Vacations With Flair

My stay at Azul Beach Negril

My firsthand review of the Karisma property in Negril. I did not want to leave.

I was so excited to have the chance to stay at the gorgeous all inclusive Azul Beach resort in Negril Jamaica. The resort is part of the Karisma chain, based out of Mexico. We have worked closely with this brand for 10+ years, so it was important that I experience their only Jamaican resort firsthand. Also, this was a trip with friends, so it was exceptionally fun.

The resort is a 75 minute drive from the Montego bay airport and located on the famous 7 mile beach. Jamaica is known for having great beaches, but this one is top.

Here are some of the highlights from Karisma’s Azul Beach Resort in Negril…

The Beach

Let’s face it- people are choosing Negril because of the amazing beach. And this resort allows you to be beachfront your entire trip. The sand is insanely soft, and you can walk for miles in either direction. The thing that sets the Azul Beach resort in Negril apart from all the others is the attention to detail. For instance, their sun loungers are heavy with comfortable cushions. That meant I could lie there for hours while the beach butler brought me drinks.

Gourmet All Inclusive

Azul Beach Resort in Negril is very much a gourmet experience. Reservations are not required. You can eat as much as you want in as many places as you want – it’s all included! A la carte options include Ackee (Caribbean), Hua Hin (Thai), Garfield Beach House (Mediterranean), Mohagany Kitchen and Di Romagna (Italian). Each one was amazing – not your typical all inclusive food. The open air Palms restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and has wisely separated the very cool open kitchen from the dining room so that meals remain peaceful experiences.

Beans is a coffee shop located by the lobby, offering juices and coffee drinks. Oceans Gourmet Corner is near the main pool and offers a range of snack and lunch items.

Evening dress at restaurants is resort casual, so pack dress shorts or long pants, collared shirts and dress sandals for men. Women can wear pretty much anything. Just know that flip flops, beach wear and sleeveless shirts are not permitted.

Luxurious Rooms

Not many resorts can say that their lowest category is an ocean view. But, that’s what you get at Azul Beach Resort Negril. Rooms are spacious and include a very comfortable bed, in-room WiFi, 42′ flatscreen TV, mini-bar and plush robes. Decor is clean and modern with a crisp white bed with bold colorful accents. Walking out onto my private patio, it felt like I had an outside living room because of the roof overhead and the circular canopy daybed. The ground floor swim up rooms lead directly to the lazy river area.

Bathrooms are large with double vanities and rainfall showers. I had great lighting in the morning when getting ready, which is not something I can say everywhere. And, the wide shelf under the sink gives the perfect spot to stash toiletries and belongings out sight.

Activities

The resort offers sand volleyball, ping pong tables, dance lessons, cooking lessons, evening entertainment and kids club and a daily activities program. Complimentary water sports on property include kayaks, boogie boards, hobie cats, and canoes.

For adults, the action unfolds at the 7 Mile bar, located in the middle of the property. After dinner, the Nesta Rasta Lounge serves drinks into the early morning hours. Quite often there is live music or entertainment here, so definitely stop by.

Weddings

The Azul Beach Negril resort performs up to 2 weddings a day. Couples can choose to tie the knot with their toes in the sand – no better beach to do it on! Or, if you want something more private, choose the rooftop Sky Terrace. Click here to see more information for weddings at this property.