We have just enjoyed a wonderful week at GoldenEye. The resort has a very special atmosphere, it is laid back without being slack, it is natural but not without luxury, a wonderful balance. Accommodation is in huts or villas on the edge of the lagoon, the beach or a cove. However, I loved our beach hut. The upstairs octagonal bedroom was nestled in the trees and the wind blew through the wooden louvred windows. There was also a veranda where we could sit & watch the sea and downstairs an open air shower & bath. We spent time relaxing on Button beach where the bay was gently sloping but also good for swimming. Unfortunately during our stay the weather was stormy and so the glass bottomed boat did not venture out & water sports were also affected by the choppy sea. At the Bamboo Grill on the beach, the jerk chicken & pork, the coconut shrimp, curried snapper, pumpkin rice & wraps were all fantastic. Breakfasts & meals at the Bizot bar were also very good but we found the Gazebo restaurant a disappointment. The location is great overlooking the lagoon, the bridge and sea but at night that is lost. The food was mediocre, the service in the restaurant was poor, prices were high & for dessert they had even run out of bananas ! Overall the service was amazing. Everyone that we met, regardless of their job was charming, helpful and very proud of GoldenEye. A special mention for Nashawn & Conroy who were great making drinks and generally spoiling us at the Bamboo Grill. The two hour transit from the airport is not very interesting and visiting the Blue mountains, waterfalls or plantations involves about 3 hours driving. We were fortunate to meet Chris Blackwell and he kindly showed us the Fleming villa. This and a wonderful trip to Firefly, Noel Coward’s home were definitely highlights for my husband, an Ian Fleming fan. GoldenEye is a very special place, where you can relax in a cocoon away from the rest of the world. A truly magical visit.

Hidden down an unmarked driveway, Goldeneye is a secret oasis. This hotel is owned by Chris Blackwell and is perfectly curated - from the vintage-inspired neon green smeg refrigerator to the outdoor clawfoot tub. The restaurant walls are adorned by record covers and magazine cutouts of reggae and jazz musicians. The staff is equally as charming, and not to mention talented - each of them singing to the reggae music in the background as they check to see how you are doing. If I could spend every day here, I would.

This review has taken a few days to write. I will preface by saying we booked this vacation pre covid, and much like everyone had to cancel the vacation during 2020. The Golden Eye was unable to offer refunds, but did allow us to have an extension/credit. We decided to go for a major 10 year anniversary of a significant trauma in our lives. When we arrived in Jamaica our suitcase was taken by another passenger (Nothing to do with Golden Eye), so we did not receive our clothing or medication for 24 hours. The property is beautiful but upon walking down the stairs the beach was littered with plastic water bottles. I immediately began picking them up and was told they finished doing some construction on the beach so they washed up and not to worry, they would all be cleaned up. We were told they had recycling bins on the property but we never saw any. We picked up plastic bottles from the lagoon where we stayed and along the beaches daily. The hotel does stock plastic in your fridge, which I know most guests want bottled water, but this is adding to the already plagued ocean and sea life. The lagoon was beautiful but the oil/gas slick atop it at low tide was very sad. We also did not expect to hear very loud trucks and horns from our cabin. The out door showers are beautiful, but you must be mindful of windows above your shower from other huts. All in all, the grounds felt like a very pretty campground. The staff at the restaurant was our favorite part of the trip. They were all extremely courteous and very kind. We also were taken back by the amount of smoking on the property especially by the "non Jamaican staff/advisor". We did bring an entire suitcase of books for the "Pack for a Purpose" project and it was very non happily received. Someone just said "Ill take those" and that was the extent of it. Will we receive any tax letter from the non profit? We did have large cockroaches in our bathroom each night when we turned the light on, but I also realize our hut was over a lagoon. We needed to leave early as I developed an infection in my leg, and thankfully they did not charge us for departing early. We wish the best to the locals as they were incredibly friendly and kind and stated the place had changed management several times. The local staff was hopeful and put their best foot forward. We would not return to this location as we enjoy a bit more privacy and quiet for that amount of money.