril just has that effect on people.
The Beach
Let me start with the obvious:
the beach is breathtaking.
Soft white sand that feels like sugar.
Warm, calm, unbelievably clear water.
And sunsets that glow like liquid gold — the kind that stop you mid-sentence and make you feel grateful to just be there.
The People
The staff at Sandals are warm everywhere…
but Negril staff? They’re something else.
By day two, they’ll know your name.
They’ll greet you with genuine smiles.
They’ll make you feel cared for in a way that feels natural and heartfelt, not forced or scripted.
And Jamaican food? Always delicious — but it somehow tastes even better in Negril.
A Place My kids Grew Up In
Beaches Negril has been one of our family traditions for years. My kids — now 19 and 16 — literally grew up there. They were 10 and 6 when we first went, and we just kept going back, we were just there again this past February 2025.
In February 2023, we tried switching things up and took the kids to Beaches Turks & Caicos. We thought they’d love it — but at the end of the trip they said, “This was good… but can we go back to Negril next year?”
Even now, as older teens, it’s still one of their favourite places on earth.
Negril is part of our family story, which is probably why it holds such a soft spot in my heart.
But even without the nostalgia — Negril is unforgettable all on its own.
The Resort
Sandals Negril is small — and that’s exactly its magic.
It’s intimate, cozy, quiet, and warm.
You don’t feel like a room number.
You feel known.
You feel seen.
You feel cared for.
It’s perfect for honeymooners, couples wanting to reconnect, people who want a quiet escape, and anyone who appreciates a calmer, more intimate resort experience.
It’s also wonderful for guests with mobility challenges — flat, compact, and easy to navigate.
My Favourite Negril Secret: Fireman’s Lobster Pit
If you love seafood, you absolutely must walk down the beach to Fireman’s Lobster Pit.
Tell the Sandals guard your name and room number, walk a few steps, and suddenly you’re at a tiny beach shack serving the freshest lobster you’ll ever taste.
They take it straight from the ocean and cook it right there.
It’s usually around $40 USD, and one portion is easily enough for two.
You don’t go for the presentation — you go for the experience.
(And the flavour… oh my goodness)
Calm Water = Endless Fun
The gentle water makes Negril perfect for water sports.
Because it’s Sandals, it’s all included:
• Waterskiing
• Tubing
• Paddleboards & kayaks
• Two snorkeling trips per day
• Scuba diving (if certified)
It’s the perfect balance of relaxing and playful.
Every time I talk or write about Negril, I get this huge grin on my face.
I can’t hide it.
It’s a place that stays in your heart long after you leave.
If you haven’t been… truly… you need to go.
You’ll understand exactly why I love it so much.
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Rick’s Café — Go Once, Just for the Experience
If you’ve never been, it’s worth going once — mostly to see “Spider Man,” the guy who literally climbs the cliff walls. He’s amazing.
But be prepared for tourist pricing. The last time I went (February 2020):
• $25 USD for fries
• $15 USD for a beer
• $20 USD for a small glass of wine
Go once for the experience, the views, the cliffs, and the energy — then you can say you’ve done it.
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Need Help Choosing the Right Sandals Resort?
By now you can probably see how deep my Sandals/Beaches knowledge really goes.
I genuinely think of myself as a matchmaker …. ask me a few questions, tell me your vibe, and I’ll instantly know which resort is your resort.
Your vacation is an investment.
Let’s make sure it’s the right one.
Just hit reply, text me, or give me a call anytime.
I’m always happy to help.
