Eight Years Later, Still One of My Top 3 Destinations
Some places just stay with you. For me, Negril, Jamaica, has always been one of those rare, unforgettable destinations. Eight years ago, I visited Negril to celebrate a birthday and instantly fell in love with its soft white sand, slow island rhythm, and warm-hearted people. Last year, I returned—and if anything, the magic was even stronger the second time around.
Ocean Cliff Vibes & Seven Mile Beach Days
This time, I stayed at Ocean Cliff Hotel, a serene, adults-only retreat perched on the cliffs with cozy stone cottages and panoramic ocean views. Waking up to the sound of waves crashing against the cliffs was its own kind of therapy.
Still, nothing compares to Seven Mile Beach. It’s truly one of the most beautiful stretches of sand I’ve ever set foot on—soft, white, and lapped by the warmest, bluest water you could dream of. I’ve searched far and wide for the perfect beach, and Negril still sets the bar.
I spent two easy afternoons at Skylark, a chic beach club that welcomes non-hotel guests. Great cocktails, beachside service, and Henry—possibly the cutest cabana boy in all of Jamaica, with a smile that could melt steel drums.
Sailing, Snorkeling & Cliffside Dining
Negril days are meant to be slow and joyful. I filled mine with a mix of snorkeling, booze cruises, and lazy swims, followed by sunset dinners with a view.
Some of my favorites:
- Rockhouse – a fine dining spot perched above Pristine Cove, with the kind of sunset view that stops conversation.
- Xtabi – a relaxed cliffside restaurant with caves you can explore between courses.
- Rick’s Café – iconic, touristy, and still fun every time. I drank Red Stripe, watched cliff divers, and let the reggae soundtrack carry me into the night.
Of course, no trip to Jamaica is complete without at least one night at The Jungle, dancing under the stars to live music and the pulsing rhythms of the island.
Dirty Bananas, Soursop & Sweet Island Life
If you know me, you know I travel for experiences—and food. I ordered dirty bananas at every opportunity (a creamy, rum-based cocktail that I now associate with pure joy), and I went on a mission to eat as many soursops as I could find. If you’ve never had one, soursop tastes like if a Starburst had a tropical cousin—bright, juicy, and addictive
Negril remains one of the most beautiful, peaceful, and soul-soothing places I’ve ever been. The food is full of flavor, the locals are kind and full of life, and the water feels like it was made for healing.
It’s not often you return to a place years later and find it just as special—but that’s the magic of Negril. I left with sun-kissed skin, a full heart, and Bob Marley lyrics stuck in my head:
“Don’t worry about a thing, ‘cause every little thing is gonna be alright.”
xoxo
Travel. Beach. Love.
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