The conception of Jake's is the story of a love affair that began over sixty years ago between the Densham family and the fishing village of Treasure Beach. The original property, Treasure Cot, was built by Sally Densham’s father as an oceanic escape for a “mountain family in search of the sea.” Ever since early childhood, Sally has ranked Treasure Beach as one of her first loves, cherishing memories of long summer days spent fishing, swimming and embracing the simple luxuries of beachside bonfires offset by dream-weaving moons and star-blanketed skies.
In 1991 Sally purchased the property –which is named after the family’s pet parrot – that would eventually become Jake’s. An accomplished set designer, self-trained architect and trail-blazing spirit, Sally personally oversaw the planning, construction and design of each of thethirtycottages, villas and suites that draw inspiration from Moroccan, Indian and Adobe influences as well as the work of Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi.
Soon after, Jason Henzell, Sally and Perry’s son – Perry Henzell is the iconic co-writer, producer and director of Jamaica’s cult classic Reggae film “The Harder They Come” – announced that he was ready to leave his nine-year career in banking to devote himself entirely to Jake’s. As Jake’s current owner, and the president of Chris Blackwell’s Island Outpost boutique hotel collection, Jason acts as a pioneering preservationist of the ongoing legacy of Jake’s as well as that of the larger Island Outpost collection.
The Henzell family’s long standing relationship with and commitment to Treasure Beach is reflected in all aspects of the property. In addition, the family’s artistic roots are echoed throughout the unpretentious, free-spirited ambiance. As the late Perry Henzell once said, “Jake’s is a place for talent on the way up.”