| This Resort
Report section is a regional summary, devoted to the laid back , funky part of
Negril located on Lighthouse or West End Road, at the most western tip of the
island of Jamaica. West end is arguably where the hippies from the '60s first
discovered where to drop out. |
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U.S. Citizens: Passports are
required for international air travel to all destinations outside the
USA.
 This
Resort Report section is a regional summary, devoted to the laid back , funky
part of Negril located on Lighthouse or West End Road, at the most western tip
of the island of Jamaica. West end is arguably where the hippies from the '60s
first discovered where to drop out.
The one nudist friendly resort in
west end is called Catch a Falling Star owned by Lyndon Jackson for several
years. This property is more of a nude B&B and is a favorite of many
classic nudists who just want to vege out without any crowds.
Several
small, intimate resorts and boutique hotels are described here which should
give you a feel for the types of accommodations available along the ocean road
heading west toward the lighthouse, overlooking the Caribbean. There are
numerous other little properties in west end.....this is just a sample of some
of the more unique ones.
The other side of Negril, the far eastern end
of the village along Bloody Bay and Seven mile beach, is where you find the
more well known, all inclusive resorts such as Grand Lido Negril, Hedonism II,
Sandals Negril, Beaches, Point Village, Couples and RIU Tropical Bay. Closer
in, numerous smaller hotels, resorts, bars, stores and restaurants fill in the
space along Seven mile beach down to the small village of Negril. By the time
one passes the last hotel near the craft market at the river, the beach has run
out, leaving mostly coral cliffs and outcroppings further west from town.
 Heading out of town toward Negril
lighthouse, probably the most famous place in west end is the overrated bar and
restaurant called Rick's Cafe, known for its tourists, sunsets and cliff
diving, usually by those who've stoked their courage with a little Red Stripe
beer before taking the plunge. This is the area where you will find the resorts
and small hotels described here.
Included are descriptions for:
1) Xtabi
2) Rock House Hotel
3) Banana Shout
4) The
Caves
 This selection provides you with choices
from moderate to more luxurious accommodations. These hotels may provide you
with
 a chance to sunbathe nude discreetly, but should NOT be
considered nudist resorts unless a complete takeover is arranged . The other
four resorts do not attract nudists but if you're looking to get away from it
all, drop out and enjoy a little peace and quiet, these may be
 for you.
 Meals at three hotels are ala carte. The
Caves include meals and drinks.
In addition, some of them can be rented
completely if you have a small group that might like to take over the complete
resort. Check with Castaways Travel for availability and group pricing.
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U.S. Citizens: Passports are
required for international air travel to all destinations outside the
USA.
Negril is about 60 miles west of Montego Bay,
Jamaica, at the island's westernmost point.
Most travelers fly into
Montego Bay, not Kingston. You may elect to take either ground transportation
to Negril or fly from Montego Bay to Negril on an air taxi service such as Tim
Air. Costs range from $110-$130, round trip/person and takes 15 minutes. Rates
subject to change without notice. You can buy a one-way ticket if you wish. You
can make arrangements at the tour desks of the transportation companies at the
Montego Bay airport upon arrival or Castaways can also assist you.
The
road to Negril is scenically wonderful and takes a little over an hour for the
trip between the Montego Bay airport. The Negril airstrip is virtually across
the street from the beach area where Couples and Grand Lido Negril are located.
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At these small hotels, services are a bit more limited
compared to their larger neighbors further east, the lone exception being The
Caves, an intimate, upscale hideout for those looking for personal service in a
private atmosphere . The other properties offer plain but clean rooms, most of
which overlook the coral cliffs and Caribbean. Xtabi also offers more
moderately priced rooms across the street, which splits cliff side, ocean view
bungalows from standard rooms in the hotel buildings. Rock House includes
separate bungalows plus a small hotel building on its property, adjacent to the
swimming pool. The most luxurious is The Caves, a very private, secluded resort
adjacent to the Negril lighthouse while the most moderate is Banana Shout, a
moderate hotel suitable for a small group takeover on a budget.
Cliff
side, ocean view accommodations in separate, private bungalows are probably the
most appealing feature of west end resorts. Some have air conditioning and all
rooms have overhead fans which is about all you need at night when the
Caribbean breeze will lull to sleep.
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Generally, all resorts listed include a restaurant, bar or
grill on site. Since ala carte dining is the norm for most west end resorts,
you may choose to dine on site or visit the many small restaurants and other
hotels in the area for a taste treat as well as a change of pace.....some are
within walking distance from one another. The hotels' front desk can point you
in the right direction if you need help ad recommendations about the day's
dining specials.
Most all of the dining selections include local
dishes plus fish, jerk pork, chicken or beef, as well as grill food such as
burgers and fries. Fresh fruit and veggies are to die for at most Jamaican
restaurants, since they're mostly grown locally. The Caves offers an all
inclusive program. The Caves includes a romantic candlelit dinner in an ocean
side cave for a truly gourmet experience...arguably the most unique place
you've ever dined! Plus, a bottle of its best champagne is served upon arrival.
In addition, the cuisine at The Caves is the most varied, with your dining
selections typically created individually to order.
A big plus, most
all of the restaurants are either cliff side or offer spectacular views of the
Caribbean especially at sunset.
A BIG plus for the public and tourists
alike is that Xtabi and Rock House both offer a great alternative to the public
and tourists alike for a cold Red Stripe at sunset compared to Rick's Cafe.
Both resorts have cliff side cafes and bars that have PLENTY of room to sit
with your honey, while enjoying a drink at sunset without having to fight the
hoards of tourists at Ricks. And, there is no admission charge at either place.
Examples of other local restaurants include: Devin Destiny Hotel &
Restaurant, Juicy J's in town, Seaside Restaurant at Hotel Samsara, Legends on
Seven Mile beach, Hunan Garden in Country Country resort, Kuyaba, Hillside
Paradise Inn, Charela Inn on The Beach, Rick's Cafe, and La Kaiser's Cafe.
Xtabi and Rock House have their own restaurant, too. NOTE: This list can and
will change without notice as many small resorts change owners without notice,
too.
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Rock House Hotel, Xtabi and Banana Shout offer rooms
starting about $75-$110/ROOM/night, meals & drinks extra. Rates do not
include taxes. The Caves' 10 rooms range from $200-260+/person/night, all
inclusive, with elegant tropical surroundings in an intimate, tropical setting.
1) Xtabi--25 rooms, five cliff side, ocean view and 20 in the hotel
building across Lighthouse Road. The five cliff side bungalows offer the best
views of the Caribbean. Overhead fan, private bath, bedroom with living area in
the bungalows. Cliff side rooms include kitchenette.
2) Rock House
Hotel--28 separate bungalow rooms and hotel accommodations. Air conditioned and
overhead fans, private bath and shower.
3) Banana Shout--10 rooms total
with four facing the beach
4) The Caves--10 rooms total, each one
unique with its own theme and each tropical cottage has its own name, no
numbers here! The romantic room picks: One Drop (closest to the Ocean, canopy
bed, outside shower and very private AND Birds Nest (hand carved king bed,
inspiring ocean views).
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Most all of the resorts are adults only, although you may
see a child or two at Xtabi.
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Funky, that's what. No chain hotels punched out with a
cookie cutter are in west end. Each property is different. If you want to go
native and live among the local citizens in part of their neighborhood, try one
of these.
Laid back, romantic but not too much of a party atmosphere
at any of the resorts listed here. Individual bungalows and guests who want to
be left alone produce a unique ambiance you won't find at the big, all
inclusive, formula resorts down the road. Your surroundings set the mood, with
cliff side accommodations for the most part, overlooking the Caribbean. Most
west end resorts are cool and offer you a chance to get to know your honey a
little better in a beautiful atmosphere. If you want a little fun in small
doses, try these west end resorts.
Nightlife:
For nightlife
off site, try the Jungle, Risky Business, Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville,
Alfred's, Negril Yacht Club, Roots Bamboo or DeBuss. This list may change
without notice so ask you hotel's front desk for a local hot spot.
You
can find all the parties you want in town, on the beach road or at just about
any little roadside cafe, bar or grill in Negril. Discovery is the name of
nightlife here.
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There are other sights to enjoy locally other than the
beaches, sparkling Caribbean sea and beautiful coral cliffs. The locals are fun
to kid with but be ready to bargain if you find that certain something that
catches your eye. Jamaicans have been consistently voted the Caribbean's
friendliest people, so strike up a conversation and learn something from the
locals. Everyone of them is terrific and don't be shy....talk them up. You
might also want to bring with you from home small tokens of your appreciation
or things for fun like Frisbies, light footwear, digital watches, etc. You may
find someone there who may really appreciate your gesture of kindness.
Escorted tours can be arranged at the resort and there are several of small
native craft markets there, one right in town next to the river plus a few open
air stalls and stores are on the west end road, too.
You can also
choose to visit Montego Bay for a day of shopping, Mandeville for a trip to the
mountains, see Y-S Falls, raft the rivers or visit Dunns River Falls near Ocho
Rios. At least 20-30 off site tours are available from local tour operators.
Your resort can help you arrange those which includes transportation right from
the resort. A trip from Negril to Ocho Rios (through Montego Bay) is a hike,
requiring at least 3 hours, one way. An overrated trip to Rick's Cafe on the
cliffs in Negril for a beer at sunset is always a common "in thing" to do. Down
the beach road toward the air strip is Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, good for
an afternoon of exploring and sampling the imported "culture" from Key West.
Cosmo's Restaurant is down the road a mile or so from there, also good for some
of the best and freshest seafood in Negril... prepared to order.
For
fun and games and little bit different nightlife, try Jimmy Buffett's
Margaritaville, Risky Business and the Jungle for adult mischief. All of these
watering holes are on the main boulevard east of town toward the Negril air
strip.
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There is usually no night life at the small resorts
other than the bar and grill. |
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There are no beaches in west end resorts....only
cliff side accommodations, rock sun decks built into the coral and small,
private spots for individual sunning. All have direct access to the Caribbean
via ladders or steps. |
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Compared to the bigger resorts on the other side of
town, services are limited to your basics: Shelter, food, drink and sun.
(Except for The Caves). |
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You may try sunbathing nude discreetly in a cliff
side niche. The Caves has a small, quiet area for sunning au naturale adjacent
to its west end property line. |
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The best features of most of the resorts in west end
with cliff side accommodations are that you will find little nooks and crannies
gouged out of the cliffs for your own coral sun deck where you can enjoy
solitude and nude sunbathing most places. |
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Temperatures vary little between summer and winter. Temps
daytime range from about 80-90 F year round or a maximum of 30 C. Fall, winter
and early spring can be slightly less humid than late spring and summer. Late
spring through fall can be a bit more humid, with daily rain showers a
possibility year round. Late August through early October can be unstable
weather with a hurricane or two skimming around the Caribbean.
TIP:
Room prices are generally higher from about December 15 to April 30 or so, with
holiday rates higher than any time during the year.
TIP: Pack a
folding umbrella and/or a simple, light weight plastic rain poncho in your
bags. You will probably need them somewhere, sometime in Jamaica. Better be
safe than sorry.
Be prepared for it to rain a little almost every day.
Standard procedure--hit the pool if it does rain with drink in hand.
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As long as you know what your vacation and budget
objectives are, there's hardly anything else to wish for in these small
resorts. Services, activities and amenities may be somewhat restricted so be
sure to limit your "wish list" for these small resorts.
If you like a
laid back, relaxed atmosphere in a tropical setting with hotels that are very
different, try any of the properties in west end.
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West-End Negril Resorts. Some were taken by us, some by clients, some by folks
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Photographs page.
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