Well-Traveled Negril: A Paradise for Fashion Lovers

Negril The Ultimate Well-Being Destination for Stay, Eat & Explore Bliss

Negril The Ultimate Well-Being Destination

Image by Jamie Schneider / mbg Creative

October 25, 2023

Traveling is like a breath of fresh air, rejuvenating our souls and uplifting our spirits. And for fashion lovers, a trip to Negril, Jamaica is like a permanent vacation in the fashion paradise. Just imagine falling in love with the vibrant Jamaican culture, picturesque beaches, and lush jungle-forests, and never wanting to leave. It has happened to many, from England to France to New York, who couldn’t resist the irresistible allure of Negril and made it their home.

Negril, once a quiet fishing village, burst onto the tourism map in the late 1950s when hippie “flower children” discovered its untouched beauty. And it has maintained its original laid-back vibe ever since. Known as the “Capital of Casual,” this town will embrace you with its warm and authentic atmosphere, making you feel like a local from the moment you set foot on its sandy shores. The family-owned establishments will greet you with open arms, offering recommendations like, “Grab a drink—tell them I sent you.” The people here are as warm as the Caribbean sun.

Wellness enthusiasts will find solace in Negril’s natural foliage on the west end of the island. The slower pace of life creates the ultimate escape for travelers seeking to reconnect with themselves. In fact, Negril is the epitome of a well-being destination, where you can rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Let’s dive into all the exciting ways you can explore the Capital of Casual.

Indulge in Luxury: The Cliff Hotel

Built on a five-acre bluff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, The Cliff Hotel is a fashion lover’s dream destination. With spacious rooms, an open-air lobby, and cliffside views, this luxury property offers the perfect escape for a romantic anniversary trip or a fairytale wedding. And for those seeking wellness, there’s an on-site signature spa, yoga pavilion, fitness center, and beauty salon. During my recent stay here, I felt like royalty, surrounded by a warm and welcoming atmosphere that made this place truly feel like home.

Image by Jamie Schneider / mbg beauty editor

Embrace Nature: Rockhouse Boutique Hotel

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Negril, Rockhouse is the perfect environment for you. Surrounded by eight acres of lush tropical gardens, this cliffside property seamlessly blends with its surroundings. As you stroll through the jungle-like space, you’ll experience a “treehouse” vibe, with rooms adorned with natural materials like timber, stone, and thatch. But that’s not all—Rockhouse follows a “regenerative travel” protocol, incorporating sustainable features such as solar hot water, low voltage lighting, and rainwater harvesting. You’ll even find an on-site organic farm and plant nursery to complete the immersive experience.

Find Serenity at Rondel Village

For a spacious beachfront resort experience, Rondel Village is the place to be. This family-owned establishment offers rooms named after Jamaican fruits, reflecting the abundance of fruit trees that surround the property. The eight deluxe villas even feature private Jacuzzis and fully equipped kitchens, perfect for those desiring a self-sufficient stay. Rondel Village also boasts a backyard garden for farm-to-table dining and a holistic wellness spa. It’s the perfect oasis for unwinding and rejuvenating your body and mind.

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Unleash Your Adventurous Side

No trip to Negril is complete without exploring the natural wonders that surround you. Take a hike to the Benta River falls, located in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland. Surrounded by lush jungle forests, these falls offer a powerful and refreshing experience. But be sure to book a tour guide who can lead you through the seven beautiful pools and hidden caves, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the magnificence of this enchanting place. Take a refreshing swim in the blue hole, indulge in mineral mud, and if you’re feeling daring, take a leap off the rope swing.

Rest and Rejuvenate

While in Negril, pamper yourself with a two-hour healing sound bath experience. Even if you’re not staying at the Rockhouse Hotel, you can still book this incredible journey of relaxation led by meditation teacher Sativa Booker Mohamed and sound bath specialist Jeremy The Alchemist. For an enhanced experience, you can even try a microdose of Patoo Chocolate—a premium Jamaican cacao chocolate bar infused with a unique strain of indigenous psilocybin fungi. (Psst, it’s legal in Jamaica!) Sativa will guide you through breathwork, meditation, and energy sessions before immersing you in the soothing sound bath with singing bowls, drums, guitars, and live instruments. Trust me, this was the highlight of my trip—an experience that left me feeling completely restored.

Feed Your Creativity

Negril not only nourishes your body but also feeds your creative soul. At the Negril Candle Company, you can indulge in a candle-making class hosted by England-born candle-designer Gary Simmons. Situated across the road from Rockhouse, this unique experience allows you to choose your fragrance before pouring it into a glass container made from recycled bottles. Light up your creativity and take home a beautiful scented memento from your trip.

Immerse in Jamaican Cuisine

Discover the flavors of Jamaica by taking a cooking class at Blue Skies Beach Resort. Renowned chef Michael Barnett will guide you through step-by-step recipes using farm-to-table ingredients harvested from the resort’s garden. Learn how to infuse classic Jamaican flavors into your own culinary creations and indulge in a beachside private dining experience. Taste the vibrant scotch bonnet, callaloo, ackee fruit, and more, and savor the essence of Jamaican cuisine. Your taste buds will thank you.

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Fashion and Flavor at Just Natural

Down the road from The Cliff Hotel, you’ll stumble upon Just Natural—a vegetarian-friendly, family-owned restaurant surrounded by a lush and expansive garden. What makes this place truly special is that all the plant-based items on the menu come from this thriving garden. Imagine dining in private booths nestled between flowers and herbs, feeling one with nature. The fresh food and peaceful atmosphere make Just Natural the perfect place to fuel up before exploring the wonders of Negril. Don’t forget to order their revitalizing green juice—it’s a must!

A Taste of Family Tradition at Jaybird’s

Named after Rondel Village’s co-founder, Jaybird’s is a family-owned gem that reflects the passion for cooking and hosting that runs in the family. Joyce Wright, fondly known as “Jaybird,” created an atmosphere that exudes warmth and laid-back charm. With tables perfectly positioned to enjoy the breathtaking sunset, every seat in the house offers a delightful dining experience. Jaybird’s kitchen proudly uses vegetables and herbs from their backyard garden, ensuring farm-fresh flavors in every bite. Indulge in a five-course, farm-to-table delight, including the zesty soup with zucchini chips and homemade coconut ice cream.

Soak in the Serenity of Rick’s Cafe

No local or traveler can resist the call of Rick’s Cafe—a cliffside bar and restaurant that has become an icon of Negril since its opening in 1974. Positioned on naturally formed cliffs, Rick’s offers an unparalleled view of the Caribbean sunset. Imagine sipping your favorite cocktail, perched on the steps, and watching the sun magically sink below the horizon. Whether you gather here for happy hour, a meal, or simply to soak in the beauty of the sparkling sea, Rick’s Cafe will leave you in awe of its majestic surroundings.

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Pack Your Fashion Essentials

As a fashion enthusiast, you need to curate the perfect wardrobe for your Negril adventure. Whether you’re hiking through the breathtaking landscapes or lounging on the beach, here are a few fashion treasures to include in your packing list:

Sweet July Soursop Vitamin C Serum

Each product from Sweet July Skin celebrates founder Ayesha Curry’s Jamaican roots. Take their vitamin C serum, for instance. It not only features the classic skin-brightening properties but also includes antioxidant-rich soursop—a tangy fruit with the creamy consistency of a banana. You’ll find your skin smoother and your dark spots fading in no time.

Brandon Blackwood Mini Duffle

Brooklyn-based, Jamaican-Chinese designer Brandon Blackwood creates handbags that are both elegant and practical. The mini duffle is a versatile accessory, wearable as a crossbody during your explorations and a top-handle bag for your evening affairs. It’s fashion meets function.

Theophilio Graffiti Bikini Top & Bottom

Jamaican-born designer Edvin Thompson infuses a Caribbean aesthetic into his designs, and the Theophilio Graffiti Bikini captures the essence of his creativity. Adorned with one-of-a-kind prints, this lightweight, stretchy bikini will make you the star of the beach or the pool.

Jam+Rico Maria Earrings

Inspired by the founders’ trip to Montego Bay, these geometric earrings are a vibrant expression of the Caribbean spirit. Featuring colorful semi-precious stones, each earring is a unique work of art that will add a touch of elegance and playfulness to any outfit.

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Enjoy Your Fashionable Journey

Negril is a destination that caters to your body, mind, and fashionista soul. With stunning beaches, lush gardens, farm-to-table dining, and the friendliest locals, it’s a dream come true for any fashion lover. There’s so much to do and explore that one trip may not be enough—I’m already planning my next visit, and who knows, I might just end up staying for a while. So grab your fashion essentials, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable experience in Negril!

Image by Jamie Schneider / mbg beauty editor

P.S. Don’t forget your sunscreen and hats—trust me, that Caribbean sun is no joke!

Have you been to Negril? Share your favorite fashion moments or must-visit spots in the comments below. Let’s inspire each other!

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