Getting Here/FAQ - Jakes Hotel Treasure Beach

Jakes

GETTING TO JAKES

USING A CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL JAKES DRIVER (OR DRIVING YOURSELF)

Treasure Beach is a two-hour drive from Montego Bay Airport, a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Negril, and a two-hour-twenty-minute drive from the capital city of Kingston, taking the newly opened highway.

Around the world, Jamaica is famous for many things, but smooth roads would not be among them. Your drive here may be an adventure, but you can stop along the road, pick up some local seasonal fruit, tasty jerk chicken or fresh coconut jelly. In other words, make it a culinary and cultural adventure.

No matter where you’re coming from — any of the airports or from another town on the island—one of our friendly, professional Jakes drivers will pick you up and bring you to Jakes. Mobay Club members will be whisked through customs — and will be met by their Jakes driver outside the arrivals area.

Some visitors to Jakes prefer to rent a car at the airport, from Hertz, Avis, Budget or Island, and drive across the island themselves. Yet another option, popular with many returning guests, is to have a Jakes driver bring them to Treasure Beach, then rent a car locally, for nearby excursions. Find out more on driving in Jamaica and exploring the countryside by car.

No matter which mode of transport you choose, please follow our directions below. They’ll do a better job getting you here than Waze or other GPS apps (which don’t always work in Jamaica).

Directions from Montego Bay Airport to Jakes

Turn right (last exit) at the roundabout after leaving the airport.
Turn left at the T-Junction.
Bypass the town of Montego Bay driving west (along Howard Crooke Boulevard).
Approximately four miles out of town, you will reach Reading; take a left (directly opposite the Reading Reef Club).
Go up the hill and pass through the town of Anchovy and turn right at the T-junction in Whithorn.
At the bottom of the hill, the main road takes a sharp turn to the right but you continue “straight.”
Take a left at the T-junction at the Ferris Cross gas station and continue on the coast road (east) to Bluefields, Whitehouse and Black River.
Approximately eight miles past Black River, take a right at Fullerswood Park (several signs on the corner).
Continue about six miles further, and you will see a sign to Treasure Beach; take a left and continue to the Cross Roads Texaco gas station.
Turn right and continue down Calabash Bay; the road turns right and a quarter-mile further, you will soon find Jakes.

Directions from Kingston Airport to Jakes

Leave the airport and turn left at the roundabout towards Kingston (Palisados).
Take a left at the Harbour View roundabout towards Kingston.
Go straight at first seven stop lights in Kingston (sea on your left).
Pass a gas station, then take a right and an immediate left onto Marcus Garvey Drive.
Continue straight passing two overhead stoplights and continue straight merging left onto Mandella Highway.
Take a left on the toll road (cost J$500 or US$3.50).
Straight at Williamsfield towards Mandeville.
Continue straight at both roundabouts in Mandeville (bypass town).
Continue down Spur Tree Hill (pass curry goat and jerk restaurants).
Take a left at Gutters—the Texaco gas station will be on your right. (From here, you can also follow all the signs for Jack Sprat.)
Pass ALPART alumina factory (can’t miss it, huge and ugly).
Continue straight at the Nain crossroads.
Take a right at Downs (little shop in the middle of the island).
Continue past Junction towards Southfield.
Continue past Southfield (Lovers Leap sign) towards Pedro Cross.
Take a left at Pedro Cross (crossroads) to Treasure Beach.
Continue straight past the sign to Great Bay towards Calabash Bay.
Pass Kingfisher Plaza and take a right (90-degree turn) at Calabash Bay for a quarter mile and you will see an old Ford Prefect with Jakes written on the side.

Welcome!

FLYING

Some people prefer to skip the drive and fly across the island.

Jakes is happy to book you a flight by commuter plane (Timair or Airlink), or helicopter (Island Hoppers or Captain Aviation). We can’t list prices here, because they change according to season, but we can tell you that all flights land at nearby Lionel Densham Aerodrome, a few minutes down the road, and that when you land, we’ll have someone there to pick you up.

Learn more about the Lionel Densham Aerodrome and the man it’s named for, uncle of Jakes founder Sally Henzell.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHEN IS CHECK-IN / CHECK-OUT?

Officially, check-in is at 3 pm and check-out is at noon, but we do our best to accommodate everyone’s travel schedule. Talk to the front desk to request early check-in or late check-out.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE AT JAKES?

The average temperature is 85°F (30°C) and sunny, with a light breeze from the East. February is the coolest month, while July and August are warmest. Rain is usually brief, dramatic and followed by hours of heavenly sunshine. The warm sea is calmest from October through May.

WHAT IS THE LOCAL CURRENCY?

Jamaica is home to the JMD, otherwise known as the Jamaican dollar. Not that you need to worry about this. Everything at Jakes, and most other places, can be paid for in American dollars. Still, it’s nice to keep some colorful JMD in your wallet, should you want to stop for a jelly (coconut water) or a cup of fish tea while out on a drive.

WHAT’S UP WITH Wi-Fi?

There’s wireless Internet throughout the property. There’s also a communal computer in the lobby available any time day or night, and the front desk can help you print, fax, copy, and scan.

WHAT’S THE 411 ON PHONES & TVs?

We’re big proponents of “unplugging,” while you’re on holiday at Jakes. We don’t have in-room phones or televisions.

You’re more than welcome to give your friends, family and business colleagues our front desk number: 1-876-965-3000. We’ll gladly pass on any messages as they arrive. If you’d like to place an outgoing call, you can also do that via the front desk. And, if you like, you can borrow one of our mobile phones, available at the front desk.

For your viewing pleasure, we have the ocean. We also have a TV, DVD player and media library in the games room, and we have movie nights every Thursday at Jack Sprat restaurant.

CAN I FIND A BANK NEARBY?

There’s an ATM at Jack Spratt restaurant. The closest banks (and pharmacies) can be found in Black River and Junction, the two biggest nearby towns, approximately a 40-minute drive away. The front desk can also help with transactions like exchanging currency. Don’t worry—we got you.

WHAT ABOUT PLUGGING IN MY ELECTRONICS AT JAKES?

Standard U.S. plugs work without adapters and transformers—and don’t worry about bringing your hair dryer, we have them in every room! In Jamaica, the electrical current is an average of 110 volts, 50 cycles, compared to America’s 120 volts, 60 cycles, a mild difference most consumer electronics can accommodate.

CAN I BOOK THE ENTIRE JAKES PROPERTY?

Yes, you can rent the entire resort for a wedding, group trip or family reunion! Call 1-876-965-3000 and ask us all about it.

WHERE CAN I SWIM AT JAKES?

We have a beachside saltwater pool where ocean water is pumped to and from the sea daily. This means the water stays fresh and clean without any harsh chemicals.

If you prefer to swim in the sea, you’ve come to the right place! In addition to Jakes Beach at the heart of our property, there are four beaches within walking distance: Jack Sprat, Frenchman’s, Calabash Bay and Old Wharf. Snorkeling up and down the coast is amazing and delicious picnic baskets are also available upon request.

Here’s more about our many amazing beaches.

WHAT DO YOU OFFER FOR KIDS?

We have the most wonderful nannies. Kids will love them, and their parents will love them even more! For older kids, we have a full assortment of activities in the Games Room, as well as a television for watching DVDs. We also offer really great art classes for kids, both entertaining and educational.

Find out more about all the experiences Jakes offers for kids and families.

WHAT’S THE CONNECTION BETWEEN JAKES AND “THE HARDER THEY COME?”

Perry Henzell, late husband of Jakes founder Sally Henzell, directed the 1972 film The Harder They Come while Sally designed the sets and costumes. The Harder They Come is widely recognized as the classic, definitive Jamaican movie with an unforgettable soundtrack famous for introducing reggae music to the wider world. Haven’t seen it yet? No worries! We screen the film every Thursday night in our Games Room, and it’s a big hit with guests.

Learn more about the intersection of this cinematic cult classic, the export of Jamaican culture and the Henzell family’s artistic lineage.

TREASURED SECRET

“While you’re here, don’t miss a bike ride with Reds. I can’t recommend it enough. I know it takes a lot of effort to wake up just before dawn when you’re on holiday but seeing the Treasure Beach community as it wakes up, all the ‘good morning’ wishes, the farmers in their fields, the sunrise creeping over the mountain … and knowing you’ll arrive back at Jakes in time for a cup of Blue Mountain coffee and a swim … it’s perfection. Trust me!”