GoldenEye

My wife and I recently stayed at GoldenEye, and overall we had a wonderful experience. The property itself is absolutely beautiful. If you’re looking for a polished, ultra-modern luxury resort, this may not be it—but that’s exactly the point. GoldenEye embraces a rustic, authentic Jamaican charm that makes it feel unique and special. The grounds are stunning, and the entire resort has a relaxed atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and enjoy your surroundings. The food and service were excellent throughout our stay. Every member of the staff we encountered was warm, friendly, and genuinely eager to help. It’s difficult to remember everyone’s names, but I would especially like to recognize Chef Laire, who went above and beyond to make sure we were well taken care of. I would also like to thank Teswayne and Brian at the front desk, who were incredibly helpful and always available whenever we needed assistance. A special shout out to Laurel the driver who is an absolute angel. If I had one small criticism, it would be regarding the accommodations. The rooms are very nice and fit perfectly with the rustic theme of the property, but some aspects could use updating. In particular, the bathrooms felt somewhat dated, and the window shutters can be cumbersome to open and close. A more user-friendly solution would be a welcome improvement. That said, these were minor issues in what was otherwise a fantastic stay. The beauty of the property, outstanding food, and exceptional staff made this a memorable vacation, and we would happily return to GoldenEye in the future.

My husband and I just returned from a one week stay at GoldenEye for our 30th anniversary. We were surprised at how few people were there and often felt like we had the place to ourselves - sometimes good, sometimes a little boring. The property itself is stunning. We stayed in a Lagoon Villa that was incredible. It was a little difficult to air condition as it is screened in with shutters (it was very hot & humid while we were there, upper 80’s-low 90’s). The ladder used to exit the lagoon needs to be replaced with something sturdier and more accessible. The food at all 3 restaurants was very good, although not a lot of variety - after an entire week, we were pretty tired of it. They offer yoga, but only at 5:00 pm and only twice each week. I would have gone to morning yoga if it were offered, I don’t really understand the logic of that scheduling. My one big issue and disappointment with the stay was the quality and inconsistency of the spa. We each had 2 massages. The first ones were fine. My second massage was a truly terrible experience. The therapist got oil in my eyes (which caused an allergic reaction) and bruised the undersides my arms. At the price point of this hotel, I expected a better and more concerned response than I got from management. Frankly, I expected a refund for the entirety of that massage but only got a 10% discount. If they had taken care of it appropriately on their end, I wouldn’t review them negatively about it here. It really put a sour note on what was otherwise a stellar trip, and is why I'm giving the resort a 4 instead of a 5. Hopefully they will take this feedback and make some very necessary improvements. Overall, it was a wonderful week and we would consider going back. The restaurant/bar/water sports staff were AWESOME - very friendly and accommodating and truly contributed to making our stay very special. Shout out to Glen Roy, Kevin, Marlon, Richard, Everyone - I wish I could remember everyone’s names!!

Just back from a week at Golden Eye, traveling all the way from Europe, and we want to share some insights. The highlights of Golden Eye are undoubtedly the location and the people. Kalicia from Bizot restaurant treated us like family and fulfilled every wish, while Pops, our driver, gave us fascinating insights into Jamaican history, pointed out celebrities’ homes, and shared local culture—what a wonderful man. The bartenders and crew at Button Beach had a blast among themselves while mixing the best Golden Eye rum cocktails, all set to reggae music playing throughout the day. And finally, the sunset at Shabeen—with drummers and dancing—was a true highlight. On the other hand, a few things fell below our expectations. The food didn’t quite match the quality, value, or variety we had hoped for. The rooms felt a bit outdated, although they were spacious, comfortable, and fully functional. Additionally, the team at the welcome desk seemed somewhat passive and not particularly proactive. Overall, Golden Eye is a place for easy living—relaxed and chilled. On our way back, we stopped for lunch at Half-Moon Hotel. If you’re looking for stylish, well-managed, and highly organized activity holidays, this might be the better choice. The food was excellent at an even lower price point, and everything was impeccably organized—though very American in style. It’s a five-star hotel, as expected. In summary: Half-Moon offers a posh, predictable experience with excellent food, flawless service, and well-managed surroundings, while Golden Eye appeals more to hipsters seeking character and charm, though with some trade-offs in food, price-value, and service.

One of the best resorts in Jamaica,the food the beaches and the staff are perfect.

Truly a magical trip! Cannot say enough great things about the pristine property and the staff that makes you feel like family. Pro-tips: swimming in the Lagoon is a must and be sure to request Laurel Blair as your driver. Laurel is one in a million and absolutely made the trip! Knows exactly where to take you (not just tourist spots) and gives you her view of the country, culture and people she’s so proud of. She makes you feel like you’ve known her your whole life, and she’s funny as all get out!!!