Skylark Hotel & Annual Film Festival Review

This is my second review of Skylark Hotel, and as mentioned in my previous review, Skylark is a beautiful property located on Negril’s famous Seven Mile Beach. The hotel boasts stunning amenities, the exquisite Miss Lily’s restaurant, and many other features that make it a favorite for returning guests, both locally and internationally.

I returned to Skylark on October 25 to attend the annual Skylark Film Festival, which is held every fall, usually between September and October. This year’s festival ran from October 2–5, 2025, and the arrangements were truly something to behold. Lounge chairs were beautifully set up right on the beach, and a large screen was placed for viewing—an incredible open-air cinema experience, as you can see from the photos.

On Thursday, October 2, Skylark kicked off the festival by showcasing short films and documentaries. What impressed me most was that the majority of these films were created by young Jamaicans, highlighting the island’s incredible talent and creativity.

On Friday, the guest of honor was Paul Campbell, well known for his roles in Dancehall Queen, Shottas, and Third World Cop. After an engaging on-stage interview, his film The Lunatic closed out the night. In my opinion, Paul Campbell is a phenomenal actor and one of my personal favorites. The entire evening was a wonderful experience.

I truly cannot wait to attend the Skylark Film Festival again in 2026. I encourage all my readers to take a trip to Jamaica and experience this festival for themselves. The ambiance, meeting new people, socializing with locals and visitors, laughing, lying on the beach with a tropical punch in hand, and enjoying Miss Lily’s scrumptious meals while watching entertaining and thought-provoking films—it was a solid 10/10 experience for me.

SKYLARK BEACH RESORT REVIEW

 

Skylark Beach Resort is a beautiful family oriented hotel, nestled in the heart of the resort town of Negril, Westmoreland, Jamaica. It is located right on the famous 7 miles beach. This gem of 28 rooms is surrounded by the most beautiful flowers, lush gardens, fruit trees, palm trees and a variety of exotic plants. The studios on the 2nd floor all have a balcony which overlook the garden or the beach.

1st floor has patios that you can hangout on, while consuming some of the resort favourite drinks or whatever your choice. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning, USB outlets, bluetooth radio, Free WI-FI, a mini-bar, fridge and many more amenities, such as a digital safe to protect your valuables. The bathroom is very large and is stocked with all the necessity that is required by guest. There aren't any  TV's in any rooms, but on a resort like this you don't really need a T.V. 

The staff is very friendly and very accommodating. One of the best features on this property is , Miss Lily's restaurant, which has a sister restaurant in New York and Dubai. The food is delicious, and there is a wide variety to choose from, room service is also available. Each beach chair is covered with a large canopy to shade you from the sun while you relax on the beach. 

Overall, A wonderful experience, and it speaks volume why so many local and international celebrities frequent this resort, the overall ambience is phenomenal, I definitely will be returning to Skylark.

ISLES OF THE SUN RATING - 4/5

ISLES OF THE SUN RETURNS!

 

Hey Everyone,

Thank you for supporting my blog for all these years, due to the Pandemic and travelling restrictions we had to cease the blog for a while, but the good news is....I'M BACK!!!!!

New post will be on the way very shortly, so look out readers and bloggers!

Much Love,

SF RICHARDS

ISLES OF THE SUN IS BACK!

Hello everyone,

I know you have not heard from me in awhile, well I would like you to know that I am back; Look out for future reviews and thanks again for readership

Much Love,

-S.F

Beachcomber Club Review

I stayed at Beachcomber Club in Negril recently, this hotel is located on a beautiful spot on Negril's 7 miles beach. The rooms are very large, and beautifully decorated with flat screen T.V.'s, and a very nice bathroom. They also have two bedrooms suites for family, these suite boast three flat screens T.V.'s and two bathrooms; the furniture is exquisite.  Also the suites have an open concept kitchen overlooking a large living/dining room. If you're looking for quite this is the place for you. For entertainment, there is an Margaritaville right next door to the Hotel. Many thanks to Petrona, Jefferey, Melissa and Kim for making my stay memorable.

Kariya Park Review

The beautiful Kariya Park is located in the heart of downtown Mississauga, across from Square One Shopping Mall. This beautiful park boasts the Japanese Garden a gift from the Japanese Government to the city of Mississauga. This park is hot spot for wedding and prom photographs or any any other occasion, just a few months ago, Jaden Smith and Cara Delevingne filmed a scene for their movie "Life in a year." It has a tranquil lake which is surrounded by cherry blossom trees, various animals (ducks and turtles,) and a bridge overlooking the great scenery. If your visiting Toronto, Canada  and you're in the Mississauga area, make this a destination that you visit.

Snug Harbour Restaurant Review

Went to Snug Harbour with family for my birthday celebration. The service was excellent, the food was delicious done to perfection,one the best seafood dishes I ever had.  The atmosphere inside and outside was superb. While waiting to be seated, we went for a walk along the Harbour. The speed boats and the jet skis circled around, and the sun begun, to set "so beautiful". After a hour and a half wait time we were ushered to our table, and the excellent service begun. Our food was served in a timely fashioned we enjoyed every bit of it.The in house band was very versatile playing Pop, rock, reggae, calypso, or what ever music your heart desires....Loved every moment!!

Sweet Spot Restaurant Review

Sweet Spot Restaurant is located on Norman Manley Blvd, across from The Grand Pineapple Hotel in Negril. This authentic Jamaican restaurant serves up some real tasty food such as, curried goat and rice, fried chicken and rice and peas, escovitch fish, conch soup, and so many others to choose from. My favorite dish is the stew chicken. If you travel to Negril and yearn for some some real Jamaican food ,make a stop at Sweet Spot. The service is very fast, and friendly, and you can have your meal there, or you can do take it out.

ClubHotel Riu Negril Review

Had a great time at Club Riu, Negril.  Love the staff who were friendly and welcoming, and as a result, made my 7 days visit a memorable experience. Our room was very impressive, very large with a huge closet and bathroom. The bathroom had a large glass shower, hair dryer, towels and toiletries. The room was equipped with comfortable beds, flat screen T.V., dresser, table and chairs, in-room safe, iron and ironing board; a fully stocked bar and refrigerator. The balcony was very large with a beautiful garden view. Our room was cleaned daily. This resort is situated on Bloody Bay Beach, surrounding by sprawling trees, beautiful plants and fruit trees.  As soon as you entered the newly renovated lobby your eyes will be fixated on one of the several pools on site.  There are five restaurants that serves both Jamaican and International cuisine; three of which requires reservations. There is also a 24 hours’ sports bar, a beach bar, and a huge bar in the lobby. Nightly entertainment is provided.  My best experience was being surprised at dinner on my birthday, they gave me a beautiful cake and sang for me to the delight of all the other diners who joined in to serenade me. When I returned to my room I found 2 beautiful fruit platters and birthday wishes on my table, I was elated.  My only complaint is, when were first checked in, we were left on our own to find our room, and we had to drag our luggage up tree flights of stairs.   However, I had one of the best vacation, and I will return.  

The Shangri-La Hotel Review

The Shangri-La hotel is located in downtown Toronto at 180 University Avenue. This luxury hotel boast 202 beautiful rooms and all rooms are equipped with a mini bar, Ipad, WiFi and 24-hour room service. The décor throughout this hotel is exceptional, just beautiful on the day of my visit. Former Prime Minister Joe Clark was having a function in one of the conference room and next to this room York University was having Its Alumni Social. This hotel hosts a lot of prestigious functions for high profile people. As you enter into the lobby there was musical entertainment; people hanging out eating and drinking having a wonderful time while being entertained. The staff are very friendly and helpful.
Anyone visiting Toronto and looking for a 5-star luxury hotel I recommend Shangri-La, you will not be disappointed for more information on this hotel you can go on their website.

Isles of the Sun 4.5 out of 5

Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Church Review

 

Visited Mary Gate of Heaven Catholic Church on Norman Manley Blvd in Negril on Sunday, January the 3rd. The church was packed to capacity, standing room only with tourists and locals. Father Jim gave a wonderful sermon, and the service was very uplifting and inspiring. I have been visiting Mary Gate for years, and I have always enjoy the music, and the warm reception from both Father Jim and church members. If you are visiting Negril and looking for a place to worship, Mary Gate is right across from the Sandy Heaven hotel.

Isles of the sun rating : 4 out of 5

Sweet Spice Restaurant Review

I went to Sweet Spice Restaurant for dinner, and I was very impressed. The decor was very beautiful, very clean, service was excellent, and the food was great. The menu has a large selection of various dishes,such as, oxtail served with rice and peas,curry goat, fried or escovitch fish; and so many other dishes, I can't name them all. My only complaint they did not served the drink I requested, but overall great service.

Isles of the sun rating : 3.5 out of 5

Drifter's Bar and Restaurant Review

The best compliment is a referral, and it holds so true, while I was in Negril I was referred to Drifter's Bar and Restaurant located on the 7 mile beach. They have a live band on Sunday’s and Wednesday’s that provides great entertainment, dancing and socializing with tourist and some locals. The restaurant serves up delicious meals, by the very friendly staff. I had the grilled lobster and baked potatoes, so tasty and very reasonable priced, I kept gong back. If you are ever in Negril, make sure you visit Drifters for great entertainment and amazing food. My only complaint is they need to fixed the water puddles surrounding the entrance from Norman Manley Blvd.  Overall great experience.