South Negril River

Negril is Jamaica's most laid-back resort destination and the layout of the community shows it. The town sprawls along its chief attraction: a seven-mile stretch of beach that's one of the best in the Caribbean. On the north edge, entering from Montego Bay, the resorts begin at Bloody Bay, a small bay that's home to several of the top resorts, including Grand Lido Negril, Hedonism II and Sandals Negril. This stretch of beach is across the street from the Negril airport, behind which lies a giant swamp called the Great Morass.

Continuing south, Bloody Bay gives way to Long Bay, home of the seven-mile-long Negril Beach. Along this stretch lie both big name resorts as well as small inns under 50 rooms (and many much smaller). Travelers enjoy walking along the beach for miles and will find many beach bars and restaurants on the sand. The resorts all lie on Norman Manley Boulevard, the main thoroughfare through the area, dividing the beach from the Great Morass.

Heading south, the beach is eventually broken by the intersection of the South Negril River, which marks the entrance to the town of Negril. Just north of the river lies the Negril Crafts Market, a ramshackle collection of buildings filled with woodcarvings, paintings, handmade jewelry, and really representing the spirit of Negril.

South of the market lies the roundabout and Norman Manley Boulevard becomes West End Road. To the east, Sheffield Road turns toward Savanna-La-Mar (known locally as Sav-La-Mar). West End Road traces the shoreline, which becomes less sandy and more rocky.

Eventually the rocky shoreline gives way to steep cliffs. Here lie some of Negril's budget getaways that are favored by young travelers as well as many longtime Negril fans. Many of the small properties are built right out on the cliffs and one even utilizes the sea caves as guest rooms. Along this stretch is the Negril Lighthouse, which offers the best view of the region (if you don't mind the climb).