Negril Is The Ultimate Well-Being Destination: Where To Stay, Eat & Explore

Wellness enthusiasts will especially love the natural foliage on the west end of the island, and the slower pace of life creates the ultimate escape for travelers near and far. Negril, I'd argue, is the epitome of a well-being destination. Here, discover all the ways you can explore the Capital of Casual.

Built on a 5-acre bluff overlooking the Caribbean Sea, The Cliff Hotel is the definition of a peaceful getaway. Spacious rooms, an open-air lobby, and cliffside views make this luxury property the ultimate vacation spot—and the perfect romantic backdrop for anniversary trips or weddings. For wellness enthusiasts, it also features an on-site signature spa, yoga pavilion, fitness center, and beauty salon. I recently stayed here for a five-day trip, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere made it truly feel like home. 

Another cliffside property, Rockhouse exists among 8 acres of lush tropical gardens and is designed to exist in harmony with the natural landscape. As soon as you saunter through the junglelike space, you'll get a feel for the "treehouse" vibe: The 40 rooms call upon natural materials, like timber, stone, and thatch, and the hotel follows what they call a "regenerative travel" protocol. Think solar hot water (with gas heat backup), low voltage lighting, rainwater harvesting, and an extensive composting program. You'll also find an on-site organic farm and plant nursery. If you're hoping to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Negril, Rockhouse is the environment just for you.

For a spacious beachfront resort, you can't go wrong with the family-owned Rondel Village. All the rooms are named after Jamaican fruits, based on which fruit trees you'll find in proximity, and the eight deluxe villas feature private Jacuzzis and fully equipped kitchens. The property also features a backyard garden (perfect for farm-to-table dining) and a holistic wellness spa. 

You can't come to Jamaica without hiking one of the country's beautiful river falls. The Benta River falls are surrounded by lush jungle forest in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland (about an hour drive from Negril). The current is a bit more powerful than other river climbs in Jamaica, so I would suggest booking a tour guide, who will personally lead you through the seven beautiful pools. Take a refreshing swim in the blue hole, dive inside a hidden cave, soften your skin with mineral mud, and jump off the rope swing (if you dare). 

I've personally never felt so safe or calm during a sound bath experience. It was honestly (and unexpectedly) my favorite part of the trip—Sativa is a master of her craft and ensures all her participants leave feeling restored. 

Across the road from Rockhouse, you can book a candle-making class hosted by Negril Candle Company, which was founded by England-born candle designer Gary Simmons. (Like many now-locals, Simmons fell in love with Jamaica during a vacation in the '90s and decided to call Negril home.) Choose your personal fragrance before mixing it into a 100% pure soy wax blend, then pour it into a glass container made from recycled bottles. 

A spa treatment is a great way to experience traditional Jamaican tinctures, herbs, and oils. I received a massage at The Cliff's KiYara Spa—the name, meaning "sacred place," honors the Tainos, or the first inhabitants of Jamaica—and I'd consider the experience magically sensorial. The fragrant pineapple enzyme scrub and coconut oil massage soothed my body and mind with every inhale, as did the waves crashing against the cliff in my ocean-facing treatment room. What's more, the spa works with organic local farms to harvest sustainably gathered ingredients—from coconut and pineapple to ginger and arrowroot and more.

You simply must enjoy all the authentic Jamaican cuisine you can get your hands on—but with Bue Skies Beach Resort's new on-site cooking class, you can learn how to infuse classic Jamaican flavors into your own kitchen creations. Top chef Michael Barnett walks you through a step-by-step recipe, featuring farm-to-table ingredients harvested from the property's very own garden (think scotch bonnet, callaloo, ackee fruit, and more). Enjoy the fruit of your labor with a beachside private dining experience, complete with a refreshing cucumber-ginger juice. Your finished product will look *almost* too good to eat.   

The fresh food and peaceful atmosphere make Just Natural the perfect place to fuel up before a long day exploring Negril—I would come back again and again. 

The kitchen uses vegetables and herbs from the property's backyard garden, which I thoroughly enjoyed during my five-course, farm-to-table experience. Favorites include the fresh, zesty soup with zucchini chips and the homemade coconut ice cream. 

Whenever locals asked me where I was staying in Jamaica, their very next words were, "You must make your way to Rick's Cafe." Nestled on the naturally formed cliffs, Rick's was the first public bar and restaurant back in 1974. Given the cliffside location, the sunsets are simply breathtaking—you'll find folks perched on every step of the 1.5 acre property, cocktail in hand, watching the famous Caribbean sunset sink below the horizon. Gather for happy hour, a meal, or just to gaze upon the sparkling sea. 

There is so much to do in Negril, so I recommend editing your packing list based on your itinerary. If hiking and exploring are your main events, don't forget activewear and your water shoes. If lounging on the beach is more your speed, make room for swimsuits, sunnies, and breezy dresses. Regardless, sunscreen and hats are nonnegotiable—that Caribbean sun is strong! Here, find some more treasures from Jamaican founders and designers. 

With stunning beaches, lush gardens, farm-to-table eating, and the friendliest locals, Negril is a dream destination. There's so much to do and explore that I'm ready for a trip back—maybe I'll even stay for a while…