Azul Beach Resort Negril By Karisma

Located on the western coast of Jamaica, Azul Beach Resort Negril offers a luxury gourmet inclusive experience. On arrival you’ll be handed the thing you want most of all, not a keycard but a glass of wine (or an alternative non-alcoholic beverage). The little guests can join the kids’ club or have hours of excitement at the splash park. For the grown-ups, there’s a Bob Marley themed reggae bar, with nightly music entertainment and weekly rum tasting experiences.

The open kitchen at Mahogany allows you to watch the chefs prepare culinary creations from the finest ingredients available. Themed nights will take your taste buds on an adventure around the globe. Breakfast is served until 11am, ideal if you like a long lie-in. The a la carte Palms also offers international dishes that you can devour while admiring the spectacular views of Seven Mile Beach Bay. However, if you’re travelling to Jamaica you must try authentic local dishes. Ackee allows you to do just that, serving specialities with a focus on local spices and flavours.

Fresh, flavoursome Italian dishes are on the menu at Di Romagna. Hua Hin offers the opportunity to discover new and exciting Thai dishes. While Jamaican style lunches are served at Garfield Beach House. Maybe sample some BBQ jerk pork and cocoa bread. There is a dress code for evening meals but in the Caribbean, knee-length shorts are acceptable for men to wear in restaurants.

Quick bites are available from the hotel’s three gourmet corners. Paninis, wraps and ice creams are available from West End Terrace, while Ocean’s offers jerk specialities. Beans Gourmet Coffee Shop offers numerous coffee blends (including the local Blue Mountain), smoothies and luxury sweet treats. The best bit is it’s open from 7am to 11pm.

The resort boasts seven swimming pools, two with swim-up bars serving frozen concoctions, international and domestic premium brands and tasty juices. Amber and Seven Mile Oceanfront (both open until 11pm) provide an ideal place to get an aperitif or digestif, while admiring the spectacular view of the azure Caribbean waters.

All ages are accommodated at Azul Beach Resort Negril. The oldest guests may relish a rock & roll night at Indigo Denim Bar, while the toddlers will love the Azulitos Playhouse. Even the guests who are too young to toddle are catered for, with Gerber baby food, nappies and bottle warming among the services available.

Being a luxury hotel, all room options are suites, with large terraces overlooking the Caribbean. You will find them equipped with a mini bar (restocked daily), a rainforest style shower, plush bathrobes, slippers, aromatherapy pillow menu, a large digital safe, an iron and a coffee maker. Family suites can accommodate up to four, even if one of the children is a teenager.

The Vassa Spa offers nine treatment suites, all dedicated to your relaxation and rejuvenation. But you don’t have to go inside - you can receive a ‘Sky Massage’ on the outside elevated deck area. The beauty services on offer aren’t restricted to adults either; there’s hair and makeup services for younger female guests as well.

If you’re feeling active you may choose to partake in a workout at the fully equipped gym. Other activities available on site include beach volleyball and yoga. The coastal location also offers kayaking, snorkelling, sailing and deep sea fishing opportunities. Down the bay is Rick’s Cafe, as the name suggests food and cocktails are available here. However, the stand out feature is the 35 foot diving platform from the cliff into the Caribbean below.

A tourist crafts market on the edge of Negril is a great place to pick up local souvenirs, as well as coconuts and sugarcane. Azul Beach Resort is around 20km from Jamaica Giants Sculpture Park, where large sculptures of mythical animals and humans are set among 4000 acres of rainforest. Well worth a visit!