North Coast
in Jamaica

Oracabessa in Jamaica is where Ian Fleming wrote all 14 James Bond novels, and GoldenEye takes the spy writer's former compound as its starting point. Beach villas, lagoon cottages, and Fleming's own villa are available; the beach club is extraordinary. The surrounding bay is perfect for snorkelling; the food is very good. A hotel that carries the literary heritage lightly and very well.

The North Coast of the Dominican Republic is where nine bungalows designed by Celerie Kemble sit among mountain forest and a mile of wild beach: white shutters, Dominican tile, copper tubs, and pops of colour. No two are the same; wraparound verandas for lazy mornings and sundown drinks. Service is warm and low-key; the fish comes straight from the sea.

Montego Bay's Round Hill is where the GM's line, 'Once you go, you know', rings entirely true. Iconic Jamaican villas on a private peninsula, one owned by Ralph Lauren; a private beach and extraordinary, deeply personal service. The bar at sundown, with the hills behind and the Caribbean ahead, is among the great hotel experiences in the region. A very particular and enduring Jamaican elegance.One villa here is owned by Ralph Lauren. The GM's line: once you go, you know.