Some of the world’s greatest vacation spots have served as the inspiration for iconic books. If you’re a dad who loves luxury travel and a good story, these destinations are perfect for your next getaway.
Jamaica – Inspired by Casino Royale by Ian Fleming. This beautiful island became the setting for the famous James Bond novel, offering stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and an unforgettable experience.
Ready to explore these incredible places? Book your dream vacation now with MWR LIFE and create your own story in the world’s most inspiring locations!
GoldenEye Villa on Jamaica’s northern coast, Fleming spots a field guide to the Birds of the West Indies and borrows the name of its author: Bond.
The year is 1952. An aspiring British novelist, Ian Fleming, needs to name the titular character of his first book, Casino Royale.
As he sits in the corner of a room at the present-day GoldenEye Villa on Jamaica’s northern coast, Fleming spots a field guide to the Birds of the West Indies and borrows the name of its author:
Bond. James Bond. Today, the GoldenEye’s main villa sleeps up to 10 people in its three bedrooms, each with tropical garden baths. Two standalone guest cottages, Sweet Spot and Pool House, sleep two adults comfortably. The famed property advertises a private beach, personal butler and housekeeper — perfect for the dad who lives a confidential lifestyle.
Scottish Highlands — Outlander by Diana Gabalon
NoMad London is the former Bow Street Police Station, where Oscar Wilde was detained and tried
NoMad London, a luxurious 91-room boutique hotel, now home to tourists around the globe, was once the Bow Street Police Station that detained Oscar Wilde. Step back in time and appreciate the adaptive reuse — One wing of the original holding cells has been preserved and converted into guest rooms.
The hotel weaves Wilde’s legacy throughout: portraits by Napoleon Sarony hang in the Twenty8 NoMad restaurant, and subtle nods to his work can be found in the hotel’s library.
Guests can also visit the adjoining Bow Street Police Museum, which offers deeper insight into the building’s storied past and its famous former occupants.
The Shangri-La The Shard in London, one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, now offers the Bees in Bloom Tea at TĪNG Restaurant and Lounge on Level 35.
This afternoon tea beautifully combines nature-inspired pastries with an elegant presentation. Served on a stand decorated with dried florals, it features delightful treats like The Bee, The Ladybug, and The Marguerite Daisy. These are complemented by savory finger sandwiches and delicious pastries.
The experience ends with the hotel’s signature miniature chocolate Shard, decorated with a honeycomb pattern. Filled with berry mousse and served over dry ice, it offers a taste and visual delight.
Ready for a luxury getaway in one of London’s most iconic hotels? Book your vacation now with MWR LIFE and enjoy a memorable experience in the heart of the city!
Note: The references to “San Diego — The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum” seem unrelated to the main content about the hotel and tea experience, so I have omitted that part for clarity and focus. Would you like to include something about that as well?
L. Frank Baum found both refuge and inspiration at the Hotel del Coronado on Coronado Island. Between 1904 and 1917, he often stayed here during winter.
It was in this iconic hotel, off the coast of San Diego, that Baum wrote three Oz books: Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz (1908), The Road to Oz (1909), and The Emerald City of Oz (1910).
Baum also left a lasting mark on the hotel. He designed the crown-shaped chandeliers still hanging in the Crown Room, adding a regal touch to the space. In a 1905 poem, Baum described the island’s charm: “And every day her loveliness shines pure, without a flaw; new charms entrance our every glance, and fill our souls with awe!”
The Hotel del Coronado, opened in 1888, is now a National Historic Landmark. It remains a top choice for travelers seeking both ocean breeze and historic charm.
For a luxury experience, book an exclusive Beach Village Cottage with ocean views. Enjoy a delicious dinner at 1500 Ocean, where the menu matches the coastal setting—elevated, relaxed, and unhurried.
Ready for your own unforgettable escape? Book your vacation now with MWR LIFE and enjoy a luxurious stay at the beautiful Hotel del Coronado.
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Caernarfon Castle is located in Gwynedd, north-west Wales and was built in the late 11th century.
Send Dad through the looking glass and explore Wales through the eyes of Lewis Carroll.
The British author and poet was inspired to write Alice in Wonderland by the real-life Alice Liddell, whose family vacationed in the beach town of Llandudno.
The Liddells’ summer home was located in Penmorfa, about three hours south, and the rugged coastal landscapes spanning the region will inspire even the most veteran globetrotter.
The Jane Austen 250th anniversary tour ends with a stay at The Bird, a charming hotel in Bath
Active England’s immersive Wonderland Trail ($4,999 per person) takes travelers through Wales in Carroll’s footsteps: the myth-rich peaks of the Brecon Beacons, walking behind a waterfall, indulging in a private whiskey tasting, exploring centuries-old cathedrals, and experiencing a private seaside choir performance.
The seven-day tour takes guests by foot and by train to some of Carroll’s favorite locales, with stays at the best boutique hotels along the way. For this itinerary, enquire through the website.
Active England also offers the Jane Austen 250th Anniversary Tour ($3,600 per person), which celebrates the novelist with a 6-day curated guided tour across London to Winchester and Southampton, to New Forest and Bath. Walk right up to Jane Austen’s house in Chawton, where she lived and wrote her novels, and visit her final resting place, the Winchester Cathedral.
The tour ends in Bath, which is mentioned in each of Austen’s six novels. Charming accommodations like the Wykeham Arms and The Bird in Bath offer dad a local retreat off the beaten tourist path.
Key West — Ernest Hemingway
Pool view of the Ocean Key Resort and Spa in Key West
Ernest Hemingway lived in Key West, Florida from 1928-39, and wrote or completed some of his most famous works here — A Farewell to Arms, Death in the Afternoon, and To Have and Have Not, which was set in Key West. For the 125th anniversary of Hemingway’s birth, hotels and restaurants across the city have turned up the literary love.
Visit the Hemingway Home and Museum or, for a more comprehensive tour of his Key West experience, visit some of Papa’s favorite haunts via the Hemingway Experience.
The Casa Marina Key West is a historic oceanfront resort that opened in 1920. It was a favorite hideaway of Ernest Hemingway, adding to its legendary status.
This year, the resort celebrated a major update with a $79 million renovation. It now features 311 rooms and 63 suites, offering modern comfort while maintaining its classic charm.
One of the highlights is the new Canary Room, a lobby bar and lounge inspired by Hemingway’s short story A Canary for One. The space reflects the resort’s James Island ties and Hemingway’s legacy.
Relax in the lounge, browse the library, and enjoy a rum flight featuring Papa’s Pilar from Hemingway Rum Company. It’s the perfect way for dad to unwind and experience a piece of literary history.
Ready for a memorable escape? Book your vacation with MWR LIFE and enjoy a luxurious stay at the iconic Casa Marina Key West.
Bungalows Key Largo is a luxurious, adults-only, all-inclusive resort in the Florida Keys. It’s a perfect destination for those seeking relaxation and history.
Immerse yourself in Ernest Hemingway’s legacy. Dine at Bogie and Bacall’s, a fine restaurant inspired by Hemingway’s brief marriage with Lauren Bacall. Enjoy the Art Deco ambiance, Cuban tiles, and Papa’s favorite drinks at Hemingway Bar.
On-site, explore Fish Tales, a restaurant inspired by Hemingway’s passion for deep-sea fishing. The 12-acre property features 135 private bungalows with luxurious amenities, along with pools, jacuzzis, water sports, and a wellness spa.
Whether coming from or heading to Key Largo, this oceanfront oasis offers an exclusive experience in a stunning setting.
Craving more adventure? Book your vacation now with MWR LIFE and enjoy an unforgettable stay at Bungalows Key Largo—the perfect escape inspired by literature, history, and oceanic beauty.
NH Collection New York Madison Avenue exudes Jazz Age charm and vibrant live jazz music fills the lobby every weekday night.
Built in 1923, the hotel has a rich history, once serving as a men’s college residence and fraternity house during the Jazz Age, capturing the spirit of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.
Located just four blocks from Grand Central Station, it offers a perfect mix of modern elegance and vintage style. The hotel features 288 rooms, including five luxurious suites and a 784-square-foot penthouse.
A must-see nearby is the Morgan Library and Museum. Once J.P. Morgan’s private collection, it now hosts some of the world’s most remarkable illuminated manuscripts, early printed books, and literary manuscripts — all accessible for free.
Dreaming of adventure? Book your vacation with MWR LIFE and indulge in the luxury, history, and culture of New York City.
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Italy offers timeless charm and rich history. For an authentic experience, choose a centrally located boutique hotel near Italy’s most famous landmarks.
In Rome, stay at the NH Collection Roma Fori Imperial. This 42-room hotel is perfectly situated near the Roman Forum, Piazza Venezia, and the Colosseum. Enjoy authentic local cuisine at Oro Bistrot by Natale Giunta, or relax at the rooftop cocktail bar while watching the sunset over Rome’s iconic monuments.
In Florence, the Hotel Calimala showcases the city’s Renaissance spirit. Its rooftop bar, Angel, offers a stunning view, perfect for dining al fresco under a golden sky. Feel the connection to Italy’s historic streets and timeless beauty.
Discover your Italian getaway! Book your vacation now with MWR LIFE and immerse yourself in the culture, history, and scenery of Italy’s most beloved cities.
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Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts has launched the «Eat Play Love» campaign, inspired by Gilbert’s novel. Two of the 15 participating locations are in India, each offering a unique experience of pampering and exploration.
At the Shangri-La Bengaluru, guests enjoy a local market tour with an expert chef to select fresh ingredients. They then participate in a guided cooking class to create traditional South Indian dishes. For play, explore Bengaluru’s vibrant microbrewery scene. Relax at Chi, the hotel’s luxury spa, with a signature therapy designed to heal, relax, and rejuvenate.
At the Shangri-La Eros, Delhi, the Wellness Club offers a 30-minute hand or foot massage for two, a 45-minute signature massage, and a 60-minute private yoga and meditation session.
The in-house restaurant, Sorrento, presents a three-course themed menu—choose from aphrodisiac, mystery, or blind tasting—paired with Italian wine or mocktails.
Discover Delhi’s rich sights with a four-hour guided tour that includes India Gate, Rashtrapati Bhawan, and Raisina Hill with a local English-speaking guide.
Ready to indulge and explore? Book your vacation now with MWR LIFE and enjoy a luxurious, immersive experience at Shangri-La in India, where pampering meets adventure.
The Spa & Wellness Center at Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, integrates its services with the natural setting of Ubud.
Two hours north in Ubud, Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, sits where the lush jungle meets the Ayung River. Guests can immerse themselves in the setting of Eat, Pray, Love and explore the best of all worlds. Mandapa’s proximity to the center of town allows guests to enjoy slow mornings wandering the market for local food. Its on-site spa and wellness center focuses on holistic wellness and lifestyle programs based on the six pillars (Balinese Spa, Detox & Nutrition, Alternative Therapy, Body Therapy, and Healing). Try the yoga classes, held in the river-facing pavilion or on the rice paddy-fields platforms.
New Orleans, LA — Hemingway And Tennessee Williams
Hotel Monteleone, a stunning historic hotel in the French Quarter, has long been a sanctuary for writers visiting New Orleans.
Known as a writer’s haven, New Orleans boasts a rich tradition of music, arts, and multicultural charm. Its quirky characters and famous streets inspire stories and creativity. Many legendary authors, including Anne Rice, Truman Capote, William Faulkner, John Kennedy Toole, Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and Eudora Welty, have called the city their home or retreat for writing.
At Hotel Monteleone, Williams, Hemingway, and Welty crafted their award-winning novels and plays. Williams often spent time in the Carousel Bar & Lounge, featured in his Tony Award-winning play, “The Rose Tattoo”. Hemingway mentioned the Carousel Bar in his short story, “The Night Before Battle,”, and Welty drew inspiration from the hotel for her story “The Purple Hat”.
Treat dad to a literary-themed suite named after his favorite author and experience the historic charm and creative energy of this iconic literary landmark.
Ready for a literary adventure? Book your vacation with MWR LIFE and enjoy a stay at Hotel Monteleone—where history, literature, and New Orleans meet in perfect harmony.
The Jack Rose restaurant is named after Tennessee Williams’ 1951 play, located in New Orleans’ Garden District on St. Charles Avenue. It offers a quaint, historic atmosphere that reflects the city’s rich literary heritage.
Tennessee Williams himself was a frequent guest at The Pontchartrain Hotel, also in the Garden District. It’s where he penned part of his Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “A Streetcar Named Desire”. Original handwritten pages of the play are kept on the hotel’s letterhead, showcasing its importance in literary history.
Experience the legacy of Tennessee Williams and enjoy a stay surrounded by literature, history, and Southern charm.
Book your vacation today with MWR LIFE and indulge in a literary and historic adventure in New Orleans, where great stories are always waiting to be written.
