STAY LIKE BOND AT GOLDENEYE
Jamaica’s north coast hides a special place where literary history, Caribbean serenity, and Bond mythos meet: GoldenEye, the former home of Ian Fleming and the very birthplace of James Bond. Located in Oracabessa Bay, this 52-acre estate carries a timeless allure. Floral jungles, private coves, a lagoon, and villas scattered across the landscape create a retreat that feels as much a creative sanctuary as a luxury resort.
A Legacy Forged in Words and Water
Ian Fleming first set foot in Jamaica during World War II, working on a naval intelligence operation named “GoldenEye.” He was so captivated by the island’s beauty that in 1946, he bought fifteen overgrown acres in Oracabessa Bay, land that had once been a donkey-racing track. There, he built a modest stone-and-stucco house, overlooking the sea, which would become his writing refuge.
It was in this very villa, now known as the Fleming Villa, that Fleming crafted the first James Bond novel, Casino Royale, and continued to write for over a decade. Three of his novels, Dr No, Live and Let Die, and The Man with the Golden Gun, were set in Jamaica, drawing directly from the atmosphere of his secluded tropical home.
From Private Retreat to Iconic Resort
In 1976, music mogul Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, purchased GoldenEye. His vision was to preserve its heritage and soulful atmosphere, blending Fleming’s history with Jamaican culture and creating a boutique resort that attracts artists, writers, and discerning travellers.
Today, the resort features a harmonious mix of accommodations: beach villas, lagoon cottages, and tree-level huts all designed for barefoot elegance. With hardwood floors, high ceilings, and lush garden settings, each space feels deeply rooted in nature and creativity.
Firefly & Creative Heritage
Near the main villa sits Firefly, another key part of GoldenEye’s legacy. Originally built by playwright Noël Coward, his home became a hub for celebrities and luminaries. Coward’s retreat remains a symbol of GoldenEye’s creative past, a space that nurtured ideas, conversation, and artistic inspiration.
More Than Just a Place to Stay
GoldenEye is far richer than a luxury resort; its design and spirit reflect a deep connection to Jamaica. The spa offers open-air treatment huts overlooking the lagoon, using plant-based therapies rooted in Jamaican traditions. The remedies, from ginger soaks to lemongrass scrubs, revive both body and mind through native botanicals.
Dining at GoldenEye embraces local flavours: expect Jamaican classics like ackee and saltfish, spicy jerk chicken, tropical fruit, and more, all served in an atmosphere of relaxed sophistication. There’s also a sense of community tourism, with the resort encouraging guests to explore the nearby town, rum shops, and fishing markets.
Bond, Jamaica & Beyond
GoldenEye’s role in Bond history extends beyond writing. Jamaica has been a backdrop for multiple films: Dr No (1962) and Live and Let Die (1973) used the island’s landscapes, connecting the cinematic Bond with his literary origins. More than that, Fleming’s Jamaican retreat has become a pilgrimage for Bond fans, a place where the fictional agent’s creation feels physically rooted in sun-drenched hills and palm-lined shores.
The story comes full circle: modern Bond, including the 2021 film (No Time to Die), returns to Jamaica, reinforcing the island’s enduring place in the 007 lore.
A Retreat with Star Power
Over the years, GoldenEye has drawn a roster of high-profile guests. Actors, musicians, and world-renowned creatives have all sampled its serenity. Chris Blackwell’s transformation of the property into a resort has retained its private, offbeat charm while welcoming visitors into this lush, storied sanctuary.