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http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifes...GOLDENEYE_.asp
http://www.goldeneyedevelopment.com/
Seems to me this is the type of low impact development Portland should concentrate on.
Goldeneye.
Where service is discreet and you do as you please
By Novia McDonald-Whyte Lifestyle editor
Sunday, November 04, 2007
.It has the same crisp ring as Bond, James Bond that is, and yes, we almost missed that ever-so- discreet sign 'Private Property' hinged onto the black iron gates and the Aston Martin to boot; but it was enough that we had left the angry rains of Kingston and were now under interrogation from security chief, one Dollon Munroe, think Miss Moneypenny.
(Goldeneye is an ultra-exclusive property and impenetrable if your name is not on the 'expected list.') We're expected and are happy to reacquaint ourselves with the 18-acre villa retreat brilliantly snug on a seaside bluff between a lagoon and an inviting blue sea. We spy a few gardeners chopping coconuts and after expressing an immediate need to quench our thirst are soon enjoying copious amounts of the warm sweet juice.
One of the Villas at Goldeneye
Camille from the front desk takes us on a familiarisation tour that includes a ride around the lagoon on a boat aptly handled by Clifton. It's a slow ride we recommend that shows you why such a resort with a mere five private villas: Ian Fleming's original three-bedroom home, along with Royal Palm (Naomi Campbell's hideaway), a three-bedroom villa and Villas 1, 2 and 3, each with the corresponding number of bedrooms - is according to travel bible Conde Nast Traveler 'the epicentre of jet set Jamaica.'
Goldeneye owner Chris Blackwell, who is today (Wednesday) hosting his good friend Sir Richard Branson, describes it as one of his favourite places in the world. "It was Ian Fleming's home for many years and it was here he wrote all of his James Bond novels," he shares. Little surprise really that Blackwell finds it a source of inspiration and renewal. "A natural paradise in harmony with nature that ensures complete serenity."
The air is pretty stifling today and there's not much of a breeze as the boat bobs and weaves its way across the turquoise lagoon. There's a sudden downpour that stops as quickly as it commenced. We spot Naomi's three-bedroom villa Royal Palm, perfectly blended into the natural contours of the water's edge.
Guests at lunch on the plush lawns of Goldeneye. The sea adds to the idyllic setting
Each bedroom is its own separate cottage - it's occupied, but regrettably not by the diva. Clifton points out the Jah Buddha created by a mother and daughter team on a visit to Goldeneye. Such a place would, we imagine, inspire you to either do absolutely nothing, swim and walk each day, eat, drink and sleep or we reckon write like Ian Fleming.
Back on shore, we relax over a couple of cocktails before heading over to Fleming House. It's Ian Fleming's original house with a jaw-dropping view of the sea. Truth be told, everything else seems an incidental addition.
We kid you not, the vista is priceless and thankfully the bed is ample enough to take it all in. You'll certainly feel like James Bond or better still Halle Berry as you enjoy the garden baths and showers. The Fleming House boasts three bedrooms, its own swimming pool, a sunken garden, separate media play room with theatre screen, exotic Balinese furniture and its own private beach.
Island Outpost's Chris Blackwell (left) and Sir Richard Branson at Goldeneye Wednesday last (Photos: Lionel Rookwood).
The main house provides access to the cove below the cliffs and to a free-form pool between the house and the private sandy beach below. Adjacent to Fleming House is a large media room with its own projector television, surround sound, satellite and cable television. There's a cosy (8x15) cushioned lounging area along with a full library of James Bond (naturally) as well as other favourite DVDs.
Naturally, we had to take a quick peek at Villa 1 HoneyChile where Branson stayed. Villa 1 is a spacious one-bedroom villa with rooms that flow together informally. The bedroom is nestled under a giant Banyan tree and you step out into an exotic outdoor bath and shower room. The separate living room and kitchen area open onto a private cut-stone patio with picnic table for al fresco dining.
What's being whispered by the global fabulocracy is the 60th anniversary launching of Goldeneye, a new development blending the elegant sophistication of Bond with the laid-back sensuality of Jamaica. When completed, the Goldeneye development will comprise 80 villas and beach huts. In addition to the properties now on sale there'll be 30 oceanfront rental apartments named after Bond characters such as Q, Miss Moneypenny, Gold Finger and ******************** Galore.
The inimitable Ann Hodges, along with interior designer Barbara Hulanicki of Biba fame, where Bond girls would often buy their outfits, helped revive the area. Together with world-famous spa design sensation Codagh, their aim is to produce an environment that combines classic cool with a sense of well-being. Goldeneye managing director Nicholas Simmonds is naturally excited about the possibilities.
Originally from South Africa and with industry experience in Europe, Turks and Caicos as well as Nevis, he fully understands the value of going after the high-end traveller.
His cosy office is filled with plans for the over 40 acres of land, including a mile of undulating coastline that will feature an eclectic mix of over 80 homes, including one-and two-bedroom cottages tucked next to a sheltered beach, two bathroom spa cottages positioned on a private island adjacent to the Seawater Spa, three-and four-bedroom villas with private pools and guest cottages cantilevered over an emerald lagoon, along with one-bedroom tree-top huts around an elevated pool and handsome Bond suites with rooms overlooking the Caribbean Sea. With completion date set for 2008, be prepared for a new approach to destination travel.
On second thoughts, let's spy it out first.
For more information on the Goldeneye expansion and development programme go to www.goldeneyedevelopment.com or emailnick.goldeneye@cwjamaica.com
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifes...GOLDENEYE_.asp
http://www.goldeneyedevelopment.com/
Seems to me this is the type of low impact development Portland should concentrate on.
Goldeneye.
Where service is discreet and you do as you please
By Novia McDonald-Whyte Lifestyle editor
Sunday, November 04, 2007
.It has the same crisp ring as Bond, James Bond that is, and yes, we almost missed that ever-so- discreet sign 'Private Property' hinged onto the black iron gates and the Aston Martin to boot; but it was enough that we had left the angry rains of Kingston and were now under interrogation from security chief, one Dollon Munroe, think Miss Moneypenny.
(Goldeneye is an ultra-exclusive property and impenetrable if your name is not on the 'expected list.') We're expected and are happy to reacquaint ourselves with the 18-acre villa retreat brilliantly snug on a seaside bluff between a lagoon and an inviting blue sea. We spy a few gardeners chopping coconuts and after expressing an immediate need to quench our thirst are soon enjoying copious amounts of the warm sweet juice.
One of the Villas at Goldeneye
Camille from the front desk takes us on a familiarisation tour that includes a ride around the lagoon on a boat aptly handled by Clifton. It's a slow ride we recommend that shows you why such a resort with a mere five private villas: Ian Fleming's original three-bedroom home, along with Royal Palm (Naomi Campbell's hideaway), a three-bedroom villa and Villas 1, 2 and 3, each with the corresponding number of bedrooms - is according to travel bible Conde Nast Traveler 'the epicentre of jet set Jamaica.'
Goldeneye owner Chris Blackwell, who is today (Wednesday) hosting his good friend Sir Richard Branson, describes it as one of his favourite places in the world. "It was Ian Fleming's home for many years and it was here he wrote all of his James Bond novels," he shares. Little surprise really that Blackwell finds it a source of inspiration and renewal. "A natural paradise in harmony with nature that ensures complete serenity."
The air is pretty stifling today and there's not much of a breeze as the boat bobs and weaves its way across the turquoise lagoon. There's a sudden downpour that stops as quickly as it commenced. We spot Naomi's three-bedroom villa Royal Palm, perfectly blended into the natural contours of the water's edge.
Guests at lunch on the plush lawns of Goldeneye. The sea adds to the idyllic setting
Each bedroom is its own separate cottage - it's occupied, but regrettably not by the diva. Clifton points out the Jah Buddha created by a mother and daughter team on a visit to Goldeneye. Such a place would, we imagine, inspire you to either do absolutely nothing, swim and walk each day, eat, drink and sleep or we reckon write like Ian Fleming.
Back on shore, we relax over a couple of cocktails before heading over to Fleming House. It's Ian Fleming's original house with a jaw-dropping view of the sea. Truth be told, everything else seems an incidental addition.
We kid you not, the vista is priceless and thankfully the bed is ample enough to take it all in. You'll certainly feel like James Bond or better still Halle Berry as you enjoy the garden baths and showers. The Fleming House boasts three bedrooms, its own swimming pool, a sunken garden, separate media play room with theatre screen, exotic Balinese furniture and its own private beach.
Island Outpost's Chris Blackwell (left) and Sir Richard Branson at Goldeneye Wednesday last (Photos: Lionel Rookwood).
The main house provides access to the cove below the cliffs and to a free-form pool between the house and the private sandy beach below. Adjacent to Fleming House is a large media room with its own projector television, surround sound, satellite and cable television. There's a cosy (8x15) cushioned lounging area along with a full library of James Bond (naturally) as well as other favourite DVDs.
Naturally, we had to take a quick peek at Villa 1 HoneyChile where Branson stayed. Villa 1 is a spacious one-bedroom villa with rooms that flow together informally. The bedroom is nestled under a giant Banyan tree and you step out into an exotic outdoor bath and shower room. The separate living room and kitchen area open onto a private cut-stone patio with picnic table for al fresco dining.
What's being whispered by the global fabulocracy is the 60th anniversary launching of Goldeneye, a new development blending the elegant sophistication of Bond with the laid-back sensuality of Jamaica. When completed, the Goldeneye development will comprise 80 villas and beach huts. In addition to the properties now on sale there'll be 30 oceanfront rental apartments named after Bond characters such as Q, Miss Moneypenny, Gold Finger and ******************** Galore.
The inimitable Ann Hodges, along with interior designer Barbara Hulanicki of Biba fame, where Bond girls would often buy their outfits, helped revive the area. Together with world-famous spa design sensation Codagh, their aim is to produce an environment that combines classic cool with a sense of well-being. Goldeneye managing director Nicholas Simmonds is naturally excited about the possibilities.
Originally from South Africa and with industry experience in Europe, Turks and Caicos as well as Nevis, he fully understands the value of going after the high-end traveller.
His cosy office is filled with plans for the over 40 acres of land, including a mile of undulating coastline that will feature an eclectic mix of over 80 homes, including one-and two-bedroom cottages tucked next to a sheltered beach, two bathroom spa cottages positioned on a private island adjacent to the Seawater Spa, three-and four-bedroom villas with private pools and guest cottages cantilevered over an emerald lagoon, along with one-bedroom tree-top huts around an elevated pool and handsome Bond suites with rooms overlooking the Caribbean Sea. With completion date set for 2008, be prepared for a new approach to destination travel.
On second thoughts, let's spy it out first.
For more information on the Goldeneye expansion and development programme go to www.goldeneyedevelopment.com or emailnick.goldeneye@cwjamaica.com
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