Nestled along the pristine shores western Jamaica, the Azul Beach Resort is a luxe haven for anyone seeking an indulgent relaxation destination. Known for its breathtaking sunsets, crystal-clear waters, and powdery white sands, this resort offers an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. From modern accommodations to world-class dining, Azul Beach Resort Negril promises an unforgettable experience tailored to every kind of traveler. Whether you’re looking to lounge by the pool with a cocktail in hand, embark on a snorkeling adventure in the turquoise sea, or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment, Azul has an array of indulgences.
Below we’ll break down what makes the Azul Beach Resort Negril unique. We’ll explore accommodation expectations, the culinary delights, and the wide array of activities available on-site. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway or a family vacation, this review will give you an inside scoop on everything you need to know before booking a stay at Azul Beach Resort. Get ready to immerse yourself in the charm and beauty of the western Jamaican coast.
Destination weddings are hands down the most exciting weddings to attend. When our childhood friends decided to get married in Negril, it became the perfect excuse to come explore this slice of Jamaica. While they actually got married at the nearby Pattoo Castle, the whole wedding party stayed at Azul and made the most of our time there!
the Arrival
The closest airport to Azul is in Montego Bay. The drive to Negril should take about 90 min; however, it ended up taking us over 3.5 hours to get to the resort when we arrived. Upon our departure, the drive back was a bit faster but we again encountered notable traffic. This has nothing to do with the resort itself, but just something to be aware of. The resort will set up transit for you to help ensure a smooth transit process, but if there’s traffic it will slow you down .
Upon arrival you’ll be greeted with a blue ‘sparkling wine’ or fresh fruit smoothie. The small welcoming touches always go a long way. Just between us, the smoothie was the better choice.
Rooms
The rooms at Azul Beach Resort strike a balance between comfort and functionality. Each space is reasonably sized, offering enough room to unwind without feeling cramped. While not overly luxurious, the rooms are modern, reasonably well-maintained, and equipped with amenities such as free wifi, a daily-restocked-minibar, and a private balcony or terrace. Some rooms even feature swim-up pool access or stunning ocean views– depending on your room selection.
Our room was a bit more sheltered from road noise, but we did have friends that mentioned they could hear cars driving by from their room. So it’s something to be mindful of… or perhaps remember to pack a portable sound machine or earplugs if you’re sensitive to ambient noise at night. We noticed some minor wear on the room, but generally, we felt the space was a good value for the price— a comfortable and overall enjoyable stay.
Restaurants & Bars
With nine restaurants and nine different bars, you’ll definitely have ample choices! It’s easy to make the most of your all-inclusive dining options. We honestly did not have a single bad meal while we were here. The saltfish at Ackee was my favorite meal. If you enjoy seafood, they do it very well. We overall felt the food was one of the highlights of our stay!
When you arrive, you’re given a code to access your resort app. This is the platform to utilize for all your reservations! Hua Hin and DiRomagna are the restaurants that typically require reservations, so be sure to make those asap upon arrival.
Pools
Instead of a singular pool area, there are seven pools spread out around the resort, catering to a variety of preferences. There are family-friendly areas, adults-only options, and swim-up bars, ensuring that everyone can find their ideal spot to relax or play. The swim-up bar areas tend to get a little more lively during peak hours, so the various areas allow everyone to have a nice time however they are best suited!
Some rooms have direct pool access, which can be a nice perk if you’re just looking to take a quick dip or enjoy being poolside early in the morning, from the comfort of your room. The pool scene elevates the relaxation ambiance about the resort… what’s more Caribbean vacation core than a sparkling pool with a swim-up bar???
Beach
The pool is always nice, but you can’t spend the whole trip poolside, when the beach is only steps away! The Azul stretch of the Seven Mile Beach is a nice intersection of privacy and accessibility. While the shoreline is technically public (as are all beaches in Jamaica) the resort maintains a designated area exclusively for its guests— ensuring a sense of seclusion.
The beach could not be more picturesque, with soft white sand and calm turquoise waters, it’s just as ideal for sunbathing (don’t forget your sunscreen) as it is swimming, kayaking, or sailing. Plus all non-motorized water sports (i.e. kayaks, boogie boards, hobie cats and canoes) are available complimentary. The beachside loungers, umbrellas, and towel service, are also all included in the cost of your stay.
Additionally, the attentive staff are never far away, to provide drinks and snacks. There are also private cabanas available for rentals at an additional fee, offering shade, comfortable seating, and enhanced service. We didn’t utilize them as the lounger-umbrella combo was more than satisfactory; however, the cabanas did look nice! Overall, the beach’s tranquil setting and thoughtful amenities make it a perfect spot to unwind and soak in the natural beauty of Negril. This was one of our favorite parts of the resort.
Activities & Entertainment
Azul Beach Resort offers a wide array of included activities designed to keep guests of all ages entertained throughout their stay. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy beach volleyball and soccer, while those seeking a more laid-back experience can try their hand at giant chess or a game of ping-pong. The resort also provides access to non-motorized water sports, such as paddleboarding and kayaking, perfect for exploring the calm Caribbean waters.
Azul also features a weekly schedule of unique experiences that showcase local culture and encourage guest participation. Highlights include archery, aqua reggae classes, beach cricket, and even basket-making workshops. With such a diverse range of activities, guests can choose between staying active, learning a new skill, or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere that Azul Beach Resort has to offer.
come one, come all… bring the kids!
If you’re a parent traveling with your family, an important consideration for any all-inclusive resort is how the property is equipped to entertain children. We had an adults-only stay; however, being parents makes us more cognizant of how child-friendly a given resort is. The Azul Beach Resort does appear to be exceptionally kid-friendly. Upon arrival, kiddos are greeted with their own welcome beverage— a fresh smoothie or chocolate milk. It’s the little things that set the tone for their own enjoyable, inclusive experience.
The Azulitos Kids Club offers supervised activities for children aged 3 to 12, ensuring a safe and engaging environment filled with creative and interactive fun. Older kids and teens might enjoy some of the resort’s broader activity offerings, including non-motorized water sports mentioned above. Additionally, options such as yoga, aqua aerobics, dance lessons, and cooking classes provide entertainment that appeals across age groups. With such a wide variety of options, it feels like a resort that prioritizes children and families, so everyone can create cherished memories together.
Fitness Center & Spa
If you need some time out of the sun, there’s a few options for self care. The fitness center won’t knock your socks off, but it has all the essentials! The Vassa Spa has an array of services including massages, facials, and hydrotherapy. While we didn’t indulge in any spa services, the space did have a relaxing ambiance!
Overall we enjoyed our stay here. We were in Negril for a wedding, so we arrived a couple days early to enjoy the resort and general Negril region. We paid around $280/night per person, which felt perhaps a little on the expensive side but more or less a reasonable value for an all-inclusive in the Caribbean. There might be some cosmetic imperfections but the food and beach were truly excellent. We hope this helps inform your accommodation planning. Happy travels!
written by Salvador
While he isn’t an original member of the squad, he married Hannah, and is now fondly considered the-brother-we’ve-never-had by the rest of the sisters. Whenever Salvador travels, assessing the local craft beer scene is a top priority. Salvador currently speaks two languages, English and Spanish, but every time he visits Italy, his Italian gets a little better! To pass the time between adventures, Salvador is a professor of exercise physiology.
