History

Negril is a beautiful beach resort that is located on the south side of the island of Jamaica. Known for their powdery white sand, coral reefs, and crystal clear water, some say; is as warm as a Jacuzzi.

Before the early 1950`s Negril was cut off from the rest of the island and virtually uninhabited. By 1958, the swamp which separated Negril from the rest of the island was drained and a highway was built over it. The first to discover Negril´s charm were ``hippies and flower children’’ of the seventies. They would rent rooms in the homes of Jamaican families and pitched tents in their backyards. The Development was slow at first, but as Negril´s welcoming and hospitable reputation grew, the construction of the first of many resort hotels began in the late seventies.

Today, Negril has been rated as one of the top 10 beaches in the world by many travel magazines. The famous seven mile beach is lined with beach resorts attracting an international crowd. The hippies have forever left their mark on Negril, which is apparent in the carefree, laid back atmosphere. Most of Negril still remains underdeveloped, which adds to its unique charm.

Cuisine

The beaches aren’t the only thing that defines Jamaica. Jamaican cuisine reflects the diverse influence of many cultures on the island. The Jamaican beef patty was inspired by the Spanish empanadas. Indian influence can be seen in the use of curry in dishes such as curry chicken. The Arawaks; indigenous inhabitants of the island, are credited with combining the spices which make up the famous Jerk seasoning of peppers, allspice, and sea salt.