ELLE Escapes: Negril

As one of the biggest and most popular islands in the Caribbean, Jamaica boasts a wide array of activities that attract tourists and locals alike. From horseback riding to sipping a piña colada by the beach to free-falling into a natural swimming cave, the country has so much more to offer than you might think.

Negril, specifically, is a town toward the west end dubbed “the capital of casual.” In other words, it’s a chill spot. With several resorts nestled in the cliffs or right on the stunning Seven Mile Beach, you can’t go wrong when planning a visit. Whether you want an adventurous or relaxed vibe (or both, why not?), check out our latest ELLE Escapes for everything you need to know.

What to See

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Chukka Horseback Experience

Located between Montego Bay (where you’ll fly in) and Negril, Chukka is a great segue to break up the 1.5-hour drive and get into the Jamaican state of mind. You can lay in hammocks above the water, have a drink by the oceanside pool, drive ATVs, and ride horses on (or in!) the beach. It’s definitely more of an upbeat spot, so choose your avenue accordingly.

Glass Bottom Boat Ride

Don’t just enjoy the views of the clear blue waters—go beneath the surface. Glass Bottom offers boat rides with a literal glass bottom so you can see the ocean floor, as well as snorkeling excursions where you can get up close and personal with creatures of the sea. I myself saw squid, stingrays, coral, and all kinds of colorful fish. Occasionally, you can see turtles, too.

The Blue Hole

If you have time to take a day trip from Negril, the Blue Hole in Ochos Rios is definitely something to experience. You can swim in and around multiple waterfalls and natural springs made out of limestone and surrounded by the Jamaican forest, or go rafting, tubing, or horseback riding with a guide. For a real adrenaline rush, try jumping into the springs from ropes or rocks. After, I recommend grabbing some natural limestone for an exfoliating scrub treatment, or better yet, enjoy an authentic Jamaican meal on the surrounding property.

Where to Eat

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Zimbali Culinary Retreats

Food lovers will appreciate Zimbali Culinary Retreat’s farm-to-table dining experience in the heart of the countryside. Multiple courses take you through the island’s finest and freshest ingredients, and you can explore the grounds and farmland where your meal is sourced from. Zimbali doubles as a hotel that hosts farming and cooking classes, so you could even stay and make a whole trip out of it.

Miss Lily’s

Located at Skylark Negril Beach Resort, Miss Lily’s is a beachfront restaurant and lounge that lends itself effortlessly to fun in the sun. Its grilled curry shrimp salad and smokehouse platter, in particular, are must-orders, and you should definitely sample one (or two, or three) signature cocktails (the Coco Lily was my personal favorite). New Yorkers can get a taste for themselves at Miss Lily’s East Village location, although it goes without saying that the views are much better on the beach.

Push Cart

Perched above the sea and overlooking the adjoining Rockhouse Hotel & Spa property, Push Cart is a laid-back restaurant and rum bar with nightly DJs and a dancehall-inspired aesthetic. What’s more, it has a huge selection of Caribbean rums that are perfectly paired with jerk chicken, shrimp, and sausage prepared via authentic recipes sourced from around the island. You’ll be surrounded by album and tour posters, as well as street-inspired wall art, string lights, and, of course, the cliffs and ocean beneath.

Where to Drink

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Rick’s Cafe

At sunset, Rick’s Cafe is definitely where the party is in an otherwise calm Negril nightlife scene. Enjoy whole lobster and a delicious cocktail—I had the Jamaican Me Crazy and Rasta-politan—while looking over the cliffs at sunset. You can also jump off the notoriously high cliffs for the whole crowd to see, which would probably give you a higher high than anything else you might be thinking of doing in Jamaica.

Woodstock

Situated on Seven Mile Beach in close proximity to hotels and resorts, Woodstock is a music and event venue that’s a guaranteed good time. Have a coffee there during the day or a drink at night (or both) and let the live reggae and beach waves transport you to another time…and a better mental state.

The Bar

One of the perks of staying at a resort in Negril is the easy access to the property’s bars and restaurants. Several have excellent options that are as easy as walking out of your room, especially The Bar at Tensing Pen Resort. Whether you choose to have a rum cocktail by the pool or want to chat up the bartender (shout-out Razorblade!), this is by far the most relaxing and convenient option.

Where to Stay

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Tensing Pen Resort

One of the westernmost resorts on the island, Tensing Pen puts you right on the edge of the ocean, surrounded by the water, rocks, and abundant foliage. There are plenty of seating areas among the cliffs, where you can sunbathe, meditate, or simply enjoy the sound of crashing waves. Practice morning yoga overlooking the ocean, or enjoy an outdoor sunset massage for a relaxing respite. You can swim in the resort pool adjacent to the cliffs, or, if you’re craving a cheap thrill, jump off the wood bridge (or climb down a ladder) directly into the ocean.

Rockhouse Hotel & Spa

Ah, Rockhouse. Bob Marley and The Rolling Stones used to stay there between tours, which pretty much tells you all you need to know about the hotel’s cool factor. With rooms, bathhouses, bars and restaurants, and a pool right smack on the cliffs, there’s hardly anywhere on the premises that doesn’t have a spectacular view. Better yet, Rockhouse has a whole behind-the-scenes side of its property that’s rather remarkable: Behind an unassuming fence across the street, there’s a massive greenhouse and outdoor hydroponic garden where the staff grows veggies that are served at its eateries. It’s also where the furniture found in the rooms and lounges of the hotel (and its sister hotel, Skylark), the candles on the common area tables, and the spa products used at both properties are made. On Sundays, you can head over to the studio nearby for a psilocybin-enhanced morning meditation and sound bath, if you feel so inclined (translation: meditation on magic mushrooms). Rockhouse also has an eponymous foundation, The Rockhouse Foundation, which is committed to supporting and expanding local schools in Negril. Over $7 million has been invested so far which, besides all the other perks, is reason enough to book a stay.

Skylark Negril Beach Resort

As the sister hotel of Rockhouse, Skylark also boasts amazing eco-conscious efforts, while offering a fun and luxurious getaway. The hotel sits on Seven Mile Beach, so it’s close to tons of attractions both on and off the property. If you’re from New York, the design sensibility might look familiar: Serge Becker, a partner and creative director of the Miss Lily’s restaurant in the hotel, is also behind popular NYC spots La Esquina, The Box, and Lure Fishbar. Side note: Skylark is also currently revamping its spa, which, once finished, will be a peaceful refuge on the roof of the hotel, overlooking the beach below.

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