Photo: Courtesy of twenty20photos 

Negril, Jamaica—The Perfect Place to Vacay, Part II

Negril is known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning topography. According to Caribbean travel writer Kylie Morrow, "A visit to Jamaica is incomplete without spending some time in Negril, a town that's loved by most for its amazing beaches and family-friendly atmosphere" (beaches.com). In addition to enjoying the glistening beaches and relaxed vibe, there are plenty of fun activities that will make your vacation memorable.  

4X4 Off-Road Safari 

An off-road safari is the best way to discover Jamaica in its purest form and see how the locals live (beaches.com, viator.com). Riding in an off-road vehicle will give you access to the rugged parts of the country that typical tourist vehicles cannot reach: mountains, agricultural fields, rivers, natural mineral pools, waterfalls, local landmarks, etc. (viator.com, beaches.com). Accompanied by a guide, you will learn about the history and culture of the island from an intimate viewpoint while taking in the land's unmatched beauty (beaches.com). You may also get to sample sugar cane, fresh mangos, and other food right from the land as well as sample drinks from a local bar.  

Sweet Spice 

Located in the West End, off of White Hall Road, Sweet Spice is an authentic Jamaican restaurant praised for its homely ambiance and scrumptious local food (beaches.com). Housed in a wooden candy-striped structure, the restaurant offers a variety of dishes, such as ackee and saltfish, oxtail, curried meat as well as fruit and vegetable juices (beaches.com). Having garnered glowing reviews and a loyal fan base, many say Sweet Spice offers the best food in Negril.  

Jungle Night Club 

Voted "Best Night Club in the Caribbean," the Jungle Night Club is the perfect escape for adults looking for some fun (beaches.com). Located off Norman Manley Blvd, the party begins at 10 p.m. every Thursday and Saturday night and goes until 4:00 a.m. With seven bars and four DJs spinning all genres of music, including hip hop, reggae, top 40, and dancehall music, the impressive two-story club offers a VIP lounge, seating area, patio, and sports bar (beaches.com). Also, the Jerk Hut inside the club serves delicious local and international cuisine.  

Blue Hole Mineral Spring 

Just six miles southeast of Negril, Blue Hole Mineral Spring sits 24 feet beneath a cavernous opening in Jamaica's terrain and is completely encased by Karst limestone (facebook.com/BlueHoleMineralSpringJamaica). The emerald green/blue water is 35 feet deep. 

Adventurous guests can jump or dive into the refreshing pool. A ladder is also available for those who prefer to climb down into the water. "Naturally occurring minerals in the limestone (known for their therapeutic value) act as an underground filter for the steady upwelling of water, leaving behind a luxuriously pure bath of minerals for guests to enjoy" (facebook.com/BlueHoleMineralSpringJamaica). 

Not only is the water cool and refreshing, but the white, clay-type mud around Blue Hole can be rubbed on the skin as a therapeutic mineral scrub massage, leaving the skin soft and silky smooth (facebook.com/BlueHoleMineralSpringJamaica).  

Blue Hole also has a boutique-style hotel that offers top-notch customer service for those who want to spend the night. 

Barney's Flower and Hummingbird Garden 

Take advantage of the opportunity to get an up-close look at Jamaica's unique and rare hummingbirds (tripadvisor.com). Barney's Flower and Hummingbird Garden features a private tropical house garden with abundant exotic plants and flowers—a natural habitat with no nets or cages (tripadvisor.com). For a closer look, you can hold a bottle of sugar water outstretched to feed the birds. You may even be fortunate enough to spot the Jamaican national bird, the Doctor Bird, also known as the Swallow-tailed Hummingbird (beaches.com). 

In Summary  

Negril offers abundant opportunities to get acquainted with Jamaican culture and the gorgeous landscape. The island's relaxed atmosphere and stunning beauty offer unparalleled respite. 

Sources: 

beaches.com 

facebook.com/BlueHoleMineralSpringJamaica 

tripadvisor.com 

viator.com