Jamaica - what is it like?

[Anonymous]

Some ladies really like it. Ganja a-plenty.

[Anonymous]

I have to disagree with all of the negativity here and give Jamaica a little love. I've been to many islands and we went to Jamaica last spring break and really enjoyed it. We planned the trip very last minute and really ended up there because we got a direct flight and reservation at a small hotel right on seven mile beach in Negril about four days before we left. We are not all-inclusive, big resort-types, and we like to eat local food, and absorb the local culture.

Seven Mile Beach at Negril is lovely - beautiful, clear and calm water - perfect for kids. We stayed here: http://www.sandyhavenresort.com/ It was small, right on the best part of the beach and very friendly. Nice beach bar with great Pina Coladas. We became good buddies with the bartenders and had a great time hanging with them every afternoon.

The local food was amazing. As a PP pointed out, the bigger the dive, the better the food. Beach shacks serving local food were the best. One of the best meals we had was at Public House on the other side of the main road that runs along the beach. Goat Curry was fabulous. Also Murphy's West End was amazing. The Best of the West is known for their great Jerk Chicken and it's right across the street from Sandy Haven. The exception to the dive rule was an evening out at Zimbali's - which is an eco-lodge up in the hills outside of Negril. They grow everything on the property and serve a wonderful meal made from their bounty. It's owned by an aging American Hippie and was a really fun evening out with local music and great food.

We never felt unsafe and explored the area every day. The kids enjoyed a visit to Rick's and jumped off the cliff (the lower one!) and we all swam in the cove there which is really cool. It's pretty touristy but fun. If one prefers, there are a lot of beautiful hotels on the Cliffs with gorgeous views of the beautiful sea. In Negril you choose between staying right on the beach or up on the cliffs.

There's nice live music everywhere as well - day or night you can enjoy reggae.

Yes, there are hawkers but that happens in a lot of places I like to travel around the world so they don't bother me. Yes, they're selling a LOT of pot, but a friendly "no mon" does the trick. DH and I probably would've partaken if the kids weren't around!

We would definitely go back to Jamaica for the beach, food, and music - enjoyed every minute of our trip.

[Anonymous]

^^PP is a pot smoker and buyer, and the reason tourists get harassed to buy in places like Jamaica. Wouldn’t happen if there wasn’t a market for it.

Shame on you PP!