Absolutely beautiful!

My husband and I got married at Tensing Pen in 2003. We were accompanied by 25 of our closest family members and friends. Some of us occupied 7 of the cottages and had an absolutely wonderful time. The remainder of our party stayed at various surrounding hotels and were dissatisfied with their accommodations. Tensing Pen's setting, service, food, etc, etc, etc is stellar. The waves crashing on the cliffs at night are very relaxing. The management and staff could not have been more courteous and helpful. They helped coordinate all of our wedding plans from flowers, food, drink, music, right down to the minister and marriage license documents. We found Tensing Pen to be very affordable and were pleasantly surprised at our final bill. We recommend Tensing Pen to everyone traveling to Negril. We plan to return as soon as we are able. It truly is a Caribbean paradise.

You have to see this place and experience its atmosphere to believe it

Tensing Pen - my little hideaway in paradise - is one of those places where you have to see the place and experience the atmosphere to believe it. I travelled there wanting time to relax and enjoy some peace and quite and believe me I returned to the UK walking on air. The staff were the best - the ambience of the place breathtaking and the food excellent - although the kitchen is no longer open for guests to prepare their own meals it didn't matter because soon everyone sat around discussing their adventures or purchases of the day and enjoying the meals that the great cooks prepared - usually fresh lobster, shrimps or fish caught that day - and having a good time. I thought that as a lone female traveller I would quite feel left out because there were lots of couples either honeymooning or couples reliving their youth jumping off the suspension bridge and just having fun - letting their hair down but that wasn't the case. Lots of little nooks and crannies on the property to idle the day away if you chose not to venture out. I anticipate daybreak because its calming listening to the waves gently lashing against the volcanic rocks and watching the fishermen casting their nets and laying their lobster pots and sunset because you get the best uninterrupted view and a different sunset everyday, each one as spectuclar as the day before.

A wonderful experience

I was reading the above/below (depending upon where my own falls) reviews and stunned at the fact that one reviewer mentioned how unpleasant and greedy they found the place to be. I cannot believe that, but then again, I am not reviewing the reviews, even though, the 1st Amendment could be amended for SOME. In any case, we traveled to Negril in the Spring of 2004 and had a tremendous stay. Not having ever traveled out of the US, it was a bit of a culture shock (Negril) to say the least. We were picked up at the airport by a transportation service (I forgot the name) that was terrific and prompt! The young man was very delightful and filled us in on some of the local spots. Upon arriving to Tensing Pen (late in the evening) we were welcomed by the man at the gate and so pleased. He took our things to the room and did not leave until he knew that we were all set. When we awoke the next morning, we were overwhelmed by such incredible views and an outstanding location. We were in Garden A (I believe), which through a gardenia bush was a direct view out to the Caribbean, which we could basically see from bed. In the mornings their kitchen is open to all that stay, a simple breakfast, but more than I'd asked for. All of the people on the property, whether they were groundskeepers, cooks, or housekeepers, they were all so friendly and warm. They even had 2 dogs Bella and Tensing, a nice warm touch and so friendly as well! We meet other couples at Tensing who'd been to the resort before, they could do nothing but rave about it. There was one family with 2 children and the rest of the guests consisted of more or less adult couples. Everyone kept to themselves, as if to enjoy the tranquility and anonymity of Tensing. In the evening, you can opt for a dinner (added to your bill) to be cooked by their evening staff/cooks. The meals were incredible, you couldn't eat that well in the US for the price. They have snorkling equiptment for use, as well as, internet and phone, as much as one could need when in such a simple part of the world. Upon departing the gates of Tensing, we found ourselves thrust into the world of Jamaica, although it's sad to say, but is indeed, a poor country. We found ourselves a bit jittery when exiting the gates of Tensing, but that is Jamaica, if you don't want that...well, you'll be missing out, but again, if you don't want that (a slice of reality) go to the Atlantis. We left the gates of Tensing a few times, to sample the beach (which was nice, although, we live in Sarasota, FL, thus, we have beautiful beaches here) and to try different eateries. We walked just up the road to Rick's (world famous Rick's or however it's coined), which was tasty. We had a beer and sat on the cliffside, as well, a man was jumping from an obscene elevation in a tree, but hey, it was interesting to watch. As well, we went up the road (other direction) to another restaurant and I hate that I cannot remember the name, but it was exquisit! The sunset from this place was to die for and something we don't see in Sarasota (or at least we don't appreciate on a normal basis). Ok.. so, I'll sum this up, because I am probably losing the individual's attention potentially reading this. Regarding the comment a reviewer had made about the management; I cannot understand WHY anyone would care who the owners might be?! I mean, that is like being concerned of whether they use quilted Northern or just plain white sheeted Northern (toilet paper).. my point.. WHO CARES! The service was personal, warm, and nothing other than perfect! Tensing is NOT owned by a corporation, thus, it can maintain it's personality and personal service(s). A resort like Sandals is one that you should be weary of, those are places that do NOT give back to Jamaica! Sorry, not trying to make a PSA, but I learned that while in Jamaica :) To sum up, it's a terrific place and I will definitely be back! Oh.. one other thing, while at the airport we ate lunch at the Jimmy Buffet restaurant and there was a worm on my lettuce, which sat atop my burger, thus, you might grab a bite before heading to the airport!

AMAZING - I can't wait to go back!! (Dec 04)

My husband and I were at Tensing Pen in Dec '04 and it was amazing. I was very nervous about what we would find in the wake of Ivan, but it was great. They apparently sustained significant damage, but they have rebuilt & it was a chance to build new, updated, larger cottages. As of 12/04 there was still some construction going on, however it looked as if it was close to being finished & it was never disruptive to the resort's atmosphere.

This was our first visit to Jamaica & I will be back, staying at Tensing Pen when we go. When we first arrived in Negril & passed all of the resorts on the beach road, I wasn't sure what to think. However the treat was what lay ahead on the cliff road. I didn't realize there were no beaches at Tensing Pen & instead you were on low cliffs. There are several small cliff peninsulas that you can walk to & lay in a hammock, or lounge under an umbrella, or have a massage. I'm not sure how many guests were staying there at the time, but I think they were at full capacity if not close to it. There was a friendly camaraderie between the guests, but I almost always felt as if we were in our own private world. Even after navigating down to the water (there are ladders for you to climb into & out of the water), you could easily be the only people swimming inside a cove made by the peninsulas.

This was one of the best vacations I have ever taken & so much more than I was expecting. We rarely ventured out of the resort, even having our evening meals there. We walked to the Rock House for lunch (it was great) & we went to the town center only once. We didn't take any boat tours, but we did hear great things from friend's who went snorkeling on Famous Vincent's boat. I went with pages of information on things to do & see while in Negril, but I ended up never wanting to leave Tensing Pen.

TGG

I cant believe it's Better than before!

Had a week at Tnesing Pen 12/05-12/12. They did/are doing lots of work to rebuild and update after hurricane. I never thought Tensing Pen could get better but it did! The new dining area is spacious and airey and the food is still excellent. We stayed in the Cove cottage which used to be the best, now with the refurbishment, there are many other superior and more spacious rooms. The Pine pillar is huge! The south house is two floors and very nice.

Negril is bouncing back. We had no problems or inconvieniences due to storm damage. The beach is still beautiful and the people were wonderful. If anyone is hesitant about going back to Jamaica, dont be. Cant wait to go back!

Best Vacation Ever!

I had the pleasure of honeymooning in Negirl, Jamaica last fall. My husband chose Tensing Pen for our lodging. At first I was a little skeptical feeling like we should be staying at one of the all-inclusives. The moment we arrived through the gates, the scene took my breath away and my mind had changed about the all-inclusive resorts.

Through the lush tropical gardens, I could see the beautiful ocean and the thatched-roofed huts lines along the cliffs. Tensing Pen was relaxing, peaceful and extremely romantic. We sunbathed on the rocks, snorkeled in the crystal clear water and motorcycled through town. The most amazing experience was laying over the ocean on the cliffs and looking out into the ocean I realized I was watching a pair of dolphins jumping in and out of the water. Comfortable hammocks were located troughout the premises and floats were also available. You can rent motorcycles for transportation across the street which I highly reccomend over taking taxis. We had dinner cooked for us on two occasions and they were far superior to any of the other restaurants around. The staff was so friendly and kind, we were treated like family. We even dined with the owner and his son one evening. I am a huge dog lover so I really enjoyed having the dogs around too. If anyone is to travel to Negril, streer clear of the over-priced all inclusive resorts - Tensing Pen is the way to go. I had the best time ever and will be planning a return visit very soon.

Absolutely Beautiful

My wife and I spent 4 nights at Tensing Pen for our honeymoon last September. We also spent 3 nights at Couples Negril. In our view Tensing Pen was far superior. The Cove Cottage was primitive yet gorgeous and clean, the view and tranquility of the place was amazing. The staff was extremely hospitable and always pleasant (they even gave us a free night since they were doing some repairs on some of the other cottages and thought if might have unconvinced us, which it didn t). The communal kitchen was nice; however the only time we ate in it was when the staff would prepare dinner for us, which was always great and relatively inexpensive. The best meal we had the entire trip was fresh lobster tail grilled over hickory coals and served with fried plantains and a form of indigenous spinach (probably the best lobster my wife and I have ever had). We rented a 120cc motorcycle from a place across the street for cheap and was able to go anywhere in Negril with ease and convenience, even took a day trip to Mayfield falls. Much of our time at the resort was spent exploring, laying out, relaxing in the hammocks, and snorkeling in the crystal blue water. The resort is very private and romantic, you never have to worry about too many people being around. We checked out some of the other resorts in the area, including the Rock House (which we ate dinner at one night and was disappointed with the quality of food), and Tensing Pen was a much nicer looking place. The only thing that my wife and I missed at Tensing Pen was a pool, and a little A/C might have been nice although the fan really kept the place comfortable.Matthew Schultz

Not nice anymore

this reviewer is probably a friend of the current never-present manager, also from texas. TSP used to be a fine place before they threw out their loyal managers, staff, and guests of longstanding. now its just another group of overpriced cottages nickle-diming new unsuspecting guests. the magic of the place died a few years back. my advice, go someplace else.

Simply fabulous

My husband and I were married at Tensing Pen this summer, and I thought it was pure paradise. The staff were all friendly and detail-oriented.

Our cottage was gorgeous, with full views of the sea even from our bed.

The grounds are beautiful, and the whole place just exudes romance. I agree that it's a little pricy for a place with no A/C, but I still thought it was worth every penny.

Pure paradise!

My husband and I chose to re-marry after being divorced for 10 years and Tensing Pen was highly recommended. From the time we were picked up at the airport, we were truly treated like a king & queen. The lodging was perfect, the food was WONDERFUL and those that work at Tensing Pen were the sweetest people you would ever meet. Tensing Pen planned every last detail of our wedding and it was PERFECT. If you want to relax in a beautiful setting, eat the best Jamaican food you have ever tasted and meet the friendliest people in Jamaica - go to Tensing Pen! You will remember it for the rest of your life.