On the evening of 1/16/12 , my girlfriend and I had dinner at the Whistling Bird. We both ordered the coconut shrimp which was the special that day. I aso ordered the pumpkin soup and a Red Stripe. My girlfriend had a non-alcohol Pina Colada. Everything was very good, but I was surprised to be billed $84.15. The website menu [ referenced later] lists the coconut shrimp at $21.00, which I would consider reasonable.

I felt that I was taken advantage of.

The beach in Negril is easily one of the best in the world. It fulfills all of our criteria: warm, clean water, the gentlest surf, abundant shade, consistent and stunning sunsets, gentle manta rays gliding along but NO sharks. The Whistling Bird is a resort with location, location, location. Centered right on the beach among an unbelievably beautiful jungle-like garden setting, the cottages nestle into the environment. The feeling is instantly exotic. We have stayed many times over the years - for several important reasons.

Lily is instant Sunshine, Miss G is gracious, Ryan is diligent and they are the true HEART of the place and a great example of hard-working Jamaicans. They bring their knowledge of the culture in a way which is rare in resorts these days. They go above and beyond. Milton provides great at security, Chef Annette is a terrific Jamaican cook, Assistant Manager Chris will jump through any hoop for you and Dennis gives you a glimpse of the next generation's views of Jamaica and the world.

We have been traveling the world for ten years and have rarely experienced such openness, kindness and generosity of spirit. In addition, there are a variety of characters who drop in. They each have fascinating stories of survival: the Cake Lady who makes amazing German Chocolate and Banana Cakes, the highly-proficient artist and the skilled craftsman jeweler. Take time to get to know these people -(even if you just want to relax.) You will have a richness of a world experience far beyond the standard resorts.

That said, prepare for a variety of Challenges. First, the beach requires an Attitude. There are lots and lots of people trying to sell a variety of things. A simple "No" usually works, but luckily the staff watches the grounds to keep them off the property. The beach vendors are not threatening, just irritating. When you walk the long, gorgeous beach - put your game face on. (Don't be shy from walking this beautiful beach - just don't naively engage in conversation.) Also, many visitors come for the nightlife, so bring really good earplugs. It is loud on many nights - Jamaica is known for their music. Luckily, one important appliance in the cottages is the white noise machine; ask for it if you aren't a late-nighter. The Whistling Bird is NOT a luxury accommodation - the sheets are FAR from a 500 count, the hot water varies and air-conditioning/television is only in some cottages. They do have fair wifi throughout the property. Despite all of these challenges- it's charming and addictive. We consider it a RETREAT in a beautiful garden right on the beach.

Over the years, this place occupies some of our great memories. It is a photographer's dream, a beach-lover's mecca, a musical journey and a traveler's reality.

I visited this resort not having a great understanding of what it was all about. The real plus to this resort is the staff. Everyone is friendly and accommodating. They do tend to come across like family. That can be good and bad. It was great to just sit and chat, but for me sometimes on vacation I just want to zone out and not have to "connect" with people. The rooms were a bit warm at night, and sometimes there were a few bugs or lizards on the walls. Request a room with a fridge and AC...will make your stay more enjoyable.
The best food served was the wonderful breakfast hash browns. they can cook just about whatever you'd like.
although they have security on staff there were some things stolen from room, and beach during the trip. they did their best to shoo away the vendors, but they always approached which was quite annoying. the water was great, and overall a great time!

The Whistling Bird is a series of cottages and hotel rooms located in a tropical fairyland. You can smell the Jasmine as you walk through the gardens at night. Upon arriving at the breakfast area, I was astounded to see the bright teal blue of the ocean right there at my fingertips! Delicious food, fresh squeezed juice, Blue Mountain Coffee. Everything is locally grown and trust me, you can taste it. The bathrooms are truly unique in the cottages. Walk-in showers with windows open to the trees, feels so earthy and magical. This is the only resort that is located in the midst of the true Jamaican jungle. Everyone else has taken out the trees and replaced it with concrete. This is also one of the oldest resorts in the area, so their experience in hospitality makes you feel very special. Ask them to do a bonfire by the ocean, or find a local musician to sing at a candlelit dinner. Its truly a special, authentic Jamaican experience.