In May, spring makes Jamaica a marvel to behold, and the natural beauty of Negril is even more pronounced. The sun shines for 10 hours each day and the daytime temperature floats 26 degrees, with low peaks at 24 and high peaks never going above 29; ideal for outdoors fun. May in Negril is a relatively rainy (in subtropical terms) month. Monthly precipitation amounts to 205 mm and sprinkles Negril in 11 out of the 31 days of this month.
If you are looking for affordable accommodation and luxurious spa treatments then look no further than the famous Jackie's on the Reef resort. With spacious rooms and polite staff, Jackie's is a versatile hotel that will pamper you in every way imaginable. A great number of spa treatments are available - nothing is too lavish while staying at Jackie's, including morning yoga and meditation classes, mineral baths, Ion cleansing, reflexology massage and more. The hotel focuses on natural and organic living; qualities that are reflected all across its facilities.
The CocoLaPalm Resort is one of the most desirable budget hotels to stay in. A slice of heaven right on Negril's famous beach, the CocoLaPalm stands out thanks to its locally inspired architecture, lush gardens and extremely polite staff (even by local standards) that will see to your every need. The resort is scenic and definitely romantic, making it a prime destination for honeymooners.
May is the start of peak tourist season. For those who wish to avoid the tourist buzz and also save considerable money, the Country Country Beach Cottages present the best option for their accommodation. Simple and elegant, the resort features only hand-crafted, genuinely Caribbean cottages next to the beach. Each cottage is surrounded by its own veranda and tropical garden, giving it privacy and a true sense of Caribbean spirit.
The longest beach in Jamaica is also one of its best: the Seven Mile Beach of Negril. Developed in the 1960s, the beach is dotted with resorts, restaurants, sunbathing spots, and everything from snacks to hair-braiding. The beach is famed for its turquoise sea and the pristine sand, which gets whiter the farther from town you go. Keep in mind taxis tend to charge higher rates along the beachfront. Right next to the Negril beach are seven miles of 40-foot cliffs.
Other than the famous beach, there are several places to unwind nearby. Montego Bay is home to the Rose Hall, a calm beach that's just a few steps' away from the Iberostar and the Hilton Rose Hall. Next to Montego Bay is Doctor's Cave Beach, a paid beach with a clubhouse, beach bar and other typical facilities. If you'd rather head away from the crowds, look up Treasure Beach on the south coast of Jamaica. It's a much slower, laid-back community, with fishers and farmers--a great chance to mingle with the locals.
The sea temperature stays around 28 degrees and provides a welcoming embrace.
Murphy's West End Restaurant (West End) is a popular spot for gracious service and delicious lobster. The open kitchen serves fresh fish, devil chicken, sweet potato mash and callaloo. Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio (Canaan Mountain) is a unique facility that combines an organic dinner and a farm tour of "real" Jamaica. The restaurant is located in the rainforest, so be sure to pack some good shoes!
Just Natural (Hylton Avenue) is a restaurant that serves fresh, healthy and affordable dishes daily, some vegan. You can find anything from fruit and vegetable dishes to unique juices to freshly picked ingredients from the garden. Certainly a change from typical meat and rice fare!
The MXIII club is the hottest reggae club in Negril, and a favourite spot year-round for musical concerts. The club features weekly live performances from many reggae legends as well as rising stars and aspiring reggae artists. In November, the MXIII club holds reggae marathons as well as happy hours where drinks are very, very cheap!
Negril's development as a resort started in the 1950s and even today, the beach is largely untouched by man, adding to its pristine beauty. To the north of Negril, one can find nightclubs, classy restaurants and large hotel complexes while to the south, there are many smaller hotels and local entertainment establishments.
Diving enthusiasts should definitely pay a visit to Negril Scuba Centre, the definitive club for diving and snorkeling in Negril. There you can find affordable diving packages and special trips to dive with dolphins and seahorses. With over 25 years of experience, the Negril Scuba Centre is the largest and most popular watersports operations in Negril, offering both shore and boat dive deals. The club also offers affordable diving lessons that attract locals as well as tourists interested in diving.
