Negril

Laid-back Negril is known as Jamaica's ‘capital of casual.' It is less developed than the island's other resort towns, although it is still filled with hotels, restaurants and shops ranging from low-end to fancy. Negril became a popular destination in the 1970s, when American hippies flocked there to smoke ganja (marijuana) and jam to the island's empowering and rebellious reggae music. Since then, the town has evolved into a more upscale tourist destination. It's best known for its beautiful Seven Mile Beach, frequently ranked among the best beaches in the world.

Negril's tourists are predominantly Americans under the age of 40, but many Canadians and British also come to seek refuge from their cold winters. The busiest tourist months are between November and April. In the summer, which is hurricane season in the Caribbean, the number of tourists shrinks and the number of local festivals soars. In recent years, Negril has grown in popularity with American college students, who come for wild, drunken partying during spring break.

Negril is on the western tip of the island of Jamaica, located in the Caribbean Sea just south of Cuba. It is 89km (55 miles) west of Montego Bay Airport, about a two-hour drive.

Negril overlooks Long Bay on the island's western tip, with mostly flat terrain but mountain ranges to the west.

The famous Seven Mile Beach (approximately 11km/7 miles) has aqua blue water, white sand, scenic cliffs, little bays and many friendly vendors and open-air restaurants. Big all-inclusive resorts are on the north end, with smaller, family-run hotels on the south end. Besides lounging in the sun with a cold drink, there are dozens of different water activities available, including scuba diving, fishing and tubing. West End Road, just south of Negril, is the area's best place to snorkel, dive, and if you dare, cliff jump off 12m (40ft) bluffs.

Travelling into Negril's hidden nooks or up into the lush mountains is a pleasurable change-of-pace from the beach. The rushing waterfalls and mineral springs at Mayfield Falls are fun, and a sunset cruise is a must. It can be combined with a late-afternoon snorkelling trip or a stop at a private beach. For the best view of the island, climb to the top of the century-old Lighthouse at West End Road.

Let the boys go fishing while girls get their hair braided with beads along the beach. Most restaurants are kid-friendly, and the beaches offer a wide range of watersports suitable for all ages. Explore caves at Roaring River, a natural area just outside Negril, or for equestrian lovers, Rhodes Hall offers two-hour horseback rides through banana and coconut groves, high into the hills and along the beach, with stops for crocodile watching.

The island's favourite coffee, Blue Mountain, and its homemade Appleton Rum can be purchased at most shops. Fine handmade cigars are sold at Cigar Kin, in the Time Square Mall (Norman Manley Boulevard). Ja-Ja Originals, a studio and art gallery located at Coco La Palm Resort on Norman Manley Boulevard, features a unique selection of art by local artists.

Margueritaville Negril (on the beach on Norman Manley Boulevard) claims the title of Negril's hippest party bar and features 52 tropical flavours of margaritas. Live music is always playing at Alfred's Ocean Palace, on Norman Manley Boulevard. The circular dance floor is always packed at The Jungle and at Hedonism II (both on Norman Manley Boulevard), which hosts toga and pyjama parties.

Jamaica is filled with little restaurants serving spicy, tasty jerk-flavoured meat, rice and cold Red Stripe beer. But the culinary offerings in Negril go far beyond that. Hunan Garden Chinese Restaurant at Country (Negril Beach Road) is the island's only authentic Chinese restaurant and even serves dim sum on Sunday mornings. For a romantic night out, Kuyaba (Norman Manley Road) has fine dining alongside waterfalls, tropical foliage and exotic birds. Another spot for lovebirds is Xtabi's (Lighthouse Road). The candle-filled restaurant is perched on a cliff overlooking the bay and serves fresh-caught fish.

Jamaica is working hard to overcome its reputation for crime, but in the meantime, it's not wise to roam around the island on foot. Public transportation is only recommended for the intrepid tourist. Motorbike rentals are available, as are numerous guides who can take you wherever you want to go. Using taxis is preferable to renting cars, as prices are high and the roads are tough to navigate.

The Negril Yacht Club (Westmoreland) offers day trips to relaxing Little Bay, or the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston. Think up your own itinerary and they'll do a custom tour for you. If you're a fan of the movie How Stella Got Her Groove Back, you can go past the luxurious house featured in the film, which is just outside Negril, in Hanover.

Crowds gather to watch the beautiful sunset each night at Rick's Café, the cliffside bar that's famous for its Planter's Punch (a combination of rum and fruit juice) and the clear view of cliff divers at West End Road. In the evenings, the bar has some of the island's best live band performances. During the day, splurge on a private helicopter ride to Port Antonio and Navy Island, where you can have a gourmet picnic on a secluded beach and see the 1930s home of Hollywood star Errol Flynn. The high-end Couples Swept Away Negril contains one of the best sports complexes in the Caribbean.

Sangster International Airport (MBJ)