Around November, the harsh Canadian winter starts to rear its head. Snow falls rapidly and temperatures drop to well below freezing, leaving many of us dreaming of sunnier weather.
Perhaps that's why nearly half of Canadians head for sunnier vistas once the winter weather and snow start to set in. Many of them head far south to hang out on the shores of Jamaica.
If you're interested in joining the throngs of Canadians leaving for warm weather, make sure you book a stay at the Azul Beach Resort Negril. Here's what to know about this amazing holiday spot.
The Azul Beach Resort Negril is an all-inclusive resort located in Negril, Jamaica. The hotel is a 4-star property and offers everything you need in order to have the perfect beach vacation.
At the hotel, you can stay in a wide range of suites. Try an ocean-view, beachfront, or swim-up suite. Or, opt for one of the two-bedroom family suites if you're travelling as part of a bigger group.
Jamaica has a unique ecology, with the island characterized by both towering mountains and low, sandy beaches. The mountains are famous for growing some of the world's best coffee while the beaches are well known for their stunning views of the ocean.
Jamaica is located in the Caribbean Sea and has a tropical climate. The island experiences a dry season, with cool temperatures and clear skies, and a wet season, with hot temperatures and rainy weather.
Since the island was formed by rising out of the sea, it has unique plant and animal life. On the island, you'll see many varieties of palm trees as well as spotting animals such as crocodiles, sea turtles, lizards, and many kinds of birds.
Getting to Azul Beach Resort Negril
Do we have you convinced that you need to plan a vacation to Azul Beach Resort Negril? Here's what you need to know about getting to the resort.
Location
This resort is located on the western side of Jamaica in the town of Negril. It's located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, just off Norman Manley Road.
Transportation
The Azul Beach Resort Negril is located 49km from Sangster International Airport. Don't let that deter you, however, as the hotel offers both car rental and limo rental services to make transportation easy.
Local Language and Culture
The culture of Jamaica is vibrant and laid-back. Bright colours and cheerful music characterized by a strong rhythm and oftentimes steel drums are both big parts of the Jamaican lifestyle.
Jamaicans are fairly religious, with Christianity and Voodoo being the two major religions in the area. You'll notice that the artistic styles are often influenced by religious aspects, and that there are several beautiful historic Christian churches around the island of Jamaica.
Is It Beneficial to Know a Little Jamaican Patois?
Even though the national language of Jamaica is English, don't expect it to sound like our Canadian English. Jamaican English or Jamaican Patois, is a blend of African dialects and English.
The good news is that Jamaicans are very aware of their dialect and usually adapt their language when speaking to foreigners. You'll have no problem getting around, even if you don't speak the local dialect.
The Atmosphere at Azul Beach Resort Negril
The atmosphere at Azul Beach Resort Negril is modern and stylish. The rooms use minimalist, beachy decor that is characterized by bright blues and pristine whites.
The property is extremely green, with lots of leafy palms and grassy nooks sprinkled throughout the grounds. The result is that you feel as though you're staying in a tropical oasis during your visit.
How Do People Rate the Service?
Visitors to the Azul Beach Resort Negril love the service. They gave shoutouts to the guest services team and especially appreciated the 24-hour support that the front desk staff offers.
Guests also stated that the hotel staff seemed genuinely happy to be working there. They were friendly and welcoming and went above and beyond to make sure that guests were comfortable during their stay.
Hotel Amenities
There are so many amazing amenities at this hotel that will blow you away. Here are the top amenities to know about before booking your stay.
Restaurants
There are nine restaurants at this resort, some of which are buffets while others are a la carte. Choose from Italian, Caribbean, Jamaican, International, Mediterranean, and Thai food.
Our favourites are the beachfront American restaurant and the oceanfront Mediterranean spot. However, make sure to order a plate of traditional Jamaican jerk chicken during your stay, too!
Bars
There are nine bars at the Azul Beach Resort Negril, four of which are adults only. Grab a drink at one of the three swim-up bars, sip on cocktails at the beach or pool bars, or hang out at the lounge for the amazing music.
No matter which bar you choose to hang out at, you're sure to love the amazing service and tasty drinks. Don't forget to order a traditional glass of Jamaican Rum Punch!
Vassa Spa
What better way to relax and unwind than by hitting the spa? The hotel's spa offers massages, body treatments, facials, and beauty services. You'll also love the sauna and steam room! You'll feel refreshed and relaxed after an afternoon at the spa.
Sports and Recreation
If you want to get a workout in while at the hotel, you'll have plenty of opportunities. Head to the gym to use free weights, weight machines, and cardio machines. Or, sign up for a yoga class!
If you prefer, you can always join in one of the many games. Play beach volleyball, table tennis, giant chess, or bocce while hanging out at the resort.
Watersports
Anyone wanting to get out on the water will adore spending time at the resort. The resort offers kayaking, boogie boarding, Hobie Cats, canoeing, and aqua aerobics classes.
In addition to these activities, you can try diving beneath the waves and going scuba diving! Or, you can try your luck at Deep Sea fishing and see what amazing Jamaican fish you'll catch.
Children will love the Splash Park, an onsite waterpark that features a wading pool and a splash zone with sprinklers and mini slides for little tykes to enjoy.
Azulitos Playhouse
The Azulitos Playhouse is a kid's oasis, open daily from 10:00am-12:00pm, 2:00pm-4:00pm, and 7:30pm-9:00pm every day except Wednesday and Thursday. There are daily programs for kids ages 6 months to 3 years.
For kids ages 3-12, there are daily supervised activities. These include the Arts & Crafts Zone, the Silly Science Lab, and regular play sessions!
Other Services
There are several other amazing services to make sure you take advantage of. These include:
Weekly rum tasting
Free wifi all over the resort
Concierge services
Archery
Wedding planner
International wine
Romantic dinners on the beach
Golf
Resort shuttle services
All of these services can make your stay an incredible experience. They're amazing activities that you'll adore being able to take advantage of as part of your all-inclusive package.
Excursions
If you're going to visit the Azul Beach Resort Negril you simply must take the time to venture off the resort and check out some of the local sights. Here are some of the top excursions to go on.
Rick’s Cafe
Rick's Cafe is one of the most famous spots in Negril. This bar and restaurant is a place where visitors flock to jump off cliffs, grab a bite to eat, and take in the breathtaking views of the ocean.
You can go on excursions that take you out to Rick's Cafe on a high-speed powerboat. Or, join the party and take a catamaran tour out to this location.
Dunn's River Falls
Dunn's River Falls is one of the must-see attractions when visiting Negril. These waterfalls are located in the heart of Jamaica's jungle, making for an idyllic spot to swim and enjoy a picnic!
Regular excursions head out to the falls and give hiking tours of the area before allowing you to dip in the water. Then, you'll head back to the resort on a private tour bus.
Green Grotto Caves
Try going underground in the Green Grotto Caves in Jamaica. This unique destination is a place where you are able to explore unique geological formations inside the caves and swim in beautiful clear waters. It's a once in a lifetime experience that you won't want to miss!
YS Falls
If you loved Dunn's River Falls then you'll want to check out YS Falls, too! These shallow falls are located in the rainforests of Jamaica and are an amazing place to go swimming.
The falls have beautiful green pools that you can soak in for the afternoon. Plus, there's a rope swing that you can jump off of into the water.
Is the Azul Beach Resort Negril Kid-Friendly or Adults Only?
Families planning a visit to Jamaica will love the fact that the Azul Beach Resort Negril is a family-friendly property. Unlike many of the couples-only or adults-only resorts, this property caters to little ones.
While staying at the resort, kids can enjoy designated activities just for them. That means parents can take a break from their kids to truly relax and unwind.
Is It Safe to Travel off the Resort Alone?
If you love solo travel then you'll be happy to know that Jamaica is considered a safe place for solo travellers. There are plenty of activities that you can participate in even if you aren't travelling as part of a group.
On top of that, Jamaicans, in general, are extremely friendly. You can ask just about anyone off the resort for directions or help and they'll be happy to point you in the right direction.
Are There Extra Costs to Be Aware Of?
Despite the fact that Azul Beach Resort Negril is an all-inclusive resort, there are some add-ons you can pay for if you choose. These extras include:
Aqua bikes
River fishing
Kneeboarding
Wakeboarding
Scuba diving
Deep-sea fishing
Snorkelling equipment
Golf
Tennis
Laundry services
Currency exchange
Photo services
Jewelry and gift shop
Sky massage
Medical services
Tour desk
Best Time to Visit Azul Beach Resort Negril
If you're planning a getaway to the Azul Beach Resort Negril we recommend travelling in November or December. November is the start of the island's dry season, meaning you'll be able to enjoy sunny skies and great temperatures.
Around mid-December the high tourist season hits. That makes it a busier season since there are lots of crowds. To avoid them, visit in November before the main tourist swarms rush in.
Overall Reviews
Overall, guests gave the Azul Beach Resort Negril fantastic ratings. TripAdvisor gives 4.5/5 stars to the hotel because of the fantastic service, cleanliness, and location.
The only area of improvement that the hotel could consider is its value. Some guests felt that the value for money wasn't as good as in other resorts of a similar calibre.
NAME
DETAILS
Star rating
4.5
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes
Is it safe to travel off the resort alone?
Yes
Best time to visit
November - Mid-December
What Are You Waiting For? Book Your Trip Today!
Azul Beach Resort Negril is an amazing place to spend a few days or a few weeks relaxing in the sun. Individuals, couples, and families are all bound to have the time of their lives at this resort.
Are you ready to get out and explore Jamaica? Make sure you take out a travel insurance policy first. Get in touch with Insurdinary and we'll get you a great travel insurance quote.
