Skip to main content

James Bond’s Creator Ian Fleming Found Inspiration in Jamaica and So Can You

The tropical environs of Jamaica proved a mighty muse to Ian Fleming. As a commander during World War Two, he was assigned to patrol the island for U-Boats and fell so hard for the place he vowed to return post-war. When he did in the ’50s, he built a bungalow on a lush swathe of land and dubbed it GoldenEye after one of his wartime operations.

All of this is laid out in the book GoldenEye: Where Bond Was Born­, which describes in detail Fleming’s relationship with Jamaica. It was here that he conceived of the man who made him famous, James Bond. His series of 007 novels was banged out on his trusty typewriter while on an annual two month sabbatical from his day job at the Sunday Times. The book Dr. No is set in Ochos Rios, where GoldenEye is located, and its film adaptation was shot in the area.

Today, the writer’s five-bedroom villa is dutifully preserved, his writing desk as he left it, and ready to be occupied for a price. It’s part of record exec Chris Blackwell’s luxe GoldenEye resort. Added to the property and slightly more affordable are 22 additional units, including villas bordering either the beach or lagoon, and six lagoon-side cottages.

To give a sense of the exclusiveness of the resort, one just needs to look to the trees lining the gravel driveway, all generously donated by illustrious guests such as Kate Moss, Johnny Depp and Bill Clinton. Its extravagance befits a discerning special agent (circa the Daniel Craig era) who favors La Perla bathing trunks, Church’s oxfords, and bespoke Tom Ford suits. Both villas and cottages feature private gardens with outdoor showers, handmade linens, and Logitech sound systems.

Perhaps, while taking a dip in one of two pools (fresh and salt water), lying on the white sand beach, or launching a kayak from your private dock, creative lightning will strike as it did for Fleming and you’ll write the next great American novel. You can also attempt to stay upright while paddleboarding, perfect your crow pose in a sunset yoga class, or catch your dinner with the help of a local fisherman. Or if you prefer a more sedentary itinerary, just kick back, soak up the sun, catch female guests attempting to recreate Ursula Andress’s sexy, dangerous entrance, and save your strength for the Bizot Bar, where you’ll need to resist the urge to order a martini.

Speaking of Bizot, in addition to being the place to sip on Bond-approved cocktails, the beachside restaurant also serves casual Jamaican fare. If you prefer your food fancy, there is the Gazebo, where you can dine al fresco on a terrace overlooking the lagoon and catch the sunset, while eating lobster and jerk chicken. Not a bad way to end the day.

It’s certain that Fleming’s GoldenEye was more rustic than this deluxe iteration, but Blackwell’s GoldenEye is a suitable Bond lair and offers a licence to chill (sorry, couldn’t resist).

Editors' Recommendations

Katie Dickens
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Katie Dickens is a Manhattan-based beauty and grooming writer. She has held staff positions at Glamour, In Style, People…
The 2023 F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix aftermath: The good, the bad, and the ugly
F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix was a success, but not without issues
F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix winner's stage

F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix winner's stage Nate Swanner / DTMG

The first-ever Las Vegas Grand Prix was, by any measure, a success. Max Verstappen came from behind to win, fans were delighted, the stars were out in force, and F1 made a solid showing in the desert, embracing the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas while simultaneously putting on a competitive sporting event.

Read more
Away Luggage Black Friday sale knocks 20% off all suitcases
A woman stands next to the Away Travel Carry-On suitcase in olive green.

Scouring the best luggage brands for every type of traveler might have lead you to Away Travel, a luggage and travel accessories brand that’s a bit of a new player on the market. Suitcases are its primary product, and right now you’ll find a lot of them on sale. In fact, Away Travel has initiated its Black Friday discounts early, discounting all of its suitcases 20%. You’ll find among them discounts spinner and roller suitcases, with every suitcase model available in a huge variety of colors to choose from.

Why You Should Shop the Away Travel Black Friday Sale
Whether your holiday travel plans include the best Colorado ski resorts or even the best ski resorts for beginners in the U.S., it can’t hurt to get to the slopes with some new luggage. And with the discounts we’re seeing on Away Travel suitcases, now is a good time to grab some suitcases for whatever future travels you may have in store for yourself. The Carry-On is Away Travel’s entry-level suitcase, and while it regularly costs $295, you can make it yours to stick in the overhead compartment for

Read more
One-bag travel: 7 must-know tips to pack everything you need in carry-on luggage
Avoid airport hassles by packing light
Someone packing their suitcase for a trip.

Raise your hand if you're guilty of overpacking? It's OK. Most of us have stuffed much more than is necessary into our luggage when heading on a trip. It's not easy to decide what to bring or leave home when you're packing for a trip for pleasure or business.

Do you always think you never know when you're going to need a particular item? Well, then it's time to learn the art of packing light. There really is a method to learning how to streamline your packing -- and would you believe you can actually get everything you need into your carry-on luggage -- just one bag? It's true.

Read more