Azul Beach Resort Negril by Karisma
Stay: December 20–23, 2025 | Seven Mile Beach
About an hour and a half from Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, the drive west to Negril still feels like a gradual exhale — greener, slower, and unmistakably beach-bound. That sense of ease continues on arrival at Azul Beach Resort Negril, which reopened on December 1 following Hurricane Melissa and is once again welcoming travelers to one of Jamaica’s most iconic stretches of coastline.
Set directly on the soft sands of Seven Mile Beach, the all-inclusive resort sustained no infrastructure damage from the storm. The beachfront, pools, gardens, and children’s play areas were all in excellent condition during my stay, even as surrounding communities in Negril continued to experience uneven recovery. The contrast was notable — and spoke to the broader role tourism is playing in helping the area rebound.
According to Trudy Ann Frazer, the resort’s international marketing and social media coordinator, approximately 98% of staff returned to work when the property reopened. Some employees were more affected by the hurricane than others, she said, but morale was high. Frazer noted that she herself was still without electricity in her own community at the time — a reminder that while resorts may reopen quickly, recovery off property often takes longer.
While guests might not immediately see the storm’s impact, Frazer said it is still being felt behind the scenes, particularly in food sourcing. Some seasonal fruits remain scarce, and the cost of key ingredients — especially Scotch bonnet peppers — has risen sharply across the island, requiring flexibility in the kitchen. Even so, the culinary experience remained strong throughout my stay, underscoring the adaptability of the resort’s chefs and staff. “The hurricane really tested the industry and the island,” Frazer said, pointing to staff resilience as a defining part of the reopening.
I stayed in Room 12102, one of the presidential suites, which offered a private plunge pool, a separate living room, and a spacious bathroom with both a soaking tub and walk-in shower. The suite is located near three restaurants, making dining especially convenient, though it’s a longer walk to the main pool and entertainment area — a worthwhile trade-off for added quiet and privacy.
Food and drink are central to the Azul experience, which follows Karisma’s Gourmet Inclusive concept. Over four days, I dined multiple times at Mahogany, the buffet restaurant, while Hua Hin, the Asian restaurant, stood out for its California roll, Kung Pao-style stir-fry, and a standout spicy mango cocktail. Ackee, the Jamaican restaurant, was consistently busy — always a good sign — with the curry goat emerging as a clear favorite. Its location directly across from the lounge made evenings easy to extend from dinner into nightlife.
The lounge itself shifted moods depending on the night. One evening was family-friendly karaoke, with children eagerly taking the mic. Another leaned more adult, with guests slow-dancing under low lights, cocktails in hand. Across the stay, the Tropical Sunset cocktail became my go-to. A reggae band night by the main pool added a lively, unmistakably Jamaican soundtrack to the week.
Wellness offerings are another highlight. Vassa Spa delivered one of the most thoughtful treatments of the trip. I booked a facial, but my therapist, Simone, incorporated my hands and shoulders as well, making it feel closer to a full-body experience. The spa also includes a sauna, hair and beauty services, and even treatments designed for children — a nice touch for families. Morning yoga, held at sunrise at the wellness pavilion, offered a peaceful start to the day before the beach and pools came alive.
For more casual bites, West End Gourmet Corner & Terrace quickly became my favorite lunch spot, particularly for the Azul Burger. Beans Coffee Shop was ideal for early-morning or late-night coffee, patties, and donuts. Ice cream lovers should plan a daytime stop at West End, where it’s readily available.
Non-motorized water sports — including kayaking, paddleboarding, and Hobie Cat sailing — are included, as is room service, with a comfort-food-friendly menu of burgers, pasta, nuggets, and fries. The resort also features 283 suites, seven restaurants and gourmet corners, eight bars, seven pools, a spa, gym, and kids’ playhouse, and operates as a non-smoking property.
During my stay, I also witnessed a beachfront wedding unfolding on the sand — a reminder that Azul caters not just to families, but also to couples. Wedding and vow-renewal packages are available, and the setting on Seven Mile Beach makes a compelling case for a destination ceremony.
Guests I spoke with echoed the positive energy. Tanya, visiting from Wisconsin with her son, said she was relieved Azul was among the Negril resorts able to reopen. A repeat visitor, she described the return as both familiar and comforting after the storm.
In a destination still navigating recovery, Azul Beach Resort Negril offers travelers a chance to return — not just to the beach, but to a community rebuilding itself. Open, welcoming, and quietly resilient, it’s a reminder that Negril is ready, and Jamaica’s west coast remains every bit as captivating as ever.
