Jakes

"A 30-year mainstay on the island and owned by the local Henzell family, Jakes is a collection of colorful one-of-a-kind villas and bungalows all connected by mosaic trails. The breezy bohemian property sits along the rocky coastline of Calabash Bay in Treasure Beach—a sleepy, fishing village on Jamaica’s south coast. If you haven’t heard of the hotel, you’ve probably heard of the restaurant: The beloved open-air Jakes Restaurant is a regular on all of the island's where-to-eat lists. The menu changes daily, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced produce and seafood (including conch and lobster when in season), as well as sustainable and eco-friendly standards. The funkier, beach-side Jack Sprats, has a great local vibe on its long outdoor deck, serving up unique pizza toppings such as jerk chicken and pineapple." - Ruth C. White

"A group of villas and bungalows on the rocky coastline with a reputable restaurant."

"A collection of 31 idiosyncratically designed and decorated cottages (think Morocco does sea glass) on Jamaica ’s isolated south coast, Jakes attracts a stylish but relaxed crowd that doesn’t mind the two-hour drive from Montego Bay, the middling black-sand beach, or the arid landscape. They come because, without making too much fuss about it, Jakes is one of Jamaica’s hippest hangouts. It's connected with the film and music world through legendary Jamaican filmmaker Perry Henzill, whose wife, Sally, an artist, created the resort, and son, Jason, manages it. And it has a reputation for community involvement that gratifies even the most socially concerned traveler. Guests plan a yoga retreat, or watercolor classes, or a best friend’s wedding, and the next thing they know, they’ve volunteered to help with some community project—often the result of a conversation with a local over a Red Stripe beer at the hotel’s Jack Sprat Restaurant."

"Drift away at Driftwood Spa One of my favorite spas in Jamaica is located at the well-known Jakes Resort, in Treasure Beach. Small, cozy and away from the big resort towns, it’s a wonderful place to unwind. Opt for a long full body massage in one of only four oceanfront treatment cabanas, with doors open on the sea ahead. The spa prides itself in using fresh ingredients from its on site gardens. When you’re done, walk over to Jack Sprat for a quick bite with a view and take a nap on the beach—not necessarily in that order."

"A Treasure Beach institution, the family-run Jake’s is more than a boutique hotel; it’s the heart and soul of the community. In 1991, artist, architect and Renaissance woman Sally Henzell bought a modest plot of land in Treasure Beach, and over the years, she and her family have transformed it into a meandering outcropping of colorful cottages and bungalows with seaside views that provide an intimate antidote to the chain package hotels that dominate much of the island. For those looking for some action—the sporty kind, that is—Jake’s offers boat excursions, bird-watching trips, cooking and art lessons, yoga, and fitness retreats. (If relaxation is on the agenda, their Driftwood spa offers services like seaweed scrubs and massages.) Try the legendary rum punch at Dougie’s, the hotel bar, whose secret recipe has been passed down through generations of Henzells. Every other year, Jake’s hosts the Calabash International Literary Festival."