Goldeneye

Goldeneye (tel. 876/975-3354, Kingston office tel. 876/960-8134, goldeneye@cwjamaica.com, www.islandoutpost.com/goldeneye) the former home of James Bond series author Ian Fleming, is today the most exclusive resort in Jamaica. From the moment the gates swing open off the main road, you know you have arrived at a place unlike any other. No large sign announces the property's presence from the road, a reflection of the understated grandeur that lies within.

Ian Fleming's villa boasts enormous bamboo-framed canopy beds, which beg to be slept on, but there is too much competition to stay there long. Deluxe indoor master bathrooms are complemented by an outdoor bath area that resembles paradise, surrounded by a wooden fence to ensure privacy. The villa lacks nothing, from its spacious living area to the pool outside, to the lawns overlooking Fleming's private beach. Adjacent to the pool, an enclosed lounge features a projection screen and bar.

On the opposite side of the vast property, Royal Palm sits on the tranquil lagoon surrounding a private island. It's the kind of place that makes you grateful to be alive. Downstairs, a living area with windows on all sides opens out to the front veranda, where you can step into the lagoon.

Meals are offered in a casual setting in a centrally located gazebo overlooking the water. The food is delicious and generally features the best local cuisine. It is also possible to arrange meals in your villa.

If you can drag yourself away from your villa, Nico is ready to take you on a Jet Skiing adventure to remote waterfalls for a hike and swim. Otherwise, there's always windsurfing, kayaking, or simply lazing on the beach of your private island.

Goldeneye has evolved in recent years into Jamaica's most exclusive resort community with several villas owned independently. Phase 1 of a transformational expansion completed in October 2010 adds two-bedroom and a one-bedroom satellite cottages to the grounds of Fleming House, 11 one- and two-bedroom cottages facing Low Cay Beach complemented by a restaurant and bar, and six one-bedroom villas facing the island at the edge of the lagoon. The new villas rent as part of the Goldeneye pool. A spa is also in the works.

This is not a resort for those with shallow pockets. Nightly rates vary based on the villa, but you can expect to pay in excess of US$1,000 per couple. The service is accordingly top-notch.