Azul Beach Resort Negril Review: My Stay, Dining & Beach Experience

Arrival, Airport Transfer & Check-In

I landed at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay around 4:30 PM. Immigration moved relatively quickly for me, and outside the terminal I met the Errol Flynn Tours team. After a short wait, my driver Martin arrived and greeted me with a genuine smile and handshake. He made a great first impression.

The transfer to Negril, however, is something travelers should plan for. Heavy traffic began shortly after I left the airport, and my drive took roughly two hours. Under better conditions, I would still allow at least 90 minutes. That distance is not the resort’s fault, but it matters if you are visiting for only a few nights.

I reached Azul Beach Resort Negril around 7 PM. Check-in was straightforward and took roughly 10 minutes. Claymon then helped with my luggage and gave me a quick introduction to the property as he escorted me to my room.

My Premium Suite: Clean, Comfortable & Slightly Dated

I stayed in a Premium Suite, room 92004. My overall impression of the condition was fair: the room was clean and served me well, although some finishes felt a little dated compared with newer properties I have visited over the last few years.

The most important test for me is always the bed, and I am happy to say this one passed with flying colors. I slept like a baby all three nights. A comfortable night’s rest makes a difference, especially after long days of exploring and swimming.

I would welcome some cosmetic updates, but I do not want to overstate the issue. I had no complaint about cleanliness or sleeping comfort. For me, the room was a pleasant place to return to at the end of each day.

What I Ate: Seafood Highlights & Breakfast Limitations

Dining was a major part of what made this visit memorable. I especially enjoy fish and seafood, and several of my meals were excellent. As with any review, these impressions are based on what I actually ordered, not a judgment of every dish on the menus.

Di Romagna Menu at The Palms: An Excellent First Dinner

On my first evening, the FAM group gathered for an 8 PM dinner. Di Romagna was undergoing renovations during my visit, so dinner was served next door at The Palms using the Di Romagna menu.

I ordered the Filetto di Pesce, a grilled snapper fillet served with lemon, capers, and ciambotta vegetables, along with a couple of Red Stripe beers. The fish was excellent. As someone who enjoys seafood, I would rate that particular dinner 10/10 and would gladly order it again.

Mahogany: Beautiful Setting, but More Breakfast Variety Would Help

I visited Mahogany for breakfast on two mornings. The restaurant itself is beautiful, and there were familiar options such as eggs, omelets, pancakes, cereal, fruit, and Jamaican fish. For someone who enjoys those foods, the selection may work very well.

Personally, I do not eat many traditional breakfast foods, so I found the choices limited. I would have welcomed more savory and international alternatives, such as chilaquiles, green vegetable smoothies or juices, freshly squeezed orange juice, and a wider variety of fish dishes. These are preferences, not a claim that the breakfast was poor for everyone.

The Jamaican mackerel was the exception for me: it was delicious and easily my favorite breakfast item. I also tried the orange juice, but it tasted too sweet for my liking. A fresh-squeezed option would have made a noticeable difference. On my second morning, I stuck with fruit.

Garfield Beach House: One of My Favorite Meals

Following a resort tour led by Dwayne, the FAM group was invited to lunch at Garfield Beach House. My understanding is that the space is primarily used for group experiences, so I would not assume it is part of regular daily restaurant service.

I started with a wonderful soup, followed by a whole fried red snapper with rice and salad. The presentation, flavor, and service from Jorge were exceptional. This is exactly the kind of lunch I love, and I would happily eat it again. For me, the experience was a clear 10/10.

Ackee: A Taste of Jamaica

Another evening I dined at Ackee, the resort’s Jamaican restaurant, joined by Dwayne. I tried ackee and saltfish on bammy and fried seafood cakes. For my main course, I ordered the escoveitch fish, a Jamaican-style fried red snapper.

I appreciated having the opportunity to explore traditional local flavors. The service was very good, while the food itself was less memorable to me than my earlier seafood meals. I would rate my dinner experience 8/10.

Seven Mile Beach, Ocean Swimming & Resort Pools

The beach was the highlight of Azul Beach Resort Negril for me. My accommodations were only a short walk from the sand, and the Caribbean water was absolutely beautiful during my visit. The resort has several pools, but I noticed many guests choosing the beach instead. After swimming there myself, I understood why.

I spent about an hour swimming in the ocean after kayaking, and I later relaxed in a lounge chair overlooking the water until an afternoon rain shower arrived. I also appreciated the first-come, first-served approach I experienced with the beach loungers.

For travelers who want an easy transition from their room to the sand and sea, this is a major selling point. Beach conditions are never guaranteed, but during my stay the ocean experience was excellent.

Live Shows, Karaoke & Bar Availability

Azul had plenty of enjoyable evening moments during my visit. On my first night I watched a live dance performance in the main lobby. Eight talented dancers—four women and four men—performed routines inspired by different parts of the world. The show felt close and personal, and it was a fun way to finish my first dinner.

Later I stopped at Seven Mile Bar before heading upstairs to Nesta Rasta Lounge, where a DJ was playing. Safarie, the bartender, was attentive and friendly. Another night, the lounge was lively with karaoke, and several people from the FAM group joined in. My partner and I also spent time there with Pamela Mendoza, our Business Development Manager (BDM) contact at Karisma Hotels, before calling it a night.

A Note on Bar Availability

I did not verify the full bar operating schedule during my visit. For example, my impression during the visit was that Indigo Denim Bar was not available to the general public on most evenings. I also heard that it may be used for groups, but I did not independently confirm that detail.

Because bar access and operating schedules may vary, I recommend checking the resort app or asking the concierge for the most current information.

Beyond the Resort: Rick’s Cafe & an Island Seafood Lunch

Rick’s Cafe: Worth Visiting in Negril

One afternoon the FAM group traveled to the famous Rick’s Cafe, about a 15-minute drive from the resort during my visit. Although it was a Tuesday, the atmosphere was energetic and the place felt busy. I enjoyed shrimp appetizers, took photos, and spent time enjoying the setting.

Martin, the same driver who picked me up at the airport, also handled the ride to and from Rick’s Cafe. He was upbeat, friendly, and had a great sense of humor. If you are staying in Negril and have never visited Rick’s Cafe, I would make time for it.

Kayaking & a Small-Island Lunch with Captain Sherman

On another morning, I met the group near the resort’s kayak and paddleboard area and spent about 45 minutes kayaking in the ocean. Afterward, I went swimming. While I was in the water, a local boat operator, Captain Sherman, approached me about a short trip to a small island for snorkeling and lunch.

I joined the excursion, and my group ordered two lobsters and a red snapper. The speedboat ride was roughly 10 minutes each way, and the entire outing took about an hour and a half. The island was small and informal, with seafood cooked over hot coals rather than a fancy restaurant setup. I received simple disposable utensils, but the staff were friendly and the meal was delicious. Red Stripe and other drinks were also available.

I would give the experience 8.5/10. It was unique, memorable, and a great way to enjoy more of Jamaica. That said, this was a locally arranged excursion, not an activity I can confirm was operated or endorsed by the resort.

A safety note: I noticed spiny sea creatures in the snorkeling area that appeared to be sea urchins. Do not step on the reef or seabed, ask whether suitable life jackets are provided, and use appropriate protective footwear where permitted and safe. If the operator cannot explain the safety precautions or provide suitable flotation equipment, I would skip the snorkeling portion.

Practical Tips Before Your Stay

Complete Jamaica’s C5 Form Before You Travel

Travelers should complete Jamaica’s required immigration and customs passenger declaration, known as the C5 form, before arrival. The official online submission is free. Use the Government of Jamaica C5 portal and keep your confirmation handy. I completed the entry process without much delay.

Allow Enough Time for the Airport Transfer

My transfer from Montego Bay took about two hours because of traffic. Even without heavy delays, I would plan for approximately 90 minutes or more in each direction and avoid scheduling activities too close to your flight arrival or departure.

Confirm Dining Locations, Bars & Excursions

Dining venues can temporarily move during renovations, as happened with Di Romagna during my stay. Ask the resort where dinner will be served and which bars are open on each night of your visit. For independent boat trips or snorkeling, confirm the price, operator, equipment, and safety arrangements before departing.

Make Time to Explore Jamaica

The resort beach is beautiful, but some of my favorite memories came from meeting local people, visiting Rick’s Cafe, and enjoying fresh seafood away from the main hotel restaurants. If your schedule allows, I would set aside some time for Negril itself.

My Verdict: Would I Return?

Absolutely. My overall rating is 8.5/10, and I would gladly return to Azul Beach Resort Negril. What stood out most was the beach, the genuine warmth of the Jamaican people, excellent fish and seafood, and the variety of experiences I enjoyed both at the resort and around Negril.

Why not a higher score? My Premium Suite was clean and very comfortable for sleeping, but some details felt dated. Breakfast could offer more variety for guests who prefer savory dishes, fresh juices, or seafood rather than eggs, pancakes, and cereal. Finally, the 90-minute to two-hour journey from the airport is an important consideration for shorter stays, even though it is not a service issue with the hotel.

I would recommend Azul Beach Resort Negril to couples, families, and groups looking for an all-inclusive beachfront vacation, particularly if swimming in the ocean matters more to them than spending every day around the pool. The beach access was a huge advantage during my visit.

A sincere thank-you to Axel, the resort’s general manager, and Dwayne for their hospitality and for showing me the property, as well as Jorge, Safarie, Claymon, and Martin for the service that made my visit memorable. I am also very grateful to Pamela Mendoza and the Karisma team for inviting me to experience another of their properties. Jamaica, its people, its food, and its beautiful coastline left a lasting impression on me.