GoldenEye

GoldenEye

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

GoldenEye

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OUR RATING: First Class

A boutique, high-end resort whose name is far from a coincidence; this cluster of crisp white cottages and suites is housed around the villa where Ian Fleming wrote all 14 James Bond novels. Found on Jamaica’s Oracabessa Bay, the resort houses 49 rooms, from modern beach huts to cottages, and the Fleming Villa which sleeps up to 10 people. The communal areas and rooms are charged with bright tones, with some interiors meticulously styled by British designer Barbara Hulanicki, founder of Biba. GoldenEye’s opal lagoon and spotless beaches draw couples, families, and groups of friends, as well as the odd celebrity guest, some of whom have planted trees with their names alongside. The mood, however, is stylishly low-key, while with the swim-up hillside spa, treetop restaurant and water sports area, the settling is anything but.

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  • Cottage interior

    1 of 4 Cottage interior

  • Lagoon cottage

    2 of 4 Lagoon cottage

  • Al fresco dining

    3 of 4 Al fresco dining

  • Private beach and pool

    4 of 4 Private beach and pool

OUR OPINION:

We love that this hotel was the tranquil setting behind all 14 James Bond novels, yet the other than the subtle touches of Bond-inspired items like books and the reception photos of Ian Fleming, there's no heavy theming. Instead, the beauty of the resort’s natural landscape and stylish designer villas shine through as the real stars of the hotel.

Rooms

GoldenEye is centered around Ian Fleming’s original clifftop plot, which he bought in 1946 complete with a sunken garden, which is still visible today. The site is built around the flagship Fleming Villa, a private residence with three bedrooms and two more one-bedroom cottages, a private beach, a pool, and dedicated staff. The other villas are a mix of ‘The Originals’, found tucked beneath lush greenery, while newer versions include Beach Villas and Lagoon Cottages with stone decks and direct lagoon access. A rustic, entry-level option are the 26 wooden Beach Huts, which have a closer proximity to one another. All of GoldenEye’s rooms are bright and spacious, and often feature outdoor garden bathtubs or showers. King-size beds, local botanical beauty products, en suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi and air conditioning are found through all room categories.

Location

GoldenEye is around two-hours’ drive from Kingston airport, sitting beside the village of Oracabessa, just outside of Ocho Rios on Jamaica’s northern coast. A true secluded location where privacy is key, the hotel resides in a large sweep of unspoiled, flourishing landscape and is 16 km (10 miles) from Ocho Rios.

Food and drink

GoldenEye has a range of eateries, including a poolside breakfast at Bizot, barbeque at Bamboo Bar or drinks at Shabeen. The highlight, we think, is The Gazebo, a tree-house style restaurant overlooking Low Cay Beach and the lagoon. This open-air spot serves international dishes to a backdrop of fiery Caribbean sunsets accompanied by an enticing cocktail list. For an additional charge, in-room dining is available, as is the option of private outdoor dining at any spot in the resort you choose.

Families

Children are well looked after here, with child-friendly activities, safe swimming, children’s menus and the option of a nanny service booked direct through the hotel.

Facilities and activities

There's no shortage of things to do at GoldenEye, from swimming in the multiple pools and tennis, to paddle boarding and kayaking. At the croissant-shaped Low Cay beach, its unique shape gives it a deserted island feel, while Button Beach is a more rustic option and home to a bar shack. Both beaches are manned by lifeguards and instructors to oversee the water sports. Over at Snorkeler’s Cove guests can explore the coral reefs with complimentary snorkel and fins, or go out on a glass-bottom boat excursion to spot over 700 species of fish. Tucked between the vibrant flora and on the banks of the smooth, reflective lagoon is the FieldSpa, where massage, meditation, salt scrubs, herbal wraps and facials are among the treatments available.

Accessibility

Some of the Beach Huts have access for wheelchair users.

Environmental and social responsibility

A main ethos of GoldenEye is its sustainability efforts, which include minimizing energy usage and taking advantage of its natural light and wind. Its restaurant uses organic ingredients, while the staff are working to restore and replenish the local fish populations and coral beds. In addition, The Oracabessa Foundation have planted hundreds of trees to help keep the resort lusciously green.

Local excursions

Additional excursions can by booked through the hotel, such as deep-sea fishing or a trip to the Blue Mountains where Jamaica’s famous coffee comes from.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.

    • Premier verandah suite

      Jamaica Inn

      First Class

      A privately-owned, elegant property fringed by a private powder-soft beach with views over the turquoise Caribbean Sea.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.

    • Bamboo rafting on the Rio Grande
      River rafting

      Bamboo rafting on the Rio Grande

      Bamboo rafting on the Rio Grande

      Enjoy a few hours floating along Jamaica’s Rio Grande by traditional bamboo raft. Your private guide and captain will tell you more about the area’s history, culture and wildlife, and you have the option to stop for an authentic Jamaican lunch on the riverbank.

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    • Highlights of Kingston guided tour
      Kingston, Jamaica

      Highlights of Kingston guided tour

      Highlights of Kingston guided tour

      Combining history, culture and striking scenery, this guided tour gives you a chance to explore Jamaica’s capital, including the former home of Bob Marley and historical Port Royal. You’ll also head into the nearby Blue Mountains region, known for its coffee production.

      View details
    • Organic farm tour with alfresco lunch
      Jamaican fruit

      Organic farm tour with alfresco lunch

      Organic farm tour with alfresco lunch

      See a different side to Jamaica on this guided tour of a family-run farm. You’ll explore the grounds on foot with your hosts, learning about the local produce, before sitting down to a seven-course plant-based menu out on the terrace.

      View details

    Nearby places