Just back from a week at Golden Eye, traveling all the way from Europe, and we want to share some insights.
The highlights of Golden Eye are undoubtedly the location and the people. Kalicia from Bizot restaurant treated us like family and fulfilled every wish, while Pops, our driver, gave us fascinating insights into Jamaican history, pointed out celebrities’ homes, and shared local culture—what a wonderful man. The bartenders and crew at Button Beach had a blast among themselves while mixing the best Golden Eye rum cocktails, all set to reggae music playing throughout the day. And finally, the sunset at Shabeen—with drummers and dancing—was a true highlight.
On the other hand, a few things fell below our expectations. The food didn’t quite match the quality, value, or variety we had hoped for. The rooms felt a bit outdated, although they were spacious, comfortable, and fully functional. Additionally, the team at the welcome desk seemed somewhat passive and not particularly proactive.
Overall, Golden Eye is a place for easy living—relaxed and chilled. On our way back, we stopped for lunch at Half-Moon Hotel. If you’re looking for stylish, well-managed, and highly organized activity holidays, this might be the better choice. The food was excellent at an even lower price point, and everything was impeccably organized—though very American in style. It’s a five-star hotel, as expected.
In summary: Half-Moon offers a posh, predictable experience with excellent food, flawless service, and well-managed surroundings, while Golden Eye appeals more to hipsters seeking character and charm, though with some trade-offs in food, price-value, and service.