ORACABESSA, Jamaica -- You won't find this small fishing village,
about 20 minutes by car east of Ocho Rios, on your typical Jamaican
itinerary.
But don't let that stop you from recommending this northern port
town to clients.
The latest, and undoubtedly hippest, place to stay here is
Goldeneye, home of the late writer Ian Fleming of James Bond
fame.
Fleming's original home and three other villas are members of
the Miami Beach-based hotel firm Island Outpost.
In addition to Goldeneye, Island Outpost's Jamaica properties
are Strawberry Hill, Jake's, the Caves and Bolt House.
The three-bedroom Fleming House, complete with the massive wooden
desk where the author conjured up James Bond's exploits, rents for
$2,500 a day. The other three villas cost $500 a day (one bedroom),
$700 a day (two bedrooms) and $1,000 a day (three bedrooms).
The entire 15-acre property can be rented for $5,000 a day.
Prices, which are in effect through Dec. 14, cover all meals and
drinks.
You won't confuse Goldeneye with a typical Jamaican
inclusive.
Fleming's original home sits on a bluff overlooking a small cove
for the exclusive use of its guests.
Typical Island Outpost touches include large bamboo couches and
four-poster beds; Indonesian artwork and bamboo mats, and a "media
room," with the latest video gadgets and a wide-screen satellite
TV.
The home's three bedrooms (the master bedroom is aptly named
007), include such niceties as king beds and an outdoor garden
courtyard with a claw-foot bathtub and shower surrounded by bamboo
fencing and tropical plants.
All of the accommodations feature complete kitchens and indoor
and outdoor dining areas. All rooms come with CD players and a CD
collection; an assortment of books and magazines, and robes and
towels.
Villa guests have access to a second private beach called Low
Cay, and a full-time staff cooks meals and provides services for
the house and villas.
Guests who like a little activity with their solitude can play
tennis; take personal watercraft and rafting trips, and tour nearby
Firefly, home of the late English actor Noel Coward.
Oracabessa is about a two hour's drive from Montego Bay Airport.
Ground transfers cost about $150 one way for up to four
passengers.
Visitors also can take an Air Jamaica Express flight from
Montego Bay to Boscobel Airport in Ocho Rios.
Island Outpost
Phone: (800) OUTPOST
Web: www.islandoutpost.com