Our favourite MI6 agent is back on our screens in the latest Bond installment, No Time to Die, and we are delighted.
Since creating the character in 1953, Ian Fleming has taken us round the world through an array of adventures, car chases, romances and incredible locations. For the last 15 years Daniel Craig has been the embodiment of the British secret service agent and although he wasn’t the first, nor the last, his departure is the perfect time to reflect on a film franchise - and more importantly, filming locations - that have had audiences captivated since 1962. Want to live like James Bond? Let us show you exactly where to go.
Japan
You Only Live Twice, 1967
Sean Connery
In one of Sean Connery’s first movies as 007, Bond is dispatched to Japan, where the movie primarily takes place - both in Tokyo as well as in Japan’s beautiful countryside. Visit Japan like James Bond and go to the first luxury Ryokan at world heritage island, Miyajima, Japan. On this small island in Western Japan, an hour outside the city of Hiroshimo, you will find Iwaso, a traditional luxury Ryokan or traditional Japanese inn of matted rooms and beautiful baths. Book a beautiful riverside Shinkan room with a private bath with The Sybarite today, and experience the Japanese countryside, 007 style.
Hong Kong
The Man With The Golden Gun, 1974 Roger Moore Die Another Day, 2002 Pierce Brosnan
Few cities encapsulate the busy, crazy lifestyle of James Bond better than Hong Kong does, which is why so many movies in the Bond franchise are filmed there. ‘The Man With The Golden Gun’ was shot at the incredible Peninsula Hong Kong, a review of which can be found here. Want your own Hong Kong experience? There is no place more beautiful than The Upper House Hong Kong, and our Food Guru experience is available to book with The Sybarite today - see Hong Kong like never before.
France
Diamonds Are Forever, 1971 Sean Connery A View To Kill, 1985 Roger Moore (and many, many more…)
Like James Bond, we are big fans of all that France has to offer. Many Bond movies have taken place across the country, from Paris, to chateaux in the countryside, to the beautiful Southern coast. One of the most beautiful parts of France has to be the infamous Champagne region, the location of the Duval Leroy house of Champagne. Head to Duval Leroy to create your own bespoke champagne with The Sybarite, and stay in some one of the most beautiful hotels in the region.
Switzerland
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, 1989 George Lazenby
Snow, adventure and beautiful chalets. Switzerland has always been the perfect setting for the James Bond lifestyle, and plays a huge part in the 1989 adaptation of, ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’. Head to the ever popular St Moritz and spend your days like a king in Badrutt’s Palace, private touring, playing golf and indulging in some winter wellness. 007 would approve. Gstaad, with a touch of skiing in Zermatt, more your cup of tea? The majestic, boutique hotel Le Grand Bellevue is perfect for lovers, family and friends.
Portugal
On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, 1989 George Lazenby
Portugal, namely Lisbon, has become an increasingly popular European city break destination, but has always been popular in the world of Bond. Considered one of the 007 franchise’s most faithful adaptations of a Fleming novel, Bond is reunited with his Bond Girl, Tracy in beautiful Lisbon, in ‘On Her Majesty’s Secret Service’. Get a taste for European romance in the Portuguese capital with a stay at this unique concept hotel bringing together artists, gastronomy and design.
Italy (Lake Como)
Casino Royale, 2006 Daniel Craig
Although at first drawing controversy, Daniel Craig won us all over in his role as Bond in the first of his 007 installments, Casino Royale. Casino Royale ended up becoming the highest grossing Bond film before the release of Skyfall in 2012, and this is also partially to thank for the exquisite setting. Lake Como exudes luxury, and features some of the most decadent hotels and homes in the world. Stay at this unparalleled 8-bedroom private villa with incredible views of Lake Como, fully equipped with villa manager, housekeeping staff and chef on call. Shaken not stirred, please.
Turkey
Skyfall, 2012 Daniel Craig
In typical Bond style, Skyfall starts as it means to go on - in a beautiful setting with a motorbike chase. The opening scenes were shot in Istanbul, Turkey, at the Istanbul Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in the world. Visit Istanbul and head to Cappadocia next, a UNESCO Heritage Site in Turkey. A stay at the Museum Hotel will be like no other: built in restored caves and stone houses that are thousands of years old, the panoramic views of spectacular sunrise balloon launching and stunning sunsets are worth the trip.
Morocco
Spectre, 2015 Daniel Craig
Some of the most incredible scenes from Spectre take place in Morocco, and really showcase that this is a country absolutely worth the visit. For a trip to Morocco, fly to Marrakech and stay at the incredible Dar El Sadaka private villa. The grounds are incredible and covered in unique art pieces. Lounge by the pool, host a dinner in the outside dining room made by your own private chef and explore Marrakech from the comfort of your own home. Perfect for families or big groups during festive seasons, book with The Sybarite today to avoid disappointment.
Italy (Matera)
No Time To Die, 2021 Daniel Craig
And now for the final installment, the one creating all the buzz, Daniel Craig’s last hurrah as Bond - No Time To Die. No Time To Die was shot all over the world, but most notable are the striking scenes shot in Italy, especially in Matera. Matera is a town in Basilicata carved directly out of the hillside, and is featured as the opening shot in the trailer of the 2021 Bond movie. Visit Matera with this exclusive Sybarite experience, in partnership with Il Palazzotto Residences and Winery, a unique hotel right in the heart of Matera. Live the James Bond life in this Puglian town, drinking wine, smoking cigars, eating fresh farm to table dinners and taking in all the beauty that the area has to offer. Mr Bond will see you now.
Budapest; a city famed for it's rich and historic culture, flowing Danube River and local delicacies. But it should also be known as a city of Romance. The capital is endowed with a bounty of art nouveau architecture, eccentric ruin bars and soporific bathhouses - making it the perfect travel date destination for you and your loved one.
If you prefer your festivals more highbrow than hardcore, and you enjoy your conversation to be as sparkling as your champagne, then this year’s spring/summer season of literary festivals should have you champing at the bit.
The V&A is currently paying homage to the significant space Africa holds in the fashion industry. Running until April 2023, Africa fashion is a landmark exhibition celebrating the pure craftsmanship, innovative and undeniable global impact of African fashion.
A home away from home, a luxury yet subtle residential feel, a contemplative getaway, an ideal family accommodation - these are just some of the ways that best describe our Upper House experience.
The Murray is an impressive architectural hotel centrally located in the heart of Hong Kong on the famous Cotton Tree Drive which once housed Hong Kong’s most influential government offices. Today, this grand exterior welcomes international business and leisure travellers alike who appreciate the luxury and lifestyle standard of hospitality and modern aesthetic.
To experience The Peninsula is to experience its flagship hotel in Hong Kong. A stay here is remarkable and truly exceptional beyond comparison. This Grande Dame of The Far East inhabits a spirit of proud history and hospitality so authentic that it's not an easy one to replicate.
Originally from Brazil, Chies travelled extensively throughout South America before setting roots in London, and her love for connecting with locals on her travels sparked the idea for Let’s GoDo. “Our experiences are authentic and accessible, and our booking platform is designed to be simple and easy. Guests trust us and enjoy the fact that we create a community, which is key to standing out in the travel space.” she says. On this edition of Women Who Launch, The Sybarite speaks with Chies about how she stands out in a crowded market and where her dream destination is.
The deeply romantic Lost Gardens of Heligan were woken from their Sleeping-Beauty slumber 30 years ago. Visit them in the coming weeks to see them burst into cinematic colour.
As you approach the majestic Grand Hotel Kronenhof, you could be mistaken for entering the set of The Grand Budapest Hotel. It's a 5-star superior hotel that delivers on the wow factor even from a distance.
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