From milestone birthdays, weddings and anniversaries, vow renewals or memorable family get togethers, when it comes to a celebration holiday, Beaches Negril has long been a favourite resort for my clients.
Set on the shore of the widest stretch of Negril’s Seven Mile Beach, you don’t have to wander very far across the white sand to take a dip in the gorgeous Caribbean Sea or to get involved with a comprehensive array of water sports, including scuba diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing, snorkelling, hobie cats, sailing including beginners sessions and much more.
The resort itself is low-rise and comprises 12 acres on the Long Bay Beach frontage and 8 acres on the garden side, with its architecture featuring a blend of Caribbean influences surrounded by tropical greenery and landscaped courtyards.
It has been carefully designed to cater for every type of guest, and features all the luxury we have come to expect from the Sandals and Beaches brand, reflected by its consistent recognition and awards, including “Jamaica's Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort” for five consecutive years.
With an impressive 24 different categories of rooms and suites which can sleep from 2 to 12 guests, there is accommodation to suit all price expectations and family sizes.
All rooms include air conditioning, flat screen TVs, iPod docking stations, hair dryer, private bath and shower and a full balcony or patio.
Negril invented “chill” – so be prepared to embrace the laidback spirit and relaxed vibe in a place perfect for spending time with loved ones.
Those looking for a little exhilaration will be happy with the huge array of activities on offer for both the kids and grown-ups on both land and sea.
If the sea or down time in your beach cabana isn’t your thing, there are three pools on site plus the fantastic Pirates Island Water Park, unsurprisingly a major hit with kids of all ages with its eight slides, a meandering “lazy” river, pirate bucket drops and a splash deck.
Beaches' partnership with the Sesame Workshop on its Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street means some friendly old favourites may be sighted around the resort, along with live stage shows and a line-up of signature Sesame Street activities for the entire family.
The kids camp, featuring a wide range of activities in a safe environment, supervised by trained staff, is open from 9am to 9pm daily and the teens have their very own Trench Town Teen Centre, a supervised area complete with foosball, air hockey and bean bags that also provides their own nightspot along with the popular state-of-the-art Xbox Play Lounge, courtesy of Beaches' long-standing partnership with Microsoft.
There is a full programme of entertainment for the adults too, including dance lessons, karaoke, live music, cabaret performances and the Liquid at Beaches Nightclub, with a nightly DJ, perfect for a boogie and hanging out when the sun has gone down.
Seven bars ensure a varied selection of drinks, cocktails and relaxation, including the Theatre Bar which hosts an adult-only singalong three evenings per week at its Piano Bar.
Food is plentiful with every taste bud and diet catered for, with no less than nine resort restaurants ensuring nobody goes hungry. You can eat indoors or steps from the beach, with your toes still in the sand, listening to those calming Caribbean waves.
Recommended choices include freshly baked Jamaican specialty pastries, the French Patisserie, Dino’s outdoor Pizzeria, a Tex-Mex and two Japanese options, including my personal favourite, The Soy, with its fresh sushi, sashimi and delectable maki rolls that capture the freshness from the ocean.
Sweeties, ice cream counter and YoYo’s frozen yoghurt bar are predictably big daytime hits too.
With excellent flight options from the UK into Montego Bay and a warm Jamaican welcome awaiting, Beaches Negril is a stellar choice to host your celebration vacation.
