You guessed it: the latest Bond film Skyfall is out today, and here at Exsus HQ we can’t wait to see what is tipped to be the best Bond yet. However, whilst we’re pouring out a celebratory martini, and stacking up our chips for a pre-blockbuster round of poker, we’ll be sparing a thought for poor old Bond – who of late has been a little hard-done-by on the holiday front.
In total contrast to his usual emissary escapades, that see him gallivanting around the globe, Skyfall is a far more domestic affair, with much of it set in London, some filmed in Bognor Regis (!) and the sole foreign location featured, Istanbul in Turkey.
Undoubtedly our favourite spy will be dying to flee the rat-race, and get back to the luxury that he’s become accustomed to. Thankfully, we’ve got plenty of exotic escapes up our sleeves – ones that even 00 agents would approve of.
The One & Only Ocean Club, Bahamas
Featured in Casino Royale, The One & Only Ocean Club, Bahamas, is where Daniel Craig was seen emerging from the sea in those iniquitous trunks, and Bond-girl Solange was seen galloping along on a white horse. Whilst there, Bond would have enjoyed a personal house-keeper, a world-class spa, golf course, and renowned restaurant Dune – so frankly, he was a bit ungrateful to check out in such a hurry!
GoldenEye, Ian Fleming hideaway
The very Jamaican hideaway where Ian Fleming wrote the original 00 novels, the GoldenEye hotel is a must for all Bond fans and anyone who wants an exclusive Caribbean escape. Whilst on the island, you should also check out the Green Grotto Caves which were used as villain Kananga’s underground lair in Live and Let Die.
Underwater lairs: Niyama Maldives
Talking of villainous hideaways, they don’t come much cooler than Stromberg’s underwater lair in The Spy Who Loved Me. We can’t promise Atlantis, but if you head to Niyama in the Maldives, you’ll experience their incredible – and world’s first – sub-aquatic nightclub. At this cutting edge resort, you’ll also find plenty of gadgets to keep 00s (and Wii addicts) happy.
Extreme skiing in Chile
Roger Moore makes it look so effortless in The Spy Who Loved Me: zipping down black-runs with soviet assassins hot on his tail – and all topped off with a Union Jack parachute as he makes an Olympic jump. If you likewise get your kicks from the white stuff, Puma Lodge in Chile offers one of the most hardcore skiing experiences in the world. Test your nerve on the runs, which have an average descent of between 1,200 and 1,300 vertical metres, and be dropped straight down on virgin snows on a Heli-ski adventure.
James Bond Island, Thailand
Defended by vast limestone stacks – draped with jungle foliage and towering over the crystal Andaman Sea – this island was home to Scaramanga in The Man with the Golden Gun. If you want to pay a visit, but at the same time be well away from the tourists, head to the gorgeous Rayavadee resort on Krabi. Here you’ll experience some of Thailand’s most stunning scenery and beaches, all topped off with a cocktail in Rayavadee’s magical limestone cavern.
Casual speed-boat chases in Venice
Even 00s need some down-time occasionally, and having featured in both Moonraker, and Casino Royale, it would seem that Venice is one of the Bond’s favourite haunts. Speed-boat races through the canals aren’t guaranteed – and we definitely won’t endorse destroying buildings – but if you want old-school glamour, sensational views, and your own private gondola, then beautiful Cipriani is the place to head.
he World is Not Enough
The world is not always enough for travel-hungry Bond, and hence in Moonraker he hops into a rocket and heads to space. Okay, so we may not be able to take you out of the stratosphere (yet), but with Uyuni Vintage Airstreams you’ll definitely feel like you’re on another planet. Spend the night in the middle of Bolivia’s blindingly white Uyuni Salt Flats, and whilst you’re in this extraordinary and eye-opening country, pay a visit to La Paz which was featured in the last Bond film, Quantum of Solace.
