James Bond is one of the most famous movie characters of all time, always going on dangerous missions around the world. Danger aside, the fictional Bond leads a life that all of us envy: fast cars, beautiful women, and exotic destinations. From the mountains of Switzerland to the beaches in the Bahamas, these are six of the best James Bond vacation rentals where you can relive some of the most memorable moments from your favorite movies.
These Vacation Rentals Will Make You Feel Like You're In A James Bond Movie
1. Mürren, Switzerland
When Bond (Sean Connery) was driving his Aston Martin DB5 through the stunning mountains of Switzerland in the 1964 movie Goldfinger, audiences were dazzled by the beautiful backdrop. The Swiss Alps were also featured in the 1969 Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, starring George Lazenby. Despite their daunting heights, the mountains in Switzerland are easy to access and have cable cars and trains that make it easy for visitors to reach the top. Skiing aside, other attractions include Lake Geneva, The Matterhorn, Mount Pilatus, seeing the Rhine Falls, and visiting Chillon Castle. Stay in this luxury chalet in Mürren to enjoy a lifestyle that James Bond would approve of. From there, you'll also have easy access to Piz Gloria, located on top of Schilthorn, where many scenes from On Her Majesty’s Secret Service were filmed. You can have a meal or a cup of Swiss hot chocolate in the rotating restaurant with a panoramic view of the spectacular mountains.
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2. Montenegro
In Casino Royale, Bond (Daniel Craig) rides through Montenegro on a high-speed train, headed to the casino for a high stakes game of poker. Back in 2006, the newly-formed, small country had just formed when Yugoslavia broke up. After the movie came out, viewers were in awe of the stunning country that featured castles flanked by crystal blue waters and mountain-hugging roads (although, believe it or not, the key scenes from the movie were actually shot in the Czech Republic.) The coast of Montenegro features beautiful resorts, modern bars and restaurants, as well as the Ostrog Monastery set in the mountains, Durmitor National Park for hiking, snowboarders, and skiers, as well as Lake Skadar.
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3. Bahamas
The Bahamas have made appearances in several Bond films, including Thunderball (Sean Connery), Never Say Never Again (Sean Connery), The Spy Who Loved Me (Roger Moore), and Casino Royale (Daniel Craig). The perfect location if you want to lounge in the lap of luxury, there are many beautiful tropical homes and condos in Nassau where you can stay during your visit to the Bahamas, or a more secluded retreat with an incredible view. Some of the popular activities here include going on boat tours and day cruises, spending time on the many beaches including Jaws Beach, taking in art at The National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, and stopping in at the Pirates of Nassau Museum.
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4. Macau
In Skyfall, James Bond (Daniel Craig) shows up at the famous Floating Dragon Casino in Macau. Known as the ‘Vegas of China’, Macau is home to an array of old ruins and beautiful buildings that reflect the former colonization by the Portuguese. Must-see places here include Senado Square for shopping and dining, the ruins of St. Paul’s, the long-standing A-Ma Temple, the Macau Tower, and the famous Venetian casino. Macau has many high-rise apartments and condos that you can rent during your stay, offering convenience to all of the major sites and attractions while offer spectacular views of the city, especially at night. Macau is also conveniently near Hong Kong and China, making it easy to travel to other major cities in under two hours.
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5. Monaco
One of the most glamorous Bond locations ever filmed was the Casino Monte Carlo in the country of Monaco. Bond was played by Pierce Brosnan in GoldenEye, and viewers loved seeing the picturesque location on France’s Mediterranean coastline—home to upscale casinos, yachts, and the prestigious annual Grand Prix Race. There are many fun things to do and see in Monaco, including visits to the Monte Carlo Casino, the Prince’s Palace, taking in an opera at Opera de Monte-Carlo, the beautiful gardens of Monaco City, and visits to the famous beach resorts in Saint-Tropez, Cannes (site of the Cannes film festival), and Monaco—all part of the glamorous French Riviera. Stay in a Monte Carlo apartment right on the sea for the full experience.
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6. Mexico City, Mexico
In the opening scene of Spectre, Bond (Daniel Craig) is involved in an exciting chase through the streets of Mexico City during a Day of the Dead Parade. Mexico is rich in culture and history, and one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Major sites of interest to visit include famous churches and cathedrals such as the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral, the Great Pyramid of Tenochtitlan, the National Museum of Anthropology which is home to Mayan artifacts, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes—an opulent building dedicated to fine arts. Stay in this ultra-modern apartment
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This article was written by Kamala Kirk.
Hero image credit: Bagogames, Flickr