Final recap time!
Where We Stayed
Ben and I booked our trip through Expedia.com, and stayed at the RIU ClubHotel in Negril on Bloody Bay, about 10 minutes north of 7 Mile Beach, and an hour’s drive from the Montego Bay Airport (MBJ).
We stayed at the RIU Palace in Cabo San Lucas for our honeymoon four years ago, and love the all-inclusive option the resorts offer, which include all meals, drinks, and dining at usually 4-5 onsite restaurants, as well as a morning and evening buffet. You will not go hungry at a RIU!
Since we stayed at a “ClubHotel” instead of a “Palace”, I’d have to say the Palace in Cabo was nicer, but from what we saw of other hotels in the area, this was near the top for Negril. There was actually a RIU Palace located about 1/4 mile up the bay from us, but from what we could see, the only difference between the two was that our hotel was probably more family friendly, and $400 cheaper.
Besides, they all have the patented RIU liquor carousel in each and every room!
Plus a mini bar stocked with all the water, soda, and Red Stripe you can drink. What more do ya need?! ;)
The hotel was beautifully landscaped with palm trees and other trees native to the area.
Including mango trees,
and these wacky 2D palm trees, which I kind of hated. They made me squirm for some reason!
The beach was clean, large, long, and there were plenty of sand loungers for everyone.
Plus, did I mention the view?!
I was not joking when I said the water was as warm as bathwater , and Ben and I spent several days laying in it at the base of our chairs, digging up sea shells while sipping drinks we’d take turns getting from the beach bar about 20 feet away.
The hotel also offered several free water activities, including snorkling, and sea kayaking. I begged Ben to go with me on the last day, and let me just say, sea kayaking is harder than it looks!
There is a ton of marine life to see in the bay including sting rays, star fish, puffer fish, and sea urchins, so step carefully when you’re in the water!
If the sea isn’t your thang, there are two pools to dip into, including one with a swim up bar.
Speaking of bars, they were pretty much everywhere, serving up drinks aplenty, all day long, and all included in the price of the hotel.
There was nightly entertainment in a little theater-like area, but we never caught a show as we were in bed by, cough 9pm cough, most nights. Too much vitamin D… (or fun!)
Besides our all day tour, we ventured out one other afternoon to walk along Negril’s famous 7 Mile Beach. While it was absolutely beautiful, – please don’t hate, 7 Milers – we much preferred staying in Bloody Bay. Although we only went south starting at Margaritville on 7 Mile, there were just way too many people selling “stuff” on the beach for our liking. I do hear that the area north of Margaritaville, around the Couples Swept Away hotel, is very, very popular though.
I’d give the RIU ClubHotel a solid 3.7 stars out of 5. The rooms were comfortable and quiet, and the food was fresh and plentiful (the beach shack jerk chicken was SPECTACULAR!) What really counts in my mind – the view, the beach, the staff – was top notch. I would stay there again.
Final Thoughts on Jamaica
Jamaica is the ULTIMATE relaxation destination. Omar made it very clear the day he picked us up from the airport that you are on island-time when you come to Jamaica. Everything moves a little bit slower there, so be patient, and set your worries aside, mon!
A couple other things I would tell my friends and family before visiting, therefore I’m telling you, is that from what we saw and experienced (I don’t want to generalize an entire country) the areas in and around Negril and southwest Jamaica, where we toured, were very, very poor. I had friends tell me this, but I was still not prepared for what I saw. While we enjoyed ourselves immensely during our vacation, it was at times sad and unsettling staying at such a beautiful, luxurious resort, when I knew that 100 yards away there were entire families living in 8×10″ boxes balanced on rocks. I don’t think I really need to get into it, but just understand that Negril is not a standard resort town like Cancun or Puerta Vallarta, where you go out and shop at these mega complexes or town centers or anything. I don’t know if Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, other popular Jamaican vacation destinations, are similar.
I was also not prepared for the amount of pot we encountered during our trip! We either saw or smelled it nearly everywhere we went during our stay, and although we were approached to buy many times during our stroll on 7 Mile Beach, we were never bothered in Bloody Bay. Nobody was every pushy about it or anything, I just thought I’d mention it.
Overall Jamaica is a very unique, and unimaginably beautiful country. Definitely Top 3 most stunning places I have ever seen, and hands down the most relaxing place I’ve ever been. If you want to get away from it all, go to Jamaica. And tell ’em Ben and I sent ya’!
Hi! You used to have a recipe posted for a jamaican jerk chicken with pasta. I can’t seem to find it anymore. Help please. We loved that one.
Hi Kristin- This blog post is awesome. <3
Just discovered your blog from Pinterest. It is really good. I’m going to Jamaica in a few months and will be staying at Riu ClubHotel. Your information is helpful and I’m excited. Be well!
Loved your post. I’ve been hearing from a lot of longtime visitors, people who have been to Negril 40 and 50 times that the vibe is changing and Negril has many more problems than in years past. Was curious what your thoughts are? http://rulesforrebels.blogspot.com/2015/03/jamaica-farewell-why-i-cancelled-my.html
So glad I came across your blog post! I was researching reviews of things to do in Negril. Hubby and I are going in a few weeks. We will be staying at COuples Negril. We stayed at a Riu Palace in Punta Cana in 2011 and although the resort was nice, it was packed and the food was not all that great.
Thanks for posting the link to your tour guide people. We are looking to explore as well!
Thanks!
Well I suppose everyone had their wild pass on the 7mile beach where you can get anything from lobsters to MaryJane…lol. Ironically, it appears that Omar was our guide to everywhere too!! He’s awesome!! when I return or if anyone wants to get a great price on everything…contact Omar at the jetski place on the beach near RUI Negril…cheers!
Stayed there in 2005 after Red Cross Assignment in New Orleans after Katrina. Jamaica was recovering from Wilma storm damage but the resort was beautiful!!! Our travel agent recommended Negril for the fabulous sunsets and the RIU for the beutiful beach. He said it was the most beautiful beach in Jamaica and I agree!!! He also recommended a private plane from the main airport that cost $65 and took us literally across the street from the resort in 15 minutes (vs an hour long bus ride). It was worth EVERY penny!!! Several guest complained about the long bus ride so we were grateful for the tip!
My husband and I both quickly became weary of constantly be offered drugs whenever we left the boundaries of the resort (ready to buy a T-Shirt with a big “NO – don’t ask” printed on it). Snorkeling from the “Wild Thing” tour was incredible!!! Love the resort, loved the staff, loved the food. Wonderful!!!
I stayed at this resort back in 2008, I loved the food, the people and the experience. I can’ wait to go back!
That looks so relaxing. One of these days I hope I’ll be able to go back. A few years ago my husband and I went while I was pregnant and stayed at Couples Resort in Negril which I adored … except for spending a week hungry. I was not prepared for the food differences.