Xtabi is a resort right on the cliffs of Negril. I did not stay in the rooms but I crashed the resort daily and was welcome to do so. I loved the 3 cave systems that access the waters below the cliffs. One of them has a small beach in it. The lagoon is beautiful and gorgeuos to look at from above on the cliffs. There is a deck to cliff dive off of and several rock decks protruding out onto the water for sunning. The snorkeling is awesome going toward the west and I saw a sea turtle there. The food at Xtabi is amazing and reasonably prices. The restaurant next door called, 3 Dives is where most of the locals and tourists eat- best food and relatively cheap. Make sure you stop by and say hello to Omar at the bar and enjoy your time there!

We stayed at Xtabi for a long period, 26 days, on the garden side in Dec 2011. Housekeeping, night security, reception, the restaurant staff were all great and we thank them very much for our stay. :-)

However, while we knew our room would be the typical hotel room, it got really annoying with the "nickel and dimeing" the resort did. If you want to use the safe $3/day, a TV $4/day, a fridge $4/day. The owners have to get over all the little extra and catch up to the times. All these little charges ruin the pleasure of staying at a resort, that is at a prime location on the cliffs! Like others indicated bring your snorkel gear, its worthwhile.

The owners really need to emphasis their location and tie it in better with surrounding restaurants and activities.

I've stayed at Xtabi many times since 2007 & just booked another trip yesterday. The first 4 or 5 visits I stayed on the garden side with my boyfriend & enjoyed it every time. Great value for couples or anyone really. The room had TV & AC. It was $55/night when we stayed..not sure now.
On the most recent trip, I took a friend for her first JA experience & we decided on the cliff side.
Didn't know Xtabi could be much better, however,,,it was! Words can't explain how nice it is to have your own private sea access plus a huge patio/deck right outside your door. As always, the staff was wonderful & even while it was my first trip without a guy, we were (& felt) completely safe. The rooms are always very clean, the food is always very good, the vibes are always very chill. The caves are great. The snokeling (or floating on your raft) is always great. The sunsets are always amazing.
3 Dives (jerk chicken) next door is some greatness.
Just Natural for B'fast (or probably anytime) is greatness. Buy her hot sauce to take home.
If you enjoy the all inclusiveness, this is not the spot for you. Sorry...wait, no I'm not:)
I have a wonderful friend who makes his living as a tour guide/taxi/security on island & he has always taken great care of me/us on all visits to Jamaica.
In 2009 we took a 360 degree trip & stayed in Boston Bay (Great Huts is Great), Kingston, MoBay & back to Negril. If you want to really experience Jamaica, it's a must to find someone who knows & someone you trust. I can put you in touch with him if you'd like to email me.
One Love & wherever you stay, enjoy your trip!!

We spent some time at xtabi this year like we do whenever we go to Jamaica. This is a small property nestled on the clifts.....not much has changed sine it was built in the 1970's. It's a boutique style resort, long on atmosphere. If you live for the all-inclusive this not the place for you. The accomidations are simple, views and swimming are spectacular. The bar and resteraunt take full advantage of the view. Rooms 1 & 4 have the best views on he cliff. Resteraunt serves good food and the staff are always friendly and helpful. There is alot of footage on YouTube that acurrately show the properties. It's got the feel of the rustic hunting lodge located in paradise. For our tastes a great place to spend a long weekend, then go down to the beach for more action.