GoldenEye in Oracabessa, Jamaica, was once the home of renowned author Ian Fleming. In 2011, Island Records founder Chris Blackwell re-opened the property as a resort and today it’s considered among the most luxurious and lush in the Caribbean. In February 2016, Blackwell expands upon his vision for GoldenEye with additions that include 26 Beach Huts, a seaside bar and rooftop terrace, pool area, snorkeling cove and bay-side beach, grill shack and drink stand.
The new Beach Huts, designed by Jamaican architect Ann Hodges, are freestanding one- and two-bedroom octagonal structures built in varying heights. Each is designed with a private veranda, oversized louvered windows and high ceiling, eradicating the need for air conditioning. The layout for the huts was conceived to blend the indoors and out; the sexy sounds of the tropics with the feel of a hut on the beach.
Custom-designed Jamaican furniture, crisp white linens and African fabrics are featured in each of the rooms. Interior showers—designed as walk-in wet rooms—and bamboo-enclosed outdoor showers and tubs (available in some of the huts) add a sensual vibe to the contemporary interior design by Marika Kessler.
Activities in the newly built Beach Hut area focus around Sha’been—a seafront bar with rooftop lounge and games room—and a whimsically designed freshwater pool. Steps away is Snorkeler’s Cove, the spot where guests swim out to sea to explore GoldenEye’s coral reef and the Oracabessa Fish Sanctuary.
Some Beach Huts are snuggled against Snorkeler’s Cove. Others are positioned for best views of the Caribbean Sea, Oracabessa Bay and Button Beach. A protected and shallow part of Oracabessa Bay, Button Beach is the spot for a grill shack serving Jamaican jerk favorites, a drink stand and a naturalistic Jungle Gym area for kids.
Bookings for the Beach Huts can be made now for travel beginning February 1, 2016. Rates start at $400 during low season, $600 during high season.
For more information please contact reservations at +1 800-OUTPOST (U.S. and Canada) +44 (0) 1895-422-476 (U.K.) +1 876-622-9009 (all other countries) reservations@islandoutpost.com