Moxons of Boscobel, St Mary, Jamaica

Canadian Entrepreneur rebuilds famous Jamaican restaurant frequented by Ian Fleming’s “James Bond” Crew
Boscobel, St. Mary’s, Jamaica: October 28, 2010

When Montreal born Johanne MacDonald first stumbled upon the dilapidated property built by pilot and actor, Timothy Moxon, who played MI6 agent John Strangway in Dr.No, she knew she had her work cut out for her. Years of neglect and Hurricane Ivan ravaged the then limping Moxons, located just 12 km east of Ocho Rios.

The only option was to level the building and start from scratch, Johanne bought the adjoining four bedroom house and joined the two properties together, creating this charming 20 room boutique hotel. Keeping many of the old windows and doors in rebuilding the restaurant to resemble its former glory, Johanne’s goal was to respect the legacy of Moxons.

With a construction team of 93 men and three years later, Moxons Beach Club opened its doors December of 2006. “Moxons was a famed spot in the 60’s and 70’s with the likes of Prime Minister Trudeau, Kissinger and Mick Jagger and like dined at Moxons. The very popular restaurant served celebrities including Elizabeth Taylor, Keith Richards, Dean Martin, Peter Tosh and Bob Marley, so the stories go”, added MacDonald.

When Johanne met Timothy Moxons who one day showed up during construction,a wonderful bond developed between them: Timothy Moxon unfortunately passed away just two weeks before the grand opening.

Built in a ‘bohemian island style decor’, Moxons Beach Club features 20 uniquely decorated suites, each with a private terrace. The stunning property cascades over four levels leading down to a small private beach, flanked by two large piers that jut into the sea, a popular spot for guests to relax and admire the vista, take a swim or snorkel along the one mile reef, a rarity in Jamaica. A true boutique hotel, Moxons is for people wanting barefoot luxury with butler type service. “Our guests don’t want an all-inclusive chain hotel experience, they want something intimate”, added MacDonald. But rather than be elitist, Macdonald allows locals and outside guests to enjoy the soft pale yellow sands at Moxons. “When people come here to swim in the sea, we don’t charge to come onto the property, which seems to be a rare thing in this country… as long as they support our bar and restaurant, outside guests are welcome without paying an entry fee”.

A self described ‘hippie with a Gold Card’, Moxons represents the next chapter in Johanne MacDonald’s creative life that has included modeling (Chatelaine cover girl, September 1977), acting, film and television production, realty and construction. “I was a pioneer in South Beach before it was called “South Beach”, said Johanne MacDonald with a chuckle.

It’s safe to say the legacy of Moxons is in very good hands indeed.

About Moxons Beach Club

Located 12 km (8 miles) east of Ocho Rios, the original Moxons was built by Timothy Moxon, famed for his role as an MI 6 agent in the James Bond film, Dr. NO. Killed by Dr. No’s henchman, his death brought agent James Bond to investigate.

Moxon was the least known of the British triumvirate that also included Fleming and writer Noel Coward, that frequented (or actually lived in) Jamaica in the 1960s.

Honoring the rich history of the property, owner Johanne MacDonald kept the Moxons name and opened the greatly expanded Moxons Beach Club in December 2006. An elegant Boutique hotel with a fine dining restaurant, Moxons Beach Club is accessible via Montego Bay International Airport and is located on the sheltered waters of Boscobel Lagoon. More about Moxons Beach Club, including pictures and video can be found at: www.moxons-beach-club.com.

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