It might really be seven miles long it could be just five. But whatever the length of this dazzling white-sand beach, curling along on the far-west coast of Jamaica, it is without a doubt the most chilled. Not in temperature, of course. The tropical sun is particularly generous on this side of the island. What Seven Mile Beach has an over-abundance of is that natural Jamaican talent for being easy-going and laid-back.
It also has location by the spade-full. Its large offshore reefs help to take the swell off the waves, leaving only the gentlest of waves on its shallow, warm waters. That makes for hassle-free swimming and snorkelling. And because Seven Mile is far removed from the busiest resorts and towns further east, nature has multiplied here. In the air, and in the sea, you'll find few other beaches as well endowed with wildlife.
And of course, by facing west along its entire length, Seven Mile gets an uninterrupted view on the best show in town – the daily sliding of the sun into the Caribbean. With its swaying palm fronds, and its seashore a mosaic of azure, it all adds up to a beach that looks like it has just stepped out of a glossy brochure.
That has led to Seven Mile Beach becoming popular – but with a crowd as chilled and laid-back as the beach itself. Much of the beach is lined with low-rise resorts, villas and hotels – discreet, but helping to bump up the numbers on parts of the strand. Many who come have a broad-minded outlook – topless bathing is common, and some beaches are nudist.
Days spent on Seven Mile Beach can be split into two halves, and two attitudes. In the afternoon, the position is horizontal – sunning on the loungers, or floating along the shoreline, snorkelling for the brilliant flashing shoals. But as the sun goes down, a different sort of 'laid back' takes sway. That's when the languid Jamaican beats begin. It’s time to get vertical, in that loose Jamaican sort of way, and party the night away.
