Secret Services GoldenEye, Oracabessa Bay, Jamaica he acclaimed travel writer, Patrick Leigh Fermor, on visiting GoldenEye wrote: “Here, on a headland, Commander Ian Fleming has built a house called GoldenEye that might serve as a model for new houses in the tropics. Trees surround it on all sides except the sea, which it almost overhangs. The windows that look toward the sea are glassless, but equipped with outside shutters against the rain: enormous quadrilaterals...tame the elements, as it were, into an ever-changing fresco of which one can never tire.” This much storied property, the home of Ian Fleming in the tropics (1942) has been an inspiration that has drawn his own contemporaries like Noel Coward and stars of the stage and screen like Errol Flynn and the golden couple of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor among many to the ‘sexy’ north coast of Jamaica. Today, the collection of villas and beach huts around Oracabessa that form the GoldenEye hotel reflect the genius of current owner, the charismatic Chris Blackwell, who has championed the cause of creating resorts in some of Jamaica’s most beautiful locations, and with an emphasis on marrying hospitality to a close relationship with local Jamaicans. Today, within the 52-acre domain, the flagship Fleming Villa, which Blackwell purchased in the 1970s, is a comfortable threebedroom hideaway that comes with two more one-bedroom cottages, a pool and private beach. Another three villas, 'The Originals', lie tucked inside the lush greenery, while the newer Beach Villas and Lagoon Cottages are set in reclaimed landscaped grounds and come lavishly designed with high ceilings, hardwood floors and a full kitchen. There are also 26 one and two-bedroom wooden Beach Huts – freestanding and octagonal in shape, and rather densely packed together, these are a lot of fun and the most affordable accommodation. To complete the bohemian appeal of GoldenEye guests can chill, imbibe and consume at a number of venues including The Gazebo, a treehouse-style bar and dining room with music that is open for drinks and dinner. Overlooking the beach, Bizot Bar is very casual and a great all-day diner whilst for true castaways a session at Bamboo Bar on Button Beach is a must!
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