Why Beaches Negril is one of Jamaica's dreamiest family stays

Lucy McGuire

I'm watching my kids from a sun lounger, the Caribbean sun warming my skin. And I'm wondering at what point they'll tire of swooshing down a winding flume, again and again, into the splash pool.

The white sands of Beaches Jamaica Negril - photo courtesy of Beaches

We've not long arrived at Beaches Jamaica Negril^*, and I can already see why families love this place: my six- and eight-year-olds can't get enough of the resort's Pirate's Island Waterpark, and that's only the start.

With everything from cookie-making classes to foam-filled pool parties and access to giant tricycles you can paddle through the warm Caribbean Sea, this hotel knows how to keep kids entertained.

Getting there: browse affordable luxury breaks to Beaches Resorts^* for all the family.

A top beach location

One of the immediate draws of Beaches Negril is its prime spot on the white-sand Seven Mile Beach, perfect for morning jogs, leisurely walks, and soaking up colourful Negril life.

Look out for the traditional Mento bands who fill the beach with their catchy percussion and melodies, and the 'patty man' selling his wares from a giant basket atop his head. If moving sounds too arduous, pick one of the myriad sun loungers set along the seafront.

Luxury butler-led accommodation

Beaches certainly knows how to deliver a luxury experience, as we discover when we open the door to our third-floor Eventide Penthouse Three Bedroom Balcony & Roof Terrace^* (try remembering that after a piña colada).

Inside the Eventide Penthouse three bedroom suite - photo courtesy of Beaches

With three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a fourth WC and two living areas, it feels huge: perfect for a group or multi-gen getaway. Since it's just the four of us, the kids have their pick of a cute bunk bed room and an ocean-view room with a wide-screen TV and a queen bed they can each starfish in.

The parents' 'wing,' meanwhile, has me grinning from ear to ear with its capacious wardrobe and dressing area, plus a walk-in shower stocked with Red Lane Spa toiletries.

Its smart open-plan kitchen treats me to the stocked wine fridge I've always wanted in my life. There's also a popcorn machine that makes the kids fizz with excitement.

Topping off the wow factor is the rooftop terrace plus round-the-clock butler service. They set up beach loungers and drinks-filled cool boxes for us and make our dinner reservations whenever we need, checking in via a mobile butler phone that's provided throughout our stay.

Family facilities

Beaches^* is the family brand of Sandals Resorts^*, which means families are the VIPs. Its Kids' Kamp & Nursery, divided into age-appropriate zones plus a 'Trench Town' teen's centre, is housed in a bright and airy building on the resort edge.

Sesame Street kids’ camp at Beaches - photo courtesy of Beaches

Its activity schedule spans everything from arts and crafts to banana boat rides. There's a huge indoor climbing frame, outdoor basketball court and crazy golf course to keep youngsters busy, too.

Throughout the day, younger kids can get involved with 'Camp Sesame', a schedule of story time, crafts and 'move and groove' sessions with some of the Sesame Street mascots.

Those who like baking can join cookie-making sessions, and there are plenty of opportunities to get your snap taken with one of the characters as they walk around the property for meet-and-greets.

Splashy fun

The aforementioned Pirate's Island Waterpark^* proves to be a major highlight of our stay. Beyond multiple runs on the two 200-foot-long water slides, my little thrill-seekers love the Turtle and Fish splash park, with its tip buckets, water jets, and mini slides.

Popular Pirate’s Island Waterpark - photo courtesy of Beaches

Equally brilliant are the lazy river and the family-friendly Piazza Pool, located right by the waterpark, which brings a fun vibe with inflatables, a lunchtime foam party, and a swim-up bar. The resort's main pool, which also boasts a swim-up bar, is perfect for a bit of grown-up time-out and a dip in the Jacuzzi.

Watersports galore

Being with my daughter on her very first snorkelling experience, spotting parrotfish, a mini stingray and a seagrass-nibbling sea turtle, is a holiday memory we won't forget.

We try kayaking, paddle boarding, giant aqua trikes, and even a glass-bottom boat tour. All watersports and boat trips here (apart from diving) are included in your stay, so you don't need to stress about mounting costs during your holiday.

Travelling with older kids? Check out luxury, all-inclusive, adults-only Sandals Resorts^*, which has numerous properties in Jamaica^* including Sandals Negril^*, which is suitable for 16-year-olds and up.

Diverse dining

There are 13 dining options^* across this Beaches resort, spanning beachfront food trucks, a take-away pizzeria and individually styled restaurants tucked away down leafy paths.

As a family who enjoys traditional Jamaican cooking, we make the beachfront Jerk Shack one of our first stops, and its platters of jerk pork and chicken are as smoky and succulent as we had hoped.

Chef Lemar Lawrence serves up two additional dipping sauces: a 'hell fire sauce' for those who can handle a heady scotch bonnet kick, and a mild, gravy-like sauce, perfect for kids and anyone not so tolerant of Jamaica's favourite hot pepper.