My girlfriend and I stayed in Octopussy 1 in Feb 2008.

The room was amazing, with a great patio area with the sea inches away, and a full sun deck on the roof.

There is limited choice of alternative eating options nearby, although they change the menu daily at Jakes so that is less of a concern, especially as the food was always excellent. When eating at other places, I would recommend the pizzas at Jack Spratts, and the breakfast at Hearts of Love cafe.

My girlfriend thought the spa was amazing (and she is an expert on such matters!), and overall we had a perfect five days of relaxation. I would very happily go back in a heartbeat.

After reading many reviews on TripAdvisor (some positive, some negative) we decided to spend half of our honeymoon at Jake's and half at the Ritz in Montego Bay. Originally we wanted to stay at the Cave's, another Island Outpost property, but it was full. We booked Jake's on the recommendation of friends who were married there and were so glad we did. We loved the unique, friendly, funky vibe at Jake's. Even though it rained every afternoon, we had an amazing time. We hung out on our deck (we stayed in Octopussy 2) and read, enjoyed the Red Stripe beer in our fridge, got massages, ate every meal at Jake's, took the Black River/Pelican Bar boat ride, and loved every minute of our time. The outdoor shower is also fabulous.

Only recommendations for improvement are updating the sheets, pillows, and towels. Theirs are fine but updating to a nicer level would make a big difference.

Some reviewers were disappointed with the hotel but I think this is a result of misplaced expectations, not the hotel. When traveling, we like to experience the local culture and felt this was easy and natural at Jake's. Although the Ritz in MB was nice, we were surrounded by large groups of entitled, demanding tourists and found ourselves missing the laid-back, authentic atmosphere at Jake's.

We can't wait to go back and are hoping to make a trip next winter with friends to stay in Mussels. Jake's provides great bang for your buck if you want a relaxing, low-maintenance vacation. If you're looking to be served on hand and foot, this probably isn't the place for you. It's definitely a bit rustic but that's why we liked itso much. There's not much in the way of nightlife, but if you travel with friends, you can create as much or little of a party scene as you like.

The best part of Jake's was falling asleep to the sound of waves constantly crashing on the rocks - only several yards from our bed. We loved it!

I just got back last week from Jake's and am still feeling the relaxing effects of my spa treatment! Driftwood Spa by the sea at Jake's opened the day I was leaving Jamaica (Bob Marley Day, 2/6/08) and I was the first to have a treatment - the Blue Mountain Coffee Body Scrub. As with the rest of the resort, the spa's construction utilizes the natural environment as backdrop and support for an experience that is truly unequalled! Having the sea in your room while having a spa treatment is instant relaxation. Prior to my treatment, I chose an essential oil based on my stress level and it happened that, based on the oil I chose, I would have the Blue Mountain Coffee Scrub. After my scrub, I took a shower in the outdoor shower by the sea. Don't worry, it's private and incredibly freeing. I've been to many spas, including the Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton, and I predict this spa will be on Conde Nast's Gold List before too long. Driftwood Spa is not to be missed - I recommend that when you make your reservation for accommodations, you also schedule a Blue Mountain Coffee Scrub or any spa treatment on your first full day or definitely during your stay at Jake's. It's the fastest way to shorten your wind down to relaxation! I would get one on the way home too - you know why.
In my week at Jake's, I stayed in four different rooms. I kept extending my stay, I really didn't want to leave. I thought it was only me but, I was told by fellow guests that this was the case with most guests as they had witnessed it time and again during their numerous trips to Jake's. My favorite rooms were Abalone Up, Cowry Down & Octopussy 1. I loved the outdoor showers in Jellyfish and Octopussy. I love that all of the rooms have names that are associated with the sea. All of the rooms at Jake's have special qualities and surprise features - the bottles in the walls were the coolest, I loved the way they played with the light throughout the day and night.
Jake's is a magical, whimsical paradise - it's like being on a movie set - it's absolutely beautiful everyday!
I can't say enough good things about my stay there. Dougie's drinks were more than satisfying any time of day. The saltwater pool was a great alternative to going directly into the sea, especially on rough days. The food at Jake's restaurant was excellent and well priced. Most of all, the staff's can do attitudes and smiles at Jake's were priceless!

*Please disregard the date on my pictures, I did not change the date on the camera.

I have traveled all over the world and never felt compelled to write a review. Well, Jake’s brought it out. This place is a little slice of unspoiled, down to earth paradise. We came here for our honeymoon in November 2007 and could not have been happier. The food, the staff, the surroundings, the accommodations, the local excursions and of course Dougie’s Bar were stellar and full of character. Now, this is not your ordinary, stuffy, run of the mill, boring, air conditioned, homogeneous, Americanized, hotel chain kind of place. If you are interested in obnoxious tourists, unnecessary amenities, attitudes of any kind, all-you-can-eat buffets, have no sense of adventure or can’t deal with a few mosquitoes, don’t bother. Please go stay at one of the walled-in chain resorts… in fact, stay far far away from Jake’s!! ;) However, if you are interested in the simple beauty of life, conversing with eclectic, intelligent guests and staff, eating the best seasonal, local foods, learning about true Jamaican culture, being surrounded by some of the most gorgeous landscapes in the world and lavishing in a bohemian wonderland… this is the real deal and your type of place. We walked into Jake’s and felt like we were home. Each member of the staff felt like family and could not have been more friendly or accommodating. This is truly a remarkable hideaway and we will be coming back for years to come.