Where Passion Meets Paradise: Unlocking Jamaica’s Creative Haven
In the heart of Jamaica, a sanctuary awaits, where passion and creativity intertwine. But it’s not your typical tropical getaway. It’s a place that ignites the imagination and fosters a community of artists, writers, and dreamers. Welcome to Calabash, a seaside literary haven that defies convention.
Jakes in Treasure Beach is a portal into a world crafted by Sally Henzell’s vision. As you enter through the vibrant pink gateway, adorned with flowers, you sense you’re embarking on a unique journey. It’s a sanctuary for the soul, a place to retreat, recharge, and find inspiration.
Nestled along Jamaica’s rugged southern coastline, Jakes is a boutique hotel, a world away from the bustling all-inclusive resorts. Yet, it offers an all-encompassing experience, not in lavish amenities but in its welcoming spirit. Here, writers, musicians, filmmakers, and creatives find a haven. The atmosphere is alive with books, local artwork, and whimsical signs that beckon you to linger, laugh, and explore.
The story of Jakes began in 1993 with Sally Henzell’s vision. What started as a Spanish-walled cottage in a tranquil fishing village gradually blossomed into a cultural oasis. Room by room, tree by tree, Jakes evolved into a sanctuary where creativity, community, and the art of slowing down converge. Imagine waking up in an oceanfront cottage, greeted by the soothing sounds of nature, intentionally curated for a serene morning ritual. It’s a place to pause and reconnect with yourself.
But Jakes is more than just a retreat; it’s a hub for creative collisions and serene moments. It invites guests to immerse themselves in the island’s essence rather than merely consuming it. And it’s in this spirit that the Calabash Literary Festival was born.
The Calabash Literary Festival, co-founded by Justine Henzell, Kwame Dawes, and Colin Channer in 2001, is a biennial celebration of words and creativity. Every two years, Treasure Beach transforms into a global gathering for poets, novelists, musicians, and dreamers. The festival boasts an impressive lineup, from Marlon James to Salman Rushdie and Zadie Smith to Jamaica Kincaid. Yet, despite the star-studded presence, the festival remains grounded, exuding a warm and distinctly Jamaican vibe.
Here, passion is the only ticket to entry. There are no VIP sections or velvet ropes, just a stage by the sea where stories come alive. Justine Henzell’s vision is clear: to create a sanctuary where creativity flourishes and stories are shared without barriers.
In an interview, Justine shares her unique perspective on sanctuary. Jamaica, she believes, is both a sanctuary and a launching pad, a fascinating contradiction. Historically, it has been a refuge for the Irish, Jews, Christians, and laborers from India and China. This legacy, she argues, fuels Jamaica’s creative spirit, empowering storytellers to find their strength and share their narratives with the world.
Justine’s sanctuary is Treasure Beach, and the heart of it is Jakes. Waking up at Jakes, surrounded by the sea and nature, is a sensory experience. The mornings are intentionally silent, allowing guests to hear only the sea, the wind, and the birds. This rare silence rejuvenates the soul. Justine feels blessed to call this island home and to share its magic with the world.
Calabash Literary Festival was founded with a vision to showcase world-class literature in an unconventional setting. By choosing a rural fishing village, the founders challenged expectations and created a unique platform. Their inclusive criteria elevated Jamaican writers, as evidenced by Marlon James’s success, whose career was significantly influenced by the festival.
Jakes and Calabash are intertwined. The festival thrives in the environment Jakes provides, and the hotel’s essence is integral to the festival’s experience. As Chris Abani beautifully phrased it, staying at Jakes means living within Sally Henzell’s imagination.
Fifty years after Jamaica’s groundbreaking film, The Harder They Come (1972), directed by Perry Henzell, a question arises: Can one masterpiece inspire countless others? Justine believes it can. The legacy has sparked poetry, visual art, music remixes, and even a stage musical. This year, a music hall exhibition in London will further expand this creative journey. The legacy is not static; it’s a living force that fuels creativity and storytelling.
Jamaican storytelling is on the cusp of a renaissance. With films like Get Millie Black (2024) by Marlon James and Inheritance by Storm Saulter, the world is witnessing a new wave of Jamaican talent. These stories, told from within the culture, showcase the depth and diversity of Jamaican narratives. The future holds untapped potential in folklore, oral traditions, comedy, and even sci-fi.
As we reflect on The Harder They Come’s 50th anniversary, the legacy is not about preservation but evolution. It’s about inspiring new voices, new stories, and new art forms. This is the essence of Jamaica’s creative spirit, always moving forward, always inviting the world to join the journey.
But here’s the question: What do you think about the role of such sanctuaries in fostering creativity and preserving cultural heritage? Are they essential for nurturing artistic expression, or can inspiration thrive in any environment? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s ignite a conversation about the power of places like Jakes and Calabash in shaping the future of art and storytelling.