Jamaica has the reputation of being a "love destination," attracting droves of couples hosting dream destination weddings or honeymooning. But the beautiful beach town of Negril, on the western tip of the island, is so much more than that. Its plethora of activities and laid-back atmosphere make it an ideal getaway for all travelers' singles, couples or families.

You see, in Negril you can experience two entirely different vacations. Opt for a serene stay on the cliff side (the "West End") at a hotel bordering the cliffs. Or, you can have a noisier, spring break style vacation on Seven Mile Beach at one of the many beachfront hotels. The best part though, is that you can experience both sides during your vacation, since one is only about a seven-minute drive away from the other.

Solo, coupled, retired or kids in tow - here in Negril there's something for everyone. Ya, mon!

Seven Mile Beach

As the longest stretch of sand in Jamaica, it's no wonder everyone flocks to Seven Mile. The water is a beautiful turquoise clear, the sand so soft you'll see joggers running along at the crack of dawn.

Hotels, from luxurious to budget, are sprinkled along the beach, as well as stand-alone restaurants, bars and concert venues. That's the fun part - you can choose to have breakfast at your hotel one day, and at the one next door the following morning. All you have to do is walk down the beach! No shoes necessary. In fact, Negril is the capital of flip flops and casual wear.

For delicious banana pancakes, go to Country Country. For pizza, burgers and American-style fare and fun, spend the afternoon at Margaritaville. Or, for dinner at a rustic and unique restaurant, go to Kuyaba on the farther end of the beach (my favorite feature there is the bar in place of stools they have mini hammocks!).

Finally, the beach is where you'll find all the water sports that strike your fancy from jet skiing to parasailing. Don't worry if you've never done these before, the Jamaican guides are very nice and respectful, and if you're afraid they'll offer to accompany you on your activity.

The West End (The Cliff Side)

In contrast to the crowded and busy Seven Mile beach, the West End is for relaxation and seclusion. The hotels seem right next to each other when you pass them on West End Road, but once inside, you'll see that they are separated by cliffs, which maintains privacy and gives each resort a special feel.

You can either swim in the hotel pool, or better yet, go down a ladder off the cliff to swim directly into the ocean. Not to worry, these ladders are super solid! And it's very safe to swim in the ocean - the water is cool and refreshing, much more so than on the Seven Mile beach side. Besides, it's nice to be able to swim without having to worry about crowds.

Places not to miss for a meal on the cliff side are Xtabi, The Rockhouse Hotel for delicious food and views, and any side-of-the road restaurant for authentic Jamaican cuisine. I walked outside many a time by myself and never felt unsafe. If anything, I was greeted at every turn.

When you need a break from the cliff side, catch a quick taxi ride to the beach! Taxis, which have red license plates, may not be metered so make sure you negotiate your fare in advance. Also, some hotels offer complimentary shuttles twice a day to the beach, so check with your hotel first.

Sightseeing Activities in Negril

There's so much to see and do in Negril! Here are some of the most popular sightseeing activities:

YS Falls and the Black River Tour: On this tour, you'll be picked up from your hotel and start out with a minibus drive through the countryside, heading south to the docks of the Black River. Once there, you'll board the boat and slowly cruise along the river. Black River is one of the longest rivers in Jamaica, so named because of the darkness of its river bed. It has a truly magical and tropical feel�and while it looks black, it is by no means dirty and is surrounded by lush vegetation and mangrove trees. You'll be stunned by the scenery and birds you come across. The boat will stop a few times to give you a view of the alligators�they come right up to the boat.

After Black River, you'll be driven to the YS Falls, also on the south coast, where you'll experience more nature�waterfalls, canopy rides, a natural spring pool and beautiful gardens. You can either watch, or take part in walking up the trails to reach the top of the falls. Just make sure you wear water shoes and watch for the slippery rocks. Guides are on hand to help you; they'll even take your photos for you while you're posing by the falls. All you have to do is tip them at the end.

Mayfield River Walk: This is a wonderful, fun-filled day for nature lovers or anyone looking to get active. You'll start with a drive along the countryside before reaching Mayfield River. After crossing a bamboo bridge, you'll trek along the river and its rainforest with a trained and certified guide. Mayfield River, classified by the Jamaica Tourist Board as an eco-tourism attraction, is scattered with crystal clear pools of water. The guide will point them out and you'll be able to swim along the way. At the end of the hike, you'll reach the falls- a perfect reward! Don't forget to wear your water shoes and bring your swimsuit.

Rick's Cafe: Possibly the most famous tourist attraction in Negril, it's nevertheless fun to stop here just to watch locals and tourists jumping from the high cliffs or from the trees into the ocean below. There's also a pool and restaurant at Rick's, so you could spend the afternoon here and take in the scene.

Sunset Cruise: Negril sunsets are breathtaking and world famous, and everyone should experience one once. The best way is to get on a sunset catamaran cruise. The "Wild Thing" Sunset Cruise leaves from Seven Mile Beach. You'll cruise down the coast, then go down the cliff side of Negril, past all the cliff-side restaurants. The boat will also go by Rick's Cafe, and you can watch the cliff divers from a distance. On the way back towards the beach is when you'll see the sun setting, and there will be stops for pictures and just to enjoy the moment.

Nightlife for Everyone

Nightlife options abound in Negril, from nights of disco to relaxing karaoke. On Wednesdays, Roots Bamboo hosts live reggae concerts on the beach; there's nothing like the sound of live music and dancing barefoot in the sand. Thursdays through Saturdays are nights for Jungle Nightclub,on the main highway and across from the beach. The action there starts around 1am, and goes on until 6 in the morning! The Jungle, known as Jamaica's best nightclub, has a large indoor dance floor and VIP room, as well as an upstairs outdoor deck where you can relax, dance or eat from the grill. Dress is casual, like all of Negril.

During my second visit to Negril earlier this year, I also discovered a host of new entertainment options. One is "Karaoke Night" at the Negril Escape Resort on the cliffs, complete with a big stage, a screen for the wannabe stars and a full Jamaican buffet. It was a great way to enjoy dinner while laughing at the various karaoke acts. Another new event is "The Sunset Show," also hosted by the Negril Escape on Tuesday evenings. Folks can have dinner while watching a live show that re-enacts the history of Jamaican music, from African drumming all the way through roots reggae and "dancehall."

Half Moon Beach

To recharge from all the activity in Negril, or for days when you yearn simply for sun and solitude, head to Half Moon Beach. Just a ten-minute taxi ride outside of Negril, it's the closest thing to a remote island getaway, a secluded private beach with white sand and water as beautiful as Seven Mile's, with rarely more than one beachcomber in sight.

Neatly tucked away off the main highway, Half Moon beach also has a thatched restaurant on the property, serving fresh Jamaican dishes. You can spend the morning floating in the still waters or reading a book in one of the shaded hammocks. For lunch, walk up to the restaurant for some fresh grilled fish. At the end of the day you'll wish you could stay!

All photos by Lily Girma.