For those of us that have been going to Negril since the 60′s, the changes have been dramatic. Negril used to be a sleepy fishing village where a group of locals grew their hair in matted hanging ropes They also believed that Halie Selassie, the King of Ethiopa whose real name was Ras Tafari, was the King Of Judah. Hence the name Rastafarians. They lived in peace and believed that smoking Ganja was their path to righteousness. The hippies shared their believes and along they came attempting  to escape the draft. Soon the word got out and Negril was discovered.

Since those days Negril has become a tourist mecca of a different sort. There are still Rastafarians and some would still consider it a sleepy fishing village with a few large resorts and a lot of smaller locally owned inns, villas and cabins. Negril’s main road runs along the ocean and most development has taken place on the ocean side with the opposite side being used to support those on the ocean side. Couples Swept Away’s sports and fitness facilities are located on the land side of the road while the resorts accommodations are on the ocean side.

Negril’s West End has retained the sleepy local feeling. Here you will find locally owned small inns and villas perched on limestone cliffs honeycombed with caves. Lots of small restaurants grilling up jerk chicken and pork, a Jamaican favorite. You will also pass lots of street vendors selling their colorful t-shirts, hats and other tourist favorites.