The former home of Ian Fleming, where he famously wrote the James Bond novels, the 21-accommodation GoldenEye Hotel is one of Jamaica’s most luxurious, exclusive resorts; it comprises private villas, cottages, and beach huts. Its romantic, peaceful vibe caters best to couples, but also to singles and families looking to relax. There’s no fitness center, rates can be high and aren’t all-inclusive, and there isn’t much in the surrounding area; but the property offers delightful service, beautiful freshwater swimming pools and lagoons throughout the grounds, three trendy eateries with very good food, and two alluring infinity pools overlooking the sea. The outstanding lagoonside spa offers massages, meditation, salt scrubs, herbal wraps, facials, and more in a tropical rainforest-like setting. The Villas come with outdoor rain showers, hardwood floors, high ceilings, full kitchens, and outdoor dining tables; the Lagoon Cottages are directly on the lagoon, equipped with private docks, kayaks, oversized claw foot tubs and outdoor garden showers; and the Beach Huts are built at various heights, situated between Snorkeler’s Cove and Button Beach. They also have outdoor showers and claw foot tubs, as do “The Originals” – the original villas that composed the resort. Activities include kayaking, sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, glass-bottom boat rides, excellent on-site snorkeling, yoga classes, HIIT and kickboxing classes, tennis, and deep sea fishing excursions.
COVID-19 antigen and PCR tests are available on-site, though neither is complimentary. Antigen tests are $83 per person and PCR tests are $253 per person.