10 Reasons to Choose Beaches Negril for Your Next Family Vacation
The array of relaxing and fun things to do at Beaches Negril Resort is almost overwhelming. Where do I even begin? The waterpark with lazy river and waterslides…the powdery beach and calm Caribbean waves…the Sesame Street character bedtime tuck-ins? Oh, I’ll just cover it all! Read this review of the Beaches Negril all-inclusive family resort to discover why this unique destination hotel in Jamaica makes a great family vacation destination.
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1. Lasting Memories
Ever since my 7-year-old daughter and I returned from Beaches Negril Resort, Karissa has been asking when we can return to this family-friendly paradise with her daddy and little brother. The Negril property is one of two all-inclusive Beaches resorts located in Jamaica. There’s another Beaches resort located on Turks and Caicos.
2. Oh, what a welcome!
After a long journey from San Diego that involved a red-eye flight, a several-hour layover, and a bus ride to the resort — Karissa and I were greeted with glasses of tropical juice served from a silver tray at check-in at Beaches Negril. The gleeful beat of an approaching Junkanoo parade lured us to the front of the resort. There we found dancers, stilt-walkers, and Sesame Street characters marching to reggae rhythms. This sure perked up our jet-lagged bodies and set the tone for our family beach vacation.
We onlookers followed the parade to the center of the resort. The fun continued with a local youth marching band jamming out in the sand. Child guests joined Cookie Monster, Zoe, Grover, and other Sesame Street characters in a dance fest on a small stage.
3. All-inclusive dining options
Afterwards, Karissa and I ate dinner with our toes in the sand at StewFish, a Jamaican-themed restaurant. As we dined, we watched the sun set over the ocean just steps away. Other onsite resort restaurants include the Venetian with Italian cuisine, Arizona’s serving Tex-Mex, BBQ Park’s poolside quick fare, Dino’s Pizzeria, and Kimono’s teppanyaki. The Mill offers a buffet of options to please all members of the family, too. Keep in mind that the only restaurant that accepts reservations is Kimono’s, and it books up quickly.
For an extra fee, you can sign up for a character meal with some up-close time and photo ops with the Sesame Street gang. The food is not the star at this resort but we always found something pleasant to eat. I especially enjoyed the Jamaican dishes. Leave your hurried and harried self at home — service here is done on island time. What do you have to rush off to anyway?
4. Bottomless beverages
A memorable aspect of our stay at Beaches Negril was the bottomless smoothie stations. Swimmers can belly up to the swim-up pool bars to select a tropical drink from the cartoon-bedecked boards. Choose from tempting concoctions like Pink Boots, Chocolate Monkey, and Superman. There was just something so indulgent and fun about quenching our thirst with these exotic beverages whenever we wished at no extra charge. Grown-up drinks are available as well but everything is served without alcohol unless you request it.
5. Water play
One of my favorite things in all the world is a fabulous hotel pool. If you are like me, Beaches Negril will please your pool-loving soul. The resort includes a lazy river, a toddler splash area, two large and winding waterslides, a huge whirlpool, and three pools.
The onsite waterpark was so fabulous, in fact, that I had to beg Karissa to take a break from the pools so we could spend a bit of time in the ocean. There’s soft sand and mellow kid-friendly waves along this seven-mile beach — you know, your typical slice of paradise.
6. Kids club
Although most hotel kids club participants must be at least 4 or 5 years old, even newborns can attend the Beaches kids camp. There are separate programs for babies, toddlers, pre-teens and teenagers. These are all included in the price of your room. Plus, an after-hours camp is available after 9 pm at an additional charge.
7. Character bedtime tuck-in
The absolute highlight of our Beaches Negril trip was a Sesame Street character bedtime tuck-in for my daughter. Although at home my first-grader was a bit “too cool for school” about the Sesame Street resort theme, she warmed to Elmo and the gang the minute we arrived. There was no begging Karissa to get ready for bed the night of her scheduled character tuck-in. The minute we got back to our room she was in her pjs with teeth brushed and waiting under the covers for her special guest. Abby Cadabby and a friend arrived at a set time to read a story. Then they posed for pictures, sang her a lullaby, and presented Karissa with a plush Abby Cadabby doll to take home.
Make reservations for a character bedtime tuck-in for an additional fee. Children can select their first and second choices of characters.
8. Adult activities
It’s not just about the kids, either. Adults can relax with a facial, massage or body treatment at Red Lane Spa. For late night fun, head to the on-site nightclub to dance till the wee hours of the morning.
For water play, grown-ups can enjoy a serene adult pool area away from the noisier waterpark. There’s also ocean scuba-diving for both beginner and experienced divers. For an extra charge, consider booking a couples catamaran sailing for date night.
9. All inclusive
As an all inclusive resort, there is something reassuring about knowing just how much your tropical vacation will cost when you book. Beaches Negril Resort is a luxury vacation option but you can often take advantage of special discounts offered through their website. This is partially why my husband and I booked our honeymoon years ago at a Sandals resort, the couples-only sister of the Beaches brand.
What’s included at Beaches Negril?
- Food
- Beverages (including alcohol)
- Water sports (like kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing and even scuba-diving)
- Land activities (such as miniature golf, a playground, tennis, and beach volley ball)
- Kids camp participation
10. Island time
The best part of our trip was spending time — island time — as just my daughter and me. Looking back at these pictures, I am so thankful for the time we were able to spend together swimming, sipping smoothies, and splashing in waves. Maybe I should take her advice and book another Beaches vacation for the whole family!
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Have I convinced you yet? Learn more about this incredible beach resort for families and book your Beaches Negril vacation!
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Have you ever stayed at a Beaches or Sandals resort? Tell us about your experience in the comments below!
A Note from The Travel Mama: My daughter and I were hosted by Beaches Negril Resort. All opinions are mine, as always.
You had me at Character bedtime tuck-in. And an adults only, pool. We had our honeymoon at Beaches Varadero, but I’d happily to back to one with the kids – especially since there’s options to get away.
I love a resort that has so much for kids AND adults to enjoy…and a kids club to boot! 🙂
I have read reviews about the mosquito sprayer machine making a lot of noise every day, 4:30 a.m., waking up visitors and the smell coming into the rooms. Has this been changed.
Hi Rita – I did not notice this at all when at Beaches Negril. I don’t think it’s something you have to worry about.
To get a Sesame Street experience kids should be seven or younger, since that is the appeal of the TV show.
Yes, I am sort of bummed out I never took the kids to the Sesame Street amusement park when my kids were young enough to appreciate it!
Wondering if I should take my 1 year old or wait till she’s 2 or 3 we have a 6 year old too
Chris – Since there are so many activities for babies and children of all ages at Beaches Negril – I don’t think you can go wrong either way. Beaches is one of the rare places where you can vacation with a baby or toddler and really relax so I’m inclined to advise you to go earlier rather than later. Your 6-year-old will still be young enough to get a big kick out of all of the Sesame Street fun too.
Loved your post. I’ve been hearing from a lot of longtime visitors, people who have been to Negril 40 and 50 times that the vibe is changing and Negril has many more problems than in years past. Was curious what your thoughts are?
Hi Billy – I’d go back to Beaches Negril in a heartbeat!
I’m trying to decide between Beaches Negril vs Nickelodeon in the Dominican. I will be travelling alone for the first time with my 8 year old son. I am looking for a nice safe place to relax, and a place that will keep him entertained. Which place would you recommend?
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either! Maybe get your son involved in the decision process by showing him photos of each and ask which he prefers? Or, choose whichever has the most affordable flights from your home airport! Have a wonderful time on your mother-son vacay!
Wow those photo’s are so great! You look like you had such a great time!
As if the rest of the resort didn’t look great enough, I’m seriously considering booking a stay here just so I can try all 10 of those smoothie drinks. Well, I might be a little too macho to actually order the “Fairy Princess”, but I’ll steal a sip of my daughter’s when she’s not looking.
Steve,
Seriously. My daughter I loved all of those smoothie drinks! Her favorite was the Superman, whereas I was a Chocolate Monkey fan. The grown-up strawberry daiquiri was pretty tasty too!
I’m jealous! And that picture of you two is awesome!
Thank you, Philly! 🙂