On Jamaica’s magnetic south coast, Jakes Hotel is stepping into 2026 with a renewed sense of rhythm, signaling a return to gatherings, movement, food, and storytelling following its December reopening after Hurricane Melissa.
The Treasure Beach landmark is entering the new year with expanded programming, the return of popular excursions, newly restored accommodations, and the milestone 30th anniversary of the Jakes Off-Road Triathlon—one of the Caribbean’s most distinctive endurance events. The season also doubles as a quiet celebration of founder Sally Henzell’s enduring creative vision, which continues to shape the property’s community-centered ethos.
To mark the moment, Jakes is offering 30 percent off accommodations for new bookings of two nights or more through June 30, 2026. The promotion applies to hotel rooms and bungalows, with select cottages and villas included. Bookings must be made by June 28, 2026, using the code “Travel.”
Life at Jakes has returned to its familiar rhythm, centered around swims in the sea, bike rides along back roads, and long afternoons that spill into music-filled evenings at Jack Sprat Bar & Restaurant. Fresh fish arrives straight from the boats, lobster pizza remains a staple, and the beachfront space once again serves as a gathering point for locals and visitors alike. Artists, athletes, writers, and wanderers mix easily here, reinforcing Jakes’ reputation as the social heart of the south coast.
That energy will peak on Saturday, April 25, 2026, when the global athletic community descends on Treasure Beach for the 30th staging of the Jakes Off-Road Triathlon, the longest-running off-road triathlon in the world. The event features a 300-meter ocean swim, a 25-kilometer back-country mountain bike ride, and a 7-kilometer trail run through farmland and fishing villages, including the grueling climb through Big Ground. While elite athletes compete, the event remains as much a community festival as a race, drawing spectators from around the world.
Excursions return to the South Coast
Beyond the hotel grounds, key south coast attractions are also reopening. YS Falls resumes operations on January 24, followed by the return of the iconic Pelican Bar on January 31. Experiences at Appleton Rum Estate are expected to restart later in the season, while Captain Dennis’ Beach Picnic is already welcoming guests back.
Food remains central to the Jakes experience, particularly in St. Elizabeth, widely regarded as Jamaica’s breadbasket. On January 31, the hotel launches the first in a new series of Thatch Walk dining events, spotlighting local farmers, fishermen, and seasonal ingredients. Additional culinary gatherings are planned throughout the year.
Looking ahead, four fully renovated seaside bungalows are set to debut in February, expanding the hotel’s accommodations while remaining faithful to Henzell’s sculptural, playful design language. The season also carries personal significance for the Henzell family, with celebrations planned around Sally Henzell’s 85th birthday in March.
As Jakes approaches the anniversaries of Jack Sprat on February 14 and Jakes Hotel on March 7, the property enters 2026 grounded in continuity rather than reinvention. For travelers drawn to movement, music, shared tables, and genuine community, the season offers an invitation to experience a place that continues to evolve without losing its soul.
Winter rates start at $209 per night, with summer rates beginning at $175. More information is available at jakeshotel.com.
