CARIBBEAN.COM - NEGRIL, JAMAICA

All about Negril

Originally published CARIBBEAN.COM CIRCA 2004 -
COURTESY DUPUCH PUBLICATIONS © Etienne Dupuch Jr Publications Ltd

Negril has had lots of time to learn the ins and outs of being party central. During the early 1700s heyday of piracy, Negril was the gathering place of treasure-laden galleons about to sail out of the Caribbean and on to Europe.

Back in the days of piracy, Calico Jack Rackham and his female pirate mates once guzzled too much Jamaican firewater - aka rum. British party-poopers subsequently raided Calico Jack's rum rumble and made arrangements for his death by hanging. Girlfriends Mary Read and Ann Bonney were expectant moms at the time, so their lives were spared. The lucky, plucky women had nothing but contempt for the late Calico Jack. They are supposed to have said, "If he had fought like a man, he would not have died like a dog."

Negril party action is in full swing just south of Bloody Bay, so named because it used to be a whale-processing center. The atmospheric Rick's Caf? and sunset dive exhibition, a la Acapulco, complete the perfect picture of Negril/Margaritaville divine madness.

An appropriate name for such a party destination as Negril is hedonism. Negril has such a place - Hedonism II, in fact. Jamaica, birthplace of all-inclusive resorts for couples, in one of the most romantic islands on the planet, and Hedonism II is no exception.

If you haven't a thing to wear, head for Negril Beach and its many lonely miles of golden sands backed by jungle-clad mountains. The beach caters not only to the topless but the bottomless as well. Don't be too surprised if your room features a mirrored ceiling. Of course Negril also has beaches for those who like to keep their bathing suits on.

Aside from the legendary sunbathing, there is plenty to keep you busy in Negril and environs. Check out the wonderful bars, beauty salons, water sports, Jacuzzis, bars, games rooms, bars, libraries, more bars, and even afternoon teas. Paradise, for the most part, doesn't come cheap, however. Pricey and exclusive all-inclusive resorts tend to lighten the wallet.

Aside from Hedonism II, Negril Beach resorts have such creative names as Catch a Falling Star, Tensing Pen Village and Banana Shout. One of these sports the motto: Be Wicked For A Week.

Your best chance for affordable Negril fun and games lies just south of Negril Lighthouse. There, you will find cabins, cottages and tent sites on the cheap, by Negril standards. Cabin and tent amenities are basic but clean, and there are private baths and fans in most cases. Above all, there is splendid beach and mountain scenery that will take your breath away.

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