I have been to the all-inclusive resort to Beaches Negril in Jamaica close to 10 times, and there is not a moment I did not enjoy there! So, I would like to give a review on Beaches Negril and give insights to the best activities the resort has to offer!
While it is popular to take excursions, go mountain biking, horseback riding on the beach, or visit rivers and waterfalls, the Seven Mile Beach also has it's share of fun vacation activities. The Seven Mile Beach is a stretch of white-sands and clear waters along a 4-mile stretch and another 3-mile stretch at Bloody Bay. A range of resorts are offered along this infamous beach, including Sandals, the Riu, the Royalton, and more luxury resorts. The popular Margaritaville is also located on this beach and proves to be an everlastingly popular destination for beverages and tropical dining, while Rick's Cafe is located not even a 30 minute catamaran ride away. However, having been to a couple of different resorts, the all inclusive family resort of Beaches Negril constantly exceeds my expectation.
One thing I really like about Beaches is the variety of water sports that is included. Beaches is an expensive resort, but if you take advantage of what is included (dining, watersports, entertainment, facilities), you truly get what you are paying for. Included in watersports activities are kayaking, paddle boarding, wake boarding, water skiing, glass-bottom boat, sailing, snorkeling, scuba (if certified), and the banana boat. Parasailing however, is not included, but the other activities surely suffice. On the other hand, items that are offered but with payment include night snorkeling, catamaran excursions, and snuba. I cannot speak for night snorkeling or snuba personally, but I have heard that both are equally fabulous experiences. Some of my friends did night snorkeling and it was one of the only times they get to see the larger jellyfish, crustaceans, and turtles. For snuba/scuba, I have heard that the sea life is more abundant in the deeper depths and you may even come across a harmless nurse shark. Lastly, I have gone on one catamaran excursion to Rick's Cafe and it was an extremely unique experience. I was able to snorkel in the bluest waters of about 20 feat. Although there was simply white sand below, the turquoise blue waters were enchanting. In addition, I snorkeled through caves were we found some bats. On this teenage catamaran cruise, the entertainment staff came along, constantly providing us with laughs. One of these particular crew members was Prince, who I have known for years. Prince is one of the funniest, outgoing, genuine entertainment staff members I have ever met (and he is an extremely talented dancer). Tropical fruit was also served on the cruise and I watched cliff jumpers jump from Rick's Cafe's cliffs. It was one of my most memorable experiences at the resort.
In addition, Beaches Negril offers a variety of entertainment, both during the day and especially during night. In the years that I have vacationed at the resort, day-time entertainment included anything from beach volleyball, beach soccer, beach cricket, pool relay races, tie-dye, pool volleyball, pool parties, a waterpark, (lazy river, waterslides, hot tubs) and a Jamaica day feast with complementary Jamaican music. Nighttime entertainment included karaoke nights, family feud, gymnast performances, Jamaican drum performances, magic shows, fashion shows, talent shows, dancing, and Michael Jackson impersonation shows. In addition, the resort has a night club (Club Liquid) for teenagers and adults, as well as a teenage center (Trenchtown) for games. Entertainment for young children includes all of the above along with Sesame Street Shows and Baking with Cookie Monster. However, over the years, the entertainment has changed with certain shows being added or dropped.
The dining + bars is also included in the resort (5 stars). There is a range of cuisine including Jamaican cuisine (and fresh coconuts with coconut water) for Jamaica day, Italian cuisine at the Venetian and Dino's Pizzaria, Japanese cuisine at Kimonos and Soy, American/Asian/Mexican/Caribbean cuisine at The Mill, BBQ, and Mariachi, and fresh seafood at Stewfish. Deserts can be served at YoYo's yogurt shop as well as the Cafe Paris. My personal favorites for dinner are the Venetian, Kimonos, and Soy. My favorite for breakfast is Stewfish (on the beach) and my favorites for lunch are Dino's or the Mill. Regardless of your tastes and preferences, it should be quite easy to find an option that is best for you. The bar is also available for minors who would like to drink fun sugary and virgin beverages like Chocolate Monkeys or Supermans. Other benefits of Beaches include on-site photography, clean and spacious hotel rooms, Butler service, and a kid's club.
You may be asking yourself why it is I have visited this hotel over 10 times, so to answer your question, it is a truly sentimental place to me and my family. The resort holds many lifelong memories on the waterslides, the ocean, and especially at karaoke nights. But the more practical side of the resort is the inclusivity of many activities as well as the size of the resort. Many critics compare this resort to Ocho Rios near Montego Bay or Beaches in Turks and Caicos. The Ocho Rios resort had murkier waters (during our visit at least) with a stronger current while the Turks and Caicos resort was far too large. The Beaches Negril Resort is situated at the perfect size to know where your children are while allowing them to freely walk around on their own (without supervision). There is staffing everywhere to keep a sharp eye on your children and the beach distance is very walkable. In addition, on one end of the resort is a children's pool and on the other, an adult pool (perfect for parents to relax to some Reggae music and peace). Lastly, the staff is truly amazing, kind, and fun. They work very hard to ensure the best possible experiences to their visitors. If a beautiful beach and tropical food are not reason enough to visit, then the staff surely are.
Note: Since Covid-19, many things have changed at Beaches Negril, including the content of entertainment and activities. If interested in more pictures, check out the gallery page of my website!
