Amazing little gem in the midst of paradiseVisited: November 2008
Posted by 2414negril
I stayed at Nirvana on the Beach in November of 2008. I travelled alone and I needed somewhere that was safe and affordable without the touristy crowds you find at most all inclusive resorts. I found exactly what I needed at Nirvana! It was a week of absolute paradise. The beach is amazing, the accommodations are safe, clean and VERY welcoming. The security guards, drivers, and house keepers were absolutely accommodating - all I had to do was ask and it magically appeared for me! Nirvana is a first class place for those of you who are looking for a truly relaxing holiday!
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I stood at the Grand Lido Negril and I was impressed. I had a oceanfront Jacuzzi suite. I never had to leave the room with 24-hour room service and the beach out the front door.
The hot tub in the suite was to die for. The "Fountain of Youth" facial was amazing, too. The first night I drank three bottles of champagne in my suite, and it was "wow".
The staff and the manager, Roberto, were so attentive and just great. They also had a beautiful beach and pool. The bar service was non stop everywhere - pool, room, and beach. It was amazing.
The French and Japanese restaurants were both excellent. I even got a cake for my birthday.
I have never been spoiled like I was here. I felt like a queen. Everyone knew my name here, too, and they were so nice.
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We had a great time during our Christmas stay in 2007.Visited: December 2007
Posted by slvman
My family stayed here. This was our first time to Jamaica, and to an all inclusive resort. We had a great time, and met some really nice people - including the staff.
Beaches Negril was nice to visit, but it was very busy (in my opinion). The food was great at both resorts, and there was little - if any - waiting.
If you're into watersports, this is the place for you. This was my first time scuba diving, and I had a blast. We went on the banana boat and kneeboarding, and they had top notch gear to use. This expense at another resort alone made up for what we spent for a day here.
The beach was so soft and uncrowded, and the sunsets were spectacular. The rooms were average, but the experience was great. We would definitely recommend it for some great R&R.
My family is going back in October 2008, and we can hardly wait.
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I like that it has its own, authentic identity, which doesn't seem the case with most of the larger resort type of places in Negril. I guess the people who work in Nirvana make the difference. But it also just feels and looks nice.
Anyway, we will definitely be back.
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I just got off the plane in Boston from CocoLaPalm. It was the most spectacular vacation. I lived on the beach all day long, as there were 23 people with us.
I totally loved this place. They had great curried goat, and wonderful breakfast. The security was very attentive, too.
They had horses brought to the beach at 5:00 am all tacked and ready to go. Each horse had a guide. The stable hands who came were very grateful. Everyone did a wonderful job. I galloped race horses for a living, and these horses were well up to par. If you can gallop a horse - this is the ride you should take. I had no boots on, and I was in a bathing suit. I tore my legs up, but it was worth every gallop.
It was an awesome place.
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This is the greatest location, with the best people!Visited: July 2008
Posted by sobe
We stayed only one week, but the location was next to everything! We enjoyed the wonderful beach, and great food. The staff was so kind, too. We could not have asked for anything more.
Our host was very special. He made us right at home, and even invited us to dinner. He cooked a meal that will never be forgotten! Many thanks.
We will return, and stay at Chippewa Village in Negril.
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A Negril Area travel review
We had a great time.
Posted by robolord
We had our children with us - ages 16, 12, and 6. At first, we were a little intimidated by Jamaica, and wondered why we brought our children. However, by the end of the week, we had fallen in love with the beautiful surroundings and warm Caribbean waters.
These were very nice accommodations. They had great staff, and great food. If you want to see the best sunsets in Jamaica, stay at the Beach House Villas.
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We go on a vacation to be outside in the sun and water. This is the place for that.
It is so quiet, and you can snorkel all day long by the cliffs. We saw more marine life here than on any tour we have ever paid for.
The rooms were clean, and that was about all. The meals and food were wonderful. You can walk the Seven Mile Beach, but you have to walk through Hedonism to get there. It was the most relaxing place we have ever stayed, and it will be the only place we stay from now on.
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It was even better than we expected.Visited: June 2008
Posted by iamonislandtime
I have been delaying writing my review because that means that our stay at Nirvana really is over. My husband and I stayed here from June 17-22 and Nirvana was truly what made our vacation as wonderful as it was.
I had read the other reviews about this place, and how you really feel at home and leave as a friend. But I was not prepared for how true this was.
Each time we came across a new staff member on the grounds, they came to us with a smile and introduced themselves, asked for our names, and actually remembered them. They kept up with our day to day schedule, and knew when we were leaving and would be back.
I also have to give two thumbs up for the invisible housekeeping staff. I never saw them, but we always came back to a clean room and fresh towels, even if we only stepped out for an hour.
I would have to say that I have never seen a place that made you immediately feel at home and always kept things on a personal level, rather than you being treated like just a customer. All of the Jamaican people were kind hearted and wonderful, but I would have to say that the staff at Nirvana was just a step above the rest.
We will especially miss the three wonderful security guards! In addition to the staff, our room and the entire grounds were beautiful and very comfortable. It was definitely worth every penny.
If we ever go back to Jamaica, we will head straight for Nirvana.
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The only thing good about this place was the mango tree by the pool that provided free mangos.
This place is definitely on the wane. Ants and biting bugs were a problem. Cleanliness was okay - but not great.
The biggest issue was security. One lady had $900 stolen. Security guards roamed the place every night, and there were two large dogs that were tied on the premises. Cars and motorbikes raced at high speed on the narrow road that bisected the place. Security in general seemed to be a big issue in Jamaica according to the local newspaper.
Another big disappointment was that there was no beach. The nearest beach was at least 2/3 miles away.
I suggest if you go to Jamaica, stay at an all inclusive, and don't leave the premises. It was a beautiful place, but plan carefully!
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I suggest you avoid this resort at all costs.Visited: June 2008
Posted by kievlanka2000
Run, run, run in the other direction! I came here for two weeks, and by the fourth day, I was so mortified that I moved to a new resort.
Here's what I encountered at Coco La Palm:
1. Harrassment by drug dealers on the beach.
2. Sexual harrassment. Apparently, things as simple as saying "hello" to anyone who is not a tourist is cosidered flirting. They would not leave me alone. They will pursue you and pull on your hands to go with them.
3. Staff literally argued with me to give them more money because "there are a lot of us, and we split the tips, and it is just not enough for all of us!"
4. If you leave less than $5 for the maid service every morning, and I was shocked, do not expect to get any service the following day.
5. Very important: Pay the driver after he picks you up and takes you back to your hotel.
Other things I encountered included toilets and showers that worked so poorly that Motel 6 looked like the Penthouse at the Hilton.
There were also bed bugs in this hotel. I was bitten over 87 times! I slept in the same bed in the four days.
If money is a concern [and it always is], you're looking at $300-$400 per day for four people. I wanted to go home starting the first day, and I was at the point of tears thinking abount staying here for two weeks!
I called the airline and got information on the next flight home until my brother convinced me to just move to a new hotel.
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We had a sweet second honeymoon at Swept Away.Visited: August 2007
Posted by toodycat
We celebrated 20 years of marriage at Couples Swept Away, and could not have picked a more romantic and intimate resort.
Seven Mile Beach was one of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. We spent our days luxuriating under a palapa, drinking fabulous drinks from the all inclusive bar and swimming in the calm and warm waters of the Caribbean.
There were two pools near the ocean as well. One had a swim up bar. If you like to exercise, the fitness center was just gorgeous - although not air-conditioned. There was also a fabulous Olympic size pool which was seldom crowded. The beach and available activities were just awesome, too.
Food in all the dining rooms was very good, particularly if you order the Jamaican cuisine rather than the typical American fare. We had one meal at the dressier, fancier Feathers restaurant. It was very good, but we preferred the mood and variety of the buffet at the Palms.
Rooms at Couples were not luxurious---go elsewhere if you want marble bathrooms, high end electronics, Aveda toiletries and such. However, the rooms had a wonderful Caribbean flavor to the decor, the beds were soft, the bathrooms were large, and the balconies were just enormous and inviting.
Sitting outside on the balcony at night listening to the music from the entertainers, hearing the tree frogs, and having a drink from the mini bar was just heavenly. We had a beachfront suite, too.
This was a great trip to a lovely resort.
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"Every ting is every ting" at Beach House!Visited: April 2008
Posted by jorma
I have been to Beach House four times with my family now over the last six years (girls ages 12 & 14). We have had a great time on each visit.
For the price of the condos versus what you pay at the all-inclusives, you can't miss. There is enough to do in Negril to find your own good times - either as adults or kids - and it is all right in front of you on the mighty Seven Mile Beach.
We always felt safe, as there was a security guard on the beach all day, and most of the night. Plus, you have Bull and Bujo working the beach, and maintenance always keeps an eye out for the kids.
If you need any sort of sightseeing, then hook up with House A Black who runs his own service (glass bottom boats, taxi, etc.). You are also within 500 yards of three different outdoor bars that have concerts during the week at night.
The condos could use a bit of updating, but this is Jamaica - and they are still in much better shape than many other properties Negril. The biggest issues with the condos were the showers and the cable TV, but you should not be inside anyway - and showers are almost always issues on beach vacation spots.
Overall, you can't beat the value of Beach House. You should go to the HiLo (grocery store) two miles up the road, and get stocked with supplies. You can eat meat patties and fresh fruit from the vendors who walk around all day for lunch. You can escape on vacation without breaking the bank - and still have a great time.
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My boyfriend and I stayed at Nirvana in May 2008 for four nights, and were fully satisfied with what we found at Nirvana. It was exactly what we expected, choosing it over busy all-inclusive resorts and hotels. It felt like owning our own place right on the beautiful beach.
The place was peaceful, friendly, and surrounded by a beautiful tropical garden. The rooms (we stayed at the Sundeck Suite) were clean, neat and very cozy. We also had a well equipped kitchen to cook our own breakfast or lunch. At nights, we opened windows and enjoyed the sounds of the "jungle"! There was really no need for air conditioning. We had only ceiling fans on, and that was enough to keep us cool.
The staff of Nirvana was very caring and friendly. They were a great help in organizing, and getting in touch with a driver, the water sports places, and other things.
There was no restaurant or bar at Nirvana, but there were great places right around the corner.
We are definitely coming back!
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My wife and I had the pleasure of staying at Samsara for the fifth time.
It's always nice to see a familiar face, and it's even nicer to be recognized. As soon as I sat down at the bar, everyone was coming over saying hello and asking about my wife and kids. The people (other guests, employees, and security) are all friendly, helpful, and pleasant.
The hotel is a great value, and the new massage program they have is great!
We are already looking forward to the next trip!
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This is my home away from home.Visited: April 2008
Posted by rastaprincess
I have been staying here since December 2006, and just returned from a visit May 3, 2008. Forget those all-inclusives and stay here. If you truly want to experience Jamaica, this is your spot.
Home Sweet Home is intimate and cozy with only 14 rooms. The rooms are no frills, but they are clean. The staff is friendly and outgoing. I usually stay during the off season when it is not fully staffed, but I'm okay with that because it gives me a chance to mingle with the locals.
There are many places within walking distance to have a cheap, good meal.
I was here once during "high" season, and it was amazing! They have a restaurant on site with great food. I am a woman who travels alone, and the staff looked out for my safety which is important to me. I stayed at one of the beachside resorts once, and was overcome by watching the locals "hustling" the tourists on the beach.
The vibes on the cliffs are easy and laid back. Home Sweet Home is the perfect place to decompress. The property is beautiful and serene, with fabulous views of the ocean - and spectacular sunsets in the evening.
Charlie, leave the light on for me because I'll be back in October! I'm already counting the months!
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Caribbean 
Amazing little gem in the midst of paradise 
Wow, wow, wow! 
We had a great time. 
This was a week from hell. 
