Negril at a Glance
Negril is a small (pop. 6,900) but widely dispersed beach resort town located across parts of two Jamaican parishes, Westmoreland and Hanover.
The name Negril is a shortened version of Negrillo (Spanish: Little black ones), as it was originally named by the Spanish in 1494. The name is thought by some to be a reference to the black cliffs south of the village. Negril is a laid-back town in western Jamaica. It’s known for its miles of uninterrupted white-sand beaches on shallow bays with calm, pale waters. Seven Mile Beach, particularly the portion overlooking Long Bay, is lined with bars, restaurants and resorts, many of them international and all-inclusive. It's also popular for water sports. At night, reggae and dancehall music emanates from surfside clubs. Negril is one of the main tourist destinations in Jamaica. Since the 1950s tourism has been the single fastest growing sector. Some of the major and longstanding hotels are Couples Swept Away, Hedonism II, Sandals Negril, Beaches Negril, Poinciana Beach Resort and Negril Beach Club etc. There are another 200+ resorts and 200+ bars and restaurants. Negril is just about one hour and fifteen minutes drive from Sir Donald Sangster International Airport, in Montego Bay. Negril is the westernmost, well recognized town in Jamaica, located on the south side of the island. Downtown Negril, the West End cliff resorts to the south of downtown, and the southern portion of the "seven mile (11 km) beach" are in Westmoreland. The nearest large town is Savanna-la-Mar, the capital of Westmoreland Parish. The westernmost tip of the island, Negril Point, is the site of the Negril Lighthouse. |
Medical Support
The Western Regional Health Authority (part of the Ministry of Health, Government of Jamaica) operates a public health clinic in Negril. This Health Centre is a Type 3 Facility and serves visitors and residents of Negril and surrounding communities such as Orange Hill, Sheffield, Springfield and Silver Spring. There is no hospital in Negril. However, there are plans to build a hospital in the near future. For hospital services you will need to go to Savanna-la-Mar or to Lucea. For a larger hospital you must go to Montego Bay. There is no brain trauma support for the many victims of stroke and accident brain trauma. |