MIT member Emily Miethner of Your Cat Backpack by Travel Cat and Getaway Upstate, never thought she would visit the same place twice. Then she discovered—and fell in love with—Negril, and her perspective completely changed. These are the reasons why.

I was always the person who said there are so many places I want to travel to, I’ll never go anywhere twice.

Most of our previous travels had been focused on outdoor adventures like in Norway or visiting bustling cities like London and Israel.

Yet, I wrapped up my third trip to Negril, Jamaica in mid October of this year. When you discover true magic, where life is simple, relaxing, and you feel like you’re at home - well, sometimes you change your mind.

I’m thrilled to share why Negril is a must-visit destination for people looking for an escape that is relaxing, energizing, and a place it will be difficult to go to just once.

Reason #1: Ultimate Relaxation

I first traveled to Negril, Jamaica for our honeymoon in November 2019 and stayed at Tensing Pen, an award-winning boutique resort on the cliffs. A few days into our trip, I decided we would come back annually to celebrate our anniversary. I was convinced that quickly. The goal of this trip was to take it easy and to relax - really for the first time.

There’s a study that says it takes 3-4 days for your body to adjust to a vacation. At Tensing Pen, I think it took just one because of the incredible views, beautiful nature surroundings, and caring staff. Never have I felt so much at peace.

During all of our trips we took advantage of the on-site spa and wellness opportunities. At Tensing Pen, the massage hut is off to the side of the property in a tranquil area. There is also yoga offered daily. We booked a private lesson on our third trip with my husband’s family, and my in-laws said it was the best yoga class they’ve ever taken.

For our second and third stays we split our time between Tensing Pen and The Cliff, another boutique hotel. The head of the wellness programs was one of our favorite people. She even made me a special natural concoction after I got a little barnacle sting. Here we got massages, manicures, and took advantage of the free wellness offerings, from pilates to yoga and the open-air gym.

Then there’s the pools and being surrounded by the most beautifully colored blue water. At Tensing, the pool is featured in the middle of the property and lit up at night. At The Cliff, there’s a swim up bar and a volleyball net.

Beyond the spas and the pools - it’s the environment. The views, the waves, the people - everything about Negril and these hotels in particular just puts you at absolute ease.

Reason #2: The Natural Beauty

The waves. The flowers. The falls. The fish. The owls. The beaches. The stars. There is so much natural beauty and vivid colors everywhere you go in Negril. Nature lover or not, the pristine condition of this lush island is a sight to behold. The views and sunset are entertainment and relaxation rolled into one. I spent a lot of my time just looking, watching, and exploring the properties and appreciating mother earth.

Tensing Pen sits on the cliffs, so you have access to the water just feet from any room. At max capacity, this intimate resort holds about 50 people. Each room is your own little oasis and nothing ever feels crowded.

The position of The Cliff on the coast provides the most expansive look at the star-filled night sky I have ever seen in my life. I even saw a shooting star.

Reason #3: Finding a Resort that Feels like Family

It’s hard not to make conversation with the other guests during your stay because of the kind and friendly atmosphere. We quickly discovered during our first trip that most people who come to Tensing come back.

We met a couple from Miami who got engaged on the bridge. A couple 10 years older than us who got married at Tensing and come every year. A woman who has been going since The Long House was not a room but the kitchen where everyone cooked meals together. The Long House is now the largest suite on the property with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and a living, dining room, and kitchen - which we rented for the most recent trip we took with my husband's family.

Reason #4: The COVID-19 Safety Measures

As soon as we got our COVID vaccines in the Spring of 2021, I started planning our next trip, which we took in May of 2021. We knew we would feel comfortable based on all the protocols, that everything is outdoors, and that it is so easy to keep to yourself.

We also knew we’d spend more time relaxing since we did most of the major tourist day trips. This time, we didn’t go more than 1.5 hours from the hotel. One our third visit, we brought my husband’s family, his parents and brother. Although they had hesitations mostly around flying and driving, they were immediately comfortable once they saw all the protocols in place and experienced the openness of the resorts, restaurants, and activities.

Reason #5: The Excursions & Activities

Negril isn’t a walking town. You take a car to most places, whether it’s into town for a local restaurant, to the beach, or for a day trip. Luckily, there are wonderful drivers - like ours, Audley - who don’t only get you to your destination, but become your trusty travel planners and friends. We’ve had the pleasure of working with the same drivers since our first trip. On our honeymoon, we did a lot of the big excursions, Bob Marley’s House & Museum, YS Falls, Blue Hole, The Appleton Rum Estate Tour - all fabulous. You’ll hear a lot about Rick’s Cafe, a world-record holding joint known for its cliff-jumping and views. It’s worth checking out for a bit, but save your appetite and thirst for the numerous restaurants that are truly local.

Our favorite part of this trip was Mayfield Falls, which was originally recommended to us by a Tensing team member when we asked where the locals go. Our tour guide Dave was welcoming, friendly, and fun. You literally walk through the falls with naturally magical stops along the way - like swimming through a hole in the river, going behind the falls in “the washing machine” and a natural spa experience. He never rushed us and took plenty of photos. We were the only ones there, which was common during the trips post-COVID, to be the only ones wherever we were. This was our third waterfall experience in Jamaica and our favorite - way less commercial than YS Falls.

Reason #6: The Joy of Experiencing new Hotels in a Familiar Place

For our second trip we decided to stay at another resort to mix things up for part of the trip, which is how we discovered The Cliff. For people looking for a more modern and traditional hotel experience with equally stunning access to the cliffs and a star-filled night sky, this is a wonderful option and the #2 hotel in Negril. The rooms are spacious with modern amenities and the restaurant has menu items more reminiscent of fancy restaurants and menu items you’ll recognize mixed in with local offerings.

For our 3rd trip and second time at The Cliff we were upgraded to the Villa One - a truly luxe experience. Complete with an unblocked view of the ocean, private veranda, huge shower (with two shower heads!) and a soaking tub. I cannot recommend this room enough to a couple that wants to splurge and celebrate. It’s steps from the pool, restaurant, and the cliffs.

Reason #7: The Food

As someone who enjoys healthy eating and eating real, fresh food, it was so easy to find in Jamaica. The vegetarian and fish options are a plenty, and the ingredients are local. We would be happy eating most if not all our meals at Tensing Pen, where you’ll find mostly local dishes with a few “American” options like a twist on a bagel and lox. The Cliff has a much more Americanized menu, with items like Butter Chicken and Steak. My favorite dish there is the akee toast, a play on avocado toast. And don’t forget the callaloo, their local greens that you’ll find within lots of menus.

You must get out and try local spots outside of the hotels and resorts. Two of our favorite local spots are just a couple of minutes from The Cliff. You’ll have the freshest lobster of your life at Murphy’s (if you’re there during lobster season, the other half of the year it’s conch season). The eatery we’ve been to the most is Just Natural. There’s no takeaway, as part of the experience is enjoying your meal in the beautiful funky garden. It’s a no frills place, but the food is some of the freshest and best we’ve experienced. We’ve eaten every meal here - our favorite was breakfast. It’s very inexpensive - we recommend ordering almost everything on the menu to try everything - it’s a steal.

As travel protocols continue to change, when you need a safe, socially distanced, peaceful vacation - consider Negril. Jamaica is incredibly passionate about hospitality and providing incredible experiences. No matter when you go, it’s unlikely you won’t go back.

I’ve been on a honeymoon, anniversary, brought my in-laws, and for my next trip I plan to recruit a group of friends and couples. No matter what demographic you’re planning for, you know they will enjoy the ultimate relaxation, serenity, and welcomeness provided by Negril.

7 Reasons Why I Keep Coming Back to Negril, Jamaica

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