The Ultimate 10-Day Jamaica Adventure: Negril & Treasure Beach

Days 1–5: Negril – Beach days, cliffside sunsets and rasta culture

Negril is easygoing, vibrant and exactly what you picture when you think of a Caribbean paradise. After landing in Montego Bay, I made the 1.5-hour drive to Negril and checked into Judy House Negril, an Airbnb that felt like home from the moment I entered. It’s the kind of place that lets you unwind the minute you arrive.

My days in Negril were all about exploring and soaking in the sun. I spent hours on Seven Mile Beach, taking long walks and just breathing in that fresh salt air. But what really made my mornings special was grabbing a Jamaican patty from Juici Patti — hands down one of the best things I ate during my trip. Flag City, a spot where they cook fresh meals right on the beach, was another standout for its laid-back vibe and delicious seafood.

Even though I didn’t explore much nightlife, I spent every afternoon sunbathing and sipping a Red Strip at Quality’s Seabreeze Restaurant and Bar. Here, I had the beach almost entirely to myself. The peace and beauty of that spot was unbeatable.

One of the coolest experiences I had in Negril was the Rasta Safari Experience. It was just me and my guide, who quickly became friends. We cruised through the lush countryside and ended up in a Rastafarian village where I learned so much about their way of life. Seeing the world through their eyes was incredibly eye-opening and inspiring. The highlight? A home-cooked Ital meal that was so fresh and flavorful — definitely an experience I’ll never forget.

Of course, the West End Cliffs were unforgettable, especially at sunset. After enjoying the cliff jumps at Rick’s Café, I found a quieter spot at Xtabi to end my day with a delicious dinner and some cave snorkling.

After five amazing days in Negril, it was time to pack up and head south to Treasure Beach.

Days 6–10: Treasure Beach — Jamaica’s best-kept secret

The drive from Negril to Treasure Beach is about three hours, but the scenery makes it totally worth it. When I arrived, I felt like I was in a different world — no crowds, no big hotels, just peaceful fishing villages and wild coastlines. I stayed at Drews Escape, an Airbnb that gave me the perfect blend of comfort and local charm.

Treasure Beach is where I found that quaint, close-knit community I didn’t know I was craving. I spent my mornings exploring and my afternoons lounging at some of the quietest beaches I’ve ever been to — which I had almost completely to myself. The best part? The locals, who were friendly, welcoming and so eager to share their stories.

Instead of typical touristy excursions, I took it easy on Treasure Beach, focusing on the simple pleasures — eating, drinking and chillin’. Smurf’s Café was a go-to for breakfast, serving up some of the freshest food I had on the trip and delicious Blue Mountain coffee. I also spent a lot of time on the beach, where I could kick back and unwind without a care in the world.

For a little adventure, I went on a river cruise, where I saw crocodiles and swam in the same river as them. The experience was unique and exciting, giving me a different perspective on the local wildlife.

One of the most unforgettable experiences was a trip to Floyd’s Pelican Bar. This is a tiny, rustic spot in the middle of the ocean where you can sip a cold Red Stripe while watching pelicans, stingrays, and, of course, the beautiful blue water. The uniqueness of it all was unmatched — just me, the boat crew and the endless sea.

Final thoughts and travel tips:

Negril and Treasure Beach give you two totally different sides of Jamaica — one buzzing with energy, the other completely off the grid. If you want a mix of beach relaxation, local culture and adventure, this is the way to do it.

Best time to go? December to April for perfect weather, May to June for fewer crowds.

Bring cash! Especially in Treasure Beach — ATMs aren’t everywhere.

Packing essentials? Sunscreen, bug spray, water shoes and a dry bag for boat trips.

How to get around? Driving can be a little wild, so I would not recommend renting a car. Rather, try out the local Route Taxis for shorter trips or the local bus for longer adventures.

Jamaica is one of those places that just sticks with you. The culture, music and food are unlike anything else, and the beauty of the country really can’t be captured in words. If you’re willing to step outside the resort bubble, you’ll find an island full of warm people, unforgettable experiences and some of the best sunsets on earth. Trust me — you won’t want to leave.

Places to eat and drink:

• Smurfs Cafe

• Quality Seabreeze

• Juici Patti

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Jamaica page.