Island Outpost: Jamaica Properties Fully Operational After Hurricane Melissa

Jamaica is still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Melissa but many news reports about island destruction are highly exaggerated and, in some cases, untrue.

While a number of communities in Jamaica's western and southern parishes were significantly impacted, the island is large and diverse—and many regions, including those where Island Outpost properties are located, experienced only minimal effects. Even areas more heavily affected, like Jake's in Treasure Beach, are making headway and will be reopening before the festive season.

Below is an update on the status of Island Outpost's three boutique hotels—GoldenEye, Strawberry Hill, and The Caves—following the storm. In sum, all Island Outpost properties are well outside any deeply impacted areas, are fully operational, welcoming guests, and continuing to offer the immersive, soulful Jamaican experiences for which the brand is known.

**Note to editors:** If you would like, we can arrange an interview with CEO Marika Kessler and also Jason Henzell, owner of Jake's in Treasure Beach on the south coast.

Jamaica Is Open, Operational, and Welcoming Visitors

• All international airports are open and operating commercial flights.
• Kingston—home to more than 90% of Jamaica's population—is fully functioning, with hotels, restaurants, attractions, businesses, hospitals, and cultural sites open as normal.
• Major roads, attractions, and tourism infrastructure across Ocho Rios, Oracabessa, Portland, and the Blue Mountains are open and accessible.
• Cruise ships have resumed calls, and attractions such as Dunn's River Falls, Mystic Mountain, Yaaman Adventure Park, rafting tours, and coffee plantations are open.
• Travel to Jamaica remains safe, and visiting now supports local staff, small businesses, and the wider communities that rely on tourism.

Island Outpost Property Update

GoldenEye — Oracabessa / Ocho Rios

• GoldenEye is fully open with all amenities, dining, and experiences available.
• Roads into Oracabessa and Ocho Rios are clear and operating normally.
• Area attractions, including Dunn's River Falls, Yaaman Adventures, Mystic Mountain, and local craft markets, are open.
• Restaurants such as Miss T's Kitchen, Scotchies, Ciao Bella, and the historic courthouse restaurant are open and welcoming visitors.

Strawberry Hill — Blue Mountains / Kingston

• Strawberry Hill and its surrounding communities in the Blue Mountains remain safe, calm, and fully accessible.
• Roads to the property and nearby attractions—including Craighton Estate Coffee Plantation, Gordon Town Trail, and Blue Mountain hikes—are open.
• Electricity, piped water, and Wi-Fi remain consistent and fully operational.
• The Irish Town area's cafés and restaurants (Café Blue, Crystal Edge) are open.
• Kingston is operating normally across restaurants, hotels, shops, museums (including the Bob Marley Museum and Devon House), banks, government offices, and entertainment venues.

The Caves — Negril

• The Caves remains fully operational with all services and amenities available.
• While parts of the far southwestern coast faced challenges, Negril and the area around The Caves were spared significant impact and continue to welcome visitors.

Jake's in Treasure Beach, long-time friends of the Island Outpost family, is also making strong progress:

• Beloved restaurant Jack Sprat has reopened.
• Approximately 75% of rooms will be fully operational by December 18.
• Guests planning travel to Treasure Beach can expect continued improvement in the weeks ahead.

A Note on Perception vs. Reality

Island Outpost emphasizes that much of the concern among travelers stems from misinformation and images circulating online that do not reflect conditions in the majority of Jamaica.

"Jamaica is a big, resilient country," CEO Marika Kessler shared. "Some communities are rebuilding, and our hearts are with them. But the island's tourism hubs, infrastructure, and daily life—from Kingston to the North Coast—are open, safe, and functioning. Our properties were largely untouched, and our teams are ready to welcome guests with the warmth and hospitality Jamaica is known for."

Chris Blackwell, Founder of Island Outpost, also weighed in: "Jamaica has always been defined by its heart. The island faced a powerful storm, but our spirit never wavered. Our teams across GoldenEye, Strawberry Hill, and The Caves showed extraordinary care and resilience. Today, the sun is shining, the music is playing, and Jamaica is ready to welcome travelers with open arms."

Black Friday Offer

Like many resorts around the world, Island Outpost is offering a Black Friday promotion to encourage travel bookings.

Visitors planning future travel can take advantage of Island Outpost's Black Friday "Island Time" promotion: 30% off stays of 3 nights or more at GoldenEye, Strawberry Hill, and The Caves.

• Available for bookings made now through December 1, 2025
• Valid for travel January 5 – October 15, 2026

(Full terms available upon request or via the website.)

Supporting Communities

"Our properties are fully operational, our staff are safe, and our communities are moving forward. It's important for travelers to know that Jamaica is open. Visiting now not only provides a beautiful, restorative experience—it supports local families and helps our island continue to rebuild where needed," continued Kessler.

While Island Outpost's properties were spared significant damage, the company remains committed to supporting affected communities. The company is donating US $1 per room night to ongoing recovery efforts through the GoldenEye Foundation, which directly supports impacted communities.

Through the GoldenEye Foundation, Island Outpost is working with local partners to provide direct assistance to families most impacted by the storm. Travelers who wish to contribute may donate via the GoldenEye Foundation; additional information about national relief efforts can be found through SupportJamaica.

"Whether through your visit or your generosity, your support helps Jamaica rise stronger than before," said Kessler.