There are two ways to travel with kids: DIY and all-inclusive. While both have their merits, the all-inclusive route should certainly be considered when traveling to a country that has a hospitality track record of meeting all your needs in one place, especially where adult sanity is concerned. Beaches Negril is one such place on the island of Jamaica.
If you spring for concierge-level service, which is entirely worth it, you’ll bypass the check-in desk and go straight to the lounge, where you’ll get immediate one-to-one service and a beverage of your choice. The concierge will help you decide where to have dinner during your stay and book your reservations so you don’t have to worry about that detail. And he or she will also go over the week’s activities so that you can sign up for what interests you and put reminders in your phone calendar. (PADI-certified scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, and kayaking are all included.) Now, it’s time to relax.
Rooms are spacious and open, some with traditional Caribbean decor (dark wood and nature patterns), some with brighter, more lively, contemporary color schemes. What’s especially nice about the layout of each building is that many rooms are expandable to include adjoining family or friends. So, you can choose one room on its own, a room with an adjacent living space, or two adjacent rooms or suites that connect.
There are several pools on the property, including a pirate-themed waterpark, and included in the rate is a fantastic kids club where the little ones will want to spend as much time as possible. All staff are certified nannies, and there are separate programs designed for infants, toddlers, pre-teens and teens. What further distinguishes Beaches’ kids camp its special-needs certification. The property offers the Caribbean’s first autism-aware program, in which staff are trained in sensory and emotional awareness, communication and motor skills, ensuring that all kids have a safe and fun vacation.
Beaches Negril is a stones throw from sister property Sandals, which is adult-only and bit more upscale in design. The hotels offer a shuttle between properties if you happen to be traveling without kids and want to experience the restaurants or beach at the serene grown-up spot.
The best restaurant, in my experience, both in terms of food and setting, is Stew Fish. Set smack on the sand, this spot allows you to dine within earshot of the lapping waves. The Caribbean breakfast is saltfish and ackee with a side of callaloo (amaranth), served with the resort’s signature hot sauce. Dinner choices might include West Indies pepperpot Soup or lobster bouillabaisse.
Kimonos and The Venetian offer straight-ahead teppanyaki and Italian food, respectively, each with a signature cocktail designed to complement the menu.
The main order of business in Negril is deep relaxation. It’s contagious, and it’s good for your health.
