Negril Notes

Yoga Center - Review

February 20, 2006

I stayed at The Negril Yoga Center in April 2004. This was the trip that really turned me into a Negril freak. I booked on price and the beach location, but found so much more. If you’re used to fancy this place may not be for you, unless you’re looking for something totally different.

Location:

The Yoga Center is right on Norman Manley Boulevard, aka Beach Road, a quiet oasis in the hustle bustle. It’s on the “Garden Side” of the road, but easy beach access right through Travellers or Shields.

It’s an easy walk to the roundabout on a wide foot friendly section of road. It’s also close to all the lower beach bars and hotels. I spent time at Kuyaba and Selina’s both easy walks.

Accommodations:

I stayed in Bamboo 1, at first I was a little taken back by the pink paint but when Marsha said it was coral not pink I felt better. The room, cottage actually, was a classic eight-sided cabin with a high domed ceiling, a fan, and tiled bathroom with ambient temperature shower. I don’t like to call it “cold water” because the water isn’t cold it’s more like washing in rain water, very exhilarating. The room had a big comfy bed, and was set in a lush garden. The place is rustic, but not dumpy by any means. It is very clean and the food is fast, fresh and tasty. They have a community kitchen that I didn’t use, but there were people who seemed to use it every day. The biggest negative was my room had no patio or balcony, and I put a premium on personal outdoor space.

People:

There was this really cool guy named Alan who was staying there in a tent. I think he stays there for several months every year, and it was like he was part of the staff. The cook, I think her name was Claudia, made great coffee and tasty breakfast. Marsha, the manager was great resource, she knew what was going on every day, and she consistently pointed us in the right direction. Also the place attracted other budget conscious single travelers, there was always something to do and people to do it with.

Property:

The property has plenty of flora and fauna. The garden is lush and colorful, when you drive by the vegetation is so thick you can’t see inside. The buildings seem to have grown there along with the trees and bushes. The yoga pavilion is a big space for meditation and yoga classes. I missed those, but my favorite feature is the Hammock Hut. In the back corner of the property stands the hammock hut, a thatched hut with no walls, with four hammocks and a bench. The breeze blows through and the thick thatch keeps the sun’s rays at bay. With no balcony or patio, the hammock hut was a blessing.

Vinny