Post by Ace on Oct 16, 2005 10:56:30 GMT -5
Well it is Bond related and it sounds divine.
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JET-SET HOLIDAYS: THE TRIP: EXCLUSIVE RETREATS; NOBODY DOES IT BETTER THAN GOLDENEYE
10/16/2005 09:06:39 AM EDT
INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY
Sting reputedly wrote 'Every Breath You Take' while lounging on the sofa. Johnny Depp spent an afternoon planting a guava tree in the orchard. The swimming pool has, in its time, hosted the bronzed bodies of A-listers such as Naomi Campbell, Gwyneth Paltrow, Harrison Ford and the boys from U2. This is Goldeneye, on Jamaica's north coast, erstwhile home to James Bond creator Ian Fleming, and now a luxury holiday hideaway. The weather is tropical, the staff-to-guest ratio obscene, the cocktails primarily rum-based; it's like being in heaven without the white beards and togas. In fact, it's all so lush, so exquisite, that the first question that enters your head is: what have I done to deserve this?
The answer, most probably, is either that you know the right people, or you are the right people. Places such as Goldeneye are part of a niche category of destinations that pass directly through the opulence of the five-star hotel and inhabit their own microclimate of chic splendour.
The main house isn't trying to impress anyone: it's a simple three-bedroom white bungalow, albeit one draped with Indonesian fabrics and ethnic art. Staying here isn't about showing off your wealth; it's about enjoying it. Meanwhile, down at the cliff edge, simple wooden villas have rooms named after Bond girls: Domino, Tiffany Case and Honeychile. Each has its own terrace and bathrooms open to the sky. It's more banana leaf than gold leaf; more Pierce Brosnan (who has stayed here) than Wayne Rooney (who hasn't).
Presumably this lack of ostentation is what you want from a holiday: no fuss, just comfort and relaxation. Goldeneye is a place you can call home, especially if you've reserved the entire estate at pounds 5,900 a night.
The location is important too: guards discourage the paparazzi while you get on with enjoying the stunning view of the Caribbean Sea from the lawn, or lounging on one of your three private beaches. Then there's a chance to potter about on the private boat, or snorkel on your favourite patch of coral reef, just as Ursula Andress did in Dr No. Indeed, location is Goldeneye's pre-eminent charm: you are paying to stay on a patch of earth that everyone wants to visit, but no one else is invited.
And if you're not a celebrity? It's amazing how quickly you adapt. On the first day, you exalt at your good fortune (in my case a happy combination of hard-working friends, the sale of their internet company, and their desire to celebrate in style). You scamper round like a child, exploring your villa, playing with the home-cinema system and swatting through a few sets on the tennis court. Then, a couple of Red Stripes and light lunch later, you mount your sun lounger and settle down.
You soon get used to the cocktail hour, the squadrons of gardeners, the fact that you never, ever, have to clear anything up. It doesn't strike you as odd that the sand on the beach appears to be raked every morning, or that a towel is there for you after every dip. Through a fuzz of banana daiquiris you have to pinch yourself just to remember that Life Isn't Like This.
And that's the one downside: with no incentive to leave the privileges of Goldeneye's 50-acre estate, there never seems to be a good moment to explore the real Jamaica that lies beyond. But why worry? A tiny taste of Goldeneye is a chance to concentrate on the important things in life " like what colour your next drink is going to be, and whether you too can write a number one song on that special sofa. You never know " one day the royalties might mean you can afford to come back again.
1 Goldeneye
WHAT IS IT?
The former home of Ian Fleming is the ultimate luxury hideaway
WHERE IS IT?
Jamaica
WHO GOES THERE?
Johnny Depp, Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Campbell
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
For true exclusivity, book the whole complex for pounds 5,900 per night
HOW DO I GET THERE? Contact Island Outpost (00 800 688 76781; www.islandoutpost .com/goldeneye)
====================================
JET-SET HOLIDAYS: THE TRIP: EXCLUSIVE RETREATS; NOBODY DOES IT BETTER THAN GOLDENEYE
10/16/2005 09:06:39 AM EDT
INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY
Sting reputedly wrote 'Every Breath You Take' while lounging on the sofa. Johnny Depp spent an afternoon planting a guava tree in the orchard. The swimming pool has, in its time, hosted the bronzed bodies of A-listers such as Naomi Campbell, Gwyneth Paltrow, Harrison Ford and the boys from U2. This is Goldeneye, on Jamaica's north coast, erstwhile home to James Bond creator Ian Fleming, and now a luxury holiday hideaway. The weather is tropical, the staff-to-guest ratio obscene, the cocktails primarily rum-based; it's like being in heaven without the white beards and togas. In fact, it's all so lush, so exquisite, that the first question that enters your head is: what have I done to deserve this?
The answer, most probably, is either that you know the right people, or you are the right people. Places such as Goldeneye are part of a niche category of destinations that pass directly through the opulence of the five-star hotel and inhabit their own microclimate of chic splendour.
The main house isn't trying to impress anyone: it's a simple three-bedroom white bungalow, albeit one draped with Indonesian fabrics and ethnic art. Staying here isn't about showing off your wealth; it's about enjoying it. Meanwhile, down at the cliff edge, simple wooden villas have rooms named after Bond girls: Domino, Tiffany Case and Honeychile. Each has its own terrace and bathrooms open to the sky. It's more banana leaf than gold leaf; more Pierce Brosnan (who has stayed here) than Wayne Rooney (who hasn't).
Presumably this lack of ostentation is what you want from a holiday: no fuss, just comfort and relaxation. Goldeneye is a place you can call home, especially if you've reserved the entire estate at pounds 5,900 a night.
The location is important too: guards discourage the paparazzi while you get on with enjoying the stunning view of the Caribbean Sea from the lawn, or lounging on one of your three private beaches. Then there's a chance to potter about on the private boat, or snorkel on your favourite patch of coral reef, just as Ursula Andress did in Dr No. Indeed, location is Goldeneye's pre-eminent charm: you are paying to stay on a patch of earth that everyone wants to visit, but no one else is invited.
And if you're not a celebrity? It's amazing how quickly you adapt. On the first day, you exalt at your good fortune (in my case a happy combination of hard-working friends, the sale of their internet company, and their desire to celebrate in style). You scamper round like a child, exploring your villa, playing with the home-cinema system and swatting through a few sets on the tennis court. Then, a couple of Red Stripes and light lunch later, you mount your sun lounger and settle down.
You soon get used to the cocktail hour, the squadrons of gardeners, the fact that you never, ever, have to clear anything up. It doesn't strike you as odd that the sand on the beach appears to be raked every morning, or that a towel is there for you after every dip. Through a fuzz of banana daiquiris you have to pinch yourself just to remember that Life Isn't Like This.
And that's the one downside: with no incentive to leave the privileges of Goldeneye's 50-acre estate, there never seems to be a good moment to explore the real Jamaica that lies beyond. But why worry? A tiny taste of Goldeneye is a chance to concentrate on the important things in life " like what colour your next drink is going to be, and whether you too can write a number one song on that special sofa. You never know " one day the royalties might mean you can afford to come back again.
1 Goldeneye
WHAT IS IT?
The former home of Ian Fleming is the ultimate luxury hideaway
WHERE IS IT?
Jamaica
WHO GOES THERE?
Johnny Depp, Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Campbell
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
For true exclusivity, book the whole complex for pounds 5,900 per night
HOW DO I GET THERE? Contact Island Outpost (00 800 688 76781; www.islandoutpost .com/goldeneye)
