Jakes Hotel, Villa & Spa

St. Elizabeth

The region of St. Elizabeth in southern Jamaica has become a must for anyone wishing to discover the island’s most beautiful sites. Visitors from all over the world are attracted by the idyllic beaches on this coast of Jamaica, like the famous Treasure Beach with its hotels and superb views of the Caribbean Sea. Tourists also come in droves to the Pelican Bar, a legendary site destined for visitors seeking a Caribbean party like atmosphere. It’s a small wooden bar built on a sandbar, where visitors can be lulled by the sound of the waves, while sipping on a fresh fruit cocktail or a beer.

The YS Falls are considered one of the jewels of the island. In order to protect his wild, natural site, only a small number of visitors per day are allowed access. They first take a tractor across a part of a private property owned for generations by the same family. Once they arrive at the falls, the site is breathtaking. The water cascades down over seven hills, creating natural pools where guests can swim, even if the water is a little cold! Finally, for the most courageous, there’s a boat trip to Black Island in the company of a guide, who will shown you the wetlands of Jamaica and hundreds of crocodiles that have made it their home.

Feeling at home in Paradise

The celebrated hotel known as Jake’s is located at Treasure Beach. Jake’s Hotel Villa & Spa is first and foremost the story of the family of Sally Henzell. It’s also the story of a property that has been passed down from generation to generation, and which has undergone numerous transformations, but always with respect for the environment. Sally Henzel, the mother of the present owners, was at the forefront of the work that gave birth to this highly unique kind of hotel complex, which might be better described as a small luxury village.

Jake’s proposes rooms, villas and cottages, two restaurants, a spa and a swimming pool all facing the sea. Whichever type lodging you choose, simplicity, authenticity and comfort are the guiding principles for the décor and the organization, which include king size beds, ceiling fans, equipped kitchens, bamboo shutters and a view of either the ocean or the gardens. Sally has allowed her Moroccan, Indian and Spanish influences run free. The great charm of the hotel is that we feel at home almost immediately. A good example is the Treasure Cot cottage, which was actually where Sally’s parents, the first owners of the property, lived, and which has conserved the authenticity of a family home from the past, but with all of today’s modern comforts.

The well-being of both mind and body is one of the hotel’s imperatives, and the spa allows guests to take advantage of traditional Jamaican medicine as well as personalized yoga sessions practiced in an incredible décor.

The two colorfully decorated restaurants propose a cuisine typical of the island, using local, seasonal products, often coming from neighboring farms. The menu also contains everything from lobster and crab to pizza.

Sally herself chose the name of the hotel, after the name her family gave to their parrot. “My mother had a feel for architecture. She had no formal training, and she was inspired by the architect, Gaudi. People who know his work will understand that of my mother.” Jason Henzell, owner of Jake’s