LICENCE TO CHILL
You’ll be in 007 heaven with one of these Bond-inspired breaks,
AS THE nation eagerly awaits new 007 adventure No Time To Die, why not take a break in an iconic James Bond filming location?
DRIVE THE LATEST CAR CHASE ROUTE
NO TIME To Die includes an epic car chase scene filmed in Puglia, on the southernmost tip of Italy.
Visitors to the region can experience Bond’s luxurious lifestyle at Castello di Ugento, a beautifully restored 17th century castle which has watched over the town of Ugento for 1,000 years.
The castle has been converted into a nine-bedroom boutique hotel, complete with fresh, contemporary interiors.
Castello di Ugento can arrange for guests to be taken on a scenic road trip along the stunning shoreline of the Adriatic sea to Gravina di Puglia where scenes from the new Bond film were shot.
Upon arrival to the town, guests can embark on the exact route taken by Daniel Craig in the nail-biting car chase scene, taking in the twists and turns of the small town and over the dramatic two-level Roman bridge spanning the ravine the town is famous for.
HOW: Rates at Castello di Ugento start from ¤400 per night based on two people sharing on a B&B basis – see astellodiugento.com
ULTIMATE BOND BREAK
DANIEL CRAIG injured his ankle while filming action scenes for No Time To Die in Jamaica – also the setting for both Dr. No and Live and Let Die.
Scott Dunn is offering the ultimate Bond experience, staying at the beautiful GoldenEye hotel, where all 14 original 007 books were penned by Ian Fleming.
Guests will be treated to excursions including a private boat trip to Laughing Waters Beach, where Dr. No, was filmed. There will be private guided snorkelling experiences, trips to Firefly – Noel Coward’s former estate – and a private tour of the Ian Fleming Villa.
After adventure-filled days, guests can retreat back to the beautiful boutique GoldenEye hotel.
The package also includes a bottle of Bollinger, La Grande
Annee – the famous champagne featured in many Bond films – and a copy of the book Goldeneye: Where Bond Was Bond by Matthew Parker, about Jamaica’s strong influence on Fleming’s spy series.
HOW: A seven-night stay at the GoldenEye hotel, Jamaica is from £3,059 per person on a B&B basis, including economy flights, transfers and the Ultimate Bond Experience Package. Visit scottdunn.com
SKYFALL SELF-INDULGENCE
SCENES from 2012 Bond movie Skyfall were filmed in Scotland, and The Gleneagles Hotel offers guests luxury and glamour that 007 would approve of.
Set beneath the Ochil Hills, in the heart of Perthshire, Gleneagles offers seclusion and adventure, with its array of outdoor pursuits including golf, fishing, shooting, horse-riding, off-road driving and falconry. Dinner at the iconic Strathearn restaurant is a decadent affair, with traditional gueridon service from bespoke dining trollies bringing excitement and energy to the room as a selection of classic dishes are finished at the table.
Personally attending each table, the staff add theatrical flair to the evening as they effortlessly carve Scottish smoked salmon, prepare and dress a salad, or flambé a ‘Steak Strathearn’ on request.
For an added slice of luxury, guests can retreat to the beautiful Royal Lochnager Suite, which offers uninterrupted views across the rolling Glendevon Hills.
This warm, charming and characterful home from home allows guests to completely relax while soaking up the style, glamour and exceptional service for which Gleneagles is famed.
HOW: Room rates at Gleneagles start from £435 per night based on two people sharing on a B&B basis – see gleneagles.co.uk
COOL, JAMES COOL
BOND visited Iceland in Die Another Day – and you can escape to the wilderness for an intimate icy retreat at Nordic-inspired lodge Deplar Farm.
Located on the remote Troll Peninsula and surrounded by 3,000ft snowdusted mountains, these surroundings were the backdrop to the iconic car chase across the frozen lake.
This region has some of the highest snowfall in the country and with unrivalled access to over 1,500 square miles of untouched mountain terrain.
The lodge offers exhilarating outdoor pursuits including heliskiing, snow-shoeing, snowmobiling and astro-touring around the valley.
After an exhilarating day out on the slopes, guests can relax in the lodge’s geo-thermally heated outdoor pool, and from October to March, even catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights.
HOW: Winter rates start at £1,370 per person per night based on double occupancy and including meals, drinks and customised adventure itineraries. See elevenexperience.com
SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED AT TAJ PALACE
THIS opulent floating lake palace hotel in Odaipur was the location for Octopussy, and welcomes guests to indulge in true Bond style.
The 270-year-old white marble palace floats like a mirage in the middle of Lake Pichola and looks dazzling from the shore, making it one of the most private and exclusive hotspots in the world.
Reached by a short boat ride, it was built as a summer retreat by Maharana Jagjit Singh who ruled Udaipur in the 17th century, and its exclusivity is what made it the perfect Bond setting.
The hotel is home to the famous royal barge boat, Gangaur, which was specially refurbished for the filming of Octopussy, equipped with seven rowers, private dance performers and private chef so that guests can wine and dine on board as extravagantly as 007.
Just launched is a ‘Cocktails of Bond’ drinks menu so that guests are able to sample all the drinks 007 enjoyed throughout the James Bond books and films including The Ultimate 007 – a blend of all Bond’s favourites, served in a royal glass.
Guests can also enjoy a private in-room screening of Octopussy with palace butlers on call with popcorn and refreshments.
HOW: Rates at Taj Lake Palace start from around £541 per night on a B&B basis – see tajhotels.com