Sunset at the Palms

Sunset at the Palms is an adult-only, all-inclusive property, but it lacks the poolside techno music, wacky evening entertainment, and impersonal atmosphere common for many all-inclusive resorts. Instead, its laid-back and relaxed vibe attracts low-key couples and occasional groups (many repeat guests) looking for an affordable getaway by the water. Unfortunately, the hotel is set across the street from the beach, however, a crossing guard is always on hand to help guests, and a beachfront bar and grill allows guests to stay by the ocean all day. Also on the plus side, the grounds are gorgeous and lush, filled with various species of labeled flowers and palm trees, plus the music of tree frogs and crickets at night. Walking tours are provided twice each week. On the downside, we heard gardening power tools in both the afternoon and morning of our stay.The tree house-style rooms are largely housed in two-unit structures, and they feel tucked away and secluded. No buildings at this resort are more than two stories tall, and all dining areas are open-air. Asian-inspired decor consists of lots of attractive carved wood and floral accents, but furnishings are showing a bit of age. This property is small and offers no real evening entertainment or daily activities, aside from occasionally mixology or cooking classes and low-key piano entertainment in the evenings by the lobby. Travelers wanting a livelier environment may prefer Couples Negril, while those wanting a more upscale experience should consider The Caves, though rates are higher.

Sunset at the Palms is on the northern side of Negril along the main Norman Manley Boulevard, set across the street from Bloody Bay (as well as the much larger Riu Palace Tropical Bay). The resort isn't beachfront, but a crossing guard is on duty all day to help guests across the road, plus, the location makes the resort feel more secluded. Free shuttles are provided for the 90-minute drive to and from Montego International Airport.There's little within walking distance, but Kool Runnings Waterpark is a two-minute drive and Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville Negril is five minutes by car. The Negril town center, with a supermarket, banks, and eateries, is a 10-minute drive south. Rick’s Cafe, which is famous for its cliff jumping, music, and party vibe, is a 14-minute drive away.

The 85 charming rooms are set within a series of stilted tree house-style bungalows across the lush property. Most occupy a structure with another room, but a staircase and entryway between them allow rooms to feel secluded and private. Done in Asian-inspired decor, rooms have natural wood floors, furniture, and pitched ceilings, plus earth-tone accents in pale-green walls, palm tree wall hangings, and red throw pillows. A big perk are their patios, each with a daybed and table and chairs. Note that some past guests have complained of poorly lit rooms and road noise -- light sleepers should request a room away from the street.Standard amenities consist of air-conditioning units and ceiling fans, desks, satellite TVs, free Wi-Fi, tea- and coffee-making facilities, safes, and minibars with soda, water, and Red Stripe beer. Attractive bathrooms have slate showers with multiple showerheads, plus hairdryers, and quality toiletries. Upgraded Treetop Villas are two-story units with a king-size master bedroom and second living room with couches that convert into two twin beds. The villa also includes two bathrooms, two expansive balconies, and a small outdoor dining space.

The beach is across the street from the hotel, and a crossing guard is on duty all day. It's not huge, but there's ample space for the free loungers under straw umbrellas. Hawkers are common in Jamaica, but there are fewer here than along the popular Seven Mile Beach farther south. Beach towels are provided in rooms. Non-motorized water sports such as kayaks and windsurfing boards are available for free.

All dining options and a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are covered by the all-inclusive rates. The main open-air Palm Grove Restaurant serves international fare buffet-style for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Although not huge, the spread is sufficient and tasty, with enough variety for most guests. Lotus Leaf is an a la carte, Caribbean fusion restaurant open for dinner on four nights each week. It's indoors and air-conditioned. Chef's Showcase is a multi-course dinner experience that serves local cuisine with a Mediterranean flair. However, it's open-air and next to the buffet eatery, so there's little division between the two. Both a la carte eateries require reservations. overlooking the ocean, Palm Breeze Beach Grill serves casual fare such as jerk nachos and burgers during the day. Room service is available during select hours for an added fee.In addition to the pool's swim-up bar, there are the all-day Blue Coffee Bar next to the pool and the Irie Martini Lobby Bar, which is open in the evenings and has live piano music most nights. 

The mellow vibe of Sunset at the Palms is perhaps most appreciated at the decent-sized pool, which, surrounded by thick palm trees and centered around a swim-up bar, is serene. Guests can be found chatting with the bartender and fellow guests, or keeping to themselves in the adjacent hot tub. Loungers and umbrellas line the pool. Particularly later in the day, once guests return from day trips, travelers will often order a rum concoction from one of the two pool bars, resulting in a slightly livelier setting, though it's never rowdy.The spa is small and simple, but it offers a variety of well-reviewed treatments such as massages, facials, braiding, and nail treatments. Be aware, though, that the spa sits next to the tennis court, creating a potential for noise disturbances. On the other side of the spa is a good-sized fitness center with panoramic windows. One room has cardio equipment and weight-training machines, while another room has wooden floors, additional weights, and mats. There is no entertainment staff at this resort, other than a rotating schedule of evening musicians. Wedding services are offered and ceremonies are common here.