GoldenEye

This place runs almost entirely on atmosphere and vibe. We stayed just before Christmas and saw only a handful of other guests, which will feel magical to some and unsettling to others. Service is entirely hands-off and runs through WhatsApp. If you want a spa appointment, you message one number. Room service, another. It ultimately feels less like a hotel and more like a chic, remote Airbnb with a helpful host and turn down service. The property itself is beautiful. It sits on extraordinary land with small coves and tiny private beaches. The cottages have a weathered Caribbean charm, though in places that charm feels like it’s edging into tired. Pool and beach furniture are worn, and some areas feel like they could benefit from simple upkeep. The biggest disappointment by far was the food. You are very remote and completely dependent on the on-site restaurants, yet one of the two restaurants was closed the entire time we were there, with no advance notice during prime peak season. That meant limited options every day. Some meals were quite tasty, while other were minimal and uninspiring and extraordinarily expensive relative to its quality. Think iceberg lettuce straight from a bag with little love or fan fair. Dietary accommodations were minimal, especially for the price. Everyone we encountered was genuinely kind, and the spa deserves special mention. I had an incredible massage there that rivaled any five-star resort I’ve stayed. The issue is not warmth or capability, but the overall hands-off approach to service across the property. If privacy, quiet, and natural beauty are your top priorities, GoldenEye may feel magical. That said, at ~ $1,100 a night, the experience feels overvalued. If this were priced significantly lower, it would read as an incredible hidden gem. At its current rate, you are paying almost entirely for the setting, not for service, food, or any personal touches.

Spent three nights at GoldenEye over Labor Day weekend as a birthday trip with my husband. I’d been wanting to stay here for years and was delighted that, not only did it meet our expectations – it exceeded them! We’re already planning our return! Arrival: Trevor was waiting for us in arrivals, right on time. I think the $330 charged for RT from/to MBJ is very reasonable given how far of a drive it is. We were honestly nervous about the drive. Our first time in Jamaica, in Jan.’25, driving along the A1 we literally thought we wouldn’t make it - The driver was crazy and we were terrified. Trevor, however, was AMAZING! We felt safe and comfortable and he was a pleasure to talk with. He’ll gladly accommodate any stops you wish to make along the way. With Friday afternoon traffic and one pit-stop it took about 2.5 hours. (We requested Trevor for the return on Monday morning and it took just about 2 hours with one stop along the way.) Upon arrival at the resort, we were warmly greeting by Tamara and offered cold towels and welcome drinks as we checked in. The view from the lobby is stunning, photos don’t do it justice. In fact, no photos of the resort prepare you for quite how magical it is in-person. Room: We booked a lagoon cottage. Simple but beautiful. Quality furnishings, linens, and the dreamiest mattress. We got such good sleep!!! The mosquito net around the bed adds to the dreamy experience. However, it was too hot during our stay to leave the shutters open at night. Fortunately the AC worked well. The view is stunning – looking out over the turquoise water, and watching the birds over on the island, and the sea turtles swimming by. Magical! Having a private dock & kayak is such a treat. The freedom of just going out when you want, where you want, without the oversight & rules that come with larger resorts is great. There was complimentary fruit (with most delicious mangoes we ever ate), plenty of bottled water, tea and coffee. There are other snacks and drinks provided for additional charge. They also provide restaurant menus, a map of the property and a schedule of events. Property: We felt a bit lost at first and had to refer to the map a lot, but after a couple loops around the property getting to and from each bar/pool/beach, etc became second nature. The property overall is stunning. Very natural vegetation and paths, with clean beaches. There were mosquitos but they weren’t a major issue for me. I’m a mosquito magnet and while I did get some bites, considering we spent the majority of our time outside, I was very impressed to have not been bitten more. Only one evening were they persistent enough that I had to spray my legs with repellent (they provide it in the rooms and at the restaurants). I appreciate that they don’t spray the property itself for bugs. Food: Mostly 10/10. I was a little nervous going in low-season based on some other reviews about restaurant closures – but for our three nights, we found the options were varied enough. Prices honestly seemed reasonable compared to other luxury resorts ($14 cocktails, lunch for the 2 of us usually came in around $75 with tips for two meals plus sides, dinner about $175). Most importantly, the food was fresh and delicious. Breakfast at Bizot was really good. The first morning breakfast came complimentary. (Was it for my bday? Does everyone get 1 complimentary breakfast? IDK but we appreciated it) The other two mornings we had the breakfast specials which were delicious as was the fresh juice. Lunch was available as Bamboo Bar every day and very enjoyable. During our stay we tried the jerk chicken, chicken sandwich, cod fritters, grilled shrimp, grilled fish, and different side salads. The grilled shrimp were some of the best we’d ever eaten but there were only 7 average size shrimp and wish we got more of them. The first time we got the cod fritters we were blown away by how good they were (and how much you got for the price). Chris Blackwell and his family were also at Bamboo that day having lunch. We ordered the fritters again the next day because we enjoyed them so much, but they were totally different (still good flavor but flat and small and not as plentiful). So was day 1 the anomaly because Mr. Blackwell was there? Or was day 2 the anomaly? Regardless, still good. Dinner was at Bizot night 1 and 2 and the Gazebo was open on night 3. We tried the surf & turf special at Bizot (mashed potatoes = A+, veg side = A+, grilled shrimp = A, steak = C? Flavor was good but not a great cut of meat. That was the biggest flop of the dining experience). Gazebo was good. Small menu but unique and delicious offerings plus good cocktails. Service: Hands down 10/10. All of the staff are superstars! I’m having a hard time remembering everyone’s name – but from the restaurant servers, to bartenders, housekeeping, groundskeeping, etc. – everyone was so wonderful! WhatsApp is used to contact the concierge or order room service. It was a seamless experience for us and all needs were met / questions answered promptly. Each morning they send a schedule of activities & restaurant openings. Shoutout to the watasports team. Each morning around 7:30 either Roberto or Omar would come by, sweep the deck and get the chairs setup. They were both very pleasant to talk to. If you want to swap your kayak with a different type, just ask and they’ll accommodate. They came back in the evening to gather the towels and store the chair pads for the night. Snorkeled for the first time -- Omario was very patient with me and a great teacher. An insulated bucket of ice is left for you on the mini bar during daytime housekeeping. Turndown service was provided each evening while we were off at dinner. No little treats or gifts at turndown, which is fine with me, but I realize some people wonder about that. Other Notable Mentions: Having traveled to GoldenEye right as hurricane season was ramping up, we figured it would be quiet, but wow… at times we felt like the only 2 people on the property. We learned there were a total of 24 guests during our stay (out of a potential max 140). Friday night at Shabeen was fun! There were drummers, complimentary snacks and a choice of 3 complimentary cocktails. Cool to have all the guests come together for the experience. From the lagoon, you DO hear road noise & music from Oracabessa, but I can’t say that it bothered us. We were there in the days leading up to the election, and there was one truck that would drive back and forth blasting the campaign song in the evenings. Served as a nice reminder of the vibrant community beyond the gates. It’s become the soundtrack to our vacation and we still keep singing it. We had wanted to go explore the community and eat at Chris’s but it was just too damn hot for us to desire making the 20 minute walk into town. I figured it was just us not being used to that level of heat, but the staff admitted it was even hot for them. I’m looking forward to going back in the winter. GoldenEye is an absolute oasis. Highly recommend treating yourself to a stay if you have the opportunity.

Rustic luxury. Loved how some of the rooms the balcony are on the calm water. Nice pool and beach area. Balconies could use updated decor and finishing. Food outstanding.

We stayed in a two bedroom beach hut, which I thoroughly recommend. It was very central. My daughter had the top room and my wife and I had the one below. All the staff were so friendly, we loved all the music and the bars and restaurants, all in all it was a fabulous trip.

We visited 3 different resorts during our visit to Jamaica, and this was our least favourite. Goldeneye is a beautiful resort. We stayed in a lagoon villa, and it was perfect. I loved the eye pool, tennis, and kayaking around the lagoon. The staff are very professional and friendly. My husband is a massive Bond fan, so we were so excited to visit to celebrate his birthday and our anniversary. Occupancy was low when we were there. The resort chose to limit the restaurant services, which made mealtimes a bit dull and repetitive. It also meant the bars weren't always open as advertised. It didn't spoil our trip, but it wasn't quite the experience we'd anticipated. We had an incredible time at the turtle release. Thank you for supporting such a fantastic organisation. It was a trip highlight for me.