Negril Holidays

A star resort

Negril's a super-chilled town on the westernmost tip of Jamaica where Bob Marley, Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones came to get away from it all. Along its world-famous Seven Mile Beach, there’s a row of luxury hotels lined up to the north, and smaller, family-run hotels clustered to the south. That said, Negril really comes to life each summer. Dream Weekend – celebrated in the last weekend of July, to coincide with Jamaica’s emancipation and independence – sees some hotels host carnival-like parties fuelled by reggae and dancehall music, that often spill out onto the beach. Hotels can get livelier at this time, too.

World-class beach

Technically, it’s more like seven kilometres, but Negril’s so-called Seven Mile Beach still blows the competition out of the water. Here, sugar-white sands shelve gently into clear turquoise waters. You’ve got all the usual suspects in the watersports department, and plenty of restaurants and beach bars dotted along the sands.

Reggae nights

In Negril, the vibe may be laid-back but they still like to party. Every night you’ve got dancehall DJs and live bands playing here. Reggae fans can really get into the rhythm – and the town draws some of the island’s biggest names. You’ll find all the action at the open-air bars and beach clubs. No wonder US students flock here during Spring Break.

Day trips to Montego Bay

Just over an hour away you’ve got Montego Bay. In the old town, you can take a look at the notorious Cage Prison, where runaway slaves were once held, and what’s left of the fort. For shopping, you can pick up a trademark jipijapa straw hat at the crafts market near Harbour Street. And if you’re staying on for the evening, Gloucester Road gives you a strip of bars and clubs.