Beaches - Negril

During our recent trip to Jamaica with Beaches we managed to visit both of their family friendly resorts.  I wrote recently about my thoughts on Beaches Ocho Rios - a beautiful private slice of paradise on the North coast and our transfer across to the island took us to the west coast Beaches Negril. 

Beaches Negril has the same outstanding hospitality that I had already come to expect after our three days in Ocho Rios but it is more spread out and sits along the famous seven mile beach.  The sand is still as bright, the sea still as clear and the atmosphere still as friendly, but the layout was different and much more accessible in my opinion.  Whilst Ocho Rios had lifts meaning nowhere was out of bounds, Negril doesn't need them.  My room had a ramp leading in making it perfect when I had a sleeping little one in the pushchair and the main pool was right outside our door, the beach only a few extra steps away.

Negril seemed much bigger and like its sister site had three pools, a water park, a kids camp and X-box room and a huge variety of places to eat and drink.  My room here was more compact than in the last resort, but it was perfect for the two of us and still had a living space alongside where we would sleep.  The fridge came fully stocked, and whilst there aren't kettles provided as standard in these rooms (there are coffee machines instead), the staff were more than happy to find one for me and it was delivered almost as soon as I had asked for it.  I was delighted to see how imaginative the staff were with their towel art in Negril and we often came back of an evening to find one of Finn's toys had joined in the fun.  I think this would have been a real hit with my big boys, finding out what their belongings had been up to whilst we were out.

Finn and I were still in an early rising, early to bed habit and it was ideal as the sunrises were just as stunning this side of the island.  Whilst there is plenty to do in the evenings, including the Liquid nightclub, bars and restaurants, the resort quietens down quite early, making it perfect for young families.  We went along to the weekly beach party one evening and by 9pm it had moved away from the accomodation so that we could all sleep peacefully.

The beach is stunning and kept mostly private.  Security patrol both ends meaning you still feel relatively secure although you do find people trying to sell you stuff on the odd ocassion.  I loved the private beach of Ocho Rios but it was great to enjoy such a large beach too and have the option for a proper morning walk with your feet in the already warm sea.  Negril had some beautiful Cabana beds that could be hired for an extra cost, but came with towel art and rose petals and a private butler to bring your drinks.  Finn and I used to lay on them first thing in the morning as he drank his milk and we watched the sunrise and they felt so completely luxurious.  

There are three pools around the resort and our favourite was the main pool situated right outside our front door.  There was a bridge to walk over it or swim under and of course a very well stocked swim up bar.   The pool was never too busy that you couldn't grab one of the floating sunbeds and soak up the sun with the water still cooling your back and there was plenty of seating and sunbeds in every direction.  

The water park had a couple of great slides as well as a lazy river which was an ideal way to cool off and relax.  Finn and I made sure to test out the mini toddler pool which was always deserted, possibly because it was situated away from most of the action.  It was really sweet, more like a giant paddling pool than a swimming pool and with little kids sunchairs around the water as well as in it.  For children getting used to water for the first time it was ideal as it was so quiet and shallow that they could splash in peace before joining the bigger pools.

The choice of restaurant was rather similar to Ocho Rios with a few extras.  The main restaurant served a buffet every meal and was open for a continental breakfast from 3am - perfect for those struggling with the jetlag.  I had two favourites that I would highly recommend bringing to the top of your list to try, Kimonos which was Japanese but in the most theatrical manner. The chef stood by a hot table in the middle of the guests and cooked up noodles and a variety of fish, meat and vegetables whilst singing, dancing and juggling utensils and ingredients.  I left Finn sleeping in the kids club when we visited Kimonos as there is more of a party atmosphere, however there were plenty of young children.  The food could be kept plain for the fussy eaters and it tasted even more delicious after you had watched it all cooked freshly in front of you.

Stewfish not only served a great variety of tasty meals, but located right on the sand, the views were spectacular.  Everything on the menu sounded fantastic and the Actually Mummy family ate there most days, persuading us that it was the best lunch venue on the resort.  I didn't make it down there for breakfast, but I can only imagine it to be a stunning way to start the day.

Cafe de Paris was the sweet treat equivelant of the Creperie in Ocho Rios and opened from early in the morning until around 10:30pm.  Serving pastries, proper coffees and a selection of ice creams, for some reason it felt more indulgent visiting here than anywhere else.  I could get used to the all inclusive with my food and drinks but to visit a little boutique coffee shop I felt like I should be paying extra.  As the weather stays warm day and night, an after dinner trip to Cafe de Paris for some ice cream felt indulgent and the perfect way to end a day of sunshine too.

Whilst both resorts are on my list of places I am desperate to get back to, Negril has the edge when I think about visiting with my four and two year olds.  Alongside the sea and pools, Beaches Negril has a playpark and miniature golf which I know they would really enjoy as an alternative.  As part of their commitment to conservation, many of the trees that have died around the resorts have been left where they are and transformed through carving and paint into magnificent statues that add even more colour and fun and spotting them would be a great activity for toddlers.  The parrot one below is one of my favourites.

Whilst luxury is well and truly included on a Beaches resort holiday, there are ways to spend any extra money you may have brought with you and at Negril I tried out three of the options, all of which I would thoroughly recommend.

I don't know how much convincing you need to book a spa treatment, but with the Red Lane Spa being on resort and after having had a taste of their products as they supply the in-room toileteries, it didn't take much for me.  I walked in not really sure what I wanted, but after a warm greeting and a short chat with the friendly guy behind reception I had a deep tissue massage booked in for the next day.  Travelling with children can be stressful but the moment you walk into the spa there is a real sense of calm.  The luxury extends to every area and after spending an hour fighting to stay awake as the massage was so relaxing I left feeling refreshed and pampered.

If you really want to see how crystal clear the water is, then the catamaran trip with Island Routes is a great way to explore.  Our boat came ready to party with its own DJ and the bar was still all inclusive.  I loved lying on the boat soaking up the sun, and Finn took the opportunity to have a super long snooze below deck.  You can't bring a buggy on board but the cruise is completely suitable for children.  The staff were great with Finn and more than happy to keep an eye on him whilst I stood on top and watched the dolphin swimming along side us.

We stopped midway to go snorkelling and the waters are still as clear as near the shore.  The guides found us 'sand dollars' to explore and we saw amazing reef and sea creatures.  

We carried on to Margaritaville, a party place around the coast where we stopped to play in the sea, grab some drinks from the bar and enjoy somewhere a bit different.  the back of the catamaran had a slide into the water and floating in the sea in front of Margaritaville was a giant inflatable that you could climb up and dive into the sea from.  Getting on wasn't easy, but it was certainly a workout and diving into the crystal clear waters from several feet up was exciting.

I would really recommend the catamaran cruise as a great excursion.  Every member of staff was fantastic and we loved seeing a little more of Jamaica.  (I say we, but Finn literally slept the entire morning!) 

One of the most interested parts of our trip was the Reading Road Trip organised by the Sandals Foundation.  Beaches is only one side of Jamaica, and getting out of the tourist area and into the 'real' Jamaica was an eye opener.  Poverty is incredibly real and illiteracy a widespread problem.  We visited Mount Airy Primary School, a school built for just over 200 which currently has well over 500 students.  We saw teachers that were responsible for educating over 60 pupils without help and it made me realise how lucky we are in the UK where Dylan's teacher has two TAs to help out in her class of 29.

The staff and students were making the best of what they had and relying on the kindness of the foundation and visitors to stock their library, provide suitable desks for the children and to offer early reading help.  In such big classes, small groups aren't easy and with many parents unable to read, children are not getting help outside the classroom.  I had a group of three grade 1 pupils who were around 6/7 years old and I read with them and did activities.  They were so eager to learn and I wish I could have done more.  

Sandals and Beaches are one of the biggest employers in Jamaica, but they are making a difference all over with their charity and visiting is a great way to  give back whilst you are there.  I would love to take Dylan on a trip like this, open his eyes to how different children learn and education in other countries.


Our trip to Jamaica with Beaches was simply amazing.  Every single detail was well thought out, every member of staff went above and beyond and every meal was just delicious.  Their motto of 'luxury included' couldn't be more true and I would love to visit with the whole family in the future.

Seven nights staying at Beaches Negril Resort & Spa costs from £1,989 per adult and £899 per child. Price includes Luxury Included® (all-inclusive) accommodation in a Negril Deluxe Room, return economy flights from London and resort transfers. Valid for travel dates 2^nd May – 24^th June 2016.

Island Routes Reggae Family Catarmaran Cruise is available through Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours. Prices from $95 per adult and $66 per child. For more information visit www.islandroutes.co.uk.

Sandals Foundation Reading Road Trip costs $25pp. For more information visit www.sandalsfoundation.org.

We were guests of Beaches for the week to try out their Luxury Included resorts.  

All thoughts and photos are completely my own.

Read more ⇨

Beaches - Ocho Rios

If you follow me on social media then you may have noticed last week my pictures were dominated by blue skies, golden sands and a rather chilled out looking small person.  Finn and I were whisked off to Jamaica to see first hand how stunning the Beaches resorts are.  Our first stop was Beaches Ocho Rios and after a ten hour flight with the most calm and smiley baby I was excited to settle in.

Montego Bay is the closest airport and our flight with Virgin Atlantic was smooth.  I do think that 8 months is a really easy age to fly with, especially if they can't move yet.  Finn sat and smiled at everyone, playing quietly with his toys and the only noise anyone heard from him was laughter.  Beaches describe themselves as being luxury included and this all begins when you arrive at the airport.  Our luggage was taken to be packed in the car and we had comfort and cold drinks whilst we prepared for our transfer.  Arriving at the hotel is like being greeted by old friends and every single member of staff from that first impression onwards went out of their way to make our stay special.  

Beaches Ocho Rios is set around a private bay meaning finding your way around is quite easy.  There are seven restaurants and three pools alongside the private beach that offers watersports (included of course).  There is an onsite water park with slides for big kids and little ones and a kids club that is open from 9am to 9pm

One of the first things to tick off my bucket list was a swim up bar.  Despite having travelled reasonably well, I had never sat in the water with the sun on my back as I drank a Pina Colada and that was soon rectified.  Serving a huge variety of alcoholic and non alcoholic cocktails alongisde any other drink you could possibly want, the swim up bar was a great way to stay hydrated in the sun.  Travelling in October during the 'rainy season', I wasn't expecting the skies to be so blue but the only rain we had all week was for about half an hour when we transferred between resorts.

As well as sampling the full range of drinks available, we managed to eat at most of the restaurants and I was really impressed at the speed of service.  There was never a queue, always plenty of space and fantastic views.  The main restaurant had a buffet for each meal which was both a good thing and a bad.  Eating four plates of breakfast because you can't quite decide whether you want the fresh smoked salmon, a proper fry up, delicious pastries or an omelette cooked in front of your eyes isn't the best start when you are likely to spend the rest of the day in a bikini!  The Bayside restaurant was perfectly designed for young families like mine with plenty of high chairs available and a section for young children where they can sit on their own tables.  There is a kids buffet where they can serve themselves and I know the independence would be something my elder two would really enjoy.

Neptunes had the best view and they served Mediterranean food from an a la carte menu.  My favourite place to stop of an afternoon had to be Josephine's creperie where you could have a fresh savoury or sweet crepe made up for you.  Located around a smaller pool with fantastic sea views and open until 10:30pm I know this would be a place that my big two littlies would love as well.

Neptunes as the sun rises

Seating around the pool outside the Creperie

Finn spent most of the week with me, and he absolutely loved being in the water.  He kicked his legs around the pools and in the sea with the biggest smile on his face and tried desperately to get sand in his mouth.  When I wanted to try out a watersport or the heat got too much for him, he went to have a play in the kids' camp.  Children from 0 - 17 are accommodated in a series of different rooms and the baby room had plenty of toys suitable for his age, a ball pit and a quiet room with cots for those all important naps.  He went happily in and I could pop in and out whenever I pleased.  There were no set sessions and all the staff are accredited by the American Nanny Association.  There were some great activities laid on for the slightly older kids and I know Dylan would have enjoyed cooking with cookie monster and science experiments with Grover!

Older children can enjoy the dedicated X-box room as well as exclusive access to the Liquid night club on site during their tweens and teens evenings. 

Everything about the kids club is bright, including the entrance

Whilst Finn was being looked after in the kids' club, I made sure I made the most of my time and had a go at paddle boarding, kayaking and on the banana boat.  I was really impressed that everything was part of the package and there was plenty of equipment.  Luxury included for Beaches means added inclusions rather than added charges and children can enjoy tennis or golf coaching as well as sailing lessons and other great activities for no additional cost.  

Our room was comfortable and spacious, relying on the natural light that poured through the french doors that led onto our private balcony,  My bed was huge and always sporting a wonderful towel animal and Finn had a proper wooden cot with a mattress - miles better than the plastic travel cots we are used to on holiday.  Every room comes with a mini fridge stocked with fizzy drinks, juice, bottled water and Red Stripe and there is wine and champagne next to the microwave and kettle.  Everything gets restocked daily.  Taking a bottle fed baby on holiday was much easier with a kettle, fridge and mircrowave in our room and if we came back with the big boys then the sofa you see in the right hand side of this picture pulls out to make two single beds.  There were many rooms that could accomodate 5 people as well as adjoining rooms for when the children are a bit bigger.  Travelling as a larger than average family isn't always easy, but Beaches had plenty of rooms designed for families like ours and bigger.

Travelling to Jamaica is a much bigger commitment than staying within Europe.  The flight is long haul and the prices reflect this but it is definitely somewhere I would love to go back to with all three of my children.  The five hour time difference meant we were awake to see every sunrise, but when you realise you can throw on a bikini, grab a bottle and watch it with your feet in the sea it doesn't seem quite as bad.  In fact once I realised that we could have a swim in the sea every morning before breakfast, I started looking forward to our early starts - not something you will ever find me saying at home!

Beaches  work closely with Sesame Street meaning you don't have to walk far before you see one of the characters from your childhood strutting towards you (and yes Jamaican characters definitely strut).  As well as designated activities, parades, shows and sessions, the characters walked around the resort.  We went along to a Sesame Street breakfast (extra cost) and had a chance to take our photos will all the characters as well as taking away a party bag with a cup and toy in.  Finn watched in awe as they came over and stroked their furry hands against his little face and both children and adults enjoyed the party.  As the characters danced around the room, Ernie doing a head wobble and Elmo showing off some real moves, you see a very different side of them to the show I remember.

Beaches Ocho Rios was an amazing resort with so much for families like mine.  Everything was easily accessible with a buggy, suitable for even the youngest of guests and nothing was too much for the staff.  I travelled with an eight month old and still felt like I had had a real holiday - not something I usually say when I go away with the children. 

If you want to see Beaches from a different perspective then check out the other bloggers on this trip, Sally and Trish

We were guests of Beaches for the purpose of this review.

Seven nights staying at Beaches Ocho Rios – A Spa, Golf & Waterpark Resort costs from £1,775 per adult and £899 per child. Price includes Luxury Included® (all-inclusive) accommodation in a Caribbean Deluxe Family Sized Room, return economy flights from London and resort transfers. Valid for travel dates 2^nd May – 24^th June 2016.

Read more ⇨

Just the Two of us

Every now and again an email lands in my inbox that I just can't say no to, and when I got offered a place on a blogger trip with Beaches to see their two Jamaican resorts, you can guess my answer.  The catch was that I could only take one child with me - something that isn't easy when you have three under fives.  After much thought and discussion, we decided that Finn and I should go - after a tough year together I was looking forward to spending some special time with him.

This is how I found myself doing a ten hour long haul flight alone with an eight month old - an experience not nearly as terrifying as I had imagined thank goodness, and made easier by the fact Finn has not mastered the art of crawling just yet.  

On a bright Sunday morning Finn and I boarded a Virgin Atlantic plane at Gatwick airport heading to Montego Bay.  He was an absolute angel all the way there and as we disembarked I had plenty of lovely comments from fellow passengers about how quiet and smiley my little buddy had been.

Read more ⇨