While we wait for Bond 25, here are 5 exotic James Bond holiday locations licensed to thrill
From Jamaica to Istanbul and Udaipur to Rio, Ian Fleming’s Secret Service agent 007 has been filmed in many exotic locations
With filming underway for the new James Bond movie, Bond 25, we reveal some of the best all-time Bond-based holiday locations that each come with an official licence to thrill.
Jamaica
Not only one of the locations for Bond 25, Jamaica is also home to one of the franchise’s most famous film scenes – when Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder emerges from the sea in Dr No. This was captured on the sands of Laughing Waters Beach and Dunn’s River Falls near Ocho Rios, however there’s much more to explore on the Caribbean’s most charismatic island. Go diving and snorkelling, hike the Blue Mountains, feast on goat curry roti, and after sunset uncover Jamaica’s vibrant music, from traditional sounds of the Taino Indians to today’s dance hall scene.
Stay: Bond author Ian Fleming’s tropical villa, where he wrote 14 of the books, still sits at Oracabessa and is part of the laid back and luxe GoldenEye resort. Surrounded by trees on three sides, Fleming Villa overlooks a golden beach, boasts glassless windows, and the decor is a cool mix of African and Balinese with antiques and a beachcomber vibe. His cottage is available for private rental alongside hip beach villas and huts.
Brazil
Moonraker sees Bond in Brazil fighting with the indomitable Jaws on a cable-car at Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro before ending up at Iguazu Falls on the Argentinian border. Don’t worry – your holiday doesn’t have to include the same. Enjoy panoramic views and hiking around splendid waterfalls without baddies chasing you, marvel at Christ the Redeemer and the Corcovado, laze on golden beaches, try cycling and sailing, and immerse yourself in the intoxicating samba-fuelled nightlife.
Stay: Belmond das Cataratas is a Portuguese-colonial beauty bathed in pink which overlooks the fabulous Iguazu Falls so it feels like you have them all to yourself. Rooms and suites are filled with plantation grandeur, artisan fabrics, local art and spiritual elegance. Meanwhile, Belmond Copacabana is an utterly decadent property overlooking Copacabana Beach. For a slice of the high-life, book into one of the seven penthouse suites that share a black swimming pool surrounded by plants.