A little off the beaten path, Treasure Beach is an absolute gem on the South Coast of Jamaica. It takes a few twisty roads to get there but it’s so worth it when you do. Here’s why Treasure Beach, Jamaica is your next vacation.

Stay at Jake’s Treasure Beach Hotel

The hub of the region, Jake’s Treasure Beach hotel is a lot more than just beachfront bungalows, it’s a community. Everything starts and ends with Jake’s. The boutique property is bohemian, with colorful decor by local artists. You can choose to stay in a bungalow or at the budget-friendly “Jack Sprat Motel” across the street. Staying on the property, you’ll have access to a small beach and beach bar, casual restaurant, late-night snack bar, pool, epic yoga and spa offerings, plus tons of activities to make your vacation immensely rich and cultural. All the following activities can be coordinated by the folks at Jake’s.

Full Moon Feast

A true farm-to-table experience, you will eat local dishes with ingredients straight from the ground beneath you. Gather at Jake’s Treasure Beach Hotel’s lobby and hitch a ride to the farm. A few lanterns and a rustic table for 20 will be waiting for you under the stars. Everything I ate at this dinner was more mind blowing than the last. And the conversation with lots of people from around the world was even better.

One Love Boat Tour

Jake’s can coordinate a memorable boat tour with Captain Dennis of One Love Boat tours for you and your group. Jump on a little motorboat and skim along the sea with the dolphins toward an abandoned beach for lunch. Feast on grilled lobster, freshly caught that morning. Paired with a Red Stripe, it literally feels like heaven. I had to check my pulse a few times.

Pelican Bar

A tiki bar on stilts in the middle of a sandbar in the ocean. Need I say more? Pull up in a boat and a bunch of happy travelers and locals will lift you up on the bar. Stay a while, there’s nothing like it. Just don’t get caught there during high tide…

Voluntourism

Jake’s supports the local community, and encourages you to do the same when you go. Bring art supplies for the Pack for a Purpose Initiative, which supports a local school.

Bike Tours

Rent a bike and cruise around the area, or take part in a tour. There are a few tour options from chill to extreme. When I was there, we rode to a black sand beach and through a local farm. I loved having a tour guide because they know so much about the area and can give you meaningful information you would have otherwise missed.

Immerse yourself in the tight-knit Treasure Beach community and it will change your life.

*I worked for the Jamaica Tourist Board in a PR capacity for almost 5 years.