As one of the largest and most beloved islands in the Caribbean with a strong cultural identity, Jamaica offers a wide array of activities that draw tourists and locals alike. From horseback riding along the shore to sipping a piña colada on the beach to free-falling into a hidden natural swimming cave, the country has far more to offer than you might expect. And after being hit hard by Hurricane Melissa, it could certainly use the tourism boost.Negril, in particular, is a West End town nicknamed “The Capital of Casual.” In other words, it’s a chill spot. With resorts nestled in the cliffs or stretching along the stunning Seven Mile Beach, you really can’t go wrong when planning a visit. And according to Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Edmund C. Bartlett, one silver lining of the devastation is that there’s actually more beach than before.Whether you’re craving adventure, relaxation, or a little of both (why choose?), check out our latest ELLE Escapes for everything you need to know.What to SeeGlass Bottom Boat RideAngelo Cavalli / roberthardingDon’t just admire the crystal-clear blue waters—dive beneath the surface. Glass Bottom Boat Tours offers rides in boots with a literal glass bottom, so you can peer straight down at the ocean floor, as well as snorkeling excursions that bring you face-to-face with sea life. We spotted squid, stingrays, coral, and every kind of colorful fish imaginable. Occasionally, you can see turtles, too.Chukka Horseback ExperienceCourtesy, Jamaican Tourism BoardLocated between Montego Bay (where you’ll fly in) and Negril, Chukka is a great segue to break up the 1.5-hour drive and get into the Jamaican state of mind. You can lay in hammocks above the water, have a drink by the oceanside pool, drive ATVs, and ride horses on (or in!) the beach. It’s definitely more of an upbeat spot, so choose your avenue accordingly.The Blue HoleCourtesy, Jamaican Tourism BoardIf you have time to take a day trip from Negril, the Blue Hole in Ocho Rios is definitely something to experience. You can swim in and around multiple waterfalls and natural springs made out of limestone and surrounded by the Jamaican forest, or go rafting, tubing, or horseback riding with a guide. For a real adrenaline rush, try jumping into the springs from ropes or rocks. After, we recommend grabbing some natural limestone for an exfoliating scrub treatment, or better yet, enjoy an authentic meal on the surrounding property.Hat Attack Remy Multi Bucket HatCredit: CourtesyPrada Re-Nylon Shorts With PouchCredit: CourtesyMerrell Women’s Hydro MocCredit: CourtesyWhere to EatMiss Lily’sEmily AndrewsLocated at Skylark Negril Beach Resort, Miss Lily’s is a beachfront restaurant and lounge that lends itself effortlessly to fun in the sun. Its grilled curry shrimp and smokehouse platter, in particular, are must-orders, and you should definitely sample one (or two, or three) signature cocktails (the Coco Lily was a personal favorite). New Yorkers can get a taste for themselves at Miss Lily’s East Village location, although it goes without saying that the views are much better on the beach.PushcartCorey HamiltonPerched above the sea and overlooking the adjoining Rockhouse Hotel & Spa property, Pushcart is a laid-back restaurant and rum bar with nightly DJs and a dancehall-inspired aesthetic. What’s more, it has a huge selection of Caribbean rums that are perfectly paired with jerk chicken, shrimp, and sausage prepared via authentic recipes sourced from around the island. You’ll be surrounded by album and tour posters, as well as street-inspired wall art, string lights, and, of course, the cliffs and ocean beneath.Zimbali Culinary RetreatsCourtesy, Jamaican Tourism BoardFood lovers will appreciate Zimbali Culinary Retreat’s farm-to-table dining experience in the heart of the countryside. Multiple courses take you through the island’s finest and freshest ingredients, and you can explore the grounds and farmland where your meal is sourced from. Zimbali doubles as a hotel that hosts farming and cooking classes, so you could even stay and make a whole trip out of it.Pangaia Aloe Linen Short Sleeve ShirtNow 14% OffCredit: CourtesyMiu Miu Denim ShortsCredit: CourtesyApaya Olivia Mini Black BagCredit: CourtesyWhere to DrinkRick’s CafeDACXAt sunset, Rick’s Cafe is definitely where the party is in an otherwise calm Negril nightlife scene. Enjoy whole lobster and a delicious cocktail—we can vouch for the Jamaican Me Crazy and Rasta-politan—while looking over the cliffs at sunset. You can also jump off the notoriously high cliffs for the whole crowd to see, which would probably give you a higher high than anything else you might be thinking of doing in Jamaica.WoodstockCourtesy, Jamaican Tourism BoardSituated on Seven Mile Beach in close proximity to hotels and resorts, Woodstock is a music and event venue that’s a guaranteed good time. Have a coffee there during the day or a drink at night (or both) and let the live reggae and beach waves transport you to another time...and a better mental state.The BarCourtesy, Tensing PenOne of the perks of staying at a resort in Negril is the easy access to the property’s bars and restaurants. Several have excellent options that are as easy as walking out of your room, especially The Bar at Tensing Pen Resort. Whether you choose to have a rum cocktail by the pool or want to chat up the bartender, this is by far the most relaxing and convenient option.Ben-Amun Triple Charms NecklaceCredit: CourtesyLa Perla Silk Mini SlipdressCredit: CourtesyBlack Suede Studio Cleo SandalsCredit: CourtesyWhere to StayRockhouse Hotel & SpaCourresy, RockhouseAh, Rockhouse. Bob Marley and The Rolling Stones used to stay there between tours, which pretty much tells you all you need to know about the hotel’s cool factor. With rooms, bathhouses, bars and restaurants, and a pool right smack on the cliffs, there’s hardly anywhere on the premises that doesn’t have a spectacular view. Better yet, Rockhouse has a whole behind-the-scenes side of its property that’s rather remarkable: Behind an unassuming fence across the street, there’s a massive greenhouse and outdoor hydroponic garden where the staff grows veggies that are served at its eateries. It’s also where much of the magic happens: the furniture found in the rooms and lounges of the hotel—and its companion property, Skylark (guests can shuttle between the two at their leisure)—is crafted here, along with the candles on the common-area tables and the spa products used at both properties. On Sundays, you can head over to the nearby studio for a psilocybin-enhanced morning meditation and sound bath, if you feel so inclined (translation: meditation on magic mushrooms). Rockhouse also has an eponymous philanthropic arm, The Rockhouse Foundation, dedicated to supporting and expanding local schools in Negril. More than $11 million has been invested to date, which, beyond all the other perks, is reason enough to book a stay. Did we mention it has the best spa experience on the island? Be sure to ask for the “bathing ritual.”Skylark Negril Beach ResortMichael CondranAs the beach counterpart to Rockhouse, Skylark shares the same impressive eco-conscious ethos, while offering a getaway that feels equal parts playful and luxurious. Set directly on Seven Mile Beach, the hotel is within easy reach of attractions both on and off the property. (Notably, there are no TVs in the rooms—an intentional choice that encourages you to fully unplug.) If you’re from New York, the design sensibility might look familiar: Serge Becker, partner and creative director of Miss Lily’s, the on-site restaurant, is the brains behind popular downtown NYC hot spots La Esquina and The Box. Skylark also recently unveiled a revamped third-floor spa, a serene refuge overlooking the beach below. And in the spirit of giving back, the hotel opened its WiFi to the public immediately after the hurricane, quickly transforming into a vital communications hub for hundreds of local residents when most networks were down.Couples Swept AwayCouples ResortsIf you’re traveling as a twosome, consider checking into Couples Swept Away. Set along Seven Mile Beach, the all-inclusive resort features 312 beachfront rooms and an impressively expansive fitness complex, complete with 10 tennis courts, squash and racquetball facilities, and a full gym. Add in seven restaurants, eight bars, a spa, and three swimming pools, and there’s hardly a reason to leave the property.Lapima Milly Amber Vintage SunglassesCredit: CourtesyVix Martha Bandeau TopNow 50% OffCredit: CourtesyMou Bio Sandals with BucklesCredit: CourtesyBeauty PicksCay Skin Isle Body Oil SPF 30Credit: CourtesyHydrate and protect your skin while delivering much-needed nutrients along with a hint of vanilla and amber.Relevant 13 Stems: Scent Meets SoulCredit: CourtesyA little spritz of this perfume and you’ll smell like you emerged freshly picked from the garden.Le Champ Cosmetics Glossy Lipstick in Pucker UpCredit: CourtesyThe best part about this glossy lipstick? It’s waterproof, so you won’t have to skimp on beach kisses.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below