Summer never really ends in the exotic resort of Negril in Jamaica, considered by many as home to the most splendid beach in the world. Spanning miles, Negril's coastline is a marvel to behold. Untouched by modern development and maintaining its natural beauty, the resort is a popular destination for tourists in winter, with many seeking to spend Christmas and welcome the New Year in a subtropical environment.
In December, sea temperature floats around 28 degrees Celsius, meaning that it is as good a month for swimming as any and even at its coldest, daytime temperatures rarely drop below 23; that's warmer than summertime temperatures of many European countries! The sun shines for 10 full hours and the island doesn"t know what snow is. Precipitation is only 61 mm for the month of December, practically guaranteeing great weather and sunny Christmas.
Across the street from the famous stretch of beach and among the most beautiful tropical forests in Jamaica, you will find the Rayon Hotel, which in the past few years has grown to become one of the most popular places to spend Christmas in Negril.
Catcha Falling Star is a hotel in Negril that is famous for a whole host of reasons and one that is highly recommended for your stay during winter. There may be many places to stay in Negril, but the Catcha Falling Star truly takes the cake for hospitality and unique atmosphere. Considered by many as the "gem of Jamaica," the Catcha is nestled among the top cliffs of the west end of Negril with a breathtaking view of the sea below. That will make anyone want to stay there forever. Each room and cottage of the resort is different and distinct, as they are named and themed after different star signs and stellar objects.
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 the seven miles of 40-foot cliffs.
Families visiting Negril for Christmas should definitely visit Kool Runnings Water Park, Negril"s best waterpark. Featuring warm waters and lots of slides and pools of all sizes, Kool Runnings is the ideal place to go for some exotic Christmas fun. Enjoys santas in bikinis and lots of themed games that merge local customs with conventional Christmas traditions.
Murphy's West End Restaurant (West End) is a fun spot for great service and tasty lobster. The open kitchen also serves fresh fish, devil chicken, sweet potato mash and callaloo. Zimbali's Mountain Cooking Studio (Canaan Mountain) is a unique experience that combines organic dinners with farm tours 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 of which are 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 Jungle disco and sports bar is definitely the place to head for a glimpse of Negril's vibrant nightlife. Repeatedly voted as "The Best Nightclub in the Caribbean," the Jungle is a hot and sexy Caribbean club that attracts classy tourists and party-loving locals alike. Drinks are cheap and fun is aplenty at the Jungle, where the music NEVER stops throughout the whole tourist season.
There are many fun things to do and see in Negril. Visitors to the island can enjoy a plethora of maritime activities, including Stanley's Deep Sea Fishing. At Stanley's, tourists can actually fish alongside local experts and take their fresh catch to any nearby local eatery to have them cooked; you can't get fresher fish than that. The prices are quite affordable for a boat trip plus deep sea fishing, and guarantee a full day's worth of fishing off Negril's stunning shores.
cosy and hospitable, the Rayon is the ideal resort for spending the holiday season with a tropical spin. During Christmas, the boulevard in front of the Rayon comes alive with a shopping centre, a nightclub, a fitness centre and a host of restaurants and bars that keep the holiday spirit alive and merge it with the Caribbean soul. Many of the restaurants there offer special Christmas dinners and will make your Christmas stay in Negril a truly memorable one.
