tlavender

Would like to know more about this resort. What is included in the package? Are there many hidden expenses?

caribeanluv

My husband and I stayed at Goldeneye in 2001 and were mezmerized. We are desperately trying to save the money to go back! Unfortunately, our trip was a mere 2 months after 9/11, so Delta cancelled our flight and we had to move the hotel dates around a little. The travel folks on the mainland confirmed, but never got the info to the resort, so there was no driver to pick us up at the airport. Miserable experience getting there in a cab. But once we got there they were very apologetic and the manager, Ricardo, told us that they always ready the guest rooms a day early, so we were able to check in. Upton, the bartender/concierge fixed us the signature drink while they turned down our bed for us. The food was the best I have had in my life (and I've been on 6 continents). Each cottage has a TV/DVD player and the reception area has a DVD library that's not bad. We went in November (hurricane season, still), so the mornings were perfect to play on the private beaches or go kayaking or waverunning, then when the thunderstorms rolled in, we could curl up in our cottage and watch a movie. There were no hidden fees, the staff is amazing, the cottages are gorgeous. I can't say enough nice things about this place. They even sent us a Christmas card. This time, though, we're taking an extra $250 so we can plant a tree on property with the likes of Pierce Brosnan, Johnny Depp, Gwenyth Paltrow, Naomi Cambell... the list goes on! Bottom line? Go now!

Carib_Ruby

where is this?

tivertonhouse

Orcabessa, North Coast, Jamaica -- about 20 min.past Ochi -- and arguably the very best place to say on island

IslandGrl

Caribeanluv: what happened when you tried to get there by cab?? Were the private beaches safe?? Did you feel comfortable around the resort? Thanks

caribeanluv

IslandGrl,

The cab drivers are swarming around the airport, so finding a driver wasn't a problem. Finding a driver who had heard of Goldeneye, now that was a different story! The guy we ended up with told he "knew where it was for sure." Always a scary thing to hear... But sure enough, he got us there. FYI, though, Goldeneye is not listed in any phone book, so take the number with you in case you need it!! It was a bout a 2 hour drive and the people in Jamaica drive like maniacs. It's best to just not look out the window.

The private beaches were very safe. The resort is gated with gaurds at the front. Remember that folks like Bono and Sean Connery have stayed here. Naomi Campbell has even built her own villa inside. Trust me, ain't no one gettin' in.

Off of the one-bedroom villa was a beautiful little private beach. You can even have the staff set up a candle-lit dinner on the beach or in the cave-like areas attached to the beach. The other beach is a boat ride across from the restaurant (and when I say boat ride, I mean literally 20 feet. You can jump in and swim across if you want to, as I did a few times).

I never thought twice about roaming around the grounds. And during the day, if you go over to the farm-looking areas of the resort, the staff are amazingly willing to tell you all about the fruits and veggies indiginous only to Jamaica (be sure to try the ackee and the calilou).

We did leave the doors to our room open one night as we went to dinner and returned to find this gigantic crab walking around in our living room. But we called on Upton, the bartender, and he happily shewed it back toward the beach.

Oh, and I should mention that my husband was bitten/stung by something in the ocean (it was a bit hurricaney, so the water wasn't crystal clear). The staff brought in a doctor from Montego Bay to give him a shot and other medicine, and they checked on us every few hours to see if he needed any more ice. They even brought us dinner in the room so he wouldn't have to walk.

Another little FYI, we bought our stay off of luxurylink.com, so the staff certainly did not have to be so nice to us since we were basically paying half price. So imagine how nice they'll be if you buy direct! ;-)

Any other questions? I'm happy to oblige!

ejcrowe

I'm not overly familiar with Goldeneye, so please forgive any seemingly inane questions...from the little I know, it seems that Goldeneye consists of a collection of 1-2 bedroom villas in addition to "GOldeneye", the former home of Ian Fleming. Did you stay in one of the smaller villas or in Fleming's home? How large is the property overall? Were other guests there at the same time? Would you be able to do any self-catering if you were so inclined? Did you do any snorkeling while there? If so, how was it? I generally do not care for a "gated community" feel--can you elaborate on that a bit?

Thanks in advance--it sounds like you had a great time there!

justinse

I had not heard of these villas until today ..... looked up this website which you can check if interested
http://www.islandoutpost.com/Goldeneye/index.html

liza

For future reference (when hiring a taxi that doesn't know where it is), Oracabessa is about 20 minutes east of Ocho Rios.

The main road follows the sea and Goldeneye is on the water so it shouldn't be too hard, the driver can ask when he gets to Oracabessa.

Lovely area of Jamaica, especially from there on east.

MatthewB

My fiance and I are going to Goldeneye in September (we will be married by then). If anyone wants any current info I can give it after Sept 20th. What I can say is that - up to now our contact with them has been excellent. A driver has been arranged, and a few trips have been pre-arranged, plus a few massages. Initially we were dealing with the resort direct, but then booked through Virgin Holidays (see Ultimate Collection)