According to a recent travel trend report, two-thirds of travellers are considering “set-jetting” to destinations based on a favourite movies or TV shows. In honour of Hollywood’s most coveted prize and the 96th Academy Awards, which airs on Sunday 10 March, why not plan a cinematic journey to your favourite film destination and travel in the footsteps of beloved characters, including to some of the destinations seen this year’s “Best Picture” nominees.
We’ve rounded up a few spots —and even suggested an overnight accommodation in each place—so pack your bags and prepare for your close up!
Rome’s magnificent Colosseum has been seen in the background of countless movies and TV shows (photo by Diliff – Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5)
Set-Jet to Rome, Italy
Rome is the quintessential immersive travel experience for film lovers. Get close to the classics like “Roman Holiday” (1953), “La Dolce Vita” (1960) and “Gladiator” (2000) as you stroll by iconic film locations. More recently, “Book Club: The Next Chapter” (2018) saw best friends Jane Fonda, Candace Bergen, Diane Keaton, and Mary Steenburgen taking in the sites of the Eternal City, including Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and the Colosseum, all memorable backdrops for your set-jetting adventure.
Where to Stay: InterContinenal Rome Abasciatori Palace
Built in 1900 to host ambassadors in Rome, then serving as the American Embassy Library in 1946, our historic building, in the heart of Via Veneto, is the ideal place to experience Rome’s ancient history, modern sophistication and movie-set magic.
Set-Jet to Mexico City, Mexico
There’s no doubt that this colourful, imaginative city has made an indelible mark on film. Stroll from hip Roma Norte to supremely stylish Polanco and enjoy the city’s lively urban chatter, historic landmarks, and diverse locations featured in films such as “Roma” (2018), “Spectre” (2015), “Elysium (2013) and “Romeo and Juliet “(1996).
Where to Stay: Kimpton Virgilio Polanco
As far as see-and-be-see scenes go, Polanco, Mexico City’s coolest and most vibrant neighbourhood, might just be the south-of-the-border answer to a hip Hollywood afterparty. This stylish hotel, named after a famous poet, would certainly be a good place for A-listers to chill, especially at the buzzing rooftop pool.
Live like a movie star poolside at the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs (Photo courtesy of IHG Hotels & Resorts.)
Set-Jet to Palm Springs, California
Hi Barbie! Step into “Barbieland” with a trip to Palm Springs, California, about 170 kilometres (107 miles) east of Hollywood. Here Barbie’s director Greta Gerwig reportedly took her architectural inspiration for the Barbie Dream Houses and the world of Barbie. The desert oasis was also the location of of some scenes in the mind-bendy “Don’t Worry Darling” (2022) and Mack & Rita (2022).
Where to Stay: Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs
Located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, where world-class restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and shops are waiting to be discovered. Take a stroll along Palm Canyon Drive, lined with majestic palm trees lit in twinkling lights, the desert city’s eye-catching Walk of Fame.
Set Jet to Santa Fe, New Mexico
As the backdrop for one of the year’s most talked about films, “Oppenheimer” (2023), Santa Fe/Los Alamos is a fantastic destination for set-jetting with its unique blend of Native American and Spanish colonial architecture, picturesque landscapes and more. Los Alamos and the Manhattan Project National Historical Park are less than an hour from downtown Santa Fe. You can arrange guided tours or use the park app to discover places in Los Alamos related to the Manhattan Project.
Where to Stay: Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi
When you’re looking for less flash and more panache, the subtle star quality and Southwestern character of this hotel, just steps from the historic and picturesque Santa Fe Plaza, delivers just the right about of glam.
Past Lives, written and directed by Celine Song, is nominated for two Oscars. (www.a24films.com)
Set-Jet to Seoul, South Korea
South Korea is an exceptional destination for film fanatics, offering a diverse range of filming locations, from bustling urban cityscapes to serene countryside landscapes, all while being the backdrop for numerous iconic Korean dramas and films including “Past Lives” (2023), which is nominated for Best Picture at this year’s Oscars.
Where to Stay: Voco Seoul Gangnam-Gu
Voco Seoul Gangnam sits smack dab in the middle of the most famous neighbourhood in the South Korean capital, and makes a good home base to catch Korean and international artists at KSPO Dome or visit Garosu-gil, and area known for its upscale boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and cafes.
Set-Jet to Abu Dhabi, UAE
Abu Dhabi’s striking skyline, rich cultural heritage, expansive deserts and luxurious resorts has made for captivating backdrop for many films including “Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ (2015) “Dune: Part One” (2021), which went on to win six Academy Awards, as well as “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” (2023), which became the first Mission Impossible movie nominated for an Oscar.
Where to Stay: Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Yas Island is a one-stop family-friendly entertainment hub just a 30-minute drive from the city and a 15-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport. It’s also home to an F1™ race track, a golf course, beaches, and Warner Bros. World, a massive indoor theme park bringing the magic of the movies, and some of your favorite characters, close up in one of the UAE’s most exciting destinations.
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