Jamaica

Story and Photos by Kathy Hagoood

Lazy days in Jamaica are sure to have you humming reggae favorites for days after your return.

The Negril area, on the western tip of the island, is especially picturesque with it white sand beaches and turquoise waters at the edge of its many luxurious resorts, including the all-inclusive Couples Negril, Couples Swept Away and Sandals.

For those interested in indulging their wild side, there’s Hedonism II, known for its clothing-optional alternatives.

Negril is known in general for its exciting nightlife, which draws party-hungry adults and young honeymooners, there are plenty of wholesome daytime activities for families and early-to-bed couples and singles.

The western tip’s beaches feature little to no surf making swimming, kayaking, catamaran sailing even more relaxing.

The shallow reefs and excellent visibility make snorkeling and diving easy and enjoyable pastimes as well. While the reefs are in less than pristine condition, they do draw a multitude of fish, including ballyhoo, French grunts, sergeant majors, damselfish and squirrelfish.

For those looking to take on a physical challenge or just to watch others doing so, there’s diving from the 30-foot cliffs of Negril’s Pirates Cave. Daredevil locals are known to climb the tree at the top of the cliff to make higher dives.

A less taxing pursuit is shopping at the upscale Time Square in Negril, which offers duty free jewelry, perfume, cigars and other luxury products. The well-kempt shopping area features a graceful courtyard with lush landscaping and wrought iron furniture for dropping after shopping.

Shopping in Nigrel’s craft markets makes for a more authentic Jamaican shopping experience. Carved wood and other handicrafts are among the wares hawked by locals, many of whom sport dread locks and the Rastafarian red, green, yellow and black. Be prepared for the don’t-take-no for an answer attitude of the stall keepers or you’ll spend more than you bargained for.

The local cuisine and fusion gourmet dining features the amazing fruits of the island, some of which you may never tasted. In addition to fresh passion fruit, papaya, coconut and avocado, there’s akee, used like eggs in the morning, and lychee, a heavenly delicious grape-like fruit.

German-born Stefan Spath, chef at the two Couples resorts in Negril, said he never tires of cooking with the local produce, which is both tasty and healthy. Spath has lived and cooked all over the world and brings that experience to the fusion of tastes he concocts for the resorts.

“Being able to use so many varieties of fresh produce really makes for some delicious culinary combinations,” he said.

Richard and Vanessa Santamaria of Miami, who recently stayed at Couples Negril and visited Couples Swept Away during a day trip, said they were impressed with the variety, freshness and quality of the food offered at the resorts.

“We thought since you pay one price that the food would be average, but it was outstanding. The fresh Jamaican fruits give the cuisine an unusual twist,” Richard Santamaria said.

The newlyweds said in general they found their visit to Jamaica to be even more relaxing than they expected. “It’s an amazing place to break free of the frenzied pace of your everyday life,” Vanessa Santamaria said. “Before you know it you’re on Jamaica time.” The two especially liked swimming up to the pool bar at Couples Negril and savoring their tropical fruit drinks in the pool.

While in Negril take time to enjoy the sunsets, which are likely to be among the most richly colorful that you’ve ever seen.

For more information:
on Couples resorts, visit www.couples.com
on Sandals, visit www.sandals.com

on Hedonism II, visit www.superclubs.com/brand_hedonism/resort_hedonismii/