What to Do (and Wear) in Jamaica’s Coolest Beach Town

Negril — a laid-back Jamaican coastal town — has everything you'd want from an idyllic island getaway.

There are long stretches of sandy beach lined with restaurants, bars, and vibrant street vendors; cliffside hotels and restaurants overlooking glittering Caribbean waters; and, of course, Bob Marley’s greatest hits playing around every corner. Whether you’re looking for a weekend of romance or partying, Negril can offer both.

Below, we round up the best things to do and what to wear for a perfect weekend in Jamaica’s coolest beach town.

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With its thatched-roof cottages with wraparound terraces perched atop rocky cliffs, Rockhouse Hotel looks like a Caribbean playground. Emily Ratajkowski recently paid a visit with her husband, and T+L readers voted it the best hotel in Jamaica in our 2017 World's Best Awards. That said, there’s no better day in Negril than one spent lounging outside of your cliffside bungalow, diving into the glittering waters beneath you.

Hungry? Head to the hotel’s Pushcart Restaurant & Rum Bar and enjoy the live reggae music and a traditional Jamaican menu. Another worthy stay is at Rockhouse Hotel’s newly opened sister property, Skylark Negril Beach Resort. The Skylark is a breezy, beachfront hotel with New York–favorite restaurant Miss Lily’s set to open on the property in June.

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Head to Rick’s Café for an entertaining dinner as you watch people cliff dive against the backdrop of one of the best sunset views in Negril. Ivan’s Bar & Restaurant, another dinner spot, is popular among couples for its romantic, clifftop setting. If you’re looking to party, the Jungle Night Club is known as one of the best clubs in Negril.

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Head to Seven Mile Beach for a day of shopping the local seafront shops and shacks that line Negril’s most famous sandy stretch. (Insider tip: remember to bargain!) Once you’re shopped out, head to Bourbon Beach for some live reggae and then to Alfred’s for a local catch lunch.