Journey with me across the island of Jamaica as we explore the brilliant works of Ian Fleming, after which we will make our final stop to eat, drink, and have fun at the breathtaking Tryall Club.
When you hear the code name 007, your brain instantly takes you on an adventure across the beautiful island of Jamaica, and the world, with the mesmerizing James Bond fighting shadowy organizations, villains with high-tech gadgets, driving expensive cars, and wearing snazzy suits. The mind-blowing experience mirrors Ian Fleming’s glory days as a former secret agent. This island venture will take you to the most exotic of locales; places where the beaches are made of glorious white sand, water almost like turquoise glass, and delectable food options to satisfy even the most seasoned food connoisseur.
Fleming’s House in Jamaica
For those in the know, Jamaica is synonymous with Bond. After all, Ian Fleming did mastermind the genius that is 007 and his varying exploits right here on our majestical island in the sun. Ian Fleming was captivated by our powerhouse island and called her his home. Not only were all thirteen (13) James Bond movies written in Jamaica, three (3) of the films were partially shot on the island as well, with the most recent, No Time to Die, closing off the theatrical run of Bond, played by Daniel Craig.
Let’s pause for a minute. Did you know that Ian Fleming has his own airport named after him here in Jamaica? The aptly named Ian Fleming International Airport is a stone’s throw away from the iconic James Bond Beach, both located in St. Mary, Jamaica. And, as any true Bond fan can tell, Fleming also had a home here.
Golden Eye is the name for Fleming’s home in Jamaica while he was stationed as a naval officer in the British Military. Fleming is quoted as having nothing but gushing reviews for our country, people, and environment. Our vibrant culture inspired him to develop the plots and characters the series is known for. Even now, Golden Eye looks almost exactly as it did in 1943 when Fleming first laid eyes on the aquamarine waters.
Jamaica is truly a Bond country! With that said, we will take you on a bit of an adventure of your own. This mission, should you choose to accept it, will span numerous locales across the island, which served as the backdrops for several of the films, then end in a grand finale at The Tryall Club that would make any Bond enthusiast proud. No villains will be harmed in this mission. Are you ready? Well then, let us begin.
James Bond Filming Locations in Jamaica
Our first stop is the Green Grotto Caves in Discovery Bay, St. Ann. Known historically as a rally point and hideout for indigenous Tainos, buccaneers, and Africans. These limestone formations may be as old as time. The cave system is home to several indigenous species of flora and fauna, river networks, and underground lake caverns and it’s in one of these caverns that parts of the 1973 movie, Live and Let Die was filmed. Every respectable supervillain needs a secret lair, and Green Grotto served as the perfect location for the dastardly deeds of the movie’s antagonist, Dr. Kananga.
The next location for the intrepid Bond fan to know of is indeed Laughing Waters, in Ocho Rios, St. Ann. Laughing Waters is the epitome of white sand, and turquoise waters, and is the backdrop for a portion of the 1962 film, Dr. No, where Bond is “observing” Honey Rider, as she steps out of the crystal waters, flashes her golden hair, and pulls a knife from her utility belt at which point Bond startles her. Not what you would have expected, right? We know, but nothing about the world of Bond is what it seems. Laughing Waters today is owned and operated by the Government of Jamaica through the St. Ann Development Corporation and is often rented for the most spectacular and near-ethereal weddings, like those held at immaculate luxurious spaces across The Tryall Club.
Let us change gears for a minute, in the movie Live and Let Die, Roger Moore’s James Bond is captured by the bad guy and taken to a Louisiana farm to be eaten by crocodiles. Here is a little fun fact for you, neither the farm nor the crocodiles were found in the US, but rather here in the Jamaica Swamp Safari Village, in Falmouth, Trelawny, which is just an hour from Montego Bay. Founded in 1970 by an Ohio businessman Ross Kananga, Mr. Kananga served as inspiration for the movie’s villain, Dr. Kananga, as mentioned before. Don’t you love when a plot comes together?
No Time to Die Filming Locations
I hope that you are all still with me on this astonishing journey in which our beautiful island of Jamaica has taken center stage. Let me wow you with a brief background of the intricacies of No Time to Die. No Time to Die is the most recent of the Bond films, and sadly, Daniel Craig’s last run in the role. The movie itself is a poetic full circle as we find Bond here retired and living full-time in Jamaica, the birthplace of his character. No Time to Die explores several locations within the island as well; from Market Square in Port Antonio and specifically, Piggy’s Jerk Centre, which was so beloved by Daniel Craig in his time filming that he personally raised funds for its reconstruction when it caught fire after the movie finished filming. Piggy’s Jerk Centre even made a cameo in the film itself. Early in the movie, we see Bond looking out reflecting at his beachfront cabin, thinking about retirement and his past exploits at Coco Walk in Port Antonio. Coco Walk is private property, so the cabin was torn down after filming, but the beach is still very much how you saw it in the movie, and perfect for quiet reflection, as Bond invariably indulges.
The Tryall Club and Dr. No
The Tryall Club’s New Year’s Eve party will be Bond themed, and we intend to have a bash to make Mr. Fleming proud. It is no secret that our magnificent villas provide quintessential hideaways to awaken your inner super spy. And like every super spy, you will need to relax and unwind. We plan to kick things off with one of the best Montego Bay entertainment nights by partying on New Year’s Eve to celebrate Dr. No’s 60th anniversary. Our staff will be here to help you recharge and be ready for your next adventure. Our themed New Year’s Eve celebration is one of the many theme nights at Tryall that we have throughout the year. From Piano Dinners at the Great House to our Reggae Beach Party on the lawn of the Main Beach at The Tryall Club. As our mission now draws to an end, be sure to reserve your spot to eat, drink, and celebrate Fleming, Bond, and their many adventures at one of the best private fine dining spots Montego Bay has to offer. Shaken, not stirred, of course.
