ART & VIBES

Jakes is a cultural hub where artistic roots run deep.

The patriarch of the family that created Jakes is Perry Henzell, and he co-wrote and directed Jamaica’s first major motion picture that burst reggae into indelible international consciousness. According to Rolling Stone, The Harder They Come has the best movie soundtrack of all time. Every Thursday at Jack Sprat is movie night, where this and other Jamaican cinematic feats are projected outdoors while Red Stripe flows.

In addition, Jakes has has long been the stomping ground of literary legends. In the 70’s, Alex Haley decamped to Treasure Cot to write his masterpiece Roots: The Saga of an American Family.

Jakes is also home to the biennial Calabash International Literary Festival, which brings down the most acclaimed writers on the planet for readings in paradise. Think Salman Rushdie, Zadie Smith (who’s got roots in the parish), Colum McCann, Junot Diaz, Derek Walcott, Wole Soyinka and countless more bookish stars.

Well-curated music plays throughout the property and live bands and DJs often take turns at Jack Sprat. So come write your memoir, soak up the air that’s filled with imagination and dance all night.