Mission debrief by Ciaran Brown (00435) – 007GB Membership Manager
“GoldenEye …I found my weakness.”
For years, I had dreamt of this pilgrimage. Earlier this month, GATHERALL carried me to the ultimate James Bond sanctuary – the Mecca of 007: Jamaica. And, boy, it did not disappoint!
Even before touching down, the island had me under its spell. As Jamaica crept into view from my aircraft window, goosebumps struck. Once through customs, my driver whisked me away from Montego Bay towards Goldeneye. I was captivated by each curve of the coastline and each glimpse of life along the roadside.
Arrival at the resort was a moment suspended in time – thousands of miles had led to this threshold. I was welcomed warmly by the staff – gracious, charming and emblematic of the island itself. My luggage was spirited away, leaving me free to receive a cold towel and one of Goldeneye’s delicious signature cocktails. In one sip, refreshment gave way to revelation: I had truly arrived.
My charming beach hut exceeded every expectation. Elegant yet intimate, with thoughtful details at every turn. The outdoor shower swiftly became a personal indulgence, always accompanied by the characterful geckos, who seemed as much a part of the place as the climate and the culture.
The evening’s destination was the iconic Goldeneye “Fleming” Villa. At precisely 17:15, we gathered at the main reception area, before being escorted to the jewel in the resort’s crown. We were greeted by David Zaritsky and his wife, Danielle. Stepping into that hallowed space, cold towels and libation in hand, felt like entering living history. Fleming’s desk and chair – symbols of creation and legacy – stood there before me; no longer the stuff of imagination, but real and tangible articles. After a brief gander around the villa’s surroundings and its beautiful outhouse – where Sting composed ‘Every Breath You Take’, no less – as well as a handful of introductions with fellow attendees, David [Zaritsky] personally escorted me to Fleming’s bedroom. This was it. To sit at the desk where it all began and to marvel in the unparalleled beauty of its surroundings was surreal in every aspect! The evening was, without doubt, a night to remember. It had everything: the setting, the esteemed company, moments of joy and moments of reflection. Oh, and one too many Martinis!!
Day two dawned with a traditional breakfast of ackee and saltfish, followed by the serenity of Button Beach. Lunch was grilled snapper in fine company, including our President, Phil, and his family. Later, I braved my first attempt at kayaking. At one point, I almost caught the tide and most definitely the sun! The evening brought us back to Button for a curry night staged with Thunderball flair. It was a night of colour, flavour, quizzing and easy joy.
Day three was devoted to discovery. Led by Ziggy, the location scout for No Time to Die, we traced Bond’s cinematic footprints through Jamaica’s landscapes. Climbing Dunn’s River Falls was as thrilling as it was beautiful, and the Green Grotto Caves whispered secrets from within. Though circumstances prevented a visit to Kananga’s crocodile farm, the day concluded in elegance with a Blackwell Rum cocktail party at sunset. Bliss!
On the fourth day, I ventured further afield to the Jamaica Swamp Safari Village with one of my fellow attendees, Charles, and his partner. As Live and Let Die ranks as my personal favourite of the series, this was a pilgrimage. The tour was private and intimate – birds, reptiles and the electric tension of the crocodiles at “feeding time”. And “the highlight of the tour” folks? Setting foot on ‘James Bond Island’, the site where the legendary crocodile-jumping scene was filmed. Holding a baby alligator was an unexpected thrill, though it was definitely not at risk of becoming a potential “overnight bag!”
A spot o’ snorkelling was undertaken on my return and our final evening was a fitting farewell: a group photograph by Goldeneye’s iconic eye-shaped pool, a sumptuous BBQ dinner and a reflective talk by David [Zaritsky] and Ryan [Holt] for ‘The Bond Experience’. The evening closed, as all great nights do, with the quiet knowledge that something remarkable had been shared.
GATHERALL was more than a gathering; it was a journey of friendship, memory and meaning. It fulfilled a dream and completed my personal Bond trinity: Piz Gloria, the No Time to Die premiere and now the Goldeneye “Fleming” Villa. My deepest thanks to David [Zaritsky] and to Phil [Dewhurst] for making my dream become a reality.
Like 007 himself, GATHERALL will return to Jamaica. And when it does, hopefully I shall, too. Over and out.
Last modified: 13 January 2026
