Travel like 007 with these James Bond inspired trips
"Bond, James Bond."
Those three words, first uttered from the silver screen 60 years ago, began an era of intrigue and fascination with the 007 franchise, as well as the allure of global adventure travel.
I remember the first time I saw a James Bond movie, which I watched at home with my mom, a huge fan of the franchise, on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Roger Moore played Bond in "The Spy Who Loved Me" fighting Jaws, the towering, metal-mouthed villain. He used an array of teched-out vehicles, including an amphibious sports car that dove into the ocean and then shot a helicopter out of the sky, and ingenious weapons (hello, ski pole gun) he picked up back at spy headquarters.
More than the incredible-for-the-time special effects, it was the destinations that mesmerized me — the snow-covered peaks of the Swiss Alps, Egypt's ancient sites and the beaches of Italy.
Although I might not have known exactly where all of these locations were at the time, they resonated with me. How awesome would it be to visit those places in the lavish style of Ian Fleming's literary spy brought to life?
For anyone who's ever dreamed of racing sports cars through the streets of Monaco ("Casino Royale"), water skiing on Lake Como ("License to Kill") or diving into the aqua waters of Jamaica ("Dr. No," the first film in the franchise, which premiered Oct. 5, 1962), the Bond film franchise's 60th anniversary brings a number of new travel itineraries to immerse fans of film and travel alike into the world of the beloved franchise.
For example, Black Tomato — the official travel partner of EON Productions (the British film company that produces the James Bond film series) — just announced a limited, ultra-glamorous, multi-country European itinerary that will bring 007 to life.
Just 60 private, immersive European Bond-centric adventures are available to book as groups or individuals. A special website just debuted in time for the anniversary. The trips will take place in March 2023, and more details, including prices, will be released at a later date.
These luxe adventures will explore all things 007. Highlights include a Lake Como setting ripe for a daring adventure. From the private jetty of your hotel, take inspiration from James Bond in "License To Kill" and water ski along the Moltrasio shoreline, before jumping aboard a private seaplane to continue your expedition.
Then take to the skies above the picturesque towns of Bellagio and Varenna on their way to "SPECTRE" agent Mr. White's infamous lakeside home, Villa La Gaeta. The thrills continue as you touch down, met by an iconic Bond wooden Riva boat and a bottle of 007's favorite, Champagne Bollinger. Speed off in style to the iconic Villa del Balbianello from "Casino Royale" to stroll the terraced gardens before enjoying a private villa tour with exclusive insights into how they transformed the location for the film.
Then it's on to France and picturesque Chantilly, home to Europe's oldest equestrian center, Château de Chantilly. Bond fans may remember it from "A View to a Kill" as the lavish estate of villain Max Zorin. Then saddle up for a horseback riding adventure through Chantilly Forest to the Château de Chantilly for a deeper look at a Bond villain's lair.
Although Black Tomato is the official partner for the film's anniversary, there are other ways to immerse yourself in the world of 007 and turn on-screen adventures into real-life trips during the 60th anniversary and beyond.
Special Ops training with EMBARK Beyond
Yacht broker Northrop & Johnson has launched what they call the ultimate Bond-inspired getaway, with curated itineraries in the Caribbean and Mediterranean in partnership with bespoke luxury travel agency Embark Beyond.
First, you'll choose one of two six-stateroom yachts to charter — either the Skyfall or the Casino Royal — and then it's time to create a truly big screen-worthy itinerary.
Participants can loop in with more of the espionage and intrigue part of James Bond, with opportunities to jump out of a helicopter or skydive with a Special Ops agent from Servius (a security company that employs elite U.S. Special Operations personnel), attend luxury car road rallies in Monaco or go horseback riding along the beach in the Bahamas to the Albany House, which played residence to one of the film's villains in "Casino Royale," before jet skiing and hydro-foiling in the sea.
Those interested in booking the experience work with Embark Beyond to customize the itinerary and with Northrop & Johnson to select the charter that best fits the journey (prices available upon request).
Stay and play like 007
You don't need to book a luxury itinerary to immerse yourself in the world of Bond.
Going back to my first and favorite Bond film, "The Spy Who Loved Me," you can book a stay at the Luxury Collection's Hotel Cala di Volpe, in Sardinia, Italy, nestled on the shimmering turquoise bay of Costa Smeralda, where scenes from that movie were filmed. Award nights are available from 90,000 points per night.
The Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa is an homage to James Bond creator Ian Fleming with villas perched on stilts in the rainforest and over the ocean, some of which have private infinity pools. Award nights here are bookable from 90,000 points per night.
Related: The best bucket list points trips to beach destinations
If you really want to live large in super spy, or supervillain, style, you can rent entire villas that were used in Bond films. Two stand-out options are part of StayONE, Mandarin Oriental's Luxury Homes collection.
In Ocho Rios, Jamaica, travelers looking to visit the birthplace of Bond can stay in an oceanfront villa with room for 12 on the island where Fleming wrote his James Bond novels and where scenes from "No Time to Die" and "Dr. No" were filmed.
And in Corfu, Greece, in the estate where For Your Eyes Only was filmed. It boasts stunning views of the Ionian Sea and is roomy enough for 18 super Bond fans.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.