Five James Bond escapes

7 is back, so why not play secret agent at these discreet retreats?

Oliver Pugh
Saturday 25 October 2008 00:00 BST
Comments

Hotel de Larache, Chile

More "experience base" than hotel, this recently renovated luxurious lodging is set in the extraordinary Atacama Desert, which features in the latest Bond instalment. While the villain Dominic Greene's hideout was actually filmed at the desert's Paranal Observatory, the hotel has recently installed an observatory of its own.

Hotel de Larache, San Pedro, Atacama, Chile (00 56 2206 60606; explora.com). Doubles from US$1,182 (£622) full board, with activities; three-night minimum.

Hotel Weisses Kreuz, Austria

A giant eye floating on Lake Constance was the centrepiece of last year's Bregenz Opera Festival and another new Bond set. Just minutes from the lake, this hotel is a good base for exploring the historic town and was rumoured to have hosted the cast and crew while on location in Vorarlberg. It has a stylish mix of original features and contemporary furnishings.

Hotel Weisses Kreuz, Römerstrasse 5, Bregenz, Austria (00 43 5574 4988; weisseskreuz.bestwestern.at). Doubles start at €126 (£105), with breakfast.

The Canal House, Panama

Situated in Panama City's colonial district, this 19th-century mansion-turned-boutique hotel was Daniel Craig's base when filming in Casco Antiguo, which doubles for Bolivia in Quantum of Solace. It has two suites and a bedroom, and is a stylish marriage of old and new.

The Canal House, Calle 5ta y Avenida A, Casco Antiguo, Panama City (00 50 7228 1907; canalhousepanama.com). Doubles from $155 (£82), including breakfast.

Goldeneye, Jamaica

Despite the glamour and intrigue of the latest Bond locations, it is difficult to top the tropical paradise where the franchise began. This exclusive resort is made up of just five luxury villas, including the Fleming House – where the author penned all 17 spy novels. Each has its own outside bath and shower, and access to water sports at the private beach.

Goldeneye, Oracabessa, Jamaica (001 876 975 3354; islandoutpost.com). Villas start at £610, full board.

Grand Hotel Continental, Italy

Pope Alexander VII commissioned this truly opulent Sienese palazzo in the 17th century and since then it is has been frequented by wealthy and royal visitors to Tuscany. Now a hotel, its rooms feature newly uncovered frescoes, terracotta floors and Carrara marble bathrooms. Tours of local tunnels featuring in Quantum of Solace are now offered.

Grand Hotel Continental, 85 Via Banchi di Sopra, Siena, Italy (00 39 05 77 56 011; royaldemeure.com). Doubles from €209 (£174), room only.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in