Lavish Bond experiences

James Bond rarely relaxes. Even when he appears to be resting, it's usually just a guise to fool his enemies. But on those rare occasions he does take time out, he does it in lavish style. And fortunately for James, his home nation is the perfect place to escape and recharge. With pure sea air, relaxing countryside, the finest hotels, food and events, it's no wonder Britain is his first choice for a bit of pampering when he's not busy saving the world.

Golfer on a golf course © Britainonview.com / Rod Edwards

Enjoy a round of golf

Bond certainly enjoys a round of golf and for many enthusiasts, it's the ultimate way to unwind. Fresh air, stunning scenery and often luxury food and accommodation to complete your enjoyment.

Playing golf © Britainonview.com / Rod Edwards

Golf was born in England, so it's no wonder there are so many world-class courses here - Blackheath, Belfry, Royal Birkdale, the list goes on. For the ultimate Bond experience, visit the 5-star Stoke Park Club (www.stokeparkclub.com/) spa, hotel and golf club, near Slough in Buckinghamshire. Here you can play golf on the same course that featured in Goldfinger where 007 challenged Auric Goldfinger to a round. And as an extra treat, the ballroom here played Bond's hotel room in Tomorrow Never Dies.

See more about golf in England.

Hire a yacht

Sunseeker yacht

When we see Bond at the helm of a yacht, he's usually making a quick getaway. However, he's not adverse to boarding these luxurious vessels for a bit of inter-mission relaxation, particularly when there's an exotic Bond girl involved. For supreme 007 luxury, charter your own yacht with Sunseeker (www.sunseeker.com/) from Poole in Dorset.

With its award-winning beaches and excellent restaurants and bars, Poole is known as the St Tropez of the South Coast. Sunseeker has a range of yachts including a painstakingly restored 1960s motor yacht which was actually used in the Quantum of Solace - you can also see this boat in the window display at Harrods (www.harrods.com) from 25 October until 24 December 2008.

See more about water activities in England.

Grosvenor House Hotel

Stay at the Grosvenor House

Even secret agents need to sleep. And where better than the Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel? Frequented by royalty, celebrities and quite possibly members of her Majesty's Secret Service, the historic Grosvenor House offers 5-star luxury in the heart of London.

Grosvenor House Hotel bar

Walking through its imposing forecourt, graced by the original Lutyens wrought iron gates, and into the striking reception, you can almost imagine a sultry Bond girl in an elegant evening grown waiting for you with your room key. Exquisite rooms and lavish interiors paired with award-winning cuisine and service ensure an unforgettable Bond experience.

See Enjoy England luxury and relaxation for more ideas.

Cocktails on the bar

Live the Bond lifestyle

So you think it's all a fantasy, do you? The glamour, the gadgets, the action? It doesn't have to be. In Britain you can live the Bond lifestyle for real.

back to top

Quantum of Solace © 2008 Danjaq, United Artists, CPII. 007 and related James Bond Trademarks, TM Danjaq.