Did you know?
The name Jamaica was derived from the country´s Arawak name " Xaymaca" which means "the land of wood and water".
About Oracabessa
Oracabessa is a wonderful small port on Jamaica's northern coast approximately 15 minutes due east of Ocho Rios. Montego Bay is about 2 hours from here.
Bar at James Bond Beach - Oracabessa
“Conde Nast Traveler July 1998” "This year, entrepreneur Chris Blackwell (owner of Island Records and a Jamaican) reopened writer Ian Fleming's former home, Goldeneye, at Oracabessa Beach as one of four rental villas. The area is private, but for five dollars non-guests can walk onto its sand strip known as James Bond Beach (closed Monday). A grander entrance can be made from the adjacent helipad. Admission includes a free beer or soda and use of the changing room and water-sports rental center.
There is a basic bamboo lean-to with a thatched palm roof where you can get grilled fish or chicken with the local Bammy cake (bread like). Cocktails exploit the Bond theme. Order a Moonraker (strawberry-flavored rum drink) or a Goldfinger (pineapple and orange juice with two types of rum). For a challenge, try to elicit the ingredients of a 007 from the barman (876-975-3663).
Firefly: Home of Sir Noel Coward
Perched on the hills of Port Maria, St. Mary is a lavishing 16-acre property known as Firefly. Not only is there an incredible view of the waterfront and Cabarita Island below, but the property also has an interesting story behind it. Sir Noel Coward, English singer, composer, painter, actor and playwright, fell in love with Jamaica on sight back in 1944. He thought that the beauty, warmth and relaxed way of life made it the perfect refuge from the gray austerity of post-war Europe.
Sir Noel Coward died in 1973 after he suffered a heart attack at his Firefly home. He was buried there. The property was willed to his companion Graham Payn who in turn gave it to the Jamaican Government. Chris Blackwell, son of former owner Blanche Blackwell, has leased the property since 1992.
US$10 per person will give you a tour of the house and a chance to be spellbound by the awesome view. A video on the early life of Noel Coward is shown at the end of the tour and a complimentary drink is served. Overseas tourists are the main visitors and according to Annette Tracey, supervisor on the property since 1994, they are usually awed by the breathtaking view that Firefly offers.
For more sights to see and places to eat, Ocho Rios is only 15 minutes drive due East.
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