Greetings from one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been, Negril, Jamaica!
Where the sky is blue, the water is even bluer, and the mojitos pour free. ;)
Ben and I have only been here for a full day and a half (at the time of this typing!) but have already fallen into somewhat of an island routine. :)
We lazily sleep in, then check out the scene at the pool.
Pass through the lobby to smell the fresh flowers.
(I wish I knew what kind of flowers these are! They’re so beautiful and exotic!)
Then head out for a long walk on the beach.
Our hotel sits at the end of a long cove so we walk about 10 feet into the crystal clear water which is warmer than BATH WATER, and head all the way towards the other end of the cove before turning around and coming back.
The marine life we’ve come across on our walks is a hoot. I bought an underwater camera so I’ll share the pics when I get them developed.
We see all kinds of fish though – short and fat, long and skinny, plus starfish, and even sea urchins!
Once we make it back from our walk, it’s usually time for cocktail hour(s)!!! Ben and I are staying at an all inclusive resort, which means all our meals, and drinks are included in the price of the hotel.
This comes in handy for Ben’s fondness for red stripe, and my obsession with mojitos. ;) Actually, it seems I ran the resort out of fresh mint on the first day, so I had to sample a few margaritas on the second day. Whoops!
The food here is fresh, and plentiful. We’ve eaten everything from seafood, to the BEST jerk chicken,
braised oxtail (which I actually loved!)
and tons of exotic and unknown fruits. I still haven’t figured out what this avocado/oyster looking fruit is…
but jack fruit is my new favorite thing on earth!
Apparently it’s as big as a watermelon, and covered with these hedge hog looking spikes on the outside.
The inside is pitted with almond-looking pits that you pop out, then eat the flesh that peels back in layers like an artichoke. It’s WILD, and tastes like a mix between a banana, coconut, and pineapple. Mmmm, so yummy. :)
Well, back to the sun and fun I go! We’ve got an island excursion planned for tomorrow, and today we’re heading towards the famous 7 mile beach to watch and, fingers crossed, participate in some cliff jumping! Whee!
Hope you’re having a great week! :)
Nicole 04.15.2012
I would love to know the name of the resort as well…it looks amazing!!
Machelle 04.15.2012
Ran the resort out of mint….that is hilarious!!!! Drink-Em-Dry Honey!!!!! LOL!!!! it’s beautiful there! i love crystal clear blue water! ever since experiencing it, i have been unable to stick even my big toe back into Saylorville Lake! YUK!!
Sara @my less serious life 04.15.2012
braised oxtail sounds just like the kind of food you should have on this type of vacation! way to be adventurous! looks beautiful. :)
Leesh 04.14.2012
Looks like you are having a fantastic time in Jamaica. My hubby and I have only been once to Lucea, just outside of Montego Bay. We pretty much always stay at all-inclusive resorts. We are planning our anniversary vacation we take each year in June and going back to Jamaica is on our list. I’m just curious, what resort did you stay at in Negril?
Tamara 04.13.2012
My husband and I are looking into a trip to Jamaica the summer of 2013. I’ve looked at a few all inclusive resorts online. Would you mind giving me the name of the resort you stayed at. Love the spinach smoothie. I had it every day this week for breakfast. Thanks Tamara
jennyv 04.13.2012
I always thought I wanted to return to Mexico where my husband and I have gone to an all-inclusive resort twice already; now I’m thinking Jamaica might have to be our destination over the new year!
Victoria Andrews 04.13.2012
The flowers are actually ginger flowers. They are often sold with other tropical flowers like birds of paradise and tropical leaves.
Lauren 04.13.2012
the fruit is a cherimoya and they are amazing. plentiful here in Cali, come on by!
pam 04.13.2012
gorgeous–lucky you! i think the flowers might be bromeliads…have fun!
Carrie @ Season It Already! 04.13.2012
Okay, Jamaica is now on my bucket list. I’m not even a beach girl. I prefer Europe… so way to go on “selling” it to me, even though you weren’t even trying! ;-)
Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Cheers~
Jenn 04.13.2012
I’ve been to Jamaica and LOVED it! I can’t wait to go back one day. I think those flowers are a version of a bird of paradise.
Laurie 04.13.2012
The mystery fruit is a durian!
Tiphaney 04.13.2012
I also found your site on pinterest and I am so happy I did. I have used a number of your recipes and actually look forward to your e-mail every night to see what you have to say! Thanks for taking the time out during your vacation to still post!
Careen 04.12.2012
We stayed at there for our 10th anniversary… 10 years ago, feels like yesterday! Your pictures brought it back! Ask the bartender for a hummingbird, you’ll love it!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious 04.12.2012
What gorgeous photos! Okay I need to save up money so I can make a trip out there. It’s either that or winning the lottery. Then I’ll just buy a beachfront house there :)
Stephanie 04.12.2012
Looks like you’re having a wonderful time, Kristin and Ben! Hope you keep having a good vacation :)
Karla 04.12.2012
This looks so fantastic! Thanks for taking us on a virtual vacation, Kristin, and have a blast with the cliff jumping! :)
Martha E 04.12.2012
Was just in Negril myself a month ago and loved it! Its so beautiful! If you can, record the sound of the waves on the shore at night or even during the day. I did on my iPod … So magical now to listen to the serenity of it. Enjoy! And thank you for the pics!
Nicole N 04.12.2012
Jamaica looks gorgeous and the food looks delicious! fresh jackfruit is one my favorite fruits :)
Betsy Wiley 04.12.2012
My boyfriend and I are headed to Negril in September. I just got an all-inclusive quote for the RIU. Please let us know specifically which resort you are with. Have a good time.