MORE ON NEGRIL, JAMAICA:
Except for the crowds and harassment, this is one of the prettiest beaches in Jamaica - though the harassment can be a big turn-off. One traveller found the constant hassle "high-octane-never ending. I was offered everything almost on an hourly basis from the hustler himself to drugs. A simple no often wouldn't do".
In the spirit of the place, topless bathing is common along the entire stretch of the Negril beach, although a small section near Cosmo's Restaurant officially condones total nudity. Many of the big resorts also have nude beaches. The hottest and most exotic is found at Hedonism II, although Grand Lido next door draws its fair share. When these hotels rent "rooms with a view", theirs is no idle promise: Nude beaches at each of these resorts are in separate and "private" areas of the resort property. Security guards keep Peeping Toms at bay; photography is not permitted. Most of the resorts also have a nude bar, a nude hot tub, and a nude swimming pool.
 If you want to escape the hair-braiders, hustlers, aloe masseurs, nude bodies, reggae music, and the rest, escape to Long Bay Beach Park at the far northern end of Negril Beach. Out beyond the hotel belt, this stretch of beach is set against a backdrop of picnic tables and changing rooms. It the least crowded of all Negril's beaches, even during the busy winter months. These days, we don't even detect a whiff of ganja here.
If you have kids in tow, take them to Anancy Fun Park on Norman Manley Boulevard, close to the Poinciana Beach Resort. It offers an array of activities ranging from miniature golf to a merry-go-round, train ride, pedal boating, fishing, and other attractions. The park is open daily from sunup to sundown, charging no admission-you are charged, however, for rides or activities. The park is corny, but recommended for children.
A favorite retreat-and we're letting you in on a secret-is the half-moon shaped Bloody Bay Beach lying beyond Long Bay Beach Park. Nude bathers do frequent the place, and because of its relative emptiness there is some danger of a possible mugging or theft, even during the day. That's the only downside; otherwise, it's wonderful. Use the center of the beach, near an open-air barbecue where the smell of jerk pork permeates the air.
NEGRIL SHOPPING:
At long last, Negril has a shopping mall to equal the ones found in Mo Bay or Ocho Rios. It's the Time Square Mall, lying on Norman Manley Boulevard across from the much-frequented nightclub De Buss. More than a dozen duty-free shops and souvenir stores await you, including a courtyard cafe.
 This mall offers Negril's best selection of watches (from Chaumet to Patek Philippe), jewelry (including some from the collections of Chopard and Miki-moto), and gifts and accessories such as a wide assortment of pens and writing instruments. Crafts are sold here, along with perfumes, books, cigarettes, cigars, film, liquor, dresses, and Blue Mountain coffee. The first and only cigar store in Negril is also here, with a walk-in humidor, selling genuine Habanos or Cuban cigars. Jamaican cigars are also sold.If you have a housekeeping or self-catering apartment, you can pick up groceries at the Hi-Lo Grocery Store in the Hi-Lo Shopping Centre on West End Road. Here's your chance to enjoy Blue Mountain coffee, Jamaican spices, and locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Just off Norman Manley Boulevard, as you head south into Negril Village, you come upon the Negril Crafts Market. A collection of shacks, this is the largest center for crafts in the area, though they're sold virtually everywhere, including along the Beach. Woodcarvings, beds, jewelry, and other items fill the market. Haggling is expected; begin by offering half the price you're quoted.The worst shopping is at the overpriced boutiques found at first-class hotels, especially the all-inclusives. But they come in handy when you're seeking postcards, souvenirs, suntan lotion, or swimwear in a pinch.
Other vendors can be found at Fi Wi Plaza on West End Road, between a traffic circle and "Sunshine Village." The most expensive (but not always best) crafts are sold at Rutland Point Market in the north of Negril.
GAY & LESBIAN TRAVELERS IN JAMAICA**
Jamaica is an adamantly homophobic nation. Homosexual intercourse between men is illegal, and antigay hysteria is a staple of musical lyrics. Homosexuality is a subject that evokes extreme reactions among Jamaicans, and it is difficult to hold a serious discussion on the topic.Most Jamaican gays are still in the closet. Nonetheless, many hoteliers are gay or gay-tolerant, and you should not be put off from visiting the island. Just don't expect to be able to display your sexuality openly without an adverse reaction.
WOMEN TRAVELERS
Attitudes Toward Women 'Political correctness' hasn't yet filtered down from the educated Jamaican middle class to the male masses. Many Jamaican men display behavior and attitudes that might shock visiting women, often expressing disdain for the notion of female equality or women's rights. Rape is possible in Jamaica, and occasionally involves female.
If you're single, it will be assumed that you're on the island seeking a 'likkle love beneat' de palms.' Any remonstration to the contrary will likely be met with wearying attempts to get you to change your mind. Black women can expect to hear a 'roots' trip.
If you go along with the flirting, don't expect a Jamaican man to understand if you've no intent of going all the way. Your innocent acceptance will be taken as a sign of acquiescence. The Jamaican male has a fragile ego and is likely to react
strongly to feeling like a fool. Don't beat about the bush for fear of hurting the man's feelings.
Many foreign women welcome these advances, as evidenced by the proliferation of 'rent-a-Rastas' - semiprofessional good-time guys, or gigolos - on the arms of North American and European women. Most often, the man is excited more by your economic clout than your looks - a foreign catch brings status and the possibility for wheedling some cash. You'll be the moneybags in any romantic encounter.
Many younger, poorer Jamaican women also hold a stereotypical image of foreign females and resent what they see as poaching of their men. A clear exception is in Kingston, where thousands of educated professional women live a cosmopolitan lifestyle and are less tethered by the hardships of raising children in dire economic circumstances. Such women range more freely throughout society and more fully engage with foreigners as equals.
VISIT: NEGRIL | MONTEGO BAY | OCHO RIOS |
