BUT Jake's is not for everyone. For those of you who can look past a lizard in your shower, or a few mosquitoes in your room, Jake’s is a unique, relaxing and spectacular getaway. For us, coming from NYC, Jake’s was just what we needed.

From the moment we met our driver outside the airport (I would definitely recommend getting a driver, we would have been completely lost if not), the trip was a perfect. The 2 ½ hour drive from the airport was long—but the ride through the mountains was amazing: most people do not see this part of Jamaica. Treasure Beach is very rural—there are few stores and bars—very little entertainment.

Most of the rooms are “rustic” (the honeymoon suites look amazing). We stayed in Starfish—which did not have air conditioning but you didn’t need it. There was a good breeze every night.

It has a lovely front porch with an outside shower, which I adored. It did have bugs in it—but it is an outside shower—what else would you expect? And all the bugs were polite enough to stay away from my soap.

We could see the water from bed. The mosquito net could have been a bit better. We got bitten at night, but once we got the whole procedure down—which was basically to spray the netting and make sure there aren’t any openings—we were okay.

We also had two lounge chairs rights on the cliff overlooking the water, if we were after an even better view.

The bathroom could have done with some better lighting but everything was clean and worked without any problems.

The pool is a bit small but clean and warm and who wants to swim in a pool when you can go down a path and basically be at your own private beach?! With clear, warm and inviting water?? A picture of me basking in my solitude is attached. We were the only people on the beach every time we went, save one. Walk down a bit to avoid the rocks.

The food was great. The seafood, veggies and fruit were the freshest I’ve ever had. The Oatmeal Porridge was to die for. Jack Sprat’s was also great—I had the shrimp curry at least 4 times.

The people who work there are also wonderful—our favorites were Zeb and Feron. They were both really nice, helpful and eager to show us around Treasure Beach—not that there’s much there—but again, this is exactly what we wanted.

YS Falls are a good side trip to take. Get up early and be the first ones there. We did and we had the entire place to ourselves and our own personal guide. It was beautiful. The Pelican Bar is also great--the perfect place to drink a few beers, play checkers or dominos and just relax.

We were at Jake’s for 5 nights and I would have stayed for another 5 if it were possible. All in all, Jake’s is a place to go if you want to get away from everything. You won’t find all the comforts you might find in the Four Seasons but the advantages heavily outweigh the disadvantages.

Jake’s is great! I can't wait to go back!

PS: Humpfrey the DOG rules!!

We spent 4 nights in the Blue room and were bitten badly by mosquitoes. The bed was very uncomfortable and our garden had more lizards than what would have amused us. Thanks to them, we never got to use the outdoor lounge chairs & dining area. It was a waste. The semi-enclosed shower was rather uncomfortable, it didn't feel very secluded. We reserved showers only during daylight hours. The place offers little privacy, with enough peek-a-boos for outsiders to look in if they wanted to. It was kinda creepy.
Some of the stafff have to knock off their attitude, although most of them were extremely sweet. The food was good.
But overall, we were unhappy with the place. Wouldn't wanna go back there.

But a definite short term haven for the curious traveller. We were seeking a place away from tourists and at Jake's we certainly found it. Eventually!!! Self driving in Jamaica is nothing if not an adventure. Who needs directional signs, mon? We know where we are. So unless you are ready to be lost I guess you take a taxi. But then you wouldn't be having fun! The place itself was a little less glitzy than it's website would have you believe but where else can you have two bedrooms 20 feet from the water at this price?? Frankly I thought the mosquito netting cute and I didn't get a single bite (other reviews notwithstanding). Wonderful old world feel to the whole place, in spite of the hectic modern colour scheme. Limited entertainment certainly, unless you count eating whole fish on the bone in the dark an entertainment? But I'd love to go back for two or three extra nights. If they would invest in some extra light bulbs!!!

The first time we experienced Jakes Place was about 4 years ago. A friend of ours recommended the adventure and we are so glad they did! We were so sorry we waited so long to return but once we did it was like we never left. We extended our stay from the previous 4 days to 8 days. The Staff was the same as we remembered polite, courteous, helpful and always a smile! We stayed in another oceanview room which was perfect! Our first trip there we met Sally and now we have the pleasure of knowing her son Jason. He chats with the guests, and introduces himself. A real hands on owner. The food was excellent! We fell in love with porridge and pumpkin soup, which we ate everyday as long as it was on the menu. The casual and relaxed atmosphere is truly a vacation. I call it the do" something or do nothing vacation". There are plenty of sights to see if that's what you want or you can just sit back and relax at the pool, beach or at Dougies( One of the best bartenders and a very personable man). You really need to try it for yourself to understand. The saying,"Once You Go You Know" is the absolute truth. We are now and forever will be "THE JAKESTERS"! As long as their is a "JAKES" we will continue to return year after year after year etc. Stephanie & Ruben