Sitting on the balcony of my hotel room where the internet reception is the strongest, I take some little moments. Conscious moments to feel the natural rawness of a rustic somewhat dated motel-style hotel, that's enveloped with palms, with an 80's charm. It's nicely cleaned and freshened up daily, but from the look of the furnishings and facilities, I think it would be a safe bet to say that their motto is, "if it ain't broke don't fix it"... Cos, I don't think much or anything has changed since it's inception many decades ago... Still, it's Jamaica, so everything is Irie!
We are spending a week away from my parent's house, to enjoy some chilled time at one of the most laid-back towns one could ever find in Jamaica.
It's Negril's west end, where cliffsides are popular for watching sunsets.
Tourism is Jamaica's leading economy, and Jamaica is a destination known for its large international hotel chains. However, my husband and I prefer to stay in small privately owned independent hotels, that help to filter money back into the Jamaican economy.
Smaller hotels including Xtabi, tend to source their goods (local produce) from local farmers, and they offer employment opportunities for young people in the rural parishes of Jamaica too, so tourists can experience authentic, friendly, genuine smiles.
Still, despite some challenges that small businesses have reported facing in recent years, the hotel staff were delighted to experience full occupancy from the usual Thanksgiving vacationers from the US.
Xtabi, meeting place of the gods.
Is located on both sides of the main road on the west end of Negril.
On the cliffside, there's the main dining area and a bar, with some seafront cottages, and caves.
The hotel is small and intimate enough so guests get the chance to interact with the staff.
On one occasion when I had to leave the dining room before my husband, he jokingly said to the waitress; "We're planning to do a runner, so she'll go first and I will follow." The waitress giggled and replied;
"... and I would RUN you down! Now that you've mentioned it, I'll just keep an eye on you."
She said it with such pizzazz, and I could not stop laughing, as I was imagining the waitress running after my husband. It would not have been much of a challenge because "to de world" the Jamaicans can certainly run fast 🤣.
I think that conversation broke the ice nicely, because every day when I visited the restaurant, I got the warmest ear-to-ear smiles that were camera-friendly.
At the restaurant, traditional Jamaican dishes were served. From seasonal lobster, shrimp, chicken, and vegetarian dishes; Dinner portions are huge.
... and unlimited refills of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee, that's divine!🙏
The food is fresh, as some of the kitchen's food stock is self-sustained and grown on the grounds. For example, the Ackee (the yellow food above that looks like scrambled eggs) which is the National dish, is a fruit that's prepared like a vegetable. The hotel has big trees in the complex, which I presume could be cost-effective, especially during the slow tourist season.
Young red ackees that are not yet fit to be harvested;)
Natural Historic Caves
Right below the dining terrace and bar overlooking the sea, are natural limestone caves. According to Wikipedia, these caves were once the home of the first settlers to Jamaica.
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Guests of the resort are free to navigate their way through the caves, and from some manmade benches situated inside the cave, it appears that it is a popular location for hosting parties and other events.
Negril, where Stella's go to get their grooves back!
There's a wide array of "merchandise" available, here in Negril; You name it, and you'll get it!
From the prominent rent-a-dread, for the "big bamboo experience", party boat rentals, jet skis, native music bands, hair braids, fresh ice-cold jelly coconut water, or a fat spliff... and anything you could think of under the sun...
Negril is the place to be!
Luckily for me, I'm with my husband so I can forego all temptations and enjoy the authentic Jamaican setting.
I do get a little choked up sometimes, to be back on the "big-little island" of Jamaica.
I'm filled with euphoria.
... and the strong whiffs of sinsemilla, that spread across the property is making me feel high 😉
This little tune has been playing on my mind for the past few days. If you have a headset, why don't you press play and enjoy this little lovers rock reggae tune by Duane Stephenson on YouTube;)
Thanks for tuning into my blog. I appreciate it:)))
