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Negril History

 

Negril's early history was rather uneventful.  It was an isolated area with very limited access, due to swamps which cut if off from the other populated areas of the island.  It was primarily a shipping town and served as a naval base in the Battle of New Orleans in 1814.

Modern Negril was really born in the 1960's, when it was discovered by those in the hippy and flower children movements.  Although they were seen as a problem by local officials, the local village people welcomed them and rented them space in their homes, as very few hotels existed at that time.  

Starting in the 1970's,  more and more hotels, cottages and resorts were constructed, and the city has grew in popularity among visitors of all sorts.  A road was built between Negril and Montego Bay, and a local airport was also built, making for easier access to this otherwise remote destination. 

Despite Negril's ever increasing popularity, development is still controlled, according to the guideline that no building higher than the tallest palm tree may be built.  Its natural beauty remains preserved and its white sand beaches and clear ocean waters are among the more pristine in the world.
 

Negril is not known for any architectural highlights.  You won't find any skyscrapers, historic cathedrals or modern marvels of construction here.  This is due to two factors.  First, until just a few decades ago, this was an isolated part of the island with nearly nothing built here at all.  It is only in the past few decades that Negril has been developed into a resort area.  Second, toward the goal of preserving the area's natural beauty, there is a rule, although not always strictly followed, that no building should be built that is taller than the tallest tree in the area.  As a result, most building you'll find here are simple cottages and hotels, and some major resorts. 

So, save the architectural sightseeing for another trip and plan on enjoying the natural beauty of Negril.  The crystal clear waters and peaceful beaches are more impressive than any buildings you'll find here.

Negril Culture
 

Three distinctive aspects of the local culture are its food, music and language.

Seafood is a staple of Jamaican food.  Lobsters, conch, cod and other fish are locally fished and served fresh.  They are typically prepared with flavorful curries made from coconuts and other locally grown fruits and spices.   Goats are also raised for food and goat curry is a popular dish.

Reggae is at the heart of the local culture.  This genre of music originated here in  Jamaica and is characterized by slow and steady rhythms, soulful melodies and lyrics dealing with meaningful personal and social issues.  Reggae is closely related to the Rastafari movement, another aspect of Jamaican culture, which arose as a religious movement among the working and peasant classes.

Jamaicans speak a colorful Creole dialect of English.  It is characterized by its melodic tone, as sentences often seem to be almost more sung than spoken.   Local vocabulary, such as the commonly heard "irie" meaning "cool" or "all right,"  gives the language a distinctive and recognizable Jamaican character.

 

Call 1-888-336-8133 for reservations.
Ask for Penny

Negril Shopping

Negril is not known for its shopping, however, you can still find inexpensive souvenirs to take back home with you.  There is Times Square Mall on Norman Manley Boulevard directly across the street from Legends hotel where you will find a strip mall-type of shopping experience. No haggling or bartering -- what you see is what you pay. Souvenir items such as t- shirts, key chains, Blue Mountain Coffee, swimsuits and Rum can be purchased in these shops.  There are some high end jewelers located here also, where you can purchase watches and gold at tax free/duty paid prices. There is also a craft market located on NMB across from the Grand Lido that has nicely handcrafted clothing, wall hangings, jewelry and other handcrafted Jamaican items. This is where your haggling skills can come into use. The beach also offers stands and a few stores in which to purchase souvenirs from local vendors. 

On Negril's One Love Drive on the 'Cliffside' there are a multitude of shops where you can buy clothes, quality souvenirs, duty free goods. Beginning at Vendor's (Fi Wi) Plaza as you head for the West End. Then King's Plaza with its wonderful ladies & girls' dress shop, shoe shop and an amazing wedding shop. Plus here you can buy anything you want for your computer or your car sound system in the electronics shops there.

Next stop is Sunshine Plaza where Hi Lo supermarket is located, plus a heap of Duty Free shops & a huge beauty product store.

From Sunshine Plaza to way up West at Out of Town Pastry there are small supermarkets (always good to support the local economy), clothes for sale, gift shops, carvers that you can watch making their goods ready for sale. One Love Drive is full of authentic Jamaican culture as well as some of the best restaurants in Negril when you are done with shopping!

Things to Do

The most popular sports in Jamaica are soccer (football) and cricket.  You can always find a quick game of soccer going on the beach.

However, for those from landlocked northern cities snorkeling in Negril offers wonders that are not available in your home towns.  Snorkeling is easy to find in Negril and available from most hotels and resorts which have people to help you with planning the right snorkeling adventure for you. Some of the best snorkeling spots are off the West End cliffs where you can find wonderful coral and rock formations just offshore.
 

For those more adventurous you can enjoy some of the best scuba diving in Jamaica while on vacation in Negril. With top dive spots such as the Throne Room and Arches Reef and some of the clearest waters you ever saw you can always find something new to see underwater. Bottlenose Dolphin are common in the Caribbean and scuba divers in Negril often have the chance to see them in the wild for a  unique and memorable experience.

There are several stunningly beautiful waterfalls that you can either climb or "play in" including Mayfield and YS Falls. There are several different styles of fishing available from off-shore casting to deep sea excursions. There are many caves around the island both steeped in history and beautiful natural wonders. There are many rivers to raft on both white-water or romantic "gondola style". You don't have to wander far to find a passionate game of dominoes going on somewhere.

Many other activities you can enjoy include: Bicycle tours down the Blue Mountains, Zip-Line Rainforest Canopy Tours, shopping of every ilk, Heli-tours, Swimming with Dolphins, underwater adventures, horseback ride n' swim, catamaran-snorkel-Margaretville, YS falls, Mayfield Falls, Rick's cafe, tubing, and spas.

Jamaica is an incredible natural playground just waiting for you to take part. Enjoy.  

 

Negril Local on the Cliffs

The LTU Pub located in the West End of Negril is a great place to have dinner off the beach. Its one bend beyond Ricks and light-years away from the tourist traps, over priced drinks and hustle of the beach scene. Probably the best thing on the menu is the Red Snapper. Bought daily off the fishing boats and always paired with vegetables or fruit that the cook gets from local growers. Though the pina coladas and other tropical drinks are all great (and made from the real thing, not mixes poured from boxes) the restaurant also has some decent wines and even a tasty champagne in the house. Watching the sunset over the ocean or even the moon shine across the waves just helps to set the stage at this little hidden gem. Most cabbies can help you get out there, and its worth the trip!

Call 1-888-336-8133 for reservations.
Ask for Penny

 

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