Damian, born and raised in Jamaica, and I had the pleasure of staying at Jakes Hotel this August. We were in Jamaica for a 70th birthday celebration at the RIU Negril. Coming from a chain resort, I was able to appreciate Jakes authentic style and community outreach that much more.
Jamaica’s first boutique hotel with 84 hippy-chic cottages, rooms, and villas set along secluded Treasure Beach. This family owned property was built around a small fishing village surrounded by great beaches. The story of Sally Densham and Perry Henzell, the filmmaker for “The Harder They Come”, is one of inspiration, artistry and love. Jakes was born out of Sally’s desire to open a restaurant and create a home for her family and Perry’s mix of famous musicians, writers and artists dinner guests.
Found on the south shore of Jamaica, away from the crowds and resorts, you’ll see cacti and acacia on black sand bays. Jakes as been a long standing center of the Treasure Beach community, a place where locals and travelers connect. Jakes Hotel’s grand ocean view yoga deck offers daily yoga sessions as well as yoga retreats. Embracing Jamaica’s long tradition of nurturing and healing, the Driftwood Spa draws fresh ingredients from Jakes gardens. Located at the corner of the Jakes property, the Driftwood Spa bumps right up against the sea, with open-air treatment rooms that let in the ocean breeze.
Jakes Hotel supports low environmental activities and supports local tour operators who can share their knowledge of the area. Jakes donates a US dollar a night and a dollar from every transfer to Breds the Treasure Beach Foundation that funds many community projects including sport for social change as well as education and conservation projects such as the Galleon Beach Marine Sanctuary. Jakes treats most of the sewage on-site, turning it into gray water used for irrigation purposes. Water is heated with solar panels, the pool “recycles” its salt water to and from the sea, and enforces a towel re-use program.
Jakes’ accommodations:
- Hotel rooms: ocean view or garden view; Starting at $115/night
- Oceanfront bungalows: with private deck or with private deck with rooftop terrace; Starting at $315/night
- Cottages: 2-3 bedroom, full kitchen, outdoor shower, and on the ocean; Starting at $395/night
- Villas: luxury homes with staff to assist you; Varies around $600/night
The style at Jakes can best be described as Jimi Hendrix meets Antoni Gaudi on the beach in Jamaica. You’ll find splashes of blue, purple, orange, yellow, pink, and green. No two rooms are alike. Accommodations range from ocean views to garden views, all have an outdoor seating area and a private entrance. I wanted to stop to take a picture at every step (and I might have)!
Jakes Restaurant supports the surrounding neighborhood of Treasure Beach in every way possible by working with local fisherman, local farmers and local chefs. They represent the epitome of local food served by local people. St. Elizabeth is where 80 percent of Jamaica’s domestic produce is grown. The menu changes daily to reflect what is fresh. Damian loved the ackee and saltfish each morning and I loved the callaloo omelet. Damian was a little disappointed that some of the Jamaican options were not available towards the end of the day but that goes with using local ingredients.
From staring at waves crash on our private deck lounge to swimming on the shallow sand bar in front of Jakes, there is plenty of relaxing to do right on site. There are no TV’s in the rooms at Jakes which makes it a perfect property to unplug and enjoy the scenery.
Things to do Near Treasure Beach
Rasta Safari ATV: Enjoy an authentic experience of rural Jamaica during a half-day ATV tour. Riding on an all-terrain vehicle allows you to access rugged country roads that typical tourist vehicles cannot handle. The action-packed drive takes you past scenic farms, mountains, rivers, ganja field, local bar stop, and a stop at a natural mineral pool where you can swim with the locals. Learn about the plants, herbs and fruits along the way, ending with a vegan meal cooked by a rasta chef.
Floyd’s Pelican Bar: Floyd Forbes built a bar on stilts in the middle of the ocean on a sandbar lined with Pelicans. How awesome?! At first this structure was built for Floyd and his fishing buddies but has since become an attraction to visit while in Jamaica. Enjoy a red stripe, rum punch and fresh fish. We brought snorkels to see the fish near the pilings and help the cooks collect the knives they had dropped. The nearest town to Floyd’s Pelican Bar is Black River, Jamaica which is 7 miles away. Treasure Beach is 12 miles away. A boat can be arranged from Jakes Hotel.
YS Falls: YS Falls opened in 1992. It is a nature-based attraction offering the opportunity to experience the beauty of the waterfalls surrounded by lush gardens and magnificent trees. There are seven waterfalls, several which cascade into natural pools. Some areas are fairly rocky and river shoes are recommended. Lifeguards on site, indicate which areas are for swimming, however, being able to swim is a requirement. There is a natural pool, fed by underground and above ground springs, which is more suitable for children and others unable to swim.
Black River Safari: Discover the Black River and rural Jamaica aboard a shaded open-air boat for unobstructed views of the Black River’s bird life, crocodiles, and scenery. Hear commentary about the wildlife of Jamaica and its longest navigable river, and observe a part of the island that most visitors miss. Towards the Caribbean sea, the tour explores remote wetlands and mangroves, where you will see much of the local wildlife, including the endangered American crocodile. Also home to more than 300 species of tropical birds, the Black River is a birders paradise.
Enjoy the Beaches: Treasure Beach has been, and remains, largely a fishing community. The beaches here are central to our livelihoods as well as to our local culture. There are four main coves that make up Treasure Beach: Billys Bay, Calabash Bay, Frenchman’s Bay and Great Bay. You will not find hundreds of tourists on hundreds of lounge chairs, raked, fine sand, or water sports. You WILL find locals playing in the waves and fisherman coming in for the day bringing their catch to the beachside restaurants.
Howlett Family Island Tours is a great company that will organize your transportation and tours while in Jamaica. Neisha & Rayon are such a professional and kind couple that are waiting to help you make your trip to Jamaica even more awesome!
