The Real Bond Experience - The Caribbean

There's one certainty with James Bond. As a member of MI6, he's bound to leave England's shores for every mission. No matter the particulars, Bond always manages to find himself in exciting situations and exotic surroundings. As winter closes in it's more and more tempting to be more Bond ourselves and travel to warmer climes. The most Bondian destination? A Caribbean holiday.

Which Bond are you?

With the exception of Lazenby and Dalton, every Bond has found their way to the shores of at least one if not more of the islands in the Caribbean, and the area has often been the background for entire films. The island chain encapsulates the anticipation, excitement and exoticism of the whole franchise and is the perfect place for Bonds, Bond girls and even younger recruits.

Connery's Classic Caribbean holiday

Lovers of Connery's classic Bond will be drawn towards Jamaica as their destination. The island boasts the golden beaches and crystal clear waters you'd expect of a Caribbean holiday experience, with diving and sea life worthy of Thunderball and Dr.No. If you prefer your Bond experiences to be land based you can visit Ian Fleming's home, "Goldeneye", and see the place where he created his most famous character. No matter how you choose to spend your time while there, Jamaica's laid back mood is infectious, leaving you no choice but to relax and let the experience wash over you.

The Moore Exotic holiday

Roger Moore's Safari suited Bond travelled to the fictional San Monique Island in "Live or Let Die", encountering both the dark voodoo and the vivacious lifestyle of the archipelago. If you want to follow in his footsteps, indulging the love of a raised eyebrow coupled with a bon mot or two is easiest on the smaller islands in the region. Going further a field than the larger islands will reveal more hidden treasures than your typical luxury Caribbean holiday, and caters for those who like the idea of an original and spicy trip. One example is Montserrat, an island with a visibly active volcano at one end and famous music recording studio at the other! The smaller islands will also appeal to those who want a secluded Caribbean holiday on a beach with no one for miles around. Many are only accessible by boat, ensuring your privacy and relaxation in the arms of the Bond or Bond girl of your choice.

Exploring the Caribbean with Brosnan

Pierce Brosnan's Bond had the feeling of an explorer, of the new discovering the old. The ninety's "Goldeneye" 007 travelled to the Arecibo telescope in Puerto Rico to save the world, but you can enjoy it without having to beat a super villain. Puerto Rico is America's undiscovered commonwealth and this influence can be seen in their culture and customs. However there is an underlying cushion of American style and rigidity in Puerto Rico.

For the truly adventurous Caribbean holiday you can try Brosnan's other Caribbean trip in "Die another Day", experiencing the political, social and traditional world of communist Cuba. A true Caribbean holiday in Cuba means experiencing the Cuban way of life Bond style; deep sea fishing, culinary delights and, should you desire, the finest cigars in the world.

The Daniel Craig Experience

The current Bond brings luxury, thrill and danger back into the series, having Daniel Craig visit Nassau and the ultra luxurious Ocean Club and Atlantis Paradise Island resort. As luxury Caribbean holidays go, the Bahamas are the cream of the crop. The islands have everything from high rolling casinos to five star resorts and create the ultimate "Casino Royale" experience.

Top billing goes to the Atlantis resort, a hotel eager to indulge your every whim in style. All you'd expect from a five star resort, the Atlantis also boasts dance floors and clubs, casinos and experiences such as swimming with dolphins or meeting pop groups. However, for the ultimate in Bond you can't beat going to the Ocean Club (Aston Martin optional). Hit the tables at the club itself, staying the night or just until you break the bank. Nothing is more 007.

Everybody wants to be, or be with Bond, and what better time of year to indulge? Whichever Bond you love, a Caribbean holiday is as close as you can get without joining MI6 - and much more fun in the long run!