Jakes Hotel, Villas and Spa - On-site Activities

Jakes Hotel, Villas and Spa is a Caribbean boho-chic resort on Jamaica’s low key south coast.

Despite it’s laid back appeal there is plenty to keep you occupied on the main Jakes property, all presented in Jakes signature style.

Everything on site, from the pool, to the bar, to the spa has been designed in a non-intrusive, artsy cool way.

If you are looking for an authentic place to stay in Jamaica, with first class dining and plenty of things to do Jakes may just have it all?

Our recent stay at Jakes has warranted a mini-series about the resort, as there is so much to document. I kid you not!

If you want to start at the beginning you can catch up on our review of the Garden View Room – Coral, that we stayed in, or take a sneek peak at the rest of the accommodation on the dreamy resort, by reading Jakes – The Rooms.

Things to Do at Jakes Hotel, Villas and Spa

Between the restaurant, the bar, the spa, the beach and the pool, you have all the essentials ticked. But Jakes has a few other surprises on offer to ensure you can fill each day with something different.

Jakes doesn’t disappoint when it comes to the communal areas, they are just as quirky, artsy and cool as the rest of the resort.

Utilising a range of materials in the building design, such as, curved rough render, coloured glass bottles, sea shells and driftwood, Jakes sprinkles a touch of fairy dust over everything.

The Saltwater Swimming Pool

Right in the centre of the action at Jakes is the saltwater swimming pool, steps away from the outside dining patio of Jakes Restaurant.

Pumped from the sea and chemical free, the salt-water pool doesn’t have the crystal clear water of a treated freshwater swimming pool.

But the beautiful design of the pool deserved a few laps and we took the plunge into the cool water.

The Beach at Jakes

With a location along the rocky honeycomb coastline, Jakes has cleverly corralled a small sandy beach area. Racked to perfection every day, it has expansive views of the turquoise sea.

Between the sand and the surrounding patio areas there is a multitude of seating options, just far enough away from the next one that you have your own space to chill.

The dock jutting out into the sea provides a great spot to sit and sun yourself, or to be collected by boat for a visit to the Pelican Bar or a Black River Safari.

The sea is quite difficult to enter by the beach area, as there are a lot of rocks in the water.

We thought that the dock makes for an easier entry point, as it has a ladder which you can climb down, or just go ahead and jump in!

The water is much warmer than the north coast and was waist deep in the shelter of the cove.

Dougie’s Bar – Jakes Hotel

The story goes that Dougie’s Bar was the second thing that Sally Henzell built on the property, after Jakes Restaurant.

Originally named Basil’s bar after her father who loved a tipple, it was later changed to Dougie’s bar in honour of her long-time friend who kept the drinks coming – as long (and as late) as there was people still at the bar.

The eponymous bartender has long retired, but his legend lives on in the run punches served from this psychedelic tiki roofed drinking hole.

Driftwood Spa

The Driftwood Spa is located on the far eastern edge of the main Jakes property, nestled atop the rocky honeycomb coastline.

With four couple sized treatment rooms offering views of the ocean, you can relax, reset and refresh yourself.

Choose from a range of massages, rubs, scrubs, wraps, manicures, pedicures and facials, administered with the signature ‘home made’ spa products created with fresh ingredients from the garden.

Traverse the steps up to the roof terrace which heralds a daily Yoga class held on the wooden Yoga deck. Overlooking the ocean you are sure to feel realigned and rejuvenated practicing with the Empress.

The Games Room

Set back in a little nook between two of the garden view rooms, lies the Jakes offices and The Games Room.

A lively wooden building with knick-knacks and movie memorabilia from The Harder They Come’, it houses the only TV available to guests in the main property, alongside board games, books and a collection of DVD’s.