Oracabessa
GoldenEye
The town of Oracabessa on Jamaica's North coast has been the low key hub of cool since James Bond author Ian Fleming first built the lush estate of GoldenEye in the 1950s, and his friend Noel Coward set up shop atop the high cliffs nearby with his estate, Firefly. Between the two they played host to the glitterati and literati, from Sophia Loren to Elizabeth Taylor, Truman Capote, and Katherine Hepburn. Now owned by visionary entrepreneur and Island Records founder, Chris Blackwell, the glamour goes on, with friends and fans ranging from Johnny Depp to Grace Jones.
Adding convenience to the special brand of Caribbean comfort that GoldenEye represents, Oracabessa is also home to Ian Fleming International Airport. Able to accept international flights (private aircraft only at the moment), with a domestic shuttle service in the works, the quick and easy access that Ian Fleming International provides to Jamaica's North coast means that the phrase, "Let's pop down to GoldenEye for lunch and a swim," is no longer simply wishful thinking!
Whether staying in the original Fleming Villa (with private beach) or in a Beach Cottage or Lagoon suite, guests will certainly catch on quick to Jamaica's "no worries" attitude. To enhance that irie vibe, the beachside Bar Bizot channels a live feed from Parisian world music station, Radio Nova, while The Gazebo restaurant offers front row seats to some of Jamaica's most fiery sunsets - we suggest making a toast to all that is right with the world with the signature cocktail, made with Blackwell Rum of course, the GoldenEye.
A dip in the ocean or fresh and seawater swimming pools is a given, but a dip in the lagoon is a must. And for those that wish to do more than relax in the sun contemplating their effortlessly cool vacation, we advise slipping away for a beauty or body treatment at the FieldSpa's hiddencave (overlooking the Caribbean Sea) or the lagoon-side Royal Palm treatment rooms. Active guests may sign up for all manner of classes (yoga, Stretch & Snorkel, Jet Ski Legs & Abs workout, triathlon training), get moving on an adventure to picturesque Dunn's River Falls or Dolphin Cove, venture out in the glass-bottom kayaks to neighboring James Bond Beach, or even make an excursion to Laughing Waters - the stretch of white sand where Ursula Andress emerged from the sea in the opening scenes of the 007 film, Dr. No.
