Step directly into the set of the biggest blockbusters with our list of the most breath-taking TV and film locations.
From walking the same halls as the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, to exploring the jungle that inspired Avatar’s Pandora, discover our slice of delicious destinations for those lured by the renewed interest in ‘set jetting’.
Travel destinations have long been inspired by what people read and see, whether in films, newspapers, or the travel guides of old. Today, almost every 2023 travel trends list will include ‘set jetting’, fanned by the red-hot success of HBO’s ‘White Lotus’, where our journey begins.
White Lotus Season 2 (2022): Taormina, Sicily
If you are ticking a seen-on-screen list, you’ll want to visit the beaches of Cefalu, baroque Noto, the island’s capital Palermo and, yes, stay at Four Seasons San Domenico Palace.
Elvis (2022): Graceland, Memphis, USA
Based on the life and meteoric rise to superstardom of Elvis Presley, ‘Elvis’ has been dubbed one of the greatest biopics of all time. Experience the world of Elvis like never before with a visit to the famous home of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
A site to behold all year round, but especially in the spring and summer when you can take in the full splendour of the gardens and mansion, the tour of Graceland allows you to view costumes, personal mementoes and artefacts from iconic performances.
Gladiator (2000): Rome, Italy
This year, the new ‘Six Senses’ hotel brings a whole new dimension to the luxury hotel scene in Rome, with a focus on wellness. Rome has always been blessed with lavish hotels, but the Six Senses Rome is the first luxury hotel truly serving wellness thanks to Patricia Urquiola reviving the bones of Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini as a stylish temple of wellbeing in the Eternal City. And yes, the spa and wellness spaces include a Roman bath.
All Quiet on The Western Front (2022): Prague, Czech Republic
Whilst Netflix’s moving anti-war film was set in 1917-1918 Germany over the closing months of World War I, filming primarily took place in the Czech Republic.
The cosmopolitan capital city of Prague was a key filming location for scenes before Paul left for the Western Front, and it makes for a perfect springtime city break destination. Rich in history, architecture, and cultural hotspots, as well as Michelin-starred restaurants and luxury hotels, the ‘City of 100 Spires’ is an excellent choice for discerning travellers.
Game Of Thrones (2011): Various locations, Iceland
The recent rare show of the Northern Lights across the UK has given us a glimpse at what lucky travellers often see in the night skies of Iceland. Whether winter is coming, or the summer is already here, Iceland is a year-round destination and one of those places where the weather does not impact your experience.
Take your pick from a long list of brilliant hotels, including The Reykjavik Edition and The Retreat. For the truly adventurous, consider Deplar Farm or the new Highland Base, Kerlingarfjöll - the new sister property of The Retreat.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022): San Juan, Puerto Rico
The next chapter in Marvel’s epic superhero franchise was filmed in multiple locations, but it is the seaside location of San Juan in Puerto Rico that we’d recommend visiting first. The former Ritz-Carlton hotel, closed since irreparable hurricane damage, was transformed and used for many of the film’s flashback scenes.
The beautiful Playa Las Palmas and Punta Cibuco beaches, Hacienda Campo Rico, Elvira House and the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture in Old San Juan were also featured. With its rich culture, luxurious beachfront hotels, colourful architecture and classic Caribbean charm, it’s not hard to see why San Juan is a top summer destination this 2023.
Star Wars (2015): Skellig Michael, Ireland
Ireland has some of the most mystical, magical, and rugged coastlines – which has unsurprisingly featured in many films. While Game of Thrones was largely filmed in Northern Ireland, film buffs will recall the beaches of Saving Private Ryan and recognise UNESCO World Heritage site, Skellig Michael, as Luke Skywalker’s rocky island home in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.
You need not seek to stay in the 1,500-year-old monastery located there, but perhaps the comforts of The Park Hotel in Kenmare (get ready for the delightful surprise of the Brian O’Sullivan Studio interiors), or the newly opened 5-star hotel Cashel Palace hotel in Tipperary – which could interest Mr Skywalker with the other worldly Rock of Cashel as its spectacular backdrop.
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022): Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China
Although Pandora is a fictional universe, some of the stunning locations were influenced by real-life natural wonders. The towering sandstone pillars inspired the floating ‘Hallelujah mountains’, and can be found in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China.
The park is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you’ll find an impressive range of guided tours - including helicopter and boat tours, as well as one of the world’s longest cable cars. They also feature the largest glass-bottom bridge in the world and a winding skywalk that is suspended 4,700 ft above the lush forest.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022): Amanzoe, Porto Heli, Greece
When it comes to set-jetting locations, it doesn’t get much more fabulous than this. Many fans of the film are surprised to learn that it is a real-life hotel and resort… minus the Glass Onion and sports car on the roof.
The ultra-exclusive Amanzoe is part of the fabled Aman Resorts collection of incredibly beautiful boutique hotels with impossibly elegant suites, 360-degree views, private pools, and plentiful amenities. This world-class resort reopened for the summer season on April 1st, 2023.
To start planning your dream set-jetting experience by bespoke private jet charter, contact our Air Partner team today.
If the idea of having an expertly curated holiday appeals to you, get in touch with the founder of The Modern Concierge, Jackie, on WhatsApp.
