MRK $233$ Summer $2024$

Case #$140$ Marks $(15\%)$

Jakes Hotel, Jamaica

Introduction:

Jakes Hotel in Jamaica is one of the world$$s leading champions of sustainability, not just through recycling and encouraging guests not to use all their towels! Instead, the hotel is totally involved and immersed in its local community and environment.

It$$s located on Treasure Beach on Jamaica$$s south coast, and began as a restaurant in $1991,$ and now has expanded to $75$ rooms, cottages$,$ and villas, each individually designed. Nearby the hotel offers access to golf, fishing, caves, waterfalls, adventures tours, ecotourism, and dolphins. The guests are fully involved in the hotel$$s sustainability mission with a $$1\mathrm{.}00$ per night levy and the opportunity to visit the various projects.

Jakes Hotel as a Sustainable Company

As a hotel, Jakes Hotel has a distinctive view of sustainability. From the website:

$$Sustainability is not just about eco$-$friendly practices, it$$s as much about cultural preservation and maintaining what is unique about our community.....we believe sustainability is an interactive system between our community and the environment, where each element is cared for and nurtured so that we can continue to occupy this special place in the world with only positive impact$$

The company aims to be a model for future sustainability initiatives in the Caribbean. The BREDS Treasure Beach Foundation works with the local community supporting education, sports, cultural heritage, and emergency healthcare. The Foundation is led by volunteers and has completed community projects, building classrooms at local schools, and building houses for the disadvantaged.

One of the Foundation$$s major projects is the development of the BREDS Treasure Beach Sports Park. The principle behind the park is that sport can bind a community together. Work on the $15-$acre park began in $2010$ that includes a cricket pavilion, soccer pitch, children$$s playground, and sites for weddings, retreats, workshops, and other community centered focused events.

As well as working with the local community the hotel is also concerned with the local environment, funding projects to protect the local vegetation, and the ecology of Treasure Beach.

Jakes Hotel as a Service Provider

Accommodations

Variety of Options: Jakes offers a range of accommodations, from beachfront cottages to garden view bungalows. Each unit is uniquely designed and often features outdoor showers, private porches, and beautiful ocean or garden views.

Comfort and Simplicity: While the accommodation is comfortable, it maintains a simple and unpretentious charm. Guests enjoy the basic amenities with a focus on blending with the natural surroundings.

Architectural Design: Unlike large hotel chains, Jakes Hotel features very distinctive rustic, colorful cottages and villas that blend with the natural landscape. Local building materials such as wood, stone, and thatch are used extensively, reducing the carbon footprint associated with importing construction materials.

Dining Experience

Local Cuisine: The hotel's restaurants, Jakes Restaurant, Jack Sprat, and Lover$$s Leap are known for delicious local cuisine, including fresh seafood, traditional Jamaican dishes, and wood$-$fired pizzas. The emphasis is on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Casual Dining: The dining experience is casual and laid$-$back, with many guests enjoying meals on the outdoor terrace overlooking the ocean.

Activities and Amenities

Wellness and Relaxation: Jakes offers wellness amenities such as a spa, yoga classes, and a saltwater pool. These features allow guests to relax and rejuvenate in a serene environment.

Adventure and Exploration: For those seeking adventure, the hotel can arrange activities like boat tours, snorkeling, and excursions to nearby attractions such as the Pelican Bar, YS Falls, and the BRED Sports Park.

Cultural Immersion: Jakes Hotel encourages guests to immerse themselves in the local culture. The hotel often hosts events such as live music performances, art exhibitions, and community projects.

Service and Hospitality

Friendly Staff: The $150$ members of the hotel staff are all from the local area, friendly, welcoming, and attentive. Many guests appreciate the personalized service and the feeling of being treated like family.

Intimate Experience: With a relatively small number of accommodations, Jakes Hotel offers an intimate and personalized experience that larger resorts often cannot provide.

Sustainability Efforts

Eco$-$Friendly Practices: Jakes Hotel is a pioneer in sustainable tourism in Jamaica. The property incorporates eco$-$friendly practices such as solar power, water conservation, and waste reduction.

Local Engagement: The hotel supports local artisans, farmers, and fishermen, ensuring that the tourism benefits are shared with the community.

Community Focus: The hotel has a strong focus on community and sustainability. Guests often feel good about supporting.