“Bond, James Bond.”
Those three words, first uttered from the silver screen 60 years ago, began an era of intrigue and intrigue for the 007 series, as well as the allure of global adventure travel.
I remember the first time I watched a James Bond movie, which I watched at home with my mother, a huge fan of the series, on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
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Roger Moore plays Bond in “The Spy Who Loved Me,” battling Jaws, the towering, metal-mouthed villain. He uses a variety of rudimentary vehicles, including an amphibious sports car that plunges into the ocean and then shoots a helicopter from the sky, and ingenious weapons (hello, ski gun) which he picked up back at the spy headquarters.
More than the amazing special effects of the times, it’s the destinations that fascinate me – the snow-capped peaks of the Swiss Alps, the ancient ruins of Egypt and the beaches of Europe. IDEA.
While I may not know the exact locations of all these locations at the time, they resonated with me. How wonderful would it be to visit those places in the lavish style the literary agent Ian Fleming made to life?
For anyone who’s ever dreamed of racing through the streets of Monaco (“Casino Royale”), water skiing on Lake Como (“License to Kill”) or diving into the blue waters of Jamaica (“Dr. . No,” first film in the series, premiering October 5, 1962), the 60th anniversary of the Bond series offering a number of new travel itineraries to immerse movie fans and travel into the world. of your favorite series.
For example, Black tomato – the official travel partner of EON Productions (the British film company that produces the James Bond series) – has just announced a limited, ultra-glamorous tour, multiple countries in Europe that will bring 007 to life. living.
Only 60 immersive, private, European Bond-centric adventures are available to book as a group or individually. A special website just launched during the anniversary. Trips will take place in March 2023, and other details, including pricing, will be announced at a later date.
These luxury adventures will uncover all things 007. Highlights include the setting of Lake Como that is ripe for a daring adventure. From your hotel’s private jetty, get inspired by “License To Kill” James Bond and water slide along the shores of Moltrasio, before hopping on a private seaplane to continue your adventure .
Then, soar into the skies above the picturesque towns of Bellagio and Varenna on your way to Mr. White’s infamous lakeside home, Villa La Gaeta. The thrills continue as you touch down, meeting Bond’s iconic Riva wooden boat and a bottle of 007’s favorite Bollinger Champagne. Decelerate in style to the iconic Villa del Balbianello from “Casino Royale” ” for a stroll in the terraced garden before enjoying a tour of the private mansion with exclusive insights into how they transformed the location for the film.
Then it goes to France and picturesque Chantilly, home to Europe’s oldest equestrian center, the Château de Chantilly. Bond fans may remember it from “A View to a Kill” being the lavish possession of villain Max Zorin. Then rest assured for an equestrian adventure through the Chantilly Forest to the Château de Chantilly for a closer look at the Bond villain’s lair.
While Black Tomato is the official celebration partner of the film, there are other ways to immerse yourself in the world of 007 and turn screen adventures into real-life trips during the celebration. 60th anniversary and more.
Special Operations Training with EMBARK Beyond
Yacht broker Northrop & Johnson has launched what it calls the ultimate Bond-inspired getaway, with curated Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises in partnership with luxury cruise company Embark Beyond.
First, you’ll choose one of two six-room yachts to rent – Skyfall or Casino Royal – and then it’s time to create a truly screen-worthy cruise.
Participants have access to many parts of James Bond’s espionage and conspiracy, with the opportunity to jump out of a helicopter or skydive with a Special Operations agent from Servius (a security company that uses employ elite U.S. Special Operations agents), attend luxury motorway rallies in Monaco, or ride horses along the beach in the Bahamas to Albany House, which plays as the residence of one of the characters. the villain of the movie in “Casino Royale“ before riding a jet ski and sailing on the sea.
Those who want to book experience tickets work with Embark Beyond to customize itineraries and with Northrop & Johnson to choose the charter that best suits the itinerary (prices available on request).
Stay and play like 007
You don’t have to book a luxury cruise to immerse yourself in the world of Bond.
Back to my first and favorite Bond movie, “The Spy Who Loved Me,” you can book a stay at Luxury Collection’s Hotel Cala di Volpe, in Sardinia, Italy, nestled on the shimmering Costa Smeralda bay. turquoise, where scenes from that movie were shot. Award nights are available from 90,000 points per night.
The Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa is an homage to James Bond creator Ian Fleming with stilt villas in the rainforest and ocean views, some with private infinity pools. Award nights here can be booked from 90,000 points per night.
Related: The best group list indicates trips to beach destinations
If you really want to live widely in super spy, or superman style, you can rent the entire mansion used in the Bond movies. Two options stand out as part of StayONE, Mandarin Oriental’s Luxury Homes Collection.
In Ocho Rios, Jamaica, visitors who want to visit Bond’s birthplace can stay in a 12-person beachfront villa on the island where Fleming wrote the James Bond novels and where scenes from “No Time” are located. to Die” and “Dr. No” was filmed.
And in Corfu, Greece, in the property where For Your Eyes Only was filmed. It boasts stunning views of the Ionian Sea and enough room for 18 super Bond fans.
