The new Bond film Spectre premieres in London on 26th October. Shot in London, Rome and Mexico – notably with opening scenes featuring the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico City – we are inspired this month to take a world tour in the footsteps of 007 film locations past. We hope you are shaken and stirred by our choices.
How many have you visited? How many would you like to?
India
Originally a summer retreat for the royal family built by Maharana Jagat Singh II, this wonderful charming heritage hotel has the most romantic location rising majestically from the waters of Lake Pichola.
Egypt
Cruise the Nile in style on board either the Sanctuary Nile Adventurer, the Sanctuary Sun Boat III or Sanctuary Sun Boat IV. Choose your boat and book before the end of December to save up to 30% on your departure.
Thailand
Watch out for Scaramanga from your private villa, infinity pool and sun-deck and lap up the glorious views over Phang Nga Bay.
Turkey
The location for three Bond films; From Russia with Love, The World is Not Enough and most recently Skyfall. This city is a vibrant, cultural and exciting destination. Lose yourself amidst the minarets and winding bazaars. Explore the rich Byzantine history of Hagia Sophia and cruise the Bosphorus.
Brazil
There’s nowhere like heady Rio de Janeiro. Soar above the city and see Christ the Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain, visit the hip beach hang-outs at Ipanema and Copacabana. Then head to the Amazon Rainforest for amazing wildlife.
Jamaica
Recreate your own Dr No scene on the Ochos Rios. For a truly unique experience stay at the former estate of Bond’s creator Ian Fleming. GoldenEye has a choice of private beach front villas or you can event stay in the authors original house.
Cuba
Head to Havana, a city overflowing with character and personality. We highly recommend a walking tour, strolling around the old quarter, visiting the famous haunts of musicians, actors and authors like Hemingway. Stay at the Hotel Saratoga with unrivalled views of Capitolio before heading for arguably the most beautiful town in Cuba – Trinidad.
Russia
GoldenEye was the first Bond film made after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War which provided a background for the plot. Experience Russia’s imperial capital over a wonderful long weekend. See the impressive art collection at the Hermitage. Catch a ballet performance at the Mariinsky and visit the Summer Palace of Peterhof.
Chile & Bolivia
Scenes set in Bolivia were actually showcasing northern Chile and shot at Paranal Observatory in the Atacama Desert. You can experience the amazing crystal clear atmosphere that makes stargazing so good here and also visit the surreal Salar de Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia.
Adventure like 007 – Stirred, not shaken
See the Okavango Delta from a unique aerial perspective – this exceptional holiday gets to the heart of the action. The option of taking the side doors off the helicopter makes it a safari perfect for wildlife photographers.
Climb up the rock face in the Sacred Valley on a via ferrata, spend the night sleeping in a perspex pod looking out at the stars before zip lining back down to the valley floor. This adventurous holiday also includes surf lessons in Lima, a ride on the Hiram Bingham Orient Express train to see Machu Picchu and a cookery class in Cusco where you can learn to make the perfect Pisco Sour – shaken not stirred of course.
Charter Bésame Mucho (Kiss Me Lots) and sail through the crystal waters of the Sea of Cortez between the east coast of Baja California and Mexico with your private crew and chef. These waters are known for superb marine life like whales and dolphins, snorkel with sea lions, kayak through the mangroves and dine on remote beaches.
For the adventurous among you – spend a night on the slopes of the active Nyiragongo volcano, home to the world’s largest lava lake. This pioneering group tour explores two UNESCO world heritage sites in the heart of Africa. Track lowland gorillas in Kahuzi-Biega and chimps and mountain gorillas in the Virungas.
