Negril, Jamaica Trip Report

[Rissask]

Great report.

My husband's neice is getting married in two years in Jamaica (I know, talk about planning ahead ) so we will likely be going then. I have always wanted to go there!

I hear ya on the late night thing! Getting old, indeed.
Apparently the hotel disco we are staying at in Cuba, and the salsa clubs in the nearby town, only gets going around midnight. Um, midnight??!! I am long since in bed sleeping by then most nights.

[Buns]

Originally Posted by Mamacita

Great report so far!

Was it low season there? I know what you mean about feeling like you're the only ones there. I like having less crowds, but not NO ONE! You feel like you don't know where to eat, because no one is in any restaurant. Not sure I'd like that "no night life" part either.

That Mayfield place...was that really falls, or more like a nature area? No pics of the falls, so I'm just trying to get an idea of what that place was.

Looking forward to more!

I guess it was REALLY low season there. We went the week after Thanksgiving, which is a great time for us, but I would imagine for families, especially with smaller kids, it's not such a great time to go since it is right in the middle of the Winter Holidays, Christmas is coming up, kids back in school, etc.

I'm uploading my pictures right now from Mayfield Falls. Didn't realize I had forgotten to add them! I'll have them up soon...it was BEAUTIFUL!

[Buns]

Originally Posted by Rissask

Great report.

My husband's neice is getting married in two years in Jamaica (I know, talk about planning ahead ) so we will likely be going then. I have always wanted to go there!

I hear ya on the late night thing! Getting old, indeed.
Apparently the hotel disco we are staying at in Cuba, and the salsa clubs in the nearby town, only gets going around midnight. Um, midnight??!! I am long since in bed sleeping by then most nights.

I'm sure this is probably the case in Jamaica, as well...the REAL partying doesn't get started until much later. We just can't hang like we used to!

[TeeZet]

VERY nice report so far!

[caramba]

Enjoying your report. It's been my experience that especially whenever live music is involved the party usually gets going late and stays going til way into the night. More often than not, though, the sun (and the rum punch) get to me and we don't stay out late. Not too much anyway. It does sound like it was pretty quiet there though.
And, it's been a long time-11 years- since the rafting party (9 rafts) after our wedding, but it seems like it was more like $25 each then, and included lunch on the riverbank. $165 sounds steep!
Keep it coming.... and btw driving can be a really fun adventure! Especially out in the hills. I admit a bit hairy sometimes though.

[Buns]

Here are some photos of the actual Mayfield Falls tours. I would recommend this tour to anyone who is considering it. We really had a great time! (All of these photos were taken by the tour guide. We bought a CD with just our photos for $40.00 USD)




















We were actually in a little cave way back there!


Way in the back, there is a little cave that we were in. You have to walk through all of this water, though, to get to it.

[Buns]

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

We have been walking south on the beach almost every day, so this morning we decided to walk north to find somewhere for breakfast.

We ate at Country Country. Chuck had French Toast and I had the banana pancakes. These were BY FAR the very best banana pancakes I have had yet! I now think that the other banana pancakes I've had all trip were just plain old regular pancakes. At Country Country, they were FULL of banana chunks and just so good! We also had the Blue Mountain Coffee. Again…just don't get the big hype about this coffee? Anyways…a really good breakfast, and not too far of a walk from Idle Awhile.

We then started looking for sunglasses, since the ones that Chuck when we got here not only got a crack in the lens on the 2nd day he had them, but this morning one of the arms broke in half. So, we walked south from Country Country. We first stopped in the gift shop near Chances. We didn't find any sunglasses he liked there, but I did pick up a Jamaica tank top for me, along with a picture frame. The lady did not really want to negotiate on prices at all. I ended up getting a whole $5US off for buying both items, but then paid that extra $5US in taxes anyways.

We kept walking south, past Idle Awhile, to check out some more shops. Finally found some in a little gift shop down near Alfred's.

We walk back to Idle Awhile, change into our beach wear and head to the beach for the day.











We hang out at the beach for a while, have lunch at Chill Awhile, then we see the snorkel guy that has been asking us every single day if we are going to snorkel with him. I keep telling him "Later" or "tomorrow". So we decide to go out and snorkel this afternoon. He takes us down to a boat that is in front of Coco La Palm and two young kids come up to take us out. He was neat that it was just the two of us on this snorkel trip. We get out to the reef, and thankfully, the two big boats that are there (one from Beaches and one from Couples) are just getting all of the people back onto the boat and are heading back to shore. So Chuck and I got to snorkel on our own. The two young guys (Gary and Charlie) pointed in the direction we'd want to go and off we went on our own. We snorkeled for about 30 minutes. A lot of the reef is dead, but there is still plenty to see. All kinds of beautiful fish. And we actually saw a big-ass turtle, too! We followed him for a while. At one point, Chuck was in front of me following the turtle, and then suddenly the turtle did a U-Turn and came straight at me! I almost freaked out, but then the turtle turned again and swam in the opposite direction. It was SO AWESOME to see this turtle. And he was BIG! Then I saw either a Sting Ray or a Jelly Fish, not sure which, but just then Chuck came up on me and pulled me out to tell me we needed to head back to the boat. I went back under to see the Sting Ray / Jelly Fish but couldn't find it anymore. We headed back in after that. For $40US for the two of us for a 45-minute trip, I think it was totally worth it and I liked that we were on our own and NOT with a group of people.

Came back and hung out on the beach until sunset. I took another few (hundred) shots of the sunset. I have SO MANY pictures of the sunsets already, but they are just so beautiful!

We get invited to join another couple staying at Idle Awhile and have dinner with them tonight at The Rockhouse, but we decline. They were getting picked up at 8:15PM to go there, and that is just a little too late for us to eat dinner. Instead, we head back to our room where we chill out for about an hour. Then we get ready for dinner. We decide on Chances for their pizza.

We walked north to Chances, not far at all from the hotel. We both order a medium pizza, me a Tropical Pizza with Pepperoni (instead of Ham), pineapple and green pepper. Chuck orders a medium with Sausage and Bacon. Because we ordered two medium pizzas, we get a free 2 Liter of Soda. They are out of Diet, only have Pineapple and Champagne flavored to choose from, so I choose Pineapple.



It is actually really good soda! Taste just like it sounds…like Pineapple Soda!

We get our pizzas…Chuck get's his with Sausage and Pepperoni (not Bacon) and I get mine with Pepperoni and Pineapple (no green pepper). Oh well. Not the first time we didn't get what we ordered.

Both pizzas were REALLY good. Chuck ate all but 2 of his pieces, I had half of mine left over. We took it back to our room and put in the fridge for lunch tomorrow. Chuck and I NEVER bring home leftovers, not even at home. So believe me when I tell you that this pizza was GOOD!! Two medium pizzas and a Red Stripe for $20US / $1650Jamaican.

On our walk back to Idle Awhile from Chances, we notice there is a live band playing at Coco La Palm, right next door to our hotel. We put the pizza and the rest of the 2 Liter up in our fridge,



then run across the street for more beer and water, then decide to go back to Coco La Palm to check out the band.

Turns out…they were having a private party on the beach with this band. It is a cover band that did mostly Bob Marley songs. We sat in the bar for about an hour watching and listening. This band was AWESOME! Even though they did just about every Bob Marley song, they were really good and fun and interactive with the crowd. They got a Congo Line going and everything! We found out that this same band plays at Coco La Palm every Friday night for the beach party they have. So we are DEFINTELY going to be coming back on Friday night to see them again! THIS is the kind of Reggae I want to listen to…even if it is a cover band!







While at the bar here, I ordered a couple of Dirty Bananas. These were definitely the BEST Dirty Bananas I've had since we've been here. A little more expensive here than other places, but not bad. $3.50US for the Dirty Bananas and $3.00US for a Red Stripe.

Headed back to room and called it a night.

[Jimmy-James]

Good stuff- I've been to Negril several times and this all brings back memories. I kinda have had the same observations that the place almost seems deserted at times. I've been there in Jan and Feb and except for the crowds at Ricks' on the cliffs and to see the Reggae bands at Alfreds, Roots Bamboo and the others- we didn't see too many people down there- nowhere near as many people as in Playa- for better and worse.

I've done Mayfield Falls too and I highly reccomend it- much less crowded and touristy than the other falls on the island like Dunn's River or YS. It's almost more like a river/waterfall hike if you will- very cool. Also, on the way home, just outside of Negril, we stopped at a place called The Jerk Ranch- and had the best jerk I've ever had down there, and I've had A LOT. Check it out next time if you get the chance.

[caramba]

Originally Posted by Jimmy-James

Good stuff- I've been to Negril several times and this all brings back memories. I kinda have had the same observations that the place almost seems deserted at times. I've been there in Jan and Feb and except for the crowds at Ricks' on the cliffs and to see the Reggae bands at Alfreds, Roots Bamboo and the others- we didn't see too many people down there- nowhere near as many people as in Playa- for better and worse.

I've done Mayfield Falls too and I highly reccomend it- much less crowded and touristy than the other falls on the island like Dunn's River or YS. It's almost more like a river/waterfall hike if you will- very cool. Also, on the way home, just outside of Negril, we stopped at a place called The Jerk Ranch- and had the best jerk I've ever had down there, and I've had A LOT. Check it out next time if you get the chance.

NO question- it's a whole different scene.

Nice pics! We've never been to Mayfield Falls, but Dunn's River many years ago and YS which we had to ourselves and thought it was great- very beautiful, and most recently Reach Falls, again, very secluded except for a few locals.

And Buns, I'm one of those people who will rave about Blue Mountain coffee. It's really smooth with a very distinctive taste. We've got some on the timer set to brew early in the morning, actually, as we're taking off to the airport and want a special cup! (It's our "weekend" coffee.)

[ELECTRA]

I agree that Blue Mountain Coffee is nothing to rave about.
Brewing an excellent cup of coffee is an art......an art that I was shown in Jalapa, Mexico. It was in Jalapa that I had the best cup of coffee ever.

Mosquitos:
Where there any mosquitos in Negril?? Any on the beach around sunset?
Location:
Where is this hotel located? Is there a landmark that will help me find it on google earth?

Air Condition
Did you have to put on the A/C in the room at anytime?

Price:
How do you compare the price to say, an equivalent trip to Playa??

Thanks.

With your Hollywood Starlet good looks, how did you manage to keep all the guys off of you??

..

[travmagic]

Just wanted to give my 2 cents on Mayfield Falls (since I have mentioned many times my love for Negril). It is GREAT! It is a crazy ride up into the mountains. We were scared to death since our bus driver had never done it before. I am terribly afraid of being in a bus on a cliff!! I stayed hunched down in my seat until we stopped at the falls.
But (now that we survived) I can say it was well worth it.

[Buns]

Originally Posted by ELECTRA

I agree that Blue Mountain Coffee is nothing to rave about.
Brewing an excellent cup of coffee is an art......an art that I was shown in Jalapa, Mexico. It was in Jalapa that I had the best cup of coffee ever. ..

I guess everyone has their own opinion about coffee. Most peeps seem to think that the Blue Mountain Coffee is fabulous…I just didn’t really taste that much of a difference, to be honest. Since I’m being honest…I am more of a Starbucks or McD’s Iced Coffee kinda girl, myself.

Originally Posted by ELECTRA

Mosquitos:
Where there any mosquitos in Negril?? Any on the beach around sunset?

I didn’t really notice any mosquitos, however, one day I did get a couple of red bumps that appeared on my body that did itch. I don’t know what they were from. They looked worse than mosquito bites, maybe like a spider bite? I don’t really know. I just put some anti-itch cream on them for a few days and they went away.

Originally Posted by ELECTRA

Location:
Where is this hotel located? Is there a landmark that will help me find it on google earth?

Idle Awhile is located pretty much in the middle of Seven Mile Beach. It’s next door to a hotel called Coco La Palm on one side, and the Charlea Inn on the other side. The rooms are tucked back from the beach, hidden behind beautiful foliage, so it would be easy to miss it, even when walking right on the beach.

Originally Posted by ELECTRA

Air Condition
Did you have to put on the A/C in the room at anytime?

There was A/C in the room, and we just set it when we arrived and I don’t think we really messed with it after that. It wasn’t really too hot all week (remember…I live in Phoenix, so anything below 100 degrees is not that hot to us).

Originally Posted by ELECTRA

Price:
How do you compare the price to say, an equivalent trip to Playa??

I think you could spend as much or as little money as you’d like in Negril. From our experience, though…our room (oceanview room) was $135/night. Food could be anywhere from $2 (Patties on the beach) up to $50.00 (Margaritaville). I do think that as far as beverages (beer, mixed drinks, etc.) it is definitely cheaper in Negril. Overall…I spent about the same amount of money in Negril for 9 full days as we do when we spend 6 full days in Playa.

Originally Posted by ELECTRA

With your Hollywood Starlet good looks, how did you manage to keep all the guys off of you??

You are my new Best Friend! I love you!

[Buns]

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Got up this morning and had breakfast at Idle Awhile. French toast and banana pancakes…both yummy!

Headed down to the beach for the day. There was a big ugly cloud hanging right over Idle Awhile. It looked like rain for sure. However, all day and it never moved and we never got a drop of rain. None so far this trip, actually!

Watched as Tom…a guest… built up another sand castle. Did I tell you about the sandcastles? This is the third day now that he has been here and has done some outstanding sand castles. He is an older gentleman that leaves on the beach up in Seattle. He says that this sand is actually very good for building sand castles on. Now…he doesn't do sculptures, just sand castles.











Had our left over pizza from last night for lunch. It was good, even cold. I got some ice cream from a local guy. Today I had a cone with strawberry/vanilla/chocolate ice cream. Yesterday, I had the Rum with Raisin flavor is a plastic cup. Only $150Jamaican and well worth it.

There is another couple staying here, they are from New Joisey. They have twin 5-year-old girls, and are in their 40s. They lady never shuts up! She is CONSTANTLY talking to anyone who will listen. Anyways…she was having a nice long conversation earlier today with another guest from Florida. They were discussing how terrible it is that smokers smoke on the beach. (I am a smoker and am smoking right there as they are having this conversation…but no, I was not offended). New Joisey Lady is telling how she quit smoking just a few years ago, when she got pregnant with her girls. And now she can't believe that anyone would smoke, especially when it says right on the cigarette packs that it can kill ya! In the next breath these two ladies are talking about the ganga they have gotten here, and that they think it is better quality in Miami. Florida Lady is going to try to get some mushrooms tonight, while New Joisey Lady is happy with the ganga.

ALL DAY LONG…I am NOT even kidding you…New Joisey Lady and her husband are smoking there joint. They are not even trying to be discreet about it. I mean…it's cool if that is what you are into. But PUH-LEESE have some respect for others! I mean…there's kids playing in the sand, for goodness sake! But know…whipping out joints and smoking them up like it is no big thing. A couple of times,New Joisey Lady would even put a towel over her head to light up (it was a little windy today.) But…I guess I really can't complain, because someone could say the same thing about me and smoking cigarettes. Whatever. Just wanted to vent about that one I guess.

Took some pictures of the sunset, another gorgeous one.



Headed instead to chill out and change for dinner tonight. We didn't really know where we were going, just started walking south on the beach. And who do we run into?? YEP! Our good friend JONATHON! We just kept on walking…

We decided to eat at the Italian Place, Restaurante De Gino Italiano at the Mariposa Gardens Hotel. It was DELICIOUS! I had the Bolgna Spaghetti and Chuck had the Beef Filet. The filet tasted a little different from what we are used to, but Chuck still ate it all. My spaghetti was wonderful and I ate just about ALL of it…a first in a while.





Walked back to Idle Awhile for another quiet night in

Another perfect day in paradise.

[travmagic]

I always do AI's in Jamaica, as I do in PDC so I am really enjoying reading about your dining experience. The food is fabulous where we stay but it's fun to read your report about things we have never done and places we have never been.
Keep it up!

[catnhat]

Buns I have been enjoying your Great Report and Photos...

Our friends Dave and Cheryl who were with us in Playa last Nov. have been staying at the
Sandals Dunn's River Villaggio in Jamaica these past 2 weeks..They return home Sat...
I will show them this report...