Jake's

This is one of the most eccentric and off-beat hotels in Jamaica. Perched on a cliff side overlooking the ocean and set within a labyrinth of badly marked roads, adjacent to a rocky beach that benefits from the occasional dumping of truckloads of sand, Jake's is a special haven. It occupies a series of earth-colored Casbah-style buildings, each individually decorated and exploding with colors -- everything from funky purple to Pompeian terra cotta. Each contains mosquito netting, flickering candles, and a CD player with a very hip collection. All units come with a well-maintained bathroom with tub-and-shower combination. Likewise, as a means of avoiding infestations of flying insects, lighting is kept deliberately dim. Our favorite accommodations here are the trio of Octopussy villas, each with a large amount of living space and a spacious bedroom with an open-air deck on the rooftop jutting out over the water. For an extra sense of romance, the villas offer alfresco showers.

There's also a raffish-looking bar attracting guests and well-meaning locals, an amoeba-shaped pool, and a barrage of fishers and drivers who'll familiarize you with local activities and tours. The hotel restaurant (Jake's) is recommended separately in "Where to Dine," below.

Jake's is owned by Chris Blackwell, the man who brought the world Bob Marley and U2. It is run by Jason Henzell, son of Perry Henzell, who produced The Harder They Come, the hippest Caribbean film of all time.

Facilities:
2 restaurants; bar; pool; kayaks; bicycles; game room/media room; limited room service; babysitting; laundry service; Internet in lobby

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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