Sitting on the balcony of my hotel room where the internet reception is the strongest, I take some little moments. Conscious moments to feel the natural rawness of a rustic somewhat dated motel-style hotel, that's enveloped with palms, with an 80's charm. It's nicely cleaned and freshened up daily, but from the look of the furnishings and facilities, I think it would be a safe bet to say that their motto is, "if it ain't broke don't fix it"... Cos, I don't think much or anything has changed since it's inception many decades ago... Still, it's Jamaica, so everything is Irie!
We are spending a week away from my parent's house, to enjoy some chilled time at one of the most laid-back towns one could ever find in Jamaica.
It's Negril's west end, where cliffsides are popular for watching sunsets.
Tourism is Jamaica's leading economy, and Jamaica is a destination known for its large international hotel chains. However, my husband and I prefer to stay in small privately owned independent hotels, that help to filter money back into the Jamaican economy.
Smaller hotels including Xtabi, tend to source their goods (local produce) from local farmers, and they offer employment opportunities for young people in the rural parishes of Jamaica too, so tourists can experience authentic, friendly, genuine smiles.
Still, despite some challenges that small businesses have reported facing in recent years, the hotel staff were delighted to experience full occupancy from the usual Thanksgiving vacationers from the US.
Xtabi, meeting place of the gods.
Is located on both sides of the main road on the west end of Negril.
On the cliffside, there's the main dining area and a bar, with some seafront cottages, and caves.
The hotel is small and intimate enough so guests get the chance to interact with the staff.
On one occasion when I had to leave the dining room before my husband, he jokingly said to the waitress; "We're planning to do a runner, so she'll go first and I will follow." The waitress giggled and replied;
"... and I would RUN you down! Now that you've mentioned it, I'll just keep an eye on you."
She said it with such pizzazz, and I could not stop laughing, as I was imagining the waitress running after my husband. It would not have been much of a challenge because "to de world" the Jamaicans can certainly run fast 🤣.
I think that conversation broke the ice nicely, because every day when I visited the restaurant, I got the warmest ear-to-ear smiles that were camera-friendly.
At the restaurant, traditional Jamaican dishes were served. From seasonal lobster, shrimp, chicken, and vegetarian dishes; Dinner portions are huge.
... and unlimited refills of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, that's divine!🙏
The food is fresh, as some of the kitchen's food stock is self-sustained and grown on the grounds. For example, the Ackee (the yellow food above that looks like scrambled eggs) which is the National dish, is a fruit that's prepared like a vegetable. The hotel has big trees in the complex, which I presume could be cost-effective, especially during the slow tourist season.
Young red ackees that are not yet fit to be harvested;)
Natural Historic Caves
Right below the dining terrace and bar overlooking the sea, are natural limestone caves. According to Wikipedia, these caves were once the home of the first settlers to Jamaica.
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Guests of the resort are free to navigate their way through the caves, and from some manmade benches situated inside the cave, it appears that it is a popular location for hosting parties and other events.
Negril, where Stella's go to get their grooves back!
There's a wide array of "merchandise" available, here in Negril; You name it, and you'll get it!
From the prominent rent-a-dread, for the "big bamboo experience", party boat rentals, jet skis, native music bands, hair braids, fresh ice-cold jelly coconut water, or a fat spliff... and anything you could think of under the sun...
Negril is the place to be!
Luckily for me, I'm with my husband so I can forego all temptations and enjoy the authentic Jamaican setting.
I do get a little choked up sometimes, to be back on the "big-little island" of Jamaica.
I'm filled with euphoria.
... and the strong whiffs of sinsemilla, that spread across the property is making me feel high 😉
This little tune has been playing on my mind for the past few days. If you have a headset, why don't you press play and enjoy this little lovers rock reggae tune by Duane Stephenson on YouTube;)
Thanks for tuning into my blog. I appreciate it:)))
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OMG! I wasn't expecting this. I'm over the moon.😁
Thank you so much. I appreciate it:)))
Girl I can imagine the euphoria for real real. I can also imagine the slight reverse culture shock.
I would definitely go for the Jamaican breakfast every morning too as it’s been a long time.
That’s what I love about Jamaicans. Once the ice is broken m, everything IRIE.
Enjoy your stay in the land of our birth, absorb up the good vibes :)
Ps:perfect song to end the post . I think reggae has a song for every experience 😂
Yes, and no. Being back is like being in a time warp. Nothing much has changed, so everything keeps coming back at you.
Yeah, I've been lovely the fresh Ackee, no canned ackee while I'm here.
The staff is just their natural sweet selves which I like, and I think once they realized that I'm down to earth also, they have been super nice.
I love that song, but I couldn't remember the guy's name. That song and video depict what Negril is all about perfectly.
Thanks for stopping by. I thought your community was the perfect place to add this... I never really had much content on Jamaica before, and I've been dying to contribute to this ReggaeJahm...
One Love ❤️💚💛
Oh wow, that water in the third shot, looks so divine. I am happy to hear that you are having time for a real relaxing holiday.
Negril sounds like a wonderful spot. I am writing this whilst listening to Protoje, he is providing all the right vibes.
Hoping one day to make it over that way and experience that wonderful way of live for myself xxxxx
Oh, if you ever make it to Jamaica, I think Negril would be the place for you. There are two sections though: one side is 7 miles of white sand beach, and the other side that my husband prefers is cliff side. There are other areas on the South Coast that I think you would love too.
I've been enjoying the music and observing just how important the music here is to people of all ages.
Haha, yes, I liked the look of the water in that section, but the problem is that I can't swim 😅 like many islanders. I said to my husband that I wish I could swim, as I'd have gone for early morning ones there. xxxx
Wow... What a heavenly place, glad you're having a good time.... Bon appetit by the way, those breakfasts look delicious!.... The pictures of the sea are lovely postcards.... And I've been impressed with the caves.... That's a dream place to take photos!.... There is one wonderfully eloquent photo among all of them, the one with the glasses on the table, blurred in the foreground and the sea perfectly focused in the background... I stared at it for several minutes... It is a photo like few others... It says it all in one image!... What a marvel!... Thank you very much for sharing @millycf1976 friend, I hope everything continues to go wonderfully.... Greetings and a hug!!!!....
!discovery 40
!PIZZA
Hiya!
Thanks for that photo. Somehow I forgot to add it and had to edit the post because I liked it very much too 😊
The caves are amazing, and what I like is that the hotel is so casual. No one pushes anything, so I could have easily missed the caves ... luckily I saw a little sign, and I ventured down there on my own (out of my comfort zone). Would be great to get some more shots of it when I have someone accompany me. I'm not good in small dark places 🤣
Have a IRIE Day ❤️💛💚
Jamaica looks so beautiful :-). I never tried Jamaican food. Here in the Netherlands I have never seen a Jamaican restaurant. Wonder how it tastes. I was looking at the "sucking nipple" statue and my 10 yr old son came looking too. He went running away immediately LOL!
Hahaha! That's so funny about your son. The closest food I could think of that you might have tried is some Surinamese or Moroccan food. I used to live in Leiden and I tried Suriname food a few times. It's great being back. I just checked into a new local now, the internet reception is not great but he view certainly is :)
I'm just waiting for sunset now:)))
Moroccan or Surinamese food I have tried before. So I guess Jamaican food tastes like that. You lived in Leiden before....So you must speak at least a bit Dutch ;-). The view there is much nicer than here, but the internet connection better than there LOL. If humans had to choose between the two....must be a difficult choice. Have fun!
Not exactly like those countries, but with some herbs and spice 😋
There's always a trade off, I guess :)
Sounds like a great place to chill and the pictures are beautiful. Thanks for sharing a little bit of your birth country with us.
I have always wanted to go to Jamaica and I think Laarni and I should definitely
plan for that in the future.
I'm quite curious about Ackee and Callaloo, I would like to try them, but for sure I'll happily leave the saltfish to Laarni. That's one of her favorite breakfast ingredient.
I also wouldn't mind the
Glad you're reconnecting with your roots.
Hi to Cameron and all the best to you both.
Hey Yohann!
Somehow I think you and Laarni would love Negril because it's super casual - shorts and flip-flops everywhere. There's nothing pretentious on the western side of the island. Laarni would feel right at home!
😋 I don't know how to describe Ackee, but the saltfish is different from the Filipino Dried Fish. Yeah, it is smelly too (I didn't realize just how smelly until I first moved to the UK and was hunting for a dead rat in my flat, then I realized that it was the Codfish (Saltfish)... I had to throw it away). Ackee is also nice with bacon, and the Callaloo is a cross between Spinach and Alogbhati from the Philippines. My mum cooks Callaloo most mornings, and I'm hoping that the Ackees on my tree at home will mature before we leave.
As I open the door to the balcony it hits me in the face😆, and I remembered stories Laarni told me, and I also thought that Paul and Koz would be in heaven here. It's right up their street 😁
Cameron is doing well. Redstripe, beer, and football all day long. He's gone to have coffee and I'll join him in a few minutes for breakfast.
The next hotel that we're going to today, would be heaven for Laarni... We have never been to that one before, but it promises to be amazing.
We hope to get some great shots because that should be a cultural experience :)))
That view from the balcony is just WOW. A hotel at a nice location with one hell of a view, cyan blue waters, good food and some good ole coffee, unlimited refills too haha.
Ahh, living the dream, Milly, living the dream. 🌴🏄♀
Cheers 🥃
Hehe! I really feel like I'm living the dream. Every morning I come to my terrace to work when things are still quiet, and I become properly alert by the strong marijuana scent, which I think most occupants have before their morning coffee. When I look around there are huge fruit trees everywhere. Just so green and lush.
It's also my first time going in a cave because I'm claustrophobic. I didn't go all the way inside because I was alone, but I probably will do so this morning with my husband:)
Thanks for stopping by.
Sending you Irie vibrations 🇯🇲
Looks like this is going to be one of your best vacations, your jolly mood says so at least haha.
A little green and blue, the raw smell of the earth and its fruitful offerings, it's all so vital; every now and then we should lose ourselves within such lush surroundings and let nature embrace us firmly. Take it all in, live in the moment, heal yourself slowly.
Enjoy the journey ahead, Milly. Much love 🖤☕️
Thanks for your sweet message!
You said that so well 😍🤗
You are welcome. Cheers 🖤☮️
😊
Indeed ti place is a paradise, the calming view of the ocean is truly a relaxing scenery even if I just see it in Virtual, I feel Euphoria seeing those photos. You also discover an amazing cave. For sure you did a nice and memorable exploration of this place. Thank you for sharing @millycf1976
Thanks for your lovely reply @intoy.bugoy
I'm happy that you're able to appreciate my photos as I share this part of the world that was once like my backyard.
It's great to return home and connect with my roots.
I hope to have a proper tour of the caves this morning before we checkout:)))
That looks totally awesome and your breakfast, amazingly scrumptious. OMG, I’ve always wanted to go to Jamaica. Thanks for giving me a virtual slice of paradise to savour☕️🌸❤️🤗💕❤️❤️🌸🤗💕🌿🤗🌸🌸🌸☕️❤️
It's my absolute pleasure!
I've been so chilled for the last few days that I keep pinching myself to make sure that my blood is pumping 😆
I haven't had that Jamaican breakfast "fresh" for 9 years. I get teary-eyed sometimes 😍😋
🌺
My goodness Jamaica is such a Gorgeous place! That experience of dining with that view of the sea....insane! I don't know if I'll ever have the chance, but I'd sure love to visit there one day!
Jamaica is a beautiful destination, and we really like Negril because it's totally laid-back and unpretentious.
Sunsets are truly amazing, but I keep forgetting that I'm not back in the UK where sunsets are at about 20:00 in the summertime.
If you want to forget all your worries, then Negril would be the ideal destination:)
Wow that looks incredible. The spot along the cliffs especially. That would be a great spot to watch the sunset.
The caves look pretty cool as well.
Funny story about the waitress and your husband. 🤣 she will find you, hunt you down and make you pay 😂
It is amazing, but I think most rooms are empty, so I'm left feeling "flat" this morning... it's not as magical without the lovely aromas that I've gotten used to.
Yeah, the story was really funny. The waitress looked like she was already on her mark, set, and ready to go.
Police need to be very fit to catch criminals here, yu nu! The buggers can run fast and will always escape 🤣
It is GREAT being back 🇯🇲🙏
Haha that's funny. It's a good incentive to stay in shape I guess. Haha
Haha! Exactly 🏃♀🏃
#NoJokes 🤣
It definitely looks like it!
Enjoy your stay :)
It is, definitely!
We'll transfer to another hotel that promises to be really special, then we might extend our stay and return back to this one for a few more nights.
It would be hard to have a bad stay in Negril even if you tried.
Thanks for stopping by.
Sending positive vibes ❤️💛💚
Wow, the place looks awesome! I’m so envious now! I hope to have the opportunity to visit Jamaica one day too! The rocky cliff sides leading to the water look stunning and I bet the sunsets will be very unique and memorable.
Take care and have fun while you’re in your country. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, I think of you when I'm enjoying my morning coffee. I think you would love the smooth taste of it.
Negril is a special location. Super laid-back just like the general picture most people have of Jamaica.
Sunsets are absolutely stunning.
I'll be transferring to another hotel shortly, and that hotel is gonna make you real jealous. I won't give a spoiler, but something tells me that you would love that place.
One love! ❤️💛💚
Waiting for your future posts for sure!
I'm trying to figure out the best way to take it. It is such an interesting spot... Ta-da... that involves coffee 😁
Oh, that’s even more interesting 🤩☕️
I totally agree with you on the smaller local establishments, looks like a great place to chill out!
😁 We transferred to an AMAZING hotel today and will be here for a few nights. GREAT find!😎
Gorgeous surroundings and perfect video to end your blog from your Negril cottage. I also prefer to support smaller hotels and where you are looks idyllic. I think you must be in your element as they say. Let it all seep in - enjoy!
You are so right about that.😁
We are at a little boutique hotel away from the beach, which is just as nice and even more relaxing:)))
I think it's my first time in 5 years to see a post from Jamaica on the chain which is awesome! Not to mention that is on my bucket list since I was a kid and I can't wait for the day when I'll fully enjoy an experience there :)
I won't lie, it annoyed me for a long time that there's hardly anything about Jamaica, even though there's a Hive Jamaica community with a team from Negril. Reggae Jahm does a great job in promoting Jamaica, the music, and Caribbean culture, so that's very nice.
Coming back from this trip I didn't know what exactly to expect because I was gone for so long (9 years).
Negril is the same as it has been for the last 40 years, no kidding. Some new lodges might have popped up but it's still the barefoot, laidback setting that's easygoing. So if that's what you're looking for, then this section of the island in the West would be your best bet.
Montego Bay and the rest of the north coast have amazing large Inclusive and European Plan accommodations that are upscale, with many fine dining restaurants which is also appealing. The east is stunning, but I have not been to that side in a long time, and the south coast has some hidden gems too.
I would say yes to Jamaica:)))
Thank you for sharing your trip with us. Makes me want to visit the island even more.
That view is wow 😍 and I don't need luxurious hotels or resorts, as long as the place is neat and clean.
We transferred to another resort that's owned by a local Jamaican girl. It's top-class, unique, private and totally chilled out. Even though. it's not on the water, it's just a 2 minutes walk to the cliff. Honestly, I could live at this spot no problem.
It's great to be back in Jamaica:)))
It doesn't have to be on the water, as long as it's close by and private means not too many tourists 😁.
Happy Holidays by the way.
Just trying to get back on track with my comments.
Exactly! The Coffee Retreat is definitely worth the sacrifice of being on the water 👍
Thanks for stopping by, and happy holidays to you :)))
Amazing place. I wanted to write nearly the same like itsostylish.
Woooow, never was thinking of traveling to Jamaica but now I have to see it one day. Negril is a beautiful place. The sculptures are fantastic, the flowers a d plants, the ocean color... Woooowoooow. Rehived. Have a delicious breakfast, looks yummy. Thanks for sharing this with us 🙏🏼💖🎶💯🤗have a great day.
Thanks for your sweet comment. I appreciate it.
Negril is special. I have so many memories of spending weekends as a child, so it's great to be back.
Everything looks the same too:)))
Have an Irie Day ❤️💛💚
Wow, you have even such beautiful childhood memories from there. Goosebumps. Than a special 💕 thanks for sharing it with us. Such a marvelous hidden gem it is. Muitoooo obrigada 🙏🏼🤗✨
😍🤗🙏
Damn what a view and such a nice resort!!
It is amazing! You would be right at home here:)))
What a basass spot Milly, nice. Relax, let it go slow. Hey that older picture of you is badass too, from other post. Sorry i missed some of your more recent posts. Busy busy, but we gotta grind. Chill and grind. Peace peace.
!LOL
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Haha! So funny:)
Thank you 😊
I appreciate your comments even if they are late. I know how it goes with finding time on Hive and balancing it with our daily grind.
Yeah, I'm supper happy to be home. I missed this little island terribly:)))
It looks like a wonderful hotel :) ... Do you feel like you might stay longer in Jamaica?
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Oh, we won't be leaving too soon. Not before February. It will be hard to leave when that time comes for sure:)))
Thanks for your support, it's much appreciated 😊
I take it you won't be staying away so long any more either :) ... That'll definitely make the departure a little easier. Enjoy your time there 🙌
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Thank you very much:))) Hopefully, it won't be so long next time🙏
Hi @millycf1976
Wow the view from the hotel balcony is so beautiful. And the thing I like the most about that place is the nature around. I love places which are harmony with the nature around. Have a nice day.
Thank you so much @dodovietnam
I get the feeling that you would love this place, for real!:)))
I'm gonna be the next one to say: holy crazy water! Looks great to just chill and let the body relax.
That's the vibe you get when you're here, for real!
I'm chilled with no bother whatsoever and taking it all in.
I do hope that Jamaica will gain economic and social stability and be the go-to laid-back destination in the Caribbean one day again:)
What's the current socioeconomic situation over there?
I like the ambiance of the place and the food 😊... Thanks for touring us to Jamaica 😁.
It's been amazing.
I'll have more from another lodge, which promises to be divine.
Thanks for stopping by 😍
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Literally from a cottage in Negril. Lol
😆 Yeah, I've been smiling for the past 4 days, while writing on Hive from my little cottage in Negril...
Bless up!❤️💛💚
I've never been to Jamaica and never seen any pictures. It seems to be a paradise
Thank you!
Jamaica has many cons, but you can't deny that the island is stunning. The people can be warm and nice to encounter too:)))
This felt and look like Philippines 😁
You are right!
About 9 years ago a flew halfway around the planet from Jamaica to Cebu. It was an excruciatingly long journey that took me door to door from Jamaica to Moalboal in 50 hours. On the drive from Cebu to Moalboal, I kept looking out the car windows disoriented not understanding how the two countries had so many similarities. The geography and layout of the land are the same. The culture is similar because The Spanish ruled Jamaica for a while, and even though Jamaica is a former British colony, it's very Americanised due to its proximity to the US. So yes, if you were kidnapped and taken to Jamaica, you would be confused. We drive on the left-hand side of the road though, and our people are mixed (Indian, Chinese, German, Syrians, and predominantly of African origins) which is similar to the Philippines where you have a mix of Malay, Chinese, and Spanish blood.
I lived in Moalboal for 7 years and then moved back to the UK. This is my first trip back to Jamaica in all that time. Now that I'm back home, I keep making lots of comparisons to the Philippines. The Philippines had a big impact on my life.
#SameSameButDifferent 🇵🇭🇯🇲
#OneLove ❤️💛💚
#OutofManyOnePeople (Jamaican Motto) 🇯🇲
Oh wow, the similarities are quite obvious. Geography and history, it's like two sisters in different side of the world. 👍. And you had quite a journey. I hope you enjoyed your time here the Philippines. Thank you for sharing.
I am telling you, yes!
You summed that up so well. We always wished our staff could have transferred to Jamaica. Yes, we had a lovely time there in the Philippines. Filipinos are just as friendly as Jamaicans, so I always felt at home 🤗
I can't imagine what it would be like to spend time in a beautiful place like this, it's so incredible
I feel charmed sometimes 🙏
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The beach is the most exotic place ever, Jamaica has that and this is an interesting thing that I just found out about. I love these beautiful historical caves, I've never been to a place like that and it seems very difficult to reach them in Indonesia. wow.. I'm so jealous of your holiday :)
Jamaica is a stunning part of the Caribbean for sure. There are hills, mountains, valleys, and plains, which make Jamaica a naturally beautiful island. The annual rainfall is plentiful, so the island is lush all year round. There is a lot of similarity with SE Asia, especially places like the Philippines.
There are many, many caves, and this is the first time that I have ever gone into :)
Maybe someday you will get to explore this region:)))
Bali is the best place to explore Indonesia, I hope you can go to Indonesia soon :)
Maybe one day! You never know:)))
🎶Sweet sweet Jamaica…sorry I can’t sing further.😂
A cottage in Negril is where I’d like to be now. I’ve never been to Xtabi but I know they’re so many beautiful views and properties on that end of the island. That breakfast plate is everything. I heard the plantains calling my name. Lol!