Are You Set-Jetting This Year?

Succession: Norway

Season 4 of HBO’s Succession follows the Roys as they swap Manhattan for Norway’s dramatic coastline. Producer Scott Ferguson and his team studied different countries but realised Norway had “an exceptional landscape like nowhere else in the world.” He told Variety: “Norway is a glorious, natural setting. It immediately seemed like a perfect place for a family gathering in the series.”

For Succession devotees, a six-day immersive driving experience created by 62ºNord follows in the footsteps of the Roys taking in the landscapes of the Sunnmøre Alps and the fjords of Norway. Highlights include gourmet picnics, the dramatic Atlantic Ocean Road, a helicopter flight through the fjords, lunch at the award-winning Juvet Landscape Hotel and a journey through the majestic Geiranger Fjord. Guests travel in style (in Porsche Taycan Cross Turismos) with stays in the luxe family-owned Storfjord Hotel and Hotel Union Øye, where meals are prepared by renowned chefs including a seafood celebration on the islands of Kami Skotholmen. Gareth Brauteseth, Head of Signature Adventures at 62ºNord explains: “Our driving trip is the perfect blend of adventure, comfort, and luxury, it truly is a trip fit for any family or fan of Succession.” Costs are approximately €7,308 per person for the six-day experience, inclusive of accommodation, meals, transfers and helicopter flight; www.62.no. 

The White Lotus: Thailand

After Hawaii and Sicily, satirical drama The White Lotus is off to Thailand, where the series director Mike White has been quoted as saying it will be less about money and casual sex and more about “death and eastern religion and spirituality.” The film locations have not yet been revealed but there are plenty of perfect settings such as the Samujana estate – a collection of 23 stunning luxury villas in Koh Samui. Perched on a hillside overlooking a coral cove, villas range from one to eight bedrooms, combining modern Thai architecture and spectacular sea views. Each villa comes with a private villa manager, and has a beautiful infinity pool stretching across manicured gardens. Some are home to private gyms, cinemas, games rooms and even a basketball court. Guests have the option to hire private chefs, relax with a spa treatment and book private fitness classes. Rates at Samujana start from €1,006 per night for a three-bedroom villa; www.samujana.com. 

Emily in Paris: Paris

Love it or loathe it, there’s no denying that Darren Star’s fabulously cliched Emily in Paris has us hankering after weekends in Paris. Some of the backdrops to Season 3 include Le Jules Verne restaurant (on the second floor of the Eiffel Tower), the pretty Jardin du Palais Royal, Le Flore en I’Ile café close to Notre-Dame cathedral and the lesser known but utterly charming Le Musée de la Vie Romantique, which is inspired by the Romantic movement of the 19th-century. A clutch of fabulous hotels also provide the backdrop from the iconic pool of the Hôtel Molitor and the Four Seasons Hotel George V, where Emily pays a visit to Madeline Wheeler’s suite.

There’s no shortage of chic hotels in which to stay in Paris, but on our bucket list is Hotel Madame Rêve in the picturesque 1st arrondissement, (the real-life location of Savoir is a short stroll away). It’s one of the hottest new openings in Paris, and the place to see and be seen in during Paris Fashion Week. Rooms feature terraces with views across the rooftops to the city’s legendary landmarks, making them perfect for recreating Emily’s signature selfies. The hotel’s restaurant La Plume, buzzy rooftop bar Roof and elegant Madame Rêve Café are great for people watching too. Desserts are created by one of the world’s best pastry chefs (a man once voted the fourth most influential French person in the world); Pierre Hermé. www.madamereve.com. 

The Banshees of Inisherin: Co Mayo

This BAFTA and Oscar nominated film is trending, not just for its clever script and the performances, but also its magnificent setting. Yes, we know the imaginary island of Inisherin does not exist, but there are film locations galore to explore on a guided walking weekend based at Knockranny House Hotel, Co Mayo taking place on the weekend of May 12-13. 

With glorious panoramic views over Clew Bay, Achill and Clare Island, the walks are led by expert local guides from Terra Firma, taking participants off the beaten track to explore the Wild Atlantic coastline and walk in the footsteps of Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson (and, of course, Jenny the miniature donkey). The “Trails and Tales Weekend” includes two nights’ accommodation with breakfast, dinner on one evening, a guided walk with transport and packed lunch. Participants are taken on a reasonably challenging three-hour walk, called the Granuaile Loop, named after the pirate queen Grace O’Malley – Granuaile – who had a castle in nearby Kildownet. Guests will hear tales of the Elephant Road, the historic coffin trail and enjoy a picnic lunch on a strategically sited bench, perfect for taking in the sweeping cinematic views. Afterwards, the lovely pool, sauna and steam room at the hotel’s Spa Salveo is just the place to alleviate any sore muscles before dinner. Prices start from €319 per person based on two sharing; www.KnockrannyHouseHotel.ie. 

Game of Thrones: Dubrovnik

Although it ended in 2019, Game of Thrones boosted the tourism of several destinations including Co Antrim, Girona and Dubrovnik. The old town of Dubrovnik (a UNESCO heritage site) was used in Season Two, doubling as the King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. Other scenes were filmed at Lovrijenac Fort and the island of Lokrum (which is home to a botanical garden and native, wild peacocks – perfect for a quiet beach picnic). Visitors can take self-guided or specialist Game of Thrones tours – and will no doubt be enchanted by Dubrovnik’s medieval architecture. Previous fans have included Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton who loved to dine at Restaurant Gverovic-Orsan. Where to stay? Hotel Dubrovnik Palace offers cinematic views from every angle as well as discreet luxury and personal service. Guests have access to its shingle beach, two outdoor and an indoor pool, a PADI diving centre, tennis court, and walking routes through picturesque woods that rise up Petka hill behind the hotel. The tenth floor spa with its sea-view pool has hot tubs, plus a steam bath, Finnish sauna and a sea view gym, all perfect for a wellness getaway. The resort has four restaurants, including the relaxed Maslina Tavern and the famed Sunset Lounge which offer breath-taking views for sundowners. Rooms are from €320; www.adriaticluxuryhotels.com.