License to Spa: Resort Spas in James Bond Movies
- Published: Monday, November 5th 2012
- in Travel & Play
- by Amy Sung
From “Dr. No” (1962) to the highly anticipated “Skyfall,” out November 9, 2012, we know James Bond loves luxury and spa. For the ultimate 007 experience and a spa with cinematic historical context, each of these luxe locales offer something for the traveler who has an affinity for all things Bond. Interested in getting a piece of the spy action? Visit any of these retreats and reenact some of your favorite scenes.
“Dr. No” (1962)
Although Greece’s Cape Sounio Grecotel Exclusive Resort was not featured in “Dr. No,” its Elixir Spa 007 was styled based on the characteristic sets of the first James Bond movie ever. Grecotel architect Dimitris Peppas must be a Bond fan.
On the premises, you’ll find three open-air pools set among terraces and lawns, luxurious massage suites with spa bathrooms, jacuzzi bathtubs, saunas, a beauty salon and gym.
“The Man with the Golden Gun” (1974)
Ko Tapu (now known as James Bond Island), located in Phang Nga Bay in Phuket, Thailand, is not a spa, but it sure is an oasis. James Bond flew over the exotic spot when he was going to hitman Scaramanga’s island hideaway in “The Man with the Golden Gun.”
But if you want an actual spa experience, you can stay at nearby Six Senses Yao Noi , which provides a relaxing experience through skilled massage therapists, pampering treatments and lush accommodations.
“For Your Eyes Only” (1981)
Although it represented the house of a hitman in Spain, the swimming pool and garden at the luxury Villa Sylva, located on the island of Corfu, Greece, was featured in the movie “For Your Eyes Only.” In the movie, the swimming pool was filled with a gaggle of women.
If you were to stay there now, it may run you at least $24,500 for one week (and that’s during off season).
“Never Say Never Again” (1983)
In “Never Say Never Again,” James Bond goes to the Bahamas to confront one of bomb-maker SPECTRE’s members. In this updated remake of “Thunderball,” James Bond is sent to the Shrublands Health Spa to get in shape, which was filmed on the grounds of Luton Hoo Estate in Bedfordshire, England. At the time, the Luton Hoo estate was a private country estate, and in 2007 it was converted into the Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf and Spa.
The movie was filmed in various exotic locations, including the French Riviera; Nassau, Bahamas; and Almeria, Spain. We’d be happy to visit any spa at any of these vacation destinations.
“Octopussy” (1983)
In “Octopussy,” Bond swam up to a floating palace of beautiful women (Octopussy’s lair, if you will). The setting of Octopussy’s island hideaway is actually Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, located in Lake Pichola, India.
At this majestic resort, you’ll find the Jiva Spa, an award-winning, completely Indian and all-natural spa. Jiva offers treatments that range from old Indian healing, wellness and beauty secrets, not to mention relaxing sanctuaries.
“A View to a Kill” (1985)
In “A View to a Kill,” a driver of a mystery car was waiting outside the Nippon Relaxation Spa, located in California, as Bond hangs out in a hot tub with Pola. Things got a little sexy as they spoke about an erotic encounter they had. Ooh la la!
The FieldSpa at GoldenEye Hotel & Resort in Oracabessa, Jamaica
The 52-acre GoldenEye Hotel & Resort was the former home of Ian Fleming. In fact, he wrote all 14 James Bond novels there! But don’t worry, the resort was not Fleming’s muse. The spa is quite tranquil and boasts lovely treatments using Jamaican wild lime and wild Jamaican ginger and pimento oil from a local farm, plus seaweed harvested in Oracabessa Bay.
“Casino Royale” (2006)
In “Casino Royale,” you might remember the Montenegro Resort where Bond confronts the terrorist financier Le Chiffre. In reality, Montenegro is in Karlovy Vary, the largest and best known spa city in the Czech Republic. Scenes at “Hotel Splendide” in the movie were filmed at the well-known, super-luxe Grandhotel Pupp.
Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino in Oranjestad, Aruba
Although no James Bond film was shot on the premises of the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino in Oranjestad, Aruba, the property and its amenities certainly have a James Bond feel. The Okeanos Spa on the premises, offers up a sauna, massage, facials and body scrubs, among other treatments.
Plus, a speed boat drops guests off at the hotel lobby. As it turns out, the sea actually comes into the foyer, so staying at the property will have you in a Bond-like fantasy land (minus the drama and violence).
“Skyfall” (2012)
Familiar with The Four Seasons Hotel in Westferry Circus in Canary Wharf, London? The latest installment of the James Bond franchise filmed a portion of the movie there. In fact, the spa had to be closed down to hotel guests in order to shoot scenes of the upcoming film, out November 9.
Movie star Daniel Craig was also photographed swimming at the rooftop pool. We’ll have to wait to see the movie to find out if the scene makes it into the final cut.
Bonus: “Skyfall” Nails
One could’ve never predicted the James Bond franchise would one day be the inspiration for nail lacquer, but alas, ladies, the day has come. OPI’s holiday 2012 collection features purple, red, metallic and glitter polishes to suit every type of Bond girl.
The 12-piece line is aptly called the Skyfall Collection, and each color is named after the series, too. The Golden Gun, for instance is a gold leaf top coat.
It’s out now at Dillard’s, JCPenney and Ulta—just to name a few—for $8.50 each.
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• Around the World in 80 Spas | Part 1: North America
• Around the World in 80 Spas | Part 2: Europe
• Escape from New York: Spa Trips without the Travel
