The small town of Negril, on the sun-drenched western coast of Jamaica, is famous for its Seven Mile Beach, a palm-tree-lined stretch of beautiful white sand that seems to go on forever. Negril’s main thoroughfare, Norman Manley Boulevard, is full of shops selling quirky gifts and Jamaican apparel. You’ll also find restaurants specializing in seafood dishes like run down (fish braised in coconut milk), bars vibrating with dancehall beats, and music venues where reggae artists play. Small stalls on the pavement sell crafts and grill up jerk chicken and other bites.

The warm turquoise waters off Seven Mile Beach are excellent for swimming and a multitude of water sports, including tubing, kayaking, water skiing, and windsurfing. You’ll also have lots of space if all you want to do is lie on a lounger and soak up the sun. Coastal bars and restaurants spill out onto the sand. At the western end of town are rocky cliffs that tower 15 metres above the water.

Jamaica experiences a tropical climate with year-round warm weather. The most pleasant time to stay in Negril may be from December to April, when the days are warm and sunny for enjoying the beach with little chance of rain. In February, a reggae music festival takes place on the cliffs at the west end of town, and some of Jamaica’s top artists perform under the stars.

May to November is the rainy season, when you’re likely to experience higher humidity and changeable conditions, with regular sharp bursts of showers mixed in with plenty of sunshine. In August, Emancipation Weekend is one of the biggest festive events in Negril. While not a common occurrence, Jamaica can experience hurricanes between June to November, so you may want to check weather conditions before your trip.

The Blue Hole

A half an hour southeast of Negril, the Blue Hole Mineral Springs sit seven metres below the ground in a cavernous opening surrounded by limestone karst. Climb down a ladder to access the pool. Some health-seekers come to bask in the mineral-rich waters, and you’ll spy other visitors applying white mud from around the springs to their skin.

Seven-Mile Beach

While not quite seven miles long, this strip of soft white sand is expansive enough to feel like its end is far from sight. The calm Caribbean waters, protected by offshore reefs, are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. Beachfront cafes and restaurants provide plenty of cold drinks and snacks to refuel after you’ve emerged from the waves.

Booby Cay Island

Take a short boat ride to this small, idyllic island sitting just off the coastline to the north of Negril. You can wander around the island before taking a swim or snorkelling in the shallow waters to spot colourful tropical fish. The island is famed for its Caribbean lobster dishes, and so before you return to town, dinner may be in order.