Looking for a family vacation that satisfies mom, dad, grandparents and the kids?
A stay at Beaches Negril is sure to fulfill the “want list” that each family member has for an enjoyable, safe and relaxing vacation.
The resort is about 90 minutes from Sangster International Airport (MBJ). Our family of six headed there in late September for a full week. Although it was a lengthy ride, the kids loved seeing the mountains, greenery and lively colours of Jamaica. It was a great way to build anticipation! We even stopped by for a quick photo opportunity as we entered Negril.
Just as everyone started getting a little restless, we saw the Beaches Negril sign and cheers erupted among the kids. We couldn’t wait for our driver (Blake from the amazing Thompson Tours and Transfers) to stop under the grand porte-cochère where staff were waiting for us with smiles and cold towels. Our check-in process was smooth and in no time at all, we were heading to our gorgeous room—a Tropical Beachfront One-Bedroom Walkout Grand Concierge Family Suite (W1BG).
Perfect for larger, multi-generational families
The room was located on the ground floor of the Savannah building, just steps from the main pool, a playground and the waterpark. In fact, it was probably in the most central area of the resort (room 406/407 if you want to request it!).
These ocean-view sanctuaries consist of one bedroom with two pull-out sofas, a trundle bed and two marble bathrooms with a bathtub/shower combination. The mahogany-furnished primary bedroom is complete with a flat-screen TV, a king-size bed and large closets. Each suite also includes a spacious living room with French doors leading out to a private walkout patio. What I loved is the mini kitchenette that was available in both the primary and living areas—it was so convenient to have a microwave in addition to a mini fridge stocked with complementary water, juices, wine and local beer.
This room category enjoys exclusive Concierge Lounge check-in and a dedicated concierge available to handle any special requests and reservations, such as spa appointments or dinner reservations. The room itself was beautiful, modern and spacious. For the six of us, it was perfect—especially because of the second bathroom. You don’t realize how much you appreciate it until you’re in the moment!
I’m confident that any room choice at Beaches Negril would be a satisfying choice as all 185 rooms at the resort have been recently renovated. There are also a number of enhancements taking place on the property which will make for a great guest experience when they’re all finished.
Enhancements are coming to Beaches Negril
To start, the resort is working on oceanfront butler townhomes with private pools—talk about luxury! The beach in Negril is the best in Jamaica, and this new room category will be the most coveted when it’s available to book. In addition to the development of these new townhomes on either end of the resort, plans are in place for the construction of a brand new infinity pool, bowling alley, new Kids Club sections and food truck alley. Along with these new features in the next three years, the resort’s existing pools and common areas will see a refresh. How exciting!
Editors note: Check out my blog post on the construction and new accommodations. Connect with me to learn more.
Great food options for kids and adults
Food options at Beaches Negril are varied with very few requiring reservations. My personal favourite? Stewfish. This barefoot-in-the-sand-style restaurant was incredible for both breakfast and dinner. And, it was the location to take in some of the most beautiful sunsets that I’ve ever seen. The Mill—the resort’s buffet option—offered great variety and was a daily staple for us. We just found it so easy to satisfy every member of the family. Another favourite—and you can find it at Sandals as well—Dino’s Pizzeria. Who knew the Caribbean would have some of the best pizza I’ve ever tasted?
The star of this resort? The beach!
The natural beauty of the area is one of the strongest assets of this resort. In fact, the beach is one of the most gorgeous I’ve been to in Jamaica and one of the best maintained on Seven Mile Beach. We saw so much wildlife and sea life within the week—from starfish to turtles, geckos to cranes—it was incredible.
We booked a cabana on our last day—complete with a butler—and it was a great way to enjoy the resort in a whole new way!
Does the beach look like it does in ads? YES! That was one of the resort’s biggest assets in my opinion—aside from the incredible staff. My husband and I actually walked up the beach to Sandals Negril (adults have exchange privileges here). It’s about 2.5 kilometres each way.
The staff shine at Beaches Resorts
The kids (ages 8, 12 and 14) absolutely loved the resort and are already asking to go back. Entertainment staff (like Kevaughn and Shynnae) went over and above their roles to engage all of my kids. With the Kids Club, Xbox Play lounge, unlimited watersports and a YoYo’s frozen yogurt shop, there was enough to keep my always-active kids busy for a full seven days. Not only that, but the staff memorized all of our names within moments of meeting us. They made so many of the week’s scheduled events a great time—like the Beach Party, Silent Disco, Returning Guests Cocktail Party and Sesame Street Parade! Further to that, nightly themed shows provided entertainment for the whole family.
Little did we know that our kids would make friends with the other kids there! It was so wonderful to feel secure and comfortable with the kids at a resort of this size.
Other amenities included a lovely full-service spa. I had a CBD massage with hot salt stones… It was the best I have ever had. Ask for Paula!
There’s only one resort gift shop, but it’s full of necessities like Benadryl, band-aids and sunscreen and also has a great variety of sundresses, beach balls and souvenirs.
In addition to the beautiful beach is a fabulous Pirates Island Waterpark. With two slides, a lazy river and some great areas for wee ones. Beyond that, you have access to unlimited watersports like snorkelling, scuba, kayaking and paddle boarding—and it’s all included!
If you’re a fitness buff, the gym will not disappoint. The amenities are definitely part of the allure of this resort for adults and kids alike.
Final thoughts on our trip
Would we return again? YES! When I asked my three girls if we should try out Beaches Turks and Caicos next, they said, “Mom, why change a good thing?!”
Enough said.
Connect with Pink Palm Travel to book now. For a limited time, service fees are waived for all Sandals and Beaches bookings.
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Connect with me at Pink Palm Travel to book your Beaches Negril trip!