What to Include in Your All Inclusive Jamaica, Negril Vacation

The island of Jamaica is many things, but none ofThe birds, however, are vastly outnumbered by the
them are understated. Jamaica seduces like amosquitoes, so come prepared with lots of bug
peacock in a barnyard full of hens. In its long andrepellent. Take the time to visit the Reserve's nature
turbulent history, Jamaica has seduced everyonemuseum at Cotton Tree Lake, and if you work up an
from Christopher Columbus and the Spaniard andappetite treat yourself to lunch on authentic Jamaican
British colonists to Errol Flynn. Ian Fleming, who gavecuisine at the lakeside restaurant.
the world James Bond, lived on Jamaica's NorthNegril can be your jumping off point to the Jamaican
Shore. Noel Coward, something of a peacock himself,interior when you would like a break from the beach
had a mansion on a hill overlooking Port Maria.scene. If your favorite way to see the world is from
Jamaica is dominated by a range of rugged hills andthe back of a horse, head 3 miles north of Negril to
mountains which include Blue Mountain Peak, risingthe Rhodes Hall Plantation, where you will be
over 7400 feet above sea level. Jamaica has amatched with a mount suitable for your riding ability.
remarkable 120 rivers, all of which begin in thoseThe two-hour horseback tour will travel well up into
mountins before emptying along Jamaica's coasts. Forthe hills, passing through groves of banana and
all the glory of the Jamaican mountains, its primarycoconut trees, and stopping to view crocodiles. The
tourist attractions remain its beaches, with the townsplantation also offers opportunities for fishing and
of Port Antonio, Montego Bay, and Ocho Riosscuba diving.
qualifying as genuine hotbeds of tourism.Recover from your day of outdoor activity by
The most stunning of all Jamaica's beaches, however,treating yourself to some of Negril's legendary
is at the western coast town of Negril. The sun onnightlife. Into reggae? Try Alfred's on Norman Manley
the white sands of Negril's Seven Mile Beach sparklesBoulevard, where you won't have to worry about a
against the deep blue of the ocean like sun sparklingcover charge on Saturdays, Monday's, Wednesdays,
on newly-fallen snow against a deep blue winter sky.and Thursdays.
But there the comparison between Seven Mile BeachNo vacation is complete without lots of shopping.
and a northern winter must end, because on itsNegril obliges with the newly-opened Times Sqare
coldest days Jamaica's waterfront temperaturesMall, where you can browse through several
seldom fall below the 70s.duty-free shops and stop for a drink at the
While the overwhelming majority of tourists visitingCourtyard Café. You'll find a terrific selection
Negril and Seven Mile Beach are there to soak up theof designer watches and jewelry, perfume,
sun and cool off through a variety of water sportscigarettes, liquor, as well as the world-famous Blue
like scuba diving, sailing, and waterskiing, Negril doesMountain coffee. Pick up a box of authentic Cuban
have other attractions. The enormous wetlandscigars at Cigar World.
surrounding Negril are home to the 300-acre RoyalWhere should you stay during your visit to Negril? If
Palm Reserve. By strolling along the boardwalk whichyou want to pull out all the stops, stay where the
passes through the reserve, you will be able to viewVIPs do: at The Caves. You'll pay for the privilege,
a wide number of bird species, including ospreys,and you'll have to take a 12-minute cab ride to get to
Jamaican woodpeckers, egrets, and the endangeredthe beach, but you'll have all the atmosphere and
black parakeet.elegance you could possibly desire.