While the world began to wake up from the COVID lockdown late 2020,I booked a trip to Jamaica. My original plan was to spend one night in Montego Bay before making my way down the coast to Negril. After a few days in Negril, I would rely on serendipity to guide me to my next destination. My plan is never to have a plan when traveling.
Upon landing in Jamaica, I made my way to the imigration desk where the custom’s agent asked for my itinerary. I shared my plan that had me wandering down the west coast of Jamaica. The customs’ agent shook her head with disapproval. Visitors were only allowed to travel to one destination during their visit due to the country’s strict COVID mandates.
She asked me where I would be staying for the entirety of my 10-day visit. Making spur of the moment decisions, especially under pressure in a foreign country, takes me way out of my comfort zone. Typically, I appreciate a quiet space to calmly organize my thoughts, read through reviews and make informed decisions before solidifying my travel plans.
Thankfully, before boarding the plane, I looked up a few top rated hostels in Negril and saved a screenshot of The Judy House. I made a 10-day reservation online and showed the confirmation to the customs agent. Satisfied, she stamped my passport and sent me on my way.
Staying in one place for my entire trip allowed me a unique opportunity to settle in, settle down and discover many hidden gems that I would’ve never have uncovered if I stayed for just a few days.
Where to stay
This uniquely special hostel is located 700 meters off of West End Road, near the Canoe Beach Bar, which is the primary road that runs through Negril.
The Judy House is a delightful property. Several brightly colored cottages are nestled among beautifully manicured gardens and fruit trees.
I stayed in a cozy single-bed cottage that was spacious and clean. The room was equipped with a fan, mosquito net and a comfortable mattress. The vibe is laid back and relaxed. There are plenty of places to sneak away for some quiet time as well as larger social spots to chat with other travelers.
The staff is happy and keeps busy ensuring the guests are safe, happy and comfortable.
Sue McKenzie is the owner and operator of two properties; The Judy House in Negril and Judy House – Lewi’s Backpacker Hostel in Brighton. She exudes warmth, kindness and a knack for making everyone feel like a best friend.
Sue and I quickly became best friends in the first few hours. She invited me to join her on several outings over the course of my stay. I saw more of the local landscape sitting alongside her as she navigated the treacherous back roads of the Negril countryside.
Things to do
Watching the sunset at Rick’s Cafe:
No matter how many days you are in Negril, I recommend watching the sunset at Rick’s Cafe. This popular hot-spot was built into the dramatic cliffs overlooking the Caribbean ocean. It’s the perfect spot to see the sun melt into the horizon.
There’s plenty of space to sit on the wall that grips the cliff to enjoy an unobstructed view of sunset. Get there early to claim your spot as it tends to get crowded with lots of tourists closer to sunset.
Jumping off the cliffs at Rick’s Cafe
While at Rick’s be sure to wander over to watch the locals show off their impressive skills as they dive into the water from the 35 foot platforms.
Guests are also welcome to take the plunge from one of three platforms. Read about my thrilling Jump off the Cliff at Rick’s
Swim alongside a spear fisherman
On a walk to the beach, I saw a man carrying a spear fishing harpoon, fins and mask. Intrigued, I introduced myself and asked him if I could swim alongside him the next time he went out in the sea. Surprisingly, he said yes to my crazy request. The next day I spent the best two hours of my life floating next to Romain while he hunted for fish, squid and lobsters. Romain is a local who fishes nearly every day. He does not have a formal business, but said he would be happy to have strong swimmers join him during his underwater adventures. Contact The Judy House for information. Read more about my spearfishing adventure with Romain.
Rent a bicycle
If you are going to be in Negril for a few days,rent a bicycle at Nutsy’s Bicycle Rental. Nutsy is the sole proprietor of this small bike store. Call Nutsy ahead of time to reserve a bike. The bike shop is easy to miss as the bright blue building blends into the backdrop of the Caribbean Sea. Many of the bicycles are not in the best condition, so be sure to take it for a quick test drive before riding away.
I rode my rented bicycle nearly every day which provided me a unique opportunity to explore more of Negril. I gained a deeper appreciation of the town, the friendly people and all of the good eats.
Good Eats
Just Natural
A few hundred meters off of the beaten path of West End Road, you will find Just Natural restaurant. Family owned and operated for more than 20 years, this restaurant offers homemade vegetarian meals, fresh coffee and organic smoothies. All of the ingredients are sourced from local gardens. As you make your way to a table, you will spot many quirky and eclectic landscaping decorations. The owners have up-cycled nearly every object that has been placed in this unique garden.
Kool Vybes Bar And Jerk Center
Kool Vybes is a well-known local spot with some of the best food in Negril. This small restaurant has an island menu specializing in Jerk chicken and pork and several seafood dishes. All of the dishes are cooked to order on large blue barrel drums. The savory smells permeate throughout the small restaurant. The pineapple coleslaw was out of this world. The coleslaw is out of this world. The unique combination of tart vinegar and sweet fresh pineapple had me coming back for more. The friendly staff, great food and reasonable prices make this one of my favorite restaurants in Negril.
The Corner Bar
Frequented by locals and tourists this hot-spot is famous for their fried chicken. The Corner Bar is located on a busy and dangerous section of West End Road. Bring your patience with you when you order as the process is chaotic and can be a bit confusing and overwhelming for first timers. There’s plenty of seating across the road. Be sure to grab a table on the water’s edge. You’ll have a great view of the ocean and the local characters that hang out at the Corner Bar.
Hammond’s Bakery
If you see a long line of people in the center of Negril, you likely found the best spot for Jamaican patties. Hammond’s Bakery is located right off Negril Square making it a great pitstop to grab a small snack. The staff are pleasant and super efficient so the long line moves quickly. Unfortunately, there is no seating so all orders are take-away only. The pastries are stuffed with either spiced beef, chicken, cheese, or vegetable. Hot, fresh and inexpensive, this makes a great snack any time of day.
