There is nothing quite like getting lost in a film, especially one that inspires exciting destinations. It could be said that a good travel film is the only cure (other than actually travelling of course) for the pesky travel bug. On the other hand, the argument could be made that a good travel film doesn’t cure but feeds the travel bug. No matter which of the two it is those of us with adventurous hearts can resist a good travel movie about as much as we can resist booking a plane ticket. So, with that in mind here are five adventures to be had and the films that inspired them.
1. Breakfast at Tiffany’s
A classic as a book and as a film, Breakfast at Tiffany’s will have you putting on your finest string of pearls, your favourite pair of Dolce & Gabana sunglasses and booking a ticket to the city that never sleeps in no time. Unlike Holly Golightly, your New York adventure won’t see you being locked out of your apartment or having to stand outside Tiffany’s with a croissant. Instead, a stay in one of New York’s finest hotel suites, an official breakfast at Tiffany’s and a spot of retail therapy.
When it comes to choosing a hotel, New York is bursting with luxury options. Where better to stay than the Penthouse Suite at one of the city’s finest hotels: The Mark Hotel. This hotel suite is not only one of the most expensive in New York but also a contender for the most expensive suite in the world. The duplex penthouse consists of five bedrooms, six baths, two powder rooms, a kitchen, a dining room and living room that doubles as a ballroom and a library. Everything in the suite screams ultimate luxury, including the specialty designed furniture by Jacques Grange.
Organise a driver to take you from the Mark Hotel in the infamous Upper Eastside to the Blue Box Cafe. The cafe is located on the fourth floor of the Tiffany’s flagship store. Guest can expect the classic colour pallete found on the floors below of silver and robin egg blue, more commonly known as Tiffany blue, throughout the cafe. The menu is exclusively prix fixe. Guests have the option of selecting the breakfast, lunch, or afternoon tea prix fixe menus at any seating. Reservations for The Blue Box Cafe at Tiffany & Co. is open to book up to 30 days.
To follow your meal, there is nothing that helps the mind, body and soul so much as a little retail therapy. Whether you wish to browse or have a personalised experience, Tiffany’s & Co will ensure your every desire is met.
2. ‘Here We Go Again’… Greek Islands
Ready your singing voice and pack your sunscreen – it’s time to sail around the Greek Islands from Mamma Mia.
Nicknamed ‘the emerald of the Aegean’, are a collection of 24 islands off the east coast of Greece. The island collection is bursting with natural beauty and among those islands is the island of Skópelos. The azure waters and golden sands of Skópelos were irresistible to the film team when it came to location scouting for hit film Mamma Mia.
Even with the popularity of the film, Skópelos remains relatively untouched but if it isn’t secluded enough there are 23 other islands that share in its unparalleled beauty. What better way to enjoy the island and its neighbours than to hire a luxury private charter and sail around the Sporades. The best time to set sail is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sailing conditions are in their prime.
When you’re not relaxing on the pristine beaches or having a dip in the perfectly tempered waters, head to the mainland to explore the traditional architecture of cobble stones, red-tiled roofs and classic stone churches. The quaint islands will have you feeling like you’ve stepped back in time… and perhaps inspire a song or two.
Of the islands, Skópelos is the most popular and many people will tell you not to leave without tasting the traditional Skópelos cheese pie – a spiral delicacy made of local goat cheese and pastry.
Whether you’re a Donna, a Rosie, a Tanya or a Sophie it is impossible to say no to a luxury charter, quiet relaxation and island adventures in Greece.
3. Up
Whilst you may wish to travel to South America in private jet rather than a house attached to thousands of helium balloons, Up will inspire you to go no matter how you get there. After all, it’s tough to resist the charm and heart of this film and more so to resist the desire to travel to the real “Paradise Falls”. Now, whilst Paradise Falls may be a fictional place, Up director, Pete Docter and a small team were led on an inspiration expedition by Adrian Warren, director of the 2003 PBS documentary The Living Edens: The Lost World Tepuis, to find their perfect “Paradise Falls”.
Angel Falls located in the Guayana highlands of Venezuela is the real “Paradise Falls”. Recorded as the highest waterfall in the world, experiencing the sheer enormity of Angel Falls is one for the bucket list. In fact, Angel falls is 15 times higher than Niagara Falls. Full of magic and mystery, Angel falls, located within Canaima National Park is shaped by Tepuys (mountains), rivers, lakes, waterfalls and forests.
Much like Carl and Russel from Up, a journey here is for the daring, the curious and the inner explorer.
4. Paris, a Gnome and a round the World trip
This Beloved french film will set your heart racing for the quirky love story of Amelie and Nino, for Paris and oddly for the adventures of a little garden gnome.
Paris has certain je ne ce quoi about it. It’s a city of romance, history and rich culture. And, when it comes to finding the perfect suite all three of those qualities are vital. As one of the most intimate of the Palaces in Paris, La Réserve Paris Hotel and Spa offers romance, history and culture in abundance. The boutique hotel are masters of the little details, including personalised cards for guest with the guests name and hotel address printed on them. At La Réserve, the suite of suites is none other that the grand Palais Suite. Decorated with luscious burgundy velvet and Napoleon III antiques and housing floor to ceiling windows with balconies over looking the Champs-Élysées gardens, this two-bedroom suite is fit for royalty.
With the popularity of the film it is little wonder Café des 2 Moulins (Cafe of the Two Mills) is not only popular but also known as one of the best cafes in Paris. Located in the artistic Montamarte district in Paris, why not enjoy a drink or bistro cuisine at Café des 2 Moulins before a lucrative evening of Champagne and dancing at the Moulin Rouge?
When you tire of Paris (not that you ever could), then continue to be inspired by the film and follow the journey of the travelling Gnome – next stop Moscow, Egypt, Morocco… followed by the world.
5. The Grand Budapest Hotel
This quirky Wes Anderson film will have you packing your bags for Budapest in no time. Whilst the film is set in a made-up location, in a made-up hotel, every story has an element of truth to it. In this case, The Grand Budapest Hotel in the film was inspired by luxury Art-Nouveau Danubius Hotel Gellért. Since its opening in 1918, Hotel Gellért has seen presidents and royalty walk through its doors and even featured in Hollywood films. The film centres around legendary concierge of The Grand Budapest Hotel, Gustave H.
In the film, Gustave H. walks the fine line between being unbelievably professional and something a touch most intimate with the hotel guests. The concierge team at Hotel Gellért are dedicated to five star service, although without the added extras Gustave H. brings to the…table…
To add to the whole grand experience at Hotel Gellért the iconic landmark hotel also houses the world-famous Gellért Baths, where guests can enjoy wellness treatments, medical programmes and the outdoor pool which still has its original wave-generating device first installed in 1927.
History, culture and just a touch of comedy, this film and the hotel that inspired it are sure to set your heart on fire.
For more personalised information tips and advice, or to book this incredible holiday contact your local TravelManagers’ personal travel manager here.
