GoldenEye

St. Mary

St. Mary’s parish contains a small village called Oracabessa, known for its market and especially for the luxury hotels on its coast, which are very popular with celebrities. The main attraction of this part of Jamaica is its famous Dunn Falls, near the city of Ochos Rios. Even without being a dyed in the wool hiker, it’s a wonderful experience to take in an enormous breath of fresh air by climbing to the top of the falls. The peaceful, rushing sound of the water rolling onto the rocks is particularly pleasant, as is the cool fresh atmosphere of the site, in the thick of the forest, bordered by immense ferns. The falls are about 200 meters high, and can be accessed via a well-marked path which passes through different plateaus before ending up in the Caribbean Sea. The more courageous souls can swim in the sea or even under the falls. This incredible natural décor is certainly one of the most photographed sites in Jamaica both by tourists and by professional photographers. While you’re at the site, it’s also recommended to visit the Shaw Park Botanic Gardens and discover the island’s lush vegetation.

A heavenly haven of peace

The Golden Eye is a charming hotel complex located in the village of Oracabessa, which towers over the Caribbean Sea. Its name seems to have come from an adventure of the celebrated British agent 007, although what would James Bond have come here for? The answer is simple. Chris Blackwell the hotel’s owner is none other than the son of James Bond’s creator, Ian Fleming. Fleming discovered Jamaica in 1942, during a mission he carried out for the Secret Service whose code name was Golden Eye. He immediately fell in love with the island. A few years later, he had a villa built for himself, which he called, Golden Eye.

Blackwell purchased it eleven years later and made it the center of his hotel complex. Recently renovated and enlarged, thanks to the work of Jamaican architect, Ann Hodges, it is a privileged haven of peace for guests seeking calm and serenity. Golden Eye has several villas decorated with elegance and charm. The bathtubs and showers have installed outdoors, but not to worry, discretion is the order of the day here.

The most famous residence is by far, the Fleming Villa, destined for guests who want to spend their vacation with friends or with family. It has three bedrooms, a large living room, a swimming pool, a private beach and even a barbecue; no need to go anywhere else. The Royal Palm villa has an incredible view of the lagoon, and the Villa 1, with its one bedroom and view of the sea, is reserved for lovers!

Various activities are available to guests including strolls in the garden, discovering the local flora and fauna, horseback riding, fold, tennis and discovering the Caribbean Sea by jet skiing or deep sea diving in total safety thanks to two veteran instructors.

The hotel’s cuisine is typically Jamaican, enabling guests to discover all the herbs and spices which add to the charm of the island.

Very popular with celebrity guests in search o calm and intimacy, visitors here include Johnny Depp, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Sting, who wrote the lyrics to his planetary number on hit, “Every Breath You Take” here, and whose old record has been conserved by Chris Blackwell.