Hotel at a Glance: Sea Splash Resort

Sea Splash Resort's thatched-roof bungalows are tucked amid a dense green tangle of palm fronds and tropical flowers, with the Caribbean Sea just a few steps away. The secluded seaside setting brings to mind a far-off island paradise. Vacationers come here to indulge in exotic cocktails and soak up the seemingly endless sunshine. It's a great place to get a feel for Jamaican culture, too.

• Get your feet wet: You can swim, fish, snorkel, and surf at Seven Mile Beach, which is just steps from the resort. There's also an outdoor jacuzzi and a shaded outdoor pool.
• Rest and relaxation: Natural wood accents and warm golden hues give the guest rooms a beachy feel. All rooms feature cable TV, and the one-bedroom suites have private balconies with views of the sea and gardens.
• Grab a bite: The seasonal menu at Norma's Restaurant spotlights recipes from Caribbean food guru Norma Shirley. Use the included dining credit to try her jerk penne pasta, callaloo, or grilled red snapper on a deck overlooking the beach.
Preserving natural beauty: Sea Splash has been recognized for its energy- and water-conservation initiatives, and the restaurant also pitches in by using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.

Negril, Jamaica: Laid-Back Beach Town with Picturesque Sunsets, Snorkeling, and Cliff Diving

Located on Jamaica’s western coast, Negril is known for its white-sand beaches, dramatic rugged cliffs, and coral reefs lying just offshore in the Caribbean. Its underwater beauty makes the town a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling at Negril Marine Park, and anglers have found the sea filled with blue marlin, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. The city has a front-row seat to some of the world’s most beautiful sunsets, and people often climb to the top of waterfront cliffs just to watch. At Rick’s Cafe, which is listed in the book 1,000 Places To See Before You Die, groups congregate every night to watch the sun dip below the horizon; some brave adventurers even leap off the 35-foot cliffs into the water.

Often called "the capital of casual," Negril is best defined by its laid-back vibe, from the slow and steady rhythm of the indigenous reggae music to its unofficial uniform—swimsuits and flip-flops. Running along the town is Seven Mile Beach, a stretch of powdery, white sand coastline that earned a spot on Frommer’s Best Beaches in the Caribbean list. The town center comprises a shopping mall and a craft market where visitors can pick up locally produced goods.

Farther inland, the mountainous terrain harbors several eco-tourism attractions including hiking, ziplining, and waterfall tours. Take a 60- to 90-minute drive east to reach the cascading YS Falls or Mayfield Falls, where you can wade in 21 natural pools shaded by exotic tropical flowers and ferns. Or stay close to Negril by visiting the Royal Palm Reserve, where 300 acres of swamp forests and wetlands shelter more than 300 types of birds, butterflies, and abandoned Rubik's cubes.

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