If you're the kind of person who prefers traditional, ordinary vacations -- if you like traveling to other countries just to do the same thing you do at home, stop reading right now, because this is not the place for you. But, if by chance you happen to be a different kind of person...if you love having new experiences, if you still have your inner child at heart, keep reading -- because you are in exactly the right place and this IS for you.
Full discretion, I've stayed at Xtabi 3 times in the last 13 years and this is my first official review. Twice, I've come with large groups of family and friends, but this last stay, with just my fiance. I stay for about a week at a time, and always on the cliffside in a cottage. I've stayed in Room 8 and Room 6, and spent a lot of time in Room 1. My parents have been coming to Xtabi for 30+ years, and there's a reason for that. It's a one of a kind experience that you won't have anywhere else, and you can't beat the price. It's safe. It's unique. The people are wholesome. They are real, trustworthy, welcoming, and make you feel at home. That can be said of much of Negril, and Xtabi is a testament to that.
I'm able to overlook the little things like scratchy towels, the dated bedspread (that you won't ever need), and the occasional bug creeping across the floor. You're on an island, and there's nothing in Jamaica that can hurt you, insect or animal wise. The cottages are eclectic, with incredibly beautiful and detailed outdoor showers and wood features throughout. I've personally never stayed on the garden side because it's too hotel-like for me. I don't want a TV or a little square room like I'd get at a roadside motel. I like being woken up by the gentle sounds of water on rock. I like to watch the sun peek out from behind the clouds. I don't even mind the periodic hustle and bustle of a car along the road. It brings you back down to Earth and highlights all the little beautiful things that make life worth living.
And the sunsets... oh, those sunsets are something else. I said to my fiance: "Now I get why people can't stop painting sunsets." It's so beautiful. And it's different every time. Starting and ending your day in such a beautiful place will heal your heart. You'll suddenly realize that there are other ways of living that put you in touch with nature and free your spirit and inspire your soul. You'll remember to breathe and just be -- and it will feel wonderful. Looking out at that water every day is a spiritual experience. You won't get better water access in Negril. People come from all over the island just to snorkel at Xtabi and enjoy their cliffside lagoons, locals and tourists alike. You can spend hours in the water just looking at the beautiful fish, and you're just a few steps from your bed.
Now a word for the staff. Honestly, the staff is a main part of why I keep returning to Xtabi. Michael, the General, who takes care of the grounds, will always have a friendly greeting for you. He's been there for years and has the gentlest, kindest soul of anyone I've ever met. You'll run into George, tending bar or taking dinner orders, or dabbling in the kitchen (try his bread because it's amazing). Kevin, working the bar at night and super friendly and easy to talk to. We spent many happy hours nursing delicious drinks and sharing conversation with him. You'll likely run into David, the owner, as he's usually around, and he's been in Negril for decades, and won't mind giving out some recommendations and answering any questions you may have. His son, Jake, was lovely to talk to, and one day he will be in charge I suspect, and he's a natural for it with plenty of great ideas and respect for the establishment. And then there's the lovely ladies who take your breakfast or lunch order, and are willing to make you a Rum Runner at 7am, and the ladies in the kitchen who blow you away with their cooking.
Ready to talk about the food? Because the food at Xtabi is incredible. And I'm Italian, so I don't say that lightly. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will not let you down. I recommend the Jamaican Breakfast, a Conch burger for lunch (the Stuffed Cucumbers are a surprisingly tasty and refreshing treat), and the Seafood Medley for dinner. Even dessert (Key Lime Cheesecake) didn't disappoint. The prices are fair and comparable to other local resorts, and I'd say portion size and taste trumps other surrounding places like Tensing Pen and the Rockhouse. And the drinks are awesome. They have a huge bar selection, can make delicious virgin drinks, and sell sodas and juices. The tap water is delicious and free. You don't need to buy bottled water. You can play checkers with bottle caps while you wait for your food or just stare out at that gorgeous water, or pet the kitties -- Hi Callaloo, I miss you!
Xtabi makes the perfect base for exploring the West side of the island as well because you are just a 10 minute cab ride from 7 Mile Beach and Norman Manley Blvd. Plus the ATM and grocery store and patty shops are just a few miles away, which is super convenient if you feel like staying local for the day. You can walk to Rick's in about 30 minutes which I've done a few times, but it's probably better to just hop a cab. Right next door is 3 Dives for the best jerk you've ever had (Hey Kim!) and more incredible sunset views. There are a lot of amazing local places to explore and enjoy in both directions that you can walk to, so don't hesitate to do so. Keep your wits about you like you'd do on any street and it's perfectly safe to walk. You'll be greeted by so many friendly faces (shoutout Long Beard, Poppsie, and Mike), and they will help you and offer suggestions and give you a proper welcome to Negril, so don't be shy. The people of Negril are phenomenal.
Xtabi has top notch drivers and will arrange to pick you up from the airport. Montego Bay is about an hour and a half by car without traffic. You can get to Bluefields in an hour and a half the other direction, Black River in 2 hours or so, and Sav-Mar is only 20 or 30 minutes. And it never seems like long because the drives are so insanely beautiful. The best cabbie in Negril is Oneal - ask for his number or find me on Facebook or Instagram (CassandraParker) and I'll share it. He will show you nothing but love and respect, and will take you to local haunts that other people never get the privilege of seeing. And he'd never dream of overcharging you. You will be in amazing hands and have a friend for life.
Xtabi is the meeting place of the Gods. You'll understand as soon as you step foot there. My boyfriend was so inspired, he made me his fiance on day 3! LOL. It changes you. You feel whole again. You never want to leave. You'll forget the creature comforts you give up not staying at an all-inclusive place, where they shuttle you from one over-priced tourist attraction to another. You only see what they want you to see when you stay at "one of those places." See the real Negril, stay at Xtabi. Have a different experience that brings you back to your roots as a human being. It restores you. Go in with an open mind and prepare for an awakening.
What can Xtabi do to improve? Buy some darts for the dart board. Buy new linens. Make sure the hot water works in every shower (a luxury I know, but hard to go without in the morning). Make the Jamaican Breakfast an option for the daily inclusive-breakfast deal. Not everyone likes or can eat eggs, and I'd pay $10 a day for that. Maybe add some complimentary board games for rainy days. And I'm stretching right now for things to improve on. Truly, you won't regret staying at Xtabi if you give it a chance, and you'll probably find yourself returning much sooner than you anticipated. And they will be waiting with open arms to welcome you back.
US