In honor of Self Care Sunday, allow me to introduce you to a little piece of transcendent serenity I found one Sunday while vacationing in Jamaica last month.
You can get to this place by following a series of narrow, winding roads through Negril that ultimately bring you here.
I know what you’re thinking. “Wait, Khadeeja, where is this?!” I know, I know, I’m getting to it. It actually starts here:
This is the starting point for all of that beauty you saw in the picture above. Just get ready because I’m here to show you and tell you about what’s on the other side of this gate.
It’s nothing less than a mystical, magical place full of crystals, flora, fauna, peace, serenity and yes, that breath-taking view of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Where is this magical place? It’s Jackie’s on the Reef. Allow me to introduce you.
You may have heard of many of the wonderful spas in Jamaica. But you still never heard of Jackie’s on the Reef (JOTR)? It’s listed #5 out of 20 spas in Jamaica according to Trip Advisor.
Still no? Well, honey, sit a spell so I can tell you about this fabulous spa and the fabulous woman behind it! I want to give you a glimpse into the sensory indulging experiences I had at Jackie’s. I say glimpse because words and images can’t do it justice. You really have to experience it. Nonetheless, I’ll do my best.
Since I was looking for as many spirit-renewing and recharging services I could find, I spent two days getting treatments. They were all absolutely amazing! I can’t wait to tell you about and show them to you.
Don’t worry, I’m not going to try to squeeze it in all at once. There’s WAY too much deliciousness to share for that! I’m creating a series, called Jackie’s On the Reef. For each service, I’ll have a separate post with pics and videos. This is the intro.
Here’s Jackie!
There’s no better place than to start than with the owner and namesake, Ms. Jackie.
This spry, regal and wise woman is 82 and she makes it look good, doesn’t she?!
I asked Ms. Jackie why she started Jackie’s On The Reef and here’s what she had to say.
We have the powers to heal ourselves? That sounds right up my much-needed alley! I’ll share more about Ms. Jackie and the pearls of wisdom she had to share but let me start with the services I had.
Getting ready to spa
Relaxing before services
When I finished changing, I clearly still had my typical fast paced energy because Ms. Jackie promptly slowed me down. I wasn’t rushed into any services. Instead, it was quite the opposite. Ms. Jackie encouraged me to lie down on one of the beds and relax a minute before I headed off to my services.
While the bed looked and was comfy, I ultimately opted for this view instead.
Just as I was beginning to settle into a tranquil gaze at the aquamarine blue water, I felt a light tap on my shoulder indicating it was time for my first service.
Jackie’s Signature Scrub
The service is performed close to the water in a massage hut. The description is pretty accurate, down to the humming! Not only was the green clay facial relaxing; the aloe reflexology treatment was divine!
Saltwater Pool Experience
After you receive both of those treatments, you get to go to the Saltwater Pool for a refreshing soak as you relax and take in the sounds of the crashing waves against the rocks and the pool. Check out this out.
You’ll notice I still have my mask on. That stays on until after you get out of the pool.
Now, I have to admit the experience in the pool is just that. An experience. First, you’re completely naked. Yep, that’s right. You take your robe off and it’s just you, the pool and the waves. Occasionally the waves splash into the pool to make for such a unique experience, it’s kind of hard to describe.
As you settle in and get used to the water, you can begin to feel the stress melt away as you take in more and more of the natural beauty in which you’re sitting and surrounded.
After about a 15-minute dip in the pool, my massage therapist brought me back to the hut where she began to gently massage off the face mask and did a series of other facial things as I drifted off to a light sleep as the waves serenaded me. I was awakened by the gentle touches of what felt like leaves brushing against my body.
They were, in fact, leaves and herbs bundled together used almost like a dry brush but much more gentle. There were a series of washes and rinses that lulled me back into a peaceful sleep until the service was complete and I was wrapped in a towel trying to regain my senses as I prepared for the next service, a Bamboo Massage.
Bamboo Massage
This service was performed in a different hut you can see in this video.
I chose the Bamboo Massage since I never had one before. It was very similar to a hot stone massage. Very relaxing save for the occasional too hot piece of bamboo.
Lunch
After my first two services, Michael joined me for a delicious lunch of fresh fish tacos. The soursop smoothie was a health concoction of creamy goodness. After Ms. Jackie explained the health benefits, I immediately put it on my garden shopping list.
Mani-Pedi
After lunch, I finished my services with a mani-pedi. The pedicure was called the Crystal pedicure. You put your feet in this thick gelled mixture that reminded me of a bath product I tried recently. It was great for a pedicure but not for a bath!
As you can see from the pictures, both services were so relaxing, combined with the view; it resulted in me tapping out completely.
A day of holistic pampering surrounded by such breathtaking scenery and beauty was just the type of nurturing my spirit needed.
There’s so much more to show and tell you about Jackie’s on the Reef! Up next, I’ll share my experience with crystal energy healing, ear candling and Yoni Steaming. (Am I the only old head new to this?
Stay tuned there are A LOT more interesting details, fun facts and Ms. Jackie’s words of wisdom in upcoming posts.
