After reading many reviews on TripAdvisor (some positive, some negative) we decided to spend half of our honeymoon at Jake's and half at the Ritz in Montego Bay. Originally we wanted to stay at the Cave's, another Island Outpost property, but it was full. We booked Jake's on the recommendation of friends who were married there and were so glad we did. We loved the unique, friendly, funky vibe at Jake's. Even though it rained every afternoon, we had an amazing time. We hung out on our deck (we stayed in Octopussy 2) and read, enjoyed the Red Stripe beer in our fridge, got massages, ate every meal at Jake's, took the Black River/Pelican Bar boat ride, and loved every minute of our time. The outdoor shower is also fabulous.

Only recommendations for improvement are updating the sheets, pillows, and towels. Theirs are fine but updating to a nicer level would make a big difference.

Some reviewers were disappointed with the hotel but I think this is a result of misplaced expectations, not the hotel. When traveling, we like to experience the local culture and felt this was easy and natural at Jake's. Although the Ritz in MB was nice, we were surrounded by large groups of entitled, demanding tourists and found ourselves missing the laid-back, authentic atmosphere at Jake's.

We can't wait to go back and are hoping to make a trip next winter with friends to stay in Mussels. Jake's provides great bang for your buck if you want a relaxing, low-maintenance vacation. If you're looking to be served on hand and foot, this probably isn't the place for you. It's definitely a bit rustic but that's why we liked itso much. There's not much in the way of nightlife, but if you travel with friends, you can create as much or little of a party scene as you like.

The best part of Jake's was falling asleep to the sound of waves constantly crashing on the rocks - only several yards from our bed. We loved it!

I just got back last week from Jake's and am still feeling the relaxing effects of my spa treatment! Driftwood Spa by the sea at Jake's opened the day I was leaving Jamaica (Bob Marley Day, 2/6/08) and I was the first to have a treatment - the Blue Mountain Coffee Body Scrub. As with the rest of the resort, the spa's construction utilizes the natural environment as backdrop and support for an experience that is truly unequalled! Having the sea in your room while having a spa treatment is instant relaxation. Prior to my treatment, I chose an essential oil based on my stress level and it happened that, based on the oil I chose, I would have the Blue Mountain Coffee Scrub. After my scrub, I took a shower in the outdoor shower by the sea. Don't worry, it's private and incredibly freeing. I've been to many spas, including the Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton, and I predict this spa will be on Conde Nast's Gold List before too long. Driftwood Spa is not to be missed - I recommend that when you make your reservation for accommodations, you also schedule a Blue Mountain Coffee Scrub or any spa treatment on your first full day or definitely during your stay at Jake's. It's the fastest way to shorten your wind down to relaxation! I would get one on the way home too - you know why.
In my week at Jake's, I stayed in four different rooms. I kept extending my stay, I really didn't want to leave. I thought it was only me but, I was told by fellow guests that this was the case with most guests as they had witnessed it time and again during their numerous trips to Jake's. My favorite rooms were Abalone Up, Cowry Down & Octopussy 1. I loved the outdoor showers in Jellyfish and Octopussy. I love that all of the rooms have names that are associated with the sea. All of the rooms at Jake's have special qualities and surprise features - the bottles in the walls were the coolest, I loved the way they played with the light throughout the day and night.
Jake's is a magical, whimsical paradise - it's like being on a movie set - it's absolutely beautiful everyday!
I can't say enough good things about my stay there. Dougie's drinks were more than satisfying any time of day. The saltwater pool was a great alternative to going directly into the sea, especially on rough days. The food at Jake's restaurant was excellent and well priced. Most of all, the staff's can do attitudes and smiles at Jake's were priceless!

*Please disregard the date on my pictures, I did not change the date on the camera.

I have traveled all over the world and never felt compelled to write a review. Well, Jake’s brought it out. This place is a little slice of unspoiled, down to earth paradise. We came here for our honeymoon in November 2007 and could not have been happier. The food, the staff, the surroundings, the accommodations, the local excursions and of course Dougie’s Bar were stellar and full of character. Now, this is not your ordinary, stuffy, run of the mill, boring, air conditioned, homogeneous, Americanized, hotel chain kind of place. If you are interested in obnoxious tourists, unnecessary amenities, attitudes of any kind, all-you-can-eat buffets, have no sense of adventure or can’t deal with a few mosquitoes, don’t bother. Please go stay at one of the walled-in chain resorts… in fact, stay far far away from Jake’s!! ;) However, if you are interested in the simple beauty of life, conversing with eclectic, intelligent guests and staff, eating the best seasonal, local foods, learning about true Jamaican culture, being surrounded by some of the most gorgeous landscapes in the world and lavishing in a bohemian wonderland… this is the real deal and your type of place. We walked into Jake’s and felt like we were home. Each member of the staff felt like family and could not have been more friendly or accommodating. This is truly a remarkable hideaway and we will be coming back for years to come.

I’ll be the first to admit that I thought I would never write a Tripadvisor review (and yes it is long overdue), however, it is without hesitation that I write about one of the greatest establishments in the Caribbean. The name of the establishment is Jake’s and this has to be without a doubt the epitome of the quintessential Caribbean experience. My Wife and I took our annual trip to the greatest island in the Caribbean from October 19-26 (2007). We have experienced and have been “wowed” by other Jamaican resorts and we were not disappointed by Jake’s.

For those of you not familiar with Jamaica you need to know that the South Coast is probably the most quiet part of Jamaica but don’t let this deter you from venturing to this part of the island. I will say that this is probably not the part of Jamaica to visit if you require the hustle and bustle of Kingston or Montego Bay. This part of Jamaica is about as a laid back as it comes. You definitely get a sense of “community spirit” in Treasure Beach.

We prearranged our transportation through one of Jake’s drivers and upon arrival were promptly met at the Sangster International Airport (Montego Bay) by Connley. Yes it is a long drive from the airport but the beautiful Jamaican countryside is well worth the lengthy voyage. Don’t be afraid to ask your driver to stop at one of many Jamaica’s road side watering holes for a cold Red Stripe or Ting.

Upon arrival at Jake’s you can’t help but feel that you have the place to yourself. At no point did we see anymore than 10 other guests at any given moment. It was only a bonus that we got to meet some awesome people from around the world (Big Up’s to Robin and Andrea from England and Bob and Melanie from Vermont). For those of you who have not been to Jamaica, I cannot describe another place on the Earth where you feel so relaxed and all the every day burdensome stress that we carry seems to disappear within seconds upon arrival.

We were lucky enough to reserve one of the cottages right on the Caribbean (Octopussy 3). There is nothing like being able to open a set of French doors and have the Caribbean Sea 15 feet directly in front of you. Every morning we awoke to the sound of the waves of the Caribbean and the warm Jamaican sun. Also, the Octopussy cottages have a deck with patio furniture, roof top deck for sun bathing and lounging and an outdoor shower which is nothing short of spectacular (and for those of you who might worry, at no point did we ever come in contact with anyone who could see us while in the shower). Also, for you animal lovers Jake’s has about 5 dogs, all owned by Jake’s, that can’t help but brighten your day. At no time did any of the dogs ever beg us for food or bother us for attention and our favorite dog, Blackie, even escorted us to our cottage at night.

I have had an opportunity to read all of the previous reviews about Jakes and would like to address some of the reviews. First, it seems like there have been a lot of complaints about mosquitoes. I’m not saying that mosquitoes don’t exist in Jamaica but at no time did we have any problems with bugs. I don’t know if we were just lucky or the other Reviewers have blown the issue out of proportion. Second, Jake’s is not the Ritz Carlton (and believe me they are not trying to be). This is the main reason why my Wife and I chose to stay at Jake’s. If you are interested in fancy furniture, fine china, marble bathrooms, and uptight guests don’t stay at Jake’s. Third, yes it is true; there is not a beach at Jake’s. However, I challenge anyone to find another place in Jamaica, for the price, with a view that is as mesmerizing from any of the cottages at Jake’s.

Further, for those of you not familiar with Jamaica it is important to know that Treasure Beach is not Montego Bay, Negril or Ocho Rios. It is a rather quiet town that is not full of wasted tourists indulging in crazy nightlife. Again, this is something that Jake's and the residents of Treasure Beach pride themselves on. Having said that, you will not find another part of Jamaica where you will feel as safe and welcome as Treasure Beach. At no point were we ever harassed, threatened or even approached, by any locals soliciting money or begging us to purchase any goods. If you wish to purchase local goods simply ask the staff at Jake’s or take a short walk down the street.

Further, there are plenty of activities to indulge in around Treasure Beach. We were so glad to have met our friend Andy who took us around Treasure Beach mountain biking, sea kayaking and snorkeling. Also, Jake’s is close to the Appleton Rum Factory and the beautiful YS Falls. Don’t forget to include a day trip to Lover’s Leap, for sunset, and the legendary Little Ochie Restaurant, for fresh seafood. Without a doubt the most favorite part of our vacation was our afternoon trip to the Pelican Bar. We had Ted take us by boat to the Pelican Bar run by a gentleman by the name of Floyd. The Pelican Bar is basically located in the middle of the Caribbean and as one can only imagine, you have the place to yourself. Truly one of the best days of our lives was when my Wife and I chilled out with Robin and Andrea, Bob and Melanie along with Andy, Zeb, Ted, and Floyd. We drank Red Stripes for hours while listening to reggae on the satellite radio.

As if things weren’t spectacular enough, we were lucky enough to be at Jake’s while they hosted the Island Outpost staff party. For those of you who don’t know Jake’s, along with Goldeneye, Strawberry Hill and The Caves, is part of Island Outpost run by Island Records Founder Chris Blackwell. Jake’s Manager Jason Henzell, and his lovely wife, invited us to party with the awesome staff of Jake’s and all of Island Outpost. We had a blast as we ate great food, drank a ton of Red Stripe, listened to a stellar sound system, and watched the staff participate in many entertaining games. Also, we enjoyed meeting Nick from Goldeneye, Jennifer from Strawberry Hill and Kevin from The Caves. We also got to see our friend Pernaldo from The Caves who we met in Negril in 2006. Thanks Jason! We truly felt like a member of the Island Outpost family.

The bottom line is that if you want to experience a laid back Jamaica then Jake’s and Treasure Beach is your place. I promise you that you will forget all your worries and meet some of the kindest and most genuine people that you have ever met.

Lastly, the food at Jake’s (and Jack Sprats) was incredibly delicious and authentic. Also, have to give a BIG UP’S to Dougie who runs the bar at Jakes with the utmost pride and our driver, O’Neil, who played, upon request, nothing but Gregory Isaacs for us on our way back to the airport.

To our friends at Jake’s, we miss you and we will be back!

S. & A. Lawrie