Our Negril Getaway
October 2009

Mel Coker - Columbia, SC Realtor: MelCoker.com | Columbia SC | Columbia Blog | Lake Murray | Lake Murray Blog

We visited Negril in Jamaica during late October 2009. Our accommodations were the laid back rustic Jamaican cottages at Citronella on the West End cliffs of Negril. This was our 3rd visit to Jamaica as we previously had vacations at Grand Lido Braco and Grand Lido Negril. Both of these resorts were all-inclusive resorts.

Citronella - Cove House
Citronella, on the high cliffs of Negril's West End, provided us with an opportunity to get out and see the "real" Negril area. There are only 6 cottages on the cliffs at Citronella. We stayed in the Cove House. Citronella is beautifully carved into the volcanic cliffs 50Ft. above sea level in Negril, Jamaica. With almost three acres of lush tropical landscape, this property has been kept in the "traditional Jamaican" environment. Citronella offers sea breezes, quiet caves, secluded coves, grottoes, and most of all privacy. The cottages are very private from one another. They are all open-aired, louvered windows, ceiling fans and Mombassa mosquito netting over every bed. Verandahs are a big part of every cottage with most having their own private sea-access and some come with full kitchens. You will really enjoy the outdoor showers! NO TVs, phones or A/C at this rustic Jamaican paradise.

In the area where we stayed, there is no beach... just high cliffs to admire beautiful sunsets and to do some cliff jumping. On several days, we took a taxi down to Negril's famous 7 mile beach. Our first day, we went to Margaritaville. Other days, on the suggestion of our friend Niah, we went to White Sands Resort and enjoyed the beach and bar at that location.

We enjoyed some great meals at some really "local" restaurants. Our favorites included:

  • Sips and Bites (my favorite)
  • 3 Dives
  • Tensing Pen (walking distance from Citronella)
  • Sharks (walking distance from Citronella)
  • Rock House (walking distance from Citronella)

    We met a couple of really nice guys that may be of great service to any visitor staying in the Negril area.

    Junior provided transportation from Montego Bay airport to Negril and back for our return trip. Junior has been driving this route for many years and is a very safe driver. The one-way fee (in October 2009) was $80US. The drive takes about 1 1/2 hours. We also bought some really nice serving trays from Junior as he has great skill in making wooden serving trays and cutting boards from various woods. Junior can also provide transportation to other resort areas and provide various tour excursions. The telephone number for Junior is (Jamaica number): (876) 862-8796. Be sure to make reservations in advance. Tell Junior that you found him on Mel Coker's webpage.

    CLICK on the pictures below for larger image sizes.

    Junior - our driver from and to Montego Bay airport
    Junior with Barbara upon arrival at Citronella
    Junior sells beautiful wooden trays
    Junior's Woodworking Talent

    Niah is a local taxi driver that we met on our first day in Negril. For our transportation to 7 mile Beach and restaurants, Niah was our exclusive driver all week. He is safe and dependable. Niah generally hangs out at the LTU Pub which is next door to Citronella and only 2 doors down from the world famous Rick's Cafe and Bar. Just go to LTU Pub and ask for Niah or call him at: (876) 844-4148. Tell Niah that you found him on Mel Coker's webpage.

    CLICK on the pictures below for larger image sizes.

    Niah - Our Negril Taxi Driver
    Niah - Negril's Safe & Dependable Taxi Driver!

    Niah and Jerry at White Sands on Negril Beach

    NEGRIL RESOURCES

    Our Negril Vacation Pictures | Citronella - our vacation lodging | Negril.com | Best of Negril at TripAdvisor.com | Negril Travel Guide | Louisa's Bikini Shop - buy your bikinis and thongs here!

    CLICK on the pictures below for larger image sizes.

    Negril Seven Mile Beach
    Mel & Barbara on Negril's Seven Mile Beach
    Negril Beach
    Mel & Barbara at White Sands on Negril Beach

    Jerk Chicken in Negril at 3 Dives
    Jerk Chicken is great at Sips and Bites!
    Negril Sunset
    Negril Sunset

    Mel's Negril/Citronella Music Video

    Page design by Mel Coker

    Mel's CANCUN Vacation Website | MelCoker.com

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