Falling in Love with Jamaica: An Unforgettable Trip
I have so many good things to say about Jamaica, where do I start?? The clear blue water or the breathtaking sunsets on 7 Mile Beach? I think I just shed a tear thinking about it all…My first trip there was in 2016, and I went back the following year (it’s definitely become a habit when I find a place I love!). In this post, I will be sharing my love for Jamaica and how special it is, with a focus on my second trip there.
Arriving in Paradise: First Night in Jamaica
Imagine stepping off the plane, you haven’t seen food for hours, take a shuttle to your hotel and think all you want to do is eat… But believe me when I say the rules just change in Jamaica. After dropping our bags at the hotel room following our evening arrival, we headed to the beach in Negril, me and one of my best friends.
We were staying at a smaller local resort on 7 Mile Beach, which is on the northwest coast of Jamaica. The beach only steps away, we figured a stroll to find food was a great idea!
We didn’t even make it the few steps to the beach before we were approached by the pool lifeguard—and he had just what we needed! A plan for the next day. OR what we didn’t need, as we had done the research on things to do in Negril and had some plans… but what’s a 1pm pool party in Jamaica, suggested by the lifeguard, when we’ll have the rest of the day after, right?
Anyway… I’ll get back to that, but we’re past the lifeguard now, and what welcomed us there was the most beautiful sunset in Jamaica I have ever laid eyes on! I mean, BREATHTAKINGLY beautiful. Nothing could compare. Were we still thinking about food? Absolutely not! Which brings me to our next choice of action.
The Perfect Welcome
There are beachfront restaurants and bars all across 7 Mile Beach, along with resorts, making our search for food even harder. But we stumbled upon a very friendly bartender at a small beach bar in Negril. He insisted we take Jamaican rum shots before we continued our stroll.
Now REMEMBER, not all of the actions taken in this post should be reenacted, but we did take the free shots. Something I would never do on an empty stomach. I’m convinced the sunset had us hypnotized… But I definitely don’t regret it.
Now, we kept walking, found a little restaurant at one of the beach resorts in Negril, and sat down… but after looking at the menu for a moment, we looked up at each other and knew each other’s thoughts immediately. We were heading back to the beach bar, where the music and authentic Jamaican vibes were.
After spending some time with the locals, we headed back to the hotel and called it a night.
Waking up in Jamaica feels different. The mornings are slow, warm, and filled with the sound of waves gently rolling onto the shore. On this particular morning, we had breakfast overlooking the beach, soaking in the view while the salty breeze reminded us exactly why we never wanted to leave. As we were eating our french toast and fruits, a local rode by on horseback along the shoreline, smiling and waving at us. “Good morning!” he called out.
It was one of those small, magical moments that make Jamaica feel so special. A moment that instantly puts you at ease and makes you feel like you belong.
But there was no time to sit around and reflect—we had a pool party to get to.
The Pool Party That Took Us Out
We had already convinced ourselves we’d only stay for a little while, just long enough to enjoy the vibe before heading out to explore more of Jamaica. But, of course, things didn’t quite go as planned.
The music, the energy, the people—everything was just too good. Before we knew it, we were dancing, sipping on Mai Tais, and fully immersed in the carefree spirit of the island. The lifeguard who had invited us the night before was there, grinning like he knew we wouldn’t be able to resist.
I don’t know exactly when the party ended for us, but I do know that when we finally made it back to our room, exhaustion hit hard. What was meant to be a quick nap turned into a deep, unplanned sleep from 5 PM to 11 PM.
When we woke up, disoriented and starving, we had one mission: food.
The Best Jerk Chicken Burger on the Beach
Luckily, we didn’t have to go far. Right next to our hotel was a small beach bar, glowing under string lights. It was quiet but lively, with a few locals hanging out and a fully stocked bar.
I ordered a jerk chicken burger, and it was delicious. The chicken was perfectly seasoned, with just the right balance of sweetness from the sauce. Paired with a fruity cocktail, it was exactly what I needed after a full day of partying (and sleeping). I ended up getting jerk chicken pizza at the same place one of the other days, but unfortunately that particular bar isn’t there anymore.
While we were at the bar, we got invited to a cookout with some locals for the next day. At this point, we realized something: no matter how much we planned, something else was always happening. And honestly? That was the best part of the trip.
From Nonstop Adventure to Ultimate Relaxation
After six unforgettable days on 7 Mile Beach—filled with impromptu parties, snorkeling, tubing, and beachside adventures—we decided to change things up. We checked into the Hilton Rose Hall, a bigger resort that felt like an entirely different world from the small, laid-back beachside stay we had in Negril.
And guess what? We slept the entire first day.
I mean, the whole day. No excursions, no beach walks, no plans. Just pure, uninterrupted rest. It was like our bodies finally caught up with all the fun we had been having.
But that’s the beauty of Jamaica: it gives you exactly what you need, whether it’s adventure or relaxation.
The next couple of days at Hilton Rose Hall were all about slow, luxurious living. We floated along the lazy river, sipped cocktails by the pool, and let the sun recharge us. No schedules, no rushing. Just pure island bliss.
The resort also had a free shuttle to Pier 1, a popular nightlife spot in Montego Bay, so we took advantage of that for one final night out. But aside from that, we did nothing but enjoy the sun, the water, and the laid-back luxury of the resort.
After all the adventures, Hilton Rose Hall was the perfect way to wrap up the trip. A reminder that sometimes, the best way to experience Jamaica is simply to be there, no plans needed (please have accommodation booked though, I’m not talking about fully unprepared!).
Jamaica Has My Heart
Looking back, this trip was everything I love about traveling. Unexpected experiences, amazing food, beautiful people, and a vibe that made me feel so at home. Jamaica isn’t just a place you visit; it’s a place that stays with you.
From the lively energy of Negril to the tranquil luxury of Hilton Rose Hall, this trip was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. And if there’s one thing I know for sure…
I’ll be back. Because once you experience Jamaica, you have to return.
Next time I speak of Jamaica I will focus on which tourist activities are worth checking out over there ! This was just a little taste of how fun activities often find you.
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