Just Back From: GoldenEye, Jamaica
The lagoon cottages at GoldenEye.
Dr. Frank Lipman, intergrative physician, author, and creator of Be Well by Dr. Frank Lipman vitamin and supplements, practices what he preaches, island-style. We checked in with him after he checked out of GoldenEye, one of our favorite Caribbean spots.
Just Back from: GoldenEye in Oracabessa, Jamaica.
Was it your first time? No.
How long were you there? Six days.
Why did you go? We had been there before and it was one of our best vacations ever. And it's always great to hang out with one of my favorite peeps, Chris Blackwell.
Who were you with? My wife, Janice.
What was the best tip you got before you left? No jacket. No tie. Flip flops, yes!
What's the #1 tip you'd give a friend who wanted to go? Lagoon Cottage #12. Book it. Sexiest cottage for two.
Most memorable? Our midnight swims in the GoldenEye lagoon.
Were you there for the right amount of time? Yes, because I'll be going back. (That said, a four- or five-night stay is ideal for a total recharge.)
This was especially great: The outdoor shower.
But this wasn't: The Fleming Villa was booked. We'll have to see Ian Fleming's famous writing desk next time.
Speed round of favorites.
1. Meal: Jerk chicken! Red Stripe! Local flavors can't be beat!
2. Neighborhood to explore: Hop on a bike and head to Port Maria in Ocho Rios. Stop at the parish church and have a look. It's the oldest in the Caribbean.
3. Thing you did: Sunset cocktails at Firefly, Noel Coward's home. It's only fitting that Coward, the epitome of sophistication, had the house with the most stunning views (see image at right).
4. Casual hangout: Bizot Bar at sunset, GoldenEye cocktail in hand, with Chris Blackwell's impeccable choice of music playing in the background.
Kodak moment: Kayaking up to my massage appointment at the spa.
One place you didn't get to visit, but wanted to? Strawberry Hill, another Island Outpost hotel up in the Blue Mountains. Next trip…
What did you bring back? A bottle of Blackwell rum. It's just now selling in the US. Bringing back a bottle or two from Jamaica is a great gift for friends.
Would you go back? It's just a matter of when!
READ MORE ON FATHOM
EyeCandy: Goldeneye (photo gallery)
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Fly: Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay has direct flights to many US cities and is an hour and a half away by car. Norman Manley International (KIN) in Kingston is two hours away. The hotel will arrange transfers to either. Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ), just a few minutes away, caters to the priate jet and helicopter crowd. (How we wish the airport code was "007.")
Drive: Jamaica is a former English colony, so they drive on the left side of the road. You can rent a car to get around, but GoldenEye has excellent drivers who can guide you to the best area attractions and local jerk shacks. Good to know: The island is deceptively large, and the roads aren't all fantastic. Distances may take longer to cover than you might think.
FIND IT
GoldenEye
Oracabessa
St. Mary, Jamaica
+1-876-622-9007
info@goldeneye.com