Negril, the bohemian hideout that has grown into one of Jamaica’s top tourist destinations, has a diversity of hotels and resorts unmatched anywhere else on the island. And that includes all-inclusive resorts, where you can pay one price for lodging, drinks, food, entertainment and activities whether you’re staying at a big brand-name all-inclusive resort or one of Negril’s many boutique properties, including some of Jamaica’s most luxurious hotels —and one where all-inclusive can also mean working on that all-over tan.
The Caves The Caves isn’t a beach resort, but it is one of Jamaica’s most exclusive vacation addresses. Located on top of Negril’s famous cliffs, this all-inclusive blends seamlessly with the sea caves that give the resort its name, with a modest collection of individually appointed guest cottages, dining on dramatic terraces overlooking the sea, and a rum bar and private dining rooms secreted in the caves. The spa is one of the best in Jamaica — well worth the indulgence even if it’s not part of the all-inclusive program.
Beaches Negril The Beaches resort in Negril occupies a long stretch of Seven Mile Beach; the 20-acre resort is perfect for travelers who want to stay at a resort but have a different dining option every night (there are nine restaurants on property) and a wide range of accommodations to choose from (from budget friendly hotel rooms to butler-served “Together Nest” suites). The teen-oriented Club Liquid, Pirates Island waterpark, roaming Sesame Street characters, an Xbox longe and included resort diving program and watersports make Beaches the top option for families in Negril.
Sandals Negril Take Beaches Negril, subtract the kids and families, and you get Sandals Negril, an adults-only Seven Mile Beach resort from Jamaica’s leading all-inclusive chain. The resort has seven restaurants to choose from, and some truly romantic guest accommodations including “Millionaire” suites with private courtyard pools, swim-up (and butler-served) beachfront suites, and two-story Love Nest suites with unmatched ocean views from their balcony soaking tubs.
Couples Swept Away Another all-inclusive with a romantic heart, Couples Swept Away packs 6 restaurants, 8 bars, and three pools into its 19 acres on Seven Mile Beach. Active couples will love this resort for its 10-acre sports and fitness complex that includes 10 tennis courts, squash and racquetball courts, a gym, and a variety of fitness classes as well as instruction on massage, dance, and more. When you want someone else to do the massaging, the Couples Spa has 10 treatment rooms surrounding a plunge pool.
Royalton Negril “Luxury” all-inclusive is the calling card of the Royalton Negril, located on Bloody Bay. The resort is divided into three sections — Grand Lido, Hideaway, and Diamond Club, with guests of each enjoying exclusive amenities. The resort’s “all-in luxury” includes 24-hour room service and reservation-free dining. Other perks include wifi throughout the property, live broadcast of all major U.S. and international sporting events at resort bars, and a signature White Party held on the beach on Sunday nights.
Hedonism II If you have friends who come back from Negril with an extra gleam in their eye and tell you they stayed at Sandals, there’s a decent chance they were actually spending a few days au natural at Hedonism. Negril’s famous/infamous clothing-optional resort shares the Seven Mile Beach with the other all-inclusive resorts and has a party scene that can range from mild to wild depending on which groups are booked the week of your stay. The (almost) anything goes atmosphere is paired with surprisingly good food and drink options and newly renovated guest rooms.
Sunset at the Palms With treehouse-style rooms, lush tropical gardens, and a resident pet goat, Sunset at the Palms is a far cry from the big all-inclusive resorts on Seven Mile Beach. True serenity can be had amid the winding, flower-lined paths leading to the resort’s accommodations, all located across the street from Seven Mile Beach but just a short walk to a private beach club. Guests at this adults-only hideaway tend to split their time between the treehouses and the beach, but there’s romantic Caribbean fusion dining under the thatched roof of the Lotus Leaf restaurant and pampering in the open-air treatment rooms at the intimate Ginger Lily Spa.
Azul Beach Resort The Azul Beach Resort is part of the Karisma resort chain, which has built a reputation for upscale all-inclusive with five-star level accommodations and dining. The all-suites Negril resort has 285 ocean-view rooms (some with swim-out pools) in enclaves for families and adults. Dining options include Caribbean food at Ackee, Italian and Thai restaurants, and Jamaican and country-themed bars.
Merrils Beach Resort Looking for an all-inclusive on a budget? Merrils can get you onto Seven Mile Beach with food and drink included for a fraction of the cost of its big chain resort neighbors, and does it with some true Jamaican style. Merrils actually has a pair of family friendly properties in Negril, both offering all-inclusive accommodations, buffet-style meals, a modest selection of onsite amenities (pool, kayaks, billards, table tennis) and discounts to the nearby Kool Runnings Adventure Park. Negril began as a destination for low-frills beach lovers, and Merrils continues that tradition.
Samsara Cliff Resort The Samsara is another clifftop all-inclusive, with a home-away-from-home atmosphere and local vibe thanks to a long-serving staff and food service with a strong commitment to serving authentic Jamaican food. Guests on the all-inclusive plans (EP also is available) can dine and use the facilities both at Samsara and sister resort Legends on the Beach (which, as you might guess, is a beachfront hotel on Seven Mile Beach).
