I was invited to the Social Media on the Sand conference in Jamaica. I paid a conference fee to attend and received discounted & complimentary items from Beaches and their sponsors. All opinions are my own. #BeachesMoms
My husband and I honeymooned at Sandals all inclusive resort for couples in the Bahamas almost ten years ago and it was the most amazing trip. It has always been on our bucket list to return to a Sandals resort, so we immediately booked our flights when Beaches invited me to attend the Social Media on the Sand conference in Jamaica. Beaches is an all inclusive line of resorts geared toward families and part of the Sandals family. Beaches Negril blew away our expectations and we can’t wait to return! With summer break on the horizon, here are ten reasons why you should head to Beaches Negril with the entire family.
1. THE BEACH
Beaches Negril is located on Negril’s beautiful 7 mile beach. From the turquoise water to the incredible sunsets, the setting is picture perfect. It is not a surprise that this beach has been voted many times over as the best in the world.
2. JAMAICAN PEOPLE
We loved the spirit of the Jamaican people! They were incredibly friendly, hard working and FUN. My husband and I inquired about taking out a Hobie Cat and even though it was lunchtime for the crew, they volunteered to take us out. We were happy to come back after lunch, but they wouldn’t take no for an answer. Our guide genuinely just loved being out on the ocean and his love for it was contagious. We also became quick friends with the bartenders, who let me mix my own drink concoction (I called it the “Vanessa”).
3. WATER ACTIVITIES
In addition to the Hobie Cat, Beaches offers a wide variety of complementary water activities. They have kayaks, snorkel gear, scuba gear, hydrobikes and much more. We tried our hand at paddle boarding and I could have stayed out there all day! The water activities were the highlight of our trip!
4. THE WATERPARK
After spending the day at the beach, relax in the lazy river at the Pirates Island Waterpark. This 18,000 square foot water park also offers water slides, a misting pool, a kiddie area, swim up bar and more! There are also several pools scattered throughout the resort.
5. SESAME STREET
Kids (and adults) will love seeing their favorite Sesame Street characters hanging out around Beaches Negril. My son still talks about meeting Elmo at breakfast and baking cookies with Cookie Monster. You won’t want to miss the Sesame Street stage show and parade!
6. SPA TREATMENTS
Drop off the kiddos in the kids club and enjoy a couples massage at the Red Lane Spa. I still haven’t found a better massage therapist than the one I met at Beaches Negril, she was amazing! As a mom, it was nice to treat myself to something that I typically don’t have time for back at home.
7. THE FOOD
Beaches Negril offers 9 different restaurants on property, that are all included. You definitely won’t go hungry. We especially enjoyed the sushi at Soy, Teppanyaki at Kimonos and the romantic ambiance at the Venetian. Mariachi was our favorite spot for a casual lunch. We loved being able to eat at a new restaurant and try different foods every night.
8. READING ROAD TRIP
Before you leave, fill a backpack with school supplies to donate to the schools of Jamaica. If you have the opportunity, sign up for a Sandals Foundation Reading Road Trip. You’ll have the opportunity to volunteer some of your time at a local school, where you’ll read with the kids and work on school work. This was a life changing experience for me and I love that Beaches makes it possible for visitors to give back to the community. If you plan on doing any excursions, this should be at the top of your list!
9. ENTERTAINMENT
Beach parties, piano bars, live bands, night clubs – Beaches Negril really does offer something for everyone! We were never bored and often times had to miss out on something because we couldn’t be in two places at once. There are also plenty of land activities, like lawn chess and beach volleyball, to partake in. Or if you like to take it easy on vacation, there are plenty of hammocks to lounge in.
10. EVERYTHING IS INCLUDED
Let me tell you how incredibly relaxing a vacation is knowing that it is paid for and everything is included! From the food and water activities to the kids club and entertainment, you won’t have to break out your wallet. There are very few amenities, like the spa and off property excursions, that aren’t included. Even the tips are included. This is by far my favorite way to vacation!
