My Solo Trip to Negril
I remember as a teenager sitting and looking at the ads for Jamaica on TV. “Come back to Jamaica”. I know I’m aging myself, but those ads stuck with me. I made a promise to myself that I would make a trip to Jamaica, and I did. After I graduated from college, my first trip out of the country was to Montego Bay, Jamaica with a friend, and I fell in love with the country. I was mesmerized by the music, the food, rafting on the Martha Brae, sunsets at Ricks Cafe, and talking to the beautiful people.
Two decades later, I found myself planning my first solo trip out of the country. I decided on Negril after several days of contemplating. I had traveled to Jamaica three additional times with family since that first excursion, but this trip was a special one, just for me. It should have been such an easy decision. I’m not really sure why it took so long. It had been ten years since my last last trip to Jamaica, and I was itching to return. Once I decided that Jamaica was my solo trip destination, everything lined up properly for me to take a much needed five day trip to Negril. Jamaica is restorative and beautiful. The people are wonderful and the sights of white sand beaches, cliffs, mountains, will never get old to me. In fact, I’m thinking that an annual trip might be just the plan.
Where I Stayed
Skylark Negril Beach Resort
Norman Manley Blvd, Negril Jamaica W.I.
I had a list of resorts that I carefully considered for this trip. I actually came to the decision of Skylark through its sister property “Rockhouse Hotel & Spa.” I wanted to visit the award winning Rockhouse hotel for quite some time. What led me to Skylark is the fact that it was beachfront, (Rockhouse is cliffside). Since they’re sister properties, I could easily visit and enjoy Rockhouse as well via a free shuttle. Being grounded in the sand daily was important to me for this particular trip. I have absolutely no regrets. This small, boutique hotel was immaculate and beautifully decorated with a vintage flair. It felt like a small, safe paradise with the lush greenery and gorgeous sunsets. An onsight, famous carribean restaurant, beautiful spa, beachside drink and food service, and the cutest gift shop ever makes this hotel a winner.
Where I Ate
Miss Lily’s at Skylark
Skylark Negril Beach Resort, Norman Manley Blvd,
Negril, Jamaica
I visited the original New York location of Miss Lily’s years ago and never forgot the delicious coconut pancakes. I was eager to try them out here in Negril. They didn’t dissapoint. This colorful, laidback, beachfront restaurant was the source of much of my sustenance for this trip. The decor is adorable, the cuisine is led by world class chefs Adam Shop and Andre Fowles, and they offer room service .
Ivan’s at Catcha Falling Star Resort
West End Road Catcha Falling Star Hotel, Negril 3022 Jamaica
Catch a Falling Star was actually my third choice when I was researching hotels to stay at. I made it a priority to visit Ivan’s to see what it was like. This restaurant is drop dead gorgeous. The driver drove in through two large green doors and the views were amazing. There was lush greenery, buddhas, cliffs, linen table cloths and candle lights.. I could go on and on. I had really good drinks and seafood here at a very reasonable price.
Rockhouse Poolbar and Grill
Rockhouse Hotel and Spa, West End Road Negril, Jamaica
Rockhouse is the reason why I was drawn back to Jamaica for this trip. The hotel is mesmerizing. It did not disappoint. This isn’t one of the main restaurants of this resort, but I was enjoying lying out in the sun and this was the poolside service restaurant. Definitely try the other two amazing restaurants as well. The drinks are outstanding. The best I had on my stay. I had grilled kabobs and salad and plantains. All was excellent and really affordable. The view of the cliffs, the dolphins swimming out in the ocean, and the warm sun had me contemplating extending my trip. I will be back to experience more.
What I did
This was a special trip that turned out to be life changing. I really didn’t plan an exciting itinerary. I was there to relax, connect with nature and plug into my higher source. I had some activities in mind, but I didn't care that I didn’t get to them all. I had visited this beautiful island four times, but this was definitely my favorite. I meditated, journaled, watched the sunsets and sunrise, ate good food, wore a bikini, built confidence in ways the I never thought about , and I learned a ton about myself. I didn’t do everything I set out to do, but somehow I did just enough. I can’t wait to return. If you’re considering a solo trip, do it. Make a plan, research, and execute. You won’t regret it.