BLOODY BAY · NEGRIL

Bloody Bay curves north of Negril's famous Seven Mile Beach — a crescent of calm water that's quieter, less developed, and backed by a lineup of all-inclusive resorts that keep their guests well fed and thoroughly entertained. Royalton Negril anchors the northern end with its overwater bungalows and swim-up suites. Riu Negril and Riu Palace Tropical Bay sit side by side — two properties, one beach, different vibes (party vs. polished). Princess Grand Jamaica sprawls across the bay's center, while Hedonism II needs no introduction — it's been Jamaica's most famously uninhibited resort since 1976, and it sits right at the transition point where Bloody Bay meets Seven Mile Beach. Just offshore, Booby Cay is an uninhabited island you can swim or kayak to — it's where they filmed scenes from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The Royal Palm Reserve protects one of Jamaica's last remaining morass wetlands, with a boardwalk through royal palms and over 100 bird species. For those looking beyond the all-inclusive fence, the roadside jerk stands along Norman Manley Boulevard serve the same peppery, pimento-smoked chicken and pork that Negril locals eat — and they're walking distance from most resorts. From Sangster International, the transfer to Bloody Bay takes about 1 hour 35 minutes along the A1 coastal road through Lucea and Green Island. From Kingston's Norman Manley Airport, it's a long cross-island drive of roughly 5 hours 40 minutes. A private transfer from MBJ to Bloody Bay costs $255 with Aurum Transfers.