Jakes

Jakes, a Michelin Key Selected property in Treasure Beach, Jamaica, offers a unique and authentic Jamaican experience characterized by its rustic bohemian charm, strong community ties, and an emphasis on unplugging and relaxation.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Jakes consistently receives high praise, often described as "exceptional" and a "wonderful stay" by guests. The general sentiment highlights its uniqueness, authentic charm, and capacity to provide a truly relaxing and familial atmosphere, distinct from the typical all-inclusive resorts. It's seen as a place to unwind at your own pace and connect with the real Jamaica. Recent updates indicate a strong recovery and reopening in December 2025 after damage from Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, with a positive outlook for rebuilding "better, stronger, and together."

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud Jakes for its:

• Authentic Bohemian Chic Design: The hotel boasts a vibrant, eclectic aesthetic with colorful cottages, funky artwork, glass embedded into walls, and tile mosaics, creating a highly Instagrammable and whimsical atmosphere.
• Secluded Location: Situated on Jamaica's quiet, rugged south coast, it offers a peaceful beachfront haven away from bustling tourist areas.
• Community-Centered Ethos: Jakes is deeply integrated into the Treasure Beach community, supporting locals through its tourism model and fostering a friendly environment where guests and locals mix.
• Unplugged Experience: Rooms are intentionally low-tech, designed for guests to disconnect, often lacking in-room phones, TVs, and Wi-Fi, though Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
• Family-Owned and Run: The Henzell family's dedication is palpable, contributing to a warm, familial atmosphere.

3. Room Quality

The accommodations at Jakes are varied and unique, reflecting a rustic bohemian chic style with influences of Jamaican, Moroccan, and Indian design. Rooms feature funky artwork, tile mosaics, and brightly patterned pillows and curtains. While deliberately low-tech, they include air-conditioning, ceiling fans, hot water, and lights, along with a water kettle, coffee maker, and complimentary water bottles. Beds are typically high on frames with mosquito nets, though some guests have noted these nets could use replacing. Many units offer private outdoor spaces like balconies, patios with sunbeds, or roof terraces with sea views. Bathrooms are unique, often featuring artistic bottle glass, seashell, and tile mosaics, with some offering outdoor tubs or showers with ocean views. It's important to note that rooms within the same category can differ significantly in design and amenities, so research into specific room types is advised.

4. Dining Experience

Jakes offers a delicious and fresh dining experience, with food sourced locally from Pedro Plains Farms and fresh fish from the fishing village. The main restaurant serves primarily Jamaican fare for dinner and breakfast, and a more fusion/international menu for lunch, often presented on blackboards. Guests can enjoy meals in a romantic outdoor dining area by the pool and beach, which becomes even more magical by candlelight at night.

Adjacent to the resort, and accessible by guests, is Jack Sprat Bar & Restaurant, a local institution known for its jerk, pizza, and other Jamaican favorites, offering a casual dining experience with a deck extending over the water. The drinks, particularly Jakes' signature family recipe Rum Punch, are highly recommended. Breakfast is generally well-regarded and reasonably priced. However, some reviews suggest the food at the main hotel restaurant, while nice, might not be "great," with one reviewer giving it a 6.5 out of 10. Breakfast is not included in the room rate, and guests are charged for water beyond the two complimentary bottles provided daily.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Jakes is consistently described as friendly, caring, and accommodating, with a strong family-run ethos. Guests often feel like part of the family, encountering members of the Henzell family who are super friendly and engage in conversation. The staff are known for their willingness to meet requests with a "yeah, man" attitude, contributing to an easygoing and relaxed atmosphere.

6. Location & Accessibility

Jakes is located in Treasure Beach on Jamaica's southwestern coast, within the parish of St. Elizabeth, known as the "Breadbasket Parish" for its local produce. This remote location, away from the more commercialized tourist hubs, offers an authentic and unspoiled Jamaican experience. While the journey from major airports like Montego Bay (a two-hour drive) or Kingston (a 2.5-hour drive) can be long and sometimes on rough roads, guests often find the "entertaining voyage" worthwhile for the unique destination. Transfers can be arranged by the hotel. Jakes also owns the private Lionel Densham Aerodrome, a 10-minute drive away, offering another access option.

The property itself is beachfront, nestled near Lovers Leap, with an outdoor pool and a poolside bar. While the hotel's immediate beach area may not be sandy, the sandy Jack Sprat's Beach is a short walk away. The area encourages interaction with locals and exploration of genuine Jamaican culture. Popular attractions like the Pelican Bar (a famous bar built on a sandbar) are accessible via boat trips arranged by Jakes.

7. Value & Pricing

Jakes is considered a good value for the authentic and unique experience it offers, especially given its distinction from typical all-inclusive resorts. Room rates are generally reasonable for a hotel in Jamaica, with the lowest rates for a garden view room at the main property starting around $115/night, and twin rooms at Jakes Next Door (a separate apartment home with access to main property amenities) starting at $90/night. Kayak shows rates starting from $132. However, pricing can fluctuate significantly, with June being the cheapest month (average 44% drop) and February being the most expensive (average 276% rise). It's important to note that rates are room-only, and breakfast is not included. Following Hurricane Melissa in late 2025, Jakes was offering a 30% discount on accommodation for new bookings through June 30, 2026, as part of its rebuilding efforts.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms or points to consider include:

• Mosquitoes: Due to its natural setting and the resort's policy against spraying, mosquitoes can be prevalent and "vicious," necessitating guests to bring repellent. Mosquito nets in rooms, while present, have been noted to have holes.
• Rustic Conditions: While praised for its bohemian chic, some rooms can show wear and tear, which a few guests feel is at odds with the price point.
• Lack of In-Room Amenities: The intentional "low-tech" approach means no in-room phones, TVs, or Wi-Fi (though Wi-Fi is available elsewhere on the property).
• Water Charges: Guests are only provided two complimentary bottles of water daily, with additional bottles incurring a charge, which some find disappointing given the climate.
• Beach Quality: The immediate beachfront at Jakes is described as craggy black sand, not a typical pristine sandy beach, though Jack Sprat's Beach is nearby.
• Impact of Hurricane Melissa: While the hotel has reopened and is rebuilding, guests should be aware that Treasure Beach and Jakes experienced significant damage from Hurricane Melissa in October 2025. While Jack Sprat restaurant reopened quickly, and 75% of rooms were targeted for reopening, the full recovery of the area may still be ongoing, with potential for some lingering effects on infrastructure or local businesses.
• Card Payment Issues: One guest reported difficulty with certain card readers processing charges in Jamaican dollars.

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