Golden Eye

We visit Jamaica often, and after a long covid hiatus we were looking forward to finding somewhere we could return to time and again. The property and setting are exceptional, but the service fell far short of what we expected from such a storied property. At best, I would describe the hospitality as nonchalant, at worst it’s unwelcoming. This is a mismatch from how Goldeneye is marketed and what our expectations were for a warm and welcome stay. Pros: -Property is stunning, multiple beaches and pools abound -Room is well appointed, luxurious linens and robes -Kevin at Bizot has infectious energy. He wasn’t even our waiter, but was so friendly, he made quiet an impression on our little one. -Almarie and Simone were very warm and welcoming, great waitresses. -The entire Bamboo Beach Bar staff were friendly and engaging Cons: -Property entrance is difficult to find, when we called for some help in finding it, the call was very curt. I would have expected a pre-arrival text or phone call a day before checkin, especially if they discourage driving yourself. -Check in experience left something to be desired. 1 young lady gave us vague instructions about unloading our luggage and parking elsewhere on the property. In the checkin area another young lady greeted us nonchalantly and gave us a clipboard to fill out. She was not very welcoming, and seemed to be preoccupied with her phone. We were told our room was ready, but the check in process still took close to 30 minutes. We were offered a welcome drink by the 1st young lady, at the latter end of that 30 min window, right before being walked to our rooms. -The check in experience set the stage for the service that was to be expected over the course of our stay, other than the highlights noted. Overall it just seemed like a disconnected experience, and perhaps an age or training gap. For example, the grounds men we encountered walking the property during the stay seemed to give a warmer welcome than some of the guest facing staff. And all the groundsmen did was say good morning. -Dining quality was good across the 3 restaurants, but menus became repetitive over multiple days (we stayed on property the entire time)

I came here to celebrate my birthday and I was greeted with a welcome drink which was called the golden eye which has pineapple and rum inside it so good! They also provided a card and champagne for my bday! They brought our suitcases to the room then the bell guy gave a quick tour of the place before we got to the room. I booked a cottage over the lagoon and it has a beautiful view and our kayak that we can use around the lagoon! The room was nice and clean and they have the shower outdoors and the bed was so comfortable. Housekeeping comes to clean your room twice a day one in the afternoon and one in evening. So the restaurant we ate at the most was bizot for breakfast, lunch or dinner! One of the nights they had curry which was buffet style and that was good! Just keep in mind all the food is very expensive and wished they had more other food options but the ones they had were good. I used the spa once while I was there and got a hot stone massage which was relaxing. They have 3 pools, two beaches and our lagoon swim in! I stayed here the whole trip and didn’t leave the resort and it was much needed for rest and relaxation for a vacation! Ian Fleming wrote the books from James Bond here and some of the James Bond movies was filmed here like dr no and no time to die so it was interesting to stay here. If you needed anything you can text to make any spa reservations, place a room service order, or ask any questions on what’s app!!! One thing I loved about this resort is that is never crowded and quiet so it feels like you have it all to yourself!!! This has been one of the best resorts I’ve stayed at in Jamaica. Also the hospitality from all the staff at this resort has been friendly and helpful!

Love this place, they don't pretend to be something like their competition Roundhill. Staff attentive and food was so good.