Beaches Negril certainly lives up to its hype. It has been voted as the best Caribbean resort for families in the past by Tripadvisor readers and consistently earns ratings of 4.5/5 and 5/5. Guests often praise its excellent location, the cleanliness of its rooms, and the stunning beach.
This is a resort made for explorers and those who want a variety of options at their disposal. It isn’t as large - or expensive - as Beaches Turks & Caicos, but it offers more than Beaches Ocho Rios. Beaches Negril can be seen as the middle sibling, with affordable rooms and plenty of things to see and do, from walking through coral caves to enjoying the 7-mile beach.
The beach is probably the star of the show at Beaches Negril. We aren’t kidding; just Google it, and you’ll see that the 7-mile beach is a huge hit with visitors. You can’t go wrong with it. Do you remember those movies where people are enjoying the perfect vacation on a beach with white sands and turquoise water, and you think it might be fake? Well, friend, Negril has a beach just like that waiting for you.
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Almost everything is included in your vacation to Beaches Negril, from airport transfers to entrance to the Pirates Island Waterpark, the thirteen restaurants, drinks & cocktails, shows and plenty more. Tips are also included, and the only exception is if you decide to visit the local spa or decide to tip your bus driver that takes you from the airport to the main resort. There are also several paid experiences for those seeking something different, such as a romantic candlelight dinner or even a horseback beach ride!
Always keep in mind one thing: Beaches Resorts is designed with families in mind. You'll see a lot of kids enjoying the waterpark and playing on the beach, and there are Sesame Street characters almost everywhere. If you prefer a resort aimed at adults only, be sure to check out the sister brand, Sandals Resorts.
Let's check out our quick review of Beaches Negril, with the pros and cons offered by this beach resort.
Beaches Negril Resort Map
Reviews of Beaches Negril Resort
The Good Stuff
Updated and beautiful: one of the best things about Beaches Negril is that the resort looks brand new! It was renovated recently, with new buildings, townhouses, butler suites and rooms popping up in 2023. This means that everything looks new and fresh, which is something guests really appreciate when they are far away from home. The penthouses look like something from a 5-star hotel and tend to get a lot of good reviews online. It’s great that Beaches Negril has amazing rooms; now, please update the rooms at Ocho Rios as well!
Food: Beaches Negril often wins the award for the best food among all three Beaches Resorts in Jamaica, and it’s easy to see why. While it doesn’t have the astonishing 21 restaurants of Beaches Turks & Caicos, it surpasses the 7 restaurants of Beaches Ocho Rios. Beaches Negril boasts 11 diverse restaurants, including some exclusive options you won’t find at any other family resort. It’s the only Beaches Resort with an authentic Mexican restaurant, as well as Peruvian cuisine. Add to that the choices of Japanese food, seafood, and plenty more, and you know you’ll be eating well during your vacation in this tropical paradise.
The beach: Jamaica is well known for its marvelous beaches, and it's no different in Negril. The Seven Mile Beach is just perfect, and a great place for you to relax and enjoy your time. It’s not as spectacular as Grace Bay Beach in Beaches Turks & Caicos, but it’s still amazing and deserves a spot in our “The Good Stuff” list.
This is a seven mile beach (now you can see where they got that original name from huh?) with white sands and turquoise water for you and your family. There are even a few floating objects scattered around in the water for kids to play with, climb on, and even do some somersaults. There is also a roped-off area for safe swimming, and that’s great news especially for our little ones.
You know what’s also crazy? You won't find any rocks or seaweed anywhere, as staff members ensure they're removed every day. Just keep in mind that, unlike the beach in Ocho Rios, this one isn’t private to your resort.
(Very) Kid-Friendly: Sandals Resorts is mostly aimed at adults and lovebirds, but Beaches Resorts is for entire families, from toddlers to teenagers. It’s easy to see how a beach resort could be fun for kids. Beaches Negril offers special hotel rooms with connected bunk rooms for your kids, and it also features everything from Sesame Street characters to a huge waterpark and a Kids Camp to make them feel like true explorers. There are also a lot of guests that come to this resort with their families and kids, so it’s easy to make new friends! Unlike the traditional Sandals Resort, you are going to see a lot of kids walking around.
All inclusive: As is the case with Sandals and Beaches Resorts, Beaches Negril is also all-inclusive. This means that almost every activity is free for you to enjoy, and every restaurant at your disposal is also free. Even tips are included in your package. Want to save money? You can't go wrong with Beaches.
The Bad Stuff
J-jellyfish!?: relax, friend, no need to get too scared about this one. There are jellyfish in Negril, and you might come face to face with these pretty little creatures. They can be in the mood to come closer to you to say hi, and touching them feels like a small bee sting. Adults don’t mind them too much, but they can be bothersome to kids. Some guests online have been stung by jellyfish, but rest assured, there are medical services provided inside Beaches Negril that can treat you as quickly as possible. On the bright side, there are also guests who report spending an entire week at Beaches Negril and never finding a single jellyfish.
How to get to Beaches Negril?
Flying to Beaches Negril
When you fly into Jamaica, you will likely land in Montego Bay at Sangster International Airport (MBJ). Guests of Beaches Negril also have the option to arrive at Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) or Norman Manley International Airport (KIN).
Jamaica is located south of Florida. A flight from Miami to Jamaica takes about 1 hour and 55 minutes, while a flight from California takes about 6 hours.
Most guests visiting Beaches Negril report arriving at Sangster International Airport (MBJ). There is a free transfer from the airport to the resort, and the entire trip takes about 90 minutes. Time to grab your camera and take some pictures while you sit down and relax. This ride, in particular, can be a bit bumpy, so make sure to take some medication if you usually get motion sick on buses.
Club MoBay
Did you know that Montego Bay airport offers a service similar to Disney's Lightning Lane? Yeah, sounds crazy, but let me explain.
For around $35 per passenger, you can access a faster line that eases the immigration process. Many people complain that the immigration queues at Montego Bay are long, and this is a quick solution to avoid the wait. You can also buy a bundle for $85 that includes this expedited service as well as access to a VIP lounge with free food and drinks, allowing you to relax a little and kick off your vacation in Jamaica.
For more information about this service, make sure to visit the Montego Bay website or contact us.
Transportation Options to Beaches Negril
Once you've completed immigration, look for the small Beaches kiosk nearby and introduce yourself. There is a lounge for Beaches and Sandals guests that serves snacks and drinks. Your bags will be tagged with your assigned room number, and all except your hand luggage will be carted away and delivered directly to your room.
Remember, transportation from the airport to the resort is included in your stay! You will most likely board an air-conditioned bus for the journey to your resort. The bus drivers are from a third-party service, and it's okay to tip them if you wish.
If you are staying in a Butler Elite Penthouse, you will probably receive private transportation to the resort, most likely in an SUV for you and your family. Now you can arrive at your beach resort in styyyle.
Where is Beaches Negril?
Beaches Negril is located about 47 miles away from MBJ. That means that you are going to take around 90 min from the airport to your final destination, where you are welcomed by the staff and then taken to your private room. If you're staying in a concierge suite, you have access to a private check in and they even give you a bottle of champagne.
If you need a specific address, Beaches Negril is located on Norman Manley Blvd, Negril, Jamaica. Negril is a small, charming town with incredible scenery. Beaches Negril is located just five minutes from town, and you can easily take a private cab to get there. There are also numerous resort activities that will take you into the city.
Staying at Beaches Negril
For more information about room options, be sure to visit our guide titled “Room Options at Beaches Negril”.
Beaches Negril has three different Villages with different room levels. Unlike Beaches Turks & Caicos and Beaches Ocho Rios, Negril likes to call them simply “buildings”.
Honestly, I wouldn’t worry too much about picking the perfect Village at Beaches Negril. Villages are mostly about where you want to be located, if either closer to the water park, or the beach, or a specific restaurant that you really love. When it comes to what you have at your disposal and plain luxury, Room Levels are way more important.
With that in mind, these are the Villages offered in Beaches Negril:
- Island Village (with the Santa Cruz and Firesky buildings)
- Reggaeville (with the Savannah buildings)
- Calypso Cove (with the Montpelier buildings)
Rooms are separated into three distinct levels: luxury, concierge and butler elite. Luxury is actually the budget option, while concierge tends to bring more upscale rooms and a few additional perks to guests, like a private check-in, a private lounge and a mini-bar with more items. The butler suite has all the perks of the concierge rooms, and there is also a private butler at your disposal that can make all kinds of reservations for you, bring meals to your room and much more.
The Savannah & Santa Cruz buildings usually offer the most affordable rooms, starting at $250 per night, per guest. These are great rooms for a small family of up to four guests with views to the garden and swimming pools.
Concierge Suites aren’t much more expensive, honestly. Prices tend to start at $270 per night, per guest with rooms located in the Montpelier and Santa Cruz buildings. There are, in fact, some dates where the concierge suites are actually cheaper than the deluxe rooms, so keep an eye out for that.
Butler elite suites have the best rooms, and prices start at around $300 per night, per guest. In Beaches Negril, Butler Suites are mostly for big families or huge groups of friends. Rooms accommodate from 8 all the way to 18 (!!!) guests, so make sure to fill that room with everyone you can think of.
Of course, many variables come into play when making a reservation, such as how many months in advance you book your room, the specific day and month of your visit, holidays, the number of guests in a single room and more. All of that will impact the price, and the examples above are just a starting point. We're here to help you with the details and how to get the best deals.
Dining at Beaches Negril
For more information about dining options, be sure to visit our guide titled “Dining Options at Beaches Negril”.
Good news, friends! Beaches Negril might have the best food compared to Beaches Turks & Caicos and Beaches Ocho Rios. While some restaurants are also found at other resorts, Negril has a few exclusives that are a big hit with visitors.
Love Japanese food? They have that here, including a restaurant specialized in sushi. How about a Peruvian restaurant that might offer you a delicious ceviche? No problem, they got one. Beaches Negril even has a place for you to make your own salad with dozens of different ingredients! Okay, you don’t want a salad, but how about a pepperoni pizza, maybe a nice pasta or just a juicy burger? Check, check, check. They have almost anything you can think of.
Beaches Negril has 11 restaurants in total. At the time of this writing, none of them require you to dress fancy, and only two of them require a reservation (Kimonos and Yaku). Let’s check them out, along with the types of food they offer:
- The Mill (international cuisine)
- Kimonos (japanese)
- Soy Sushi Bar (sushi)
- El Mariachi (mexican)
- Yaku (peruvian)
- Bar B Q Park (BBQ)
- Café de Paris (french)
- Dino's Pizzeria (pizza)
- Chick’N Dippers (american)
- Stew Fish Grill (seafood)
- Green Machine (salads; healthy)
- Jerk Shack (caribbean)
- Yoyo's (yogurt; ice-cream)
Remember, the food is included in the price of your package. You can move around restaurants without paying a dime. You also are encouraged not to tip waiters, so you can spend the entire week just eating, eating and eating. Do we recommend it? Prooobably not, but, hey, having options is always good.
Activities at Beaches Negril
For more information about activities, be sure to visit our guide titled “Activities at Beaches Negril”.
There is a lot of stuff to do at Beaches Negril, from classic snorkeling to scuba diving for certified divers, kayaking and even a glass bottom boat ride for you and your little ones. Here is a list of what you can find, all for the absolute low price of… free!
- Pirates Island Waterpark
- Kids Camp
- Sesame Street parades & shows
- Xbox Lounge
- Trench Town with a lot of arcade games for kids
- Lawn Chess
- Kayaks
- Scuba Diving
- Kids Scuba Program
- Windsurfing
- Hydrobikes
- Snorkeling
- Paddle Boarding
- Land Sports
- 24-hour Fitness Center
For more details about free & paid activities, make sure to check out our dedicated guide.
Also, keep an eye out for specific events and festivals happening within the resort during your stay! Look for signs in front of the lobby or ask a staff member about parties tailored for you and your whole family that take place at night.
Beaches Negril Weather Guide
More good news, dear readers. Like most tropical destinations in the Caribbean, temperatures remain fairly high throughout the year in Negril, Jamaica. While there are both dry and rainy seasons, as expected, there's a good chance you'll be greeted by bright sunshine when you visit this gorgeous beach resort.
January is ideal for escaping the colder weather in North America. Daytime temperatures in Negril typically hover around 82°F, rarely falling below 79°F or going above 86°F. Average ocean temperatures are around 80°F. January also has the least rainfall in Negril, with the driest season spanning from December to March.
July is one of the hottest months in Negril, with highs around 88°F. If you are planning a trip to Negril in July, know that temperatures rarely drop below 86°F or rise above 90°F. The seawater temperature reaches approximately 84.2°F.
September is the least windy month in Negril. October and early November are considered the rainy seasons, but it’s also when you can find the most affordable rooms.
Best Times to visit Beaches Negril
February, March and April are great months to take the perfect spring break getaway for families with younger kids. These months offer the best combination of weather and availability, with very low chances of rain. Those are also some of the most expensive months.
December to mid-April is considered the peak season in Negril. During this time, prices tend to be higher than usual, and the resort is typically more crowded. December is particularly busy, not only due to the holidays but also because many people seek to escape winter and enjoy the cozy weather in Jamaica.
Late August, September, October, and early November typically offer the lowest accommodation and activity rates in Beaches Negril, and it’s not rare to see the resort at only 70% capacity. If you're seeking peace and quiet, along with the possibility of special deals, planning a visit during this time frame is advisable. However, it's important to note that these months also coincide with the highest chance of rain.
If we had to pick the perfect months to visit, we’d probably go with December-March.
Packing list for Beaches Negril
Packing for a beach resort isn’t as easy as it might seem. While you’ll need several swimsuits, don’t forget to pack at least one nice outfit for a romantic dinner, a formal event or if you decide to explore the city at night.
Also, bring essentials like sunscreen and bug repellent from home, as these items are usually much more expensive on-site. It’s always wise to come prepared and bring all the essentials with you instead of waiting to buy them at the resort. Your wallet will thank you later.
For Beaches Negril, it might be a good idea to bring something to combat the jellyfish. No, not a bazooka, but Amazon has what they call “anti-jellyfish” lotions that can protect you from the sea creatures. I’ve never tried them before, but they have some good reviews and a lot of visitors say that they really make the jellyfish see you as a friend.
We will separate this list into essentials to bring on your beach resort trip and a few nice-to-haves.
Essentials
At least 3-4 swimsuits: Since you're going to a beach resort, swimsuits are essential. Think of it like going to Alaska without a warm coat. For a week-long trip, bring at least three swimsuits so you can change styles daily and have an extra in case one gets lost. They also will not dry hung up overnight, so make sure to bring more than two.
3-4 swim cover-ups: For the ladies, swim cover-ups are incredibly useful at a beach resort. They are great for transitioning from the beach to a nearby restaurant and provide warmth against the chilly wind after a swim.
Rash guard: good for everyone in the family. It protects from the sun. It doesn’t let you burn. You do the simple math and quickly realize it’s a very good item to bring to a beach vacation.
Shorts & t-shirts/skirts & casual dresses: Especially for the guys, shorts and t-shirts are essential. You'll wear them frequently, even pairing khaki shorts with a cozy shirt for dinner. This combo ensures comfort and relaxation during your beach stay.
Flip flops/comfortable sandals: Since you'll be walking a lot on sand and across water parks, sandals or flip flops are a must. Let your feet breathe and enjoy the feel of the beautiful, warm sands.
A nice outfit: Bring at least one nice outfit, such as trousers and a dress shirt with dress shoes or an elegant dress. Some adult-only restaurants and special events during your vacation may require formal attire. This is also a good excuse to dress nicely and enjoy the nightclub.
Sun hat: you know those big hats that almost make you look like a Samurai? Yeah, you are probably going to need one of those in a beach resort. They look stylish and they really protect from the sun. Remember, at a beach resort, the sun will be like a new member of your party for the duration of your vacation.
Beach bag: remember to pack a beach bag to take to the… uh… beach. They’re simple, lightweight and perfect for you to throw it on the sand without feeling bad for it. Put all you need inside and you are good to go.
Sunglasses: they protect your eyes from the sun. You only have two eyes, and you should love them, so keep them safe since you will be under the sun for a long time.
Sunscreen: Don't forget to pack your sunscreen! Bring your favorite one, and consider bringing more than one since you'll be using it a lot. While sunscreen is available on-site, it's much more expensive than what you're used to.
Lip balm: sunscreen and lip balm are a perfect pair. Unfortunately you can’t slather sunscreen on your mouth (or maybe you can, I don't know) so it’s a good idea to pack a Lip balm to protect against cracked lips. They’re not expensive, they are very small and won’t occupy a lot of space, so let’s put them into the essential list.
After-sun lotion: Since you'll be spending days under the sun, it's important to take care of your skin. These lotions are perfect for moisturizing your skin after sun exposure and soothing any redness or inflammation.
Some cash: there is a very good chance you won’t ever need cash during your vacation, but it’s always good to bring something in case you need to tip an additional service like a spa treatment and your bus driver. Cash is also used for transportation outside the beach resort. Better to be safe than sorry!
Nice-to-haves
Anti-Jellyfish lotion: I didn’t even know those things existed but it really is true that you can find anything on the internet. You can buy these lotions on Amazon! Just apply them 15 minutes before heading to the sea and then you’re basically a jellyfish's best friend. These lotions claim to provide about 80 minutes of protection while swimming, preventing jellyfish from stinging you upon contact. I've never tried this lotion myself, but the reviews are positive, and it seems to work well.
Bug Spray: this can be a lifesaver against those pesky mosquitoes, though in some beach resorts, it may feel like insects don't exist. Mosquitoes can be particularly bothersome during rainy seasons when humidity rises. It's usually a good idea to bring one along if you have space in your luggage.
Laundry detergent: if you plan on doing laundry during your vacation, you should bring your own detergent. Don’t pack a lot, tough. While some of the most expensive rooms may have washing machines, many do not, and using them often incurs additional charges. For shorter vacations, I’d recommend packing more shirts and skipping laundry, but the choice is yours.
Water shoes: If you plan to walk near the water, especially around rocks and corals, water shoes are essential. They protect your feet and provide added stability while exploring.
Waterproof portable speaker: Planning to enjoy Taylor Swift by the beach? Portable speakers can add to the fun. Just remember to keep the volume at a considerate level, as not everyone may share your love for “Shake it Off” at full blast.
Sand toys: Many resorts don't provide toys for kids to play with at the beach, so be sure to pack your child's favorites. They can have a blast building Cinderella's Castle against some of the world's most stunning backdrops.
Portable charger: we just know that some of us will spend 25h a day on our cellphones, taking pictures for Instagram in front of the most beautiful vistas in the world. It might be a good idea to pack a portable charger if you plan on using your cellphone a lot while you are out at the beach or just exploring.
Should I go to Beaches Negril?
You should already have an idea if this Beach Resort is for you. You will have a great time in Beaches Negril if:
- You want a luxurious Beach Resort for families in Jamaica and don’t mind spending a little more than usual
- You want a place that looks new and fresh
- You want a big place with lots to do and explore, without being confined to a single spot
- You want to have fun with your kids and family
One of the most important things to remember is that Beaches Resorts are aimed at families. We recommend going to Beaches Negril only if you want to have fun with your little ones. If you are planning an adults-only trip or a romantic getaway, you will have a better time at the sister brand, Sandals Resorts.
Book your dream vacation at Beaches Negril!
Now that you know a lot about Beaches Negril… why not learn even more!? Yeah, our guides do not end here. We have guides about almost anything you can think of. How about the room options at Beaches Negril? Or the list of restaurants you can find there? We have those too. You want to know more about the activities offered? We got you covered. Wait, now you want to know about the specific pH levels of the water during June on a rainy night? We don't have that guide yet, but don't tempt us!
Feel free to message us anytime for the best deals, more information about room options, activities, or anything else you need. We'll be there for you faster than your butler reserving a chair by the pool at 4am.
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