Idle Awhile Beach

Idle Awhile is a boutique-size resort with a layout that blends indoor and outdoor features. Housed in a white colonial-influenced bungalow, entire walls roll open to expose rooms to the outdoors, contributing to this resort's memorable layout and decor, a design scheme that runs through common areas as well. Decor throughout feels humble and down to earth, with simple furniture in common spaces. Chill Awhile, the bar and restaurant, is a casual, open-air space with a wooden deck and simple outdoor furniture. Tropical foliage lines garden walkways, and lounge areas with hammocks provide private nooks for guests to read, nap, or sunbathe. Palm trees create shade on the private sandy beach. Every aspect of a stay at Idle Awhile puts guests -- who are mostly couples -- as close as possible to the lush flora, fauna, and blue ocean views of the area. 

Idle Awhile is located on a sandy stretch of Seven Mile Beach, almost an hour and a half from Sangster International Airport by car, and less than a 10-minute drive from Negril proper. Within a 10 minute walk along the beach, travelers can find operators offering glass-bottom boat rides, snorkeling, and opportunities for all types of outdoor activities and water sports. Half Moon Beach is a 20-minute drive up the coast. The hotel also offers a shuttle service to transport guests to the tourist attractions, shopping, and restaurants that are about 15 minutes away on the West Cliffs.

Idle Awhile offers Deluxe Rooms and five different types of suites, and rooms feature combinations of blue, white, red, and green color schemes. These aren't luxury resort-style accommodations, but rather have an attractive and homey charm with a simple and pleasant style. Pops of color brighten things up, like the striped pillows and cushions in furniture in the One-Bedroom Suite that we visited. Windows are covered with wooden or painted shutters, and tile floors are set with hardwood and rattan furniture and woven hemp throws. Large windows let in plenty of natural light and all rooms have furnished patios or terraces, many with hammocks. All but one of the suites come with full kitchens, complete with gas cooking ranges, electric coffeemakers and French presses, and even blenders. Walls of most rooms and suites open up to make rooms open air. In-room features include iPod docks and flat-screen TVs with satellite cable. All units have air-conditioning, but it's limited to the bedrooms and bathrooms in Deluxe Rooms; Suites, however, are fully air-conditioned. Bathrooms vary, but most include high-end toiletries, massive walk-in showers, mosaic tile, spacious vanities, and contemporary fixtures.

The main feature of Idle Awhile is it's beach, a broad and sandy strip that dips into tranquil turquoise waters. It's not a private beach and there's plenty of people at resorts up and down the shore, but it is pretty. The hotel does not have a pool, but there is a small hot tub. All meals can be purchased at the Chill Awhile outdoor, ocean-facing restaurant, which relies heavily on local, seasonal produce and seafood. Room service is also available, and travelers staying in suites with cooking facilities can hire personal chefs for additional fees. Breakfast is not included in room rates. A free drink and water bottle are provided upon arrival, and a computer station with Internet access in the resort's office, is available for free. Wi-Fi is free throughout and there's free parking in a lot across the street. Laundry services can be arranged for a fee.

There are a few off-site features that Idle Awhile guests can access for free at its sister property, The Cliffs. These include a gym, tennis and racquetball courts, and a 25-meter lap pool. There's also a full-service spa providing facials, massage, and assorted skin care services. These features are accessible via a free shuttle service that runs twice daily.