These A-list hotels all have famous connections to films, music or television, and now you can experience their splendour too.
1. As seen in… Death on the Nile
The Old Cataract, Aswan, Egypt, recommended by Steve
Step back into the glamour of a bygone age. The Old Cataract has hosted luminaries such as Winston Churchill and Agatha Christie; it's also where the 1978 film of the latter’s Death on the Nile begins, before the characters’ fateful embarkation.
Today the property is a luxurious hotel set in Aswan. Its views are striking, looking out over the First Cataract of the Nile River, and its opulent rooms showcase this panorama to its best advantage. Breakfast and high tea are taken alfresco on the classical terrace, which has views to the river over the palm trees.
2. As seen in… Out of Africa
Angama Mara, Masai Mara, Kenya, recommended by Mark
Forget Out Of Africa’s two striking leads, for Kenya aficionados the landscape steals every scene. Angama Mara perches on the very kopje where Robert Redford’s Denys Finch-Hatton charms Meryl Streep’s Karen Blixen in many of the most memorable shots, and a stay here gets you the same never-ending views over the Masai Mara that are showcased in the film.
The luxury lodge's views are the main draw, but it’s just as pretty on the inside, with stylish, modern design and flashes of red to match the shuka garments of the local Maasai.
3. As seen on… Rick Stein’s India series
Brunton Boatyard, Kerala, India, recommended by Hannah
Full of character and well-located for sightseeing, Brunton Boatyard is a beautiful hotel set on the Fort Cochin waterfront — the complimentary sunset cruises are a great way to see the harbour and iconic fishing nets.
The terracotta floor tiles and antique furniture dotted around the rooms make them all feel unique; the 17th-century influences make the hotel a favourite of mine. But the main highlight is the food, which attracted Rick Stein to visit in 2013 for his BBC India series, cooking the hotel’s signature dish: first-class railway mutton curry.
4. As seen in… Fly Down to Rio
Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, recommended by Fiona
An Art Deco classic overlooking Copacabana Beach, a wall of fame in the hotel’s lobby features the stars who have stayed, including Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The pair were guests at the hotel during the filming of Flying Down to Rio and the hotel also featured heavily in the film.
Nowadays it’s home to some of the most comfortable hotel rooms in Rio, but my favourite experience while staying here was dining in the city’s only Michelin-starred restaurant. Belmond Copacabana Palace provides guests with a touch of historic luxury from which to explore.
5. As seen in… Pirates of the Caribbean
Palm Island Resort, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, recommended by Vicki
Of all the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines locations Johnny Depp was being filmed in, perhaps the most beautiful is the Tobago Cays. These five islands, surrounded by a marine park brimming with fish, coral and turtles, are where a marooned Captain Jack Sparrow’s rum stash was set alight.
Palm Island Resort, fringed by beaches and beautiful turquoise waters and just 30 minutes away from the Tobago Cays by boat, has its own private island feel but thankfully more facilities, including a spa, pool and restaurants and 135 acres to explore — as well as plentiful rum.
6. As seen on… The Eagles’ Hotel California album cover
Beverly Hills Hotel, Hollywood, USA, recommended by Bianca
Synonymous with golden-age glamour, the Beverly Hills Hotel name conjures images of Astaire, Sinatra and Monroe, with the property even having a starring role on the album cover of The Eagles’ Hotel California. I love the privacy of the luxury bungalows in the lush, tropical hotel grounds and the treats throughout the day by the pool (which plays underwater music).
The hotel is located in the middle of a residential street, lined with beautiful Beverly Hills homes. A century on from when it was built, it still has that Hollywood magic.
Follow in the footsteps of the famous
Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They’re just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.
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