Negril and the West

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Hanover and Westmoreland are Jamaica's westernmost parishes. Hanover wraps around from Montego Bay on its northeastern border to where Negril's large hotel strip overflows from Westmoreland at its western reaches. It's a picturesque parish with small mountains tapering down to the coast with rivers, lush valleys, and deep, navigable coves. Caves dot the landscape of some of Jamaica's most biologically diverse ecosystems, in the shadow of the Dolphin Head mountain range.

Negril, which straddles the Hanover\Westmoreland border, has become a mass-market destination popular among Jamaicans and foreign visitors alike. The Kingstonian phenomenon of a weekend escape to "country" often implies a trip west to kick back and adopt the beach life, which necessarily involves taking in spectacular sunsets and the enviable slow pace evoked in Tyrone Taylor's 1983 hit, "Cottage in Negril." A constant stream of new visitors also gives hustlers a chance to do their thing, and Negril has gained a reputation as a mecca for sinful indulgence as a result.

While Negril is the region's most well-known draw, there are several low-key communities farther east that are just as easily accessible from Montego Bay's international airport and worthy coastal destinations in themselves, namely Little Bay, Bluefields, Belmont, and Whitehouse. The Westmoreland interior consists of vast alluvial plains on either side of Cabarita River, still some of Jamaica's most productive sugarcane territory. The plains extend from the base of the Orange Hill, just east of Negril, to where the Roaring River rises out of the earth from its underground source in the hills above Blue Hole Garden.

Hanover exists as a parish since it was portioned off from Westmoreland in 1723 and given the name of English monarch George I of the House of Hanover. The Spanish first settled the area when New Seville was abandoned in 1534 and the capital moved to Spanish Town. Lucea became prosperous, with a busier port than Montego Bay in its heyday, which served 16 large sugar estates in the area. Remnants of many estate great houses dot the landscape to the east and west of Lucea, their abandoned ruins showing evidence of having been torched and destroyed during slave riots. Kennilworth, Barbican, and Tryall are a few of the old estates that have visible ruins; although they have been declared national heritage sites, they are not maintained.

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Cliff Cottage Negril

Cliff Cottage (US$250 nightly for larger cottage, US$350 for both units) is tucked away on Negril's West End. The clifftop property has a central kitchen and common area with natural wood furnishings and an enormous fan suspended above a billiards table. The two bungalows are steps away, each with its own bathroom. The larger of the two units has a queen-size bed, the smaller unit a double bed, sleeping up to four guests between the two. Both units have AC and fans.

In: Villas

Benta River Falls

 Benta River Falls is one of Jamaica’s best-kept secrets. An attraction that is family-friendly and features 7 beautiful waterfalls and a breathtaking blue lagoon. Benta has been developed in an environmentally friendly and responsible manner with care taken to preserve the flora and vegetation of that region. There is a campsite to groups and individuals. Farm tours, showcasing local exotic flowers and fruits are currently in development.

In: Attractions

Bak A Yaad

Bak A Yaad is located on West End Road across from Ricks Cafe in Negril, Westmoreland. It is a great location for all the entertainment, cliff diving, restaraunts and night life in Negril. They offer a dining facility, clubhouse, a pool, and 8 new cottages that will enhance your experience. The property has  lush vegetaion and access to a free or shared beach, amenities such as Air Conditioner, Hot Water, free WI-FI, and parking. The staffs are friendly and engaging, all this packaged to give aunthentic Jamaican vibe at affordable rates

In: Accommodations

Luna Sea Inn

Luna Sea Inn  (from US$175, including breakfast) is a 10-room boutique hotel. The property juts into the sea with a raised gazebo on the point. A small pool is in the courtyard. Rooms have ensuite baths with showers and hot water, air-conditioning, cable TV, and Wi-Fi.

In: Hotels

Good Hope Retreat

Good Hope Retreat (from US$59) is a hilltop collection of three wooden cabins with outstanding views of the coast and surrounding hills set in natural beauty. The cabins have kitchenettes and desks, simple furnishings, and queen beds.

 

In: Accommodations

Lookout Cove

On a 1.5-hectare (3.5-acre) seafront estate with a tennis court and lush gardens, Lookout Cove (Little Bay) from US$3,850 weekly low season, from US$4,950 weekly high season) has a three-bedroom villa and a two-bedroom cottage sleeping up to four. It’s an ideal retreat for families or groups of friends looking for peace and tranquility.

In: Accommodations, Villas

Sights on the point of Lucea Harbour

On the point of Lucea Harbour, the most in- tact fort in western Jamaica is Fort Charlotte (site is unmanaged, supervised by Jamaica National Heritage Trust), with three cannons in good condition sitting on the battlements. It was built by the British in 1756, with 23 cannon openings to defend their colony. Originally named Fort Lucea, it was renamed during the reign of King George III after his wife. The Barracks, a large rectangular Georgian building next to the fort, was built in 1843 to house soldiers stationed at Fort Charlotte.

In: Attractions

Guangos Jerk

The best spot to eat out in Savanna-la- Mar, Guango’s Jerk (11:30am-11pm Sun.-Thurs., 11:30am-midnight Fri.-Sat., US$7-25) has a well-prepared menu featuring Jamaica’s favorite seasoned meat. The jerk chicken is served with perfectly crispy skin, the festival is just the right consistency and sweetness, the rep peas soup delicious, and the beer cold. Fish is also served in brown stew, fried, steamed, or roast. Specials include oxtail, stew peas, curry goat, and mannish water.

In: Food

Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton

Fiesta Group, a Spain-based hotel chain, runs the 1,054-room Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton (from US$304 d), the largest resort in Jamaica by room count. The massive all-inclusive just west of Lucea encompasses the beautiful natural Molasses Beach and dozens of standalone blocks of suites across an expansive property along a rocky shore- line on the eastern flank of Lucea Harbour. Food at the resort is quite good by all-inclusive standards, especially the Jamaican dishes.

In: Accommodations

Calico Jack's

A ramshackle bar and grill on a little island just offshore from Half Moon Beach, Calico Jack’s (11am-sunset daily, US$6-20) serves grilled lobster, jerk chicken, veggie kebabs, and escoveitch fish. The bar serves pirate’s rum punch and beer. Calico Jack’s hosts a Pirates Party on Saturdays (4pm-6pm Sat.).

 

In: Food