License To Thrill: The Ultimate Bond Villas

Three privately-owned villas available for rental through members of UltraVilla have played host to some iconic moments for the martini-sipping, Aston Martin-driving 007 agent.

Fulfilling any James Bond fan's fantasies, the properties allow privileged customers the opportunity to relive some iconic moments in film: Roaring Pavilion in Jamaica played host to the immortal sight of Ursula Andress emerging from the sea in Dr. No; Corfu 1D made an appearance as Gonzales residence in For Your Eyes Only; and Torre di Talaminaccio in Tuscany was featured as Mathis' hideaway in Quantum of Solace.

For Your Eyes Only - Corfu 1D, Kanoni

The swimming pool and garden area of Corfu 1D were featured in the 1981 film For Your Eyes Only, with the house being portrayed as belonging to the hitman, Hector Gonzales. In reality, Corfu 1D is the summer house of the King of Greece, birthplace of Prince Philip of Great Britain and one of UltraVilla's finest private estates in Greece.

Located on eight acres of cultivated gardens and ancient woodland in Kanoni, Corfu 1D is perched 80-feet above the sea overlooking the Ionian sea and the famous Pondikonissi, or Mouse island. The property has recently been refurbished, sleeping 12 in the main house, four in the guest house and two in ‘The Nest'. Eight full-time staff are on hand to shake and stir any cocktail guests desire. Corfu 1D comes equipped with a salt-water swimming pool, pool house with bar and kitchen area, small gymnasium, and shower rooms and changing rooms. The villa was also featured in the 1970 movie The Executioner, starring George Peppard and Joan Collins.

Dr. No - Roaring Pavilion, St Anne's Bay, Jamaica

Set on the beach where Ursula Andress emerged from the sea to meet Sean Connery in the first James Bond film, Dr. No, the Roaring Pavilion has more than 8,000 square feet of living space to accommodate up to 10 guests in four king bedrooms and one additional bedroom with a twin bunk. The villa has a home theatre and games room with a large library of board and video games. The entire property is covered by high-speed wireless internet access and Bowers & Wilkins cutting-edge audio equipment with an iPod docking station. Guests can enjoy the use of jet skis, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and an assortment of non-motorized water sports equipment and games.

However specific the martini mixing instructions, Roaring Pavilion boasts a multitude of full-time staff to provide every service imaginable, including concierge, chef, butler, chauffeur, maid, laundress, water sports assistant and gardeners. Over the years, guests to the house have included Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and Jack Nicholson.

Quantum of Solace - Torre di Talamonaccio, Tuscany Coast

Filmed as Mathis' house in Quantum of Solace, Torre di Talamonaccio was originally a historic Spanish watch tower erected to protect against the Saracen invasions. Perched on top of the cliff along the Tuscan coastline overlooking the clear blue sea of the Maremma, Torre di Talamonaccio hosts 12 guests within six bedrooms.

Having undergone a complete restoration, the villa has a fully equipped kitchen, dining room and lounge opening onto a furnished terrace with table and chairs for dining al fresco, Jacuzzi and sun loungers. With magnificent sea views of the Tuscan islands of Giglio and Montecristo, a further terrace area below hosts a swimming pool surrounded by a wooden sun deck.

The villa has its own walkway trail leading down to the private rocky beach, sea shore and sun deck shared with one other villa. Guests can have additional activities organized for them including Tuscan Cooking Lessons, wine tasting tours and guided tours to Florence and Siena.

Visit website: https://www.ultravilla.com/