Oracabessa is a small town in the parish of St. Mary, in between St. Ann (where Ocho Rios is) to the west and Portland to the southeast. It’s probably best known for its James Bond connections – all of the novels were written here and two of the movies had scenes shot here. Excitingly, the town also has a new airport, Ian Fleming International Airport, with daily flights out of Miami.
Recommended Stays
We finally got to stay at the fabled Goldeneye in 2025 and it really lived up to the hype and our expectations. It might just be our #1 spot to stay in Jamaica. Goldeneye is another resort that is part of the Island Outpost family – see Strawberry Hill on our Kingston page and The Caves in our Negril bucket list. Ian Fleming bought this land and wrote the James Bond novels here, and then in the 1970s, Jamaican music producer Chris Blackwell bought it (after Bob Marley turned down the opportunity to purchase it). The accommodations include villas, cottages and beach huts, all meticulously designed and featuring gems such as direct lagoon access, outdoor showers and stone decks. We stayed in a two-bedroom beach hut which was perfect for our family of 4. The resort has a very high-end yet low-key vibe, and we can see why many celebrities have stayed here over the years and why it’s earned a Michelin key. The grounds are very spacious and there are two great beaches, each with a different feel. The staff were amazing to a person, and the food was wonderful and definitely celebrated Jamaican cuisine.
Recommended Activities
While staying at Goldeneye, although it may be tempting to just stick to your hut/villa/cottage, do take the time to go to the bar, Shabeen, even if you don’t drink. The bartenders are entertaining, funny, and have stories for days. Also, they will offer you what might just be the world’s best popcorn and it seems to be unlimited. Shabeen is also situated in a perfect spot on the grounds to catch the sunset. Right beside the bar is a setup where you can watch television and with lots of art and books to take in – it feels very much like your own Jamaican living room.
Our Oracabessa Bucket List
The Goldeneye Foundation supports the Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary and Sea Turtle Project, whose aims are to increase the local fish and sea turtle population and enhance the health of the coral reefs. We love that all sanctuary wardens are local fishers. Visitors on tour are able to help SAFELY release turtle hatchlings from their nests so they can make their necessary journey to the sea. Seems like a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we’d love to return to experience and that also allows visitors to play an active role in environmental sustainability.
Jamaica travels 
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