DESTINATION • October 2015
The world is not enough: Where does Bond go on holiday?
Sometimes, even James Bond needs a break. To mark the release of his newest adventure Spectre, Alicia Miller, assistant editor at Sunday Times Travel Magazine, considers where 007 would go to unwind
Jamaica (fly to Montego Bay)
Is there anywhere more Bond than his birthplace? Set on a lagoon outside ritzy Ochos Rios, the GoldenEye resort is where Ian Fleming penned his novels, close to the place at which a bikini-clad Ursula Andress famously emerged from the surf. Bond would approve of the laid-back, luxe villas and the rainbow reef, so much so we reckon he’d swap his martini for Bizot Bar’s boozy rum punch (doubles from £280).
Double O heaven: Go all-out with the fully catered Ian Fleming Villa, the author’s original home.
Venice
In a city this timeless only something enduringly glam will do for our spy: the 16th-century palazzo home of Aman Canal Grande. A modern makeover hasn’t depleted its charm: gilded frescoes are simply enhanced by the private jetty, impeccable service and sumptuous fabrics (doubles from £968).
Double O heaven: Order a private boat à la Casino Royale to explore the city’s hidden waterways.
Istanbul
He’s been on multiple missions, but Istanbul’s exotic allure makes it perfect for a Bond break. On the banks of the Bosphorus, Les Ottomans might not be the largest or most famous pad in town, but it’s the most exclusive. With river views, opulent decor and limos for hire – plus a clandestine entrance – it’s perfect for a 007 hideaway (doubles from £388).
Double O heaven: Bond would soak any post-skirmish, sore muscles in the private hammam (above).
St Moritz (fly to Innsbruck)
While Bond can take his pick of the world’s ski slopes, his penchant for the Swiss Alps and the finer things would ultimately draw him to glossy St Moritz. And to the grand Badrutt’s Palace: 200 years old but still the top game in town, it’s the place to see and be seen – or melt into the background (doubles from £300).
Double O heaven: Get a 007-sized caviar fix, 2,486 metres up at La Marmite in Corviglia.
Rio de Janeiro
Sandy crescents dotted with model types; cultivated nightlife, world-beating restaurants – no wonder Bond high-tailed it to Rio in Moonraker. With an infinity pool gazing across to Sugarloaf, Fasano Rio would have provided the ideal spot for Bond to prepare for his cable-car fight with Jaws. Or to soak up the sun... (doubles from £490).
Double O heaven: The hotel’s London-themed bar, Baretto-Londra that shakes sublime cocktails.
Monte Carlo (fly into Nice)
Mr Bond does like to gamble – but for his refined tastes, there’s just one spot truly swank enough: Casino de Monte-Carlo. Afterwards he’d retire to the belle époque Hotel Metropole; with a Jacques Garcia-designed lobby and elegant, classic rooms, this uber-discreet hotel is a perfect blend of old and new (doubles from £245).
Double O heaven: Hire a convertible in Nice and bomb along the winding corniche roads to Menton, beside the sparkling sea.
This article has been tagged Destination, Hotels