Jamaica’s Funky Jakes Hotel Unveils Reimagined Bungalows Post-Melissa

Following the ravages of Hurricane Melissa, South Coast Jamaica’s Jakes Hotel has unveiled six completely reimagined oceanfront bungalows.

The long-established property was founded by designer and artist Sally Henzell. From the beginning, her philosophy was to “build with local hands, honour beauty in the handmade, let community lead.” The new bungalows are no exception.

Guided by Henzell’s signature hand in using stained glass, batik textiles, and sculptural plaster, the three Octopussy Bungalows and three Seapuss Bungalows are described as “among the most singular places to sleep in the Caribbean, with outdoor showers that open directly to the sea.”

The Octopussy Bungalows, each with a private deck and open rooftop, and Seapuss Bungalows, each with its own private deck, arrive three months after the hotel reopened following Hurricane Melissa, which struck the region in late October 2025 and prompted an extensive restoration of the property. 

Inside each bungalow, the interiors draw from the natural palette of the surrounding coast: the bright turquoise of the water, the textured corals and white gold of seashells washed ashore, the deep greens of the palms just beyond the window. 

Each bungalow is unique. Handmade headboards are inset with fragments of coloured stained glass. Batik and African-print textiles, richly patterned in deep indigo, red and gold, are draped across the beds. Everywhere, the walls are sculpted rather than simply painted: curved, layered, and finished in the vivid hues that have become a Jakes signature.   

Outdoor Showers at the Edge of the Sea

Set into sculpted stucco enclosures painted in the same vivid palette as the rooms themselves, each outdoor shower opens directly to the sea. The Seapuss Bungalows also have an outdoor bathtub. 

The Octopussy Bungalows take the relationship with the outdoors a step further, with private rooftop terraces that offer unobstructed views across the water and of the sky. Ideal for watching the sunset and stars or gathering under a full moon—Jakes is known for its moonlit evenings and alfresco gatherings that spill from dusk well into the night.

Each bungalow is equipped with:

• Air conditioning and ceiling fan.
• High-speed Wi-Fi.
• Mini fridge, coffee maker, and tea kettle.
• Bluetooth speaker.
• Digital safe.
• Rainfall showerhead and handheld in outdoor shower.

While the bungalows are designed for lingering—for slow mornings and long afternoons that dissolve into evenings—guests will find many other diversions at Jakes and the surrounding Treasure Beach. Choices include:

• Sunrise yoga, followed by a callaloo breakfast at Smurf’s Café.
• A zip-line across the cascading waterfalls at YS Falls.
• All five distinct stretches of Treasure Beach, each worth exploring. 
• A bike ride down the back roads out to Lover’s Leap. 
• A mosaic art class or a private cooking lesson in the art of jerk. 
• An outdoor film screening under the stars. 
• A bar-crawl through Treasure Beach’s local spots, including Jakes’ own Jack Sprat. 
• A last drink at Dougie’s Bar, sky wide open above.

All Oceanfront Bungalows are now available to book. Rates start from US$365 per night. Jakes is currently offering a travel special with 30% off accommodations for stays of two nights or more through June 30, 2026 on select rooms, bungalows and cottages.