James Bond fans experience the ultimate 007 lifestyle as Anantara Layan Phuket launches “Golden Gun” experience

We may still be in the dark as to who’s going to replace Daniel Craig as the next James Bond in the upcoming flick, (will McMafia star James Norton take on the role? Will Denis Villeneuve direct?) but here's something sure to make the wait for the announcement a little easier. Aspiring super-spies and Bond fanatics can experience the 007 life for themselves at Layan Residences by Anantara in Phuket, as the tropical retreat launches a once-in-a-lifetime experience inspired by iconic Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun. 

The mission, if you choose to accept it, will give you a taste of life in the fast lane; VIP experiences and even the chance to handle the original golden gun from the 1974 film. Kick your Bond themed getaway off in style as you board a private jet from Bangkok to Phuket, before being whisked by chauffeur-driven limo to Villa Similan, the largest of the resort’s 15 ultra-luxurious residences. Perched high atop a hill with beautiful ocean and jungle views, this lavish eight-bedroom property oozes the suave sophistication of a secret agent, and comes with a live-in butler, on-call private chef and spa therapist, so you bet you can order your cocktails shaken not stirred. >>

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The resort has all the amenities you’ll need to save the world including an elevated roof terrace, 22-metre infinity pool and massage room to allow you to properly relax. A glass-clad wine room leads it’s way to the ultimate 007-esque ‘man cave’ complete with leather sofas, an antique carved billiards table and THE legendary golden gun: an exclusive piece of memorabilia not to be missed by any fan.

As every Bond buff will know, this custom-built pistol was used by the film’s villain Francisco Scaramanga, and famously consisted of several innocuous golden objects: a cufflink for the trigger, gas lighter for the bullet chamber, fountain pen for the barrel and cigarette case disguised as the handle so that it could be easily smuggled. Guests have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to handle this weapon themselves during a wine tasting with Anantara’s wine guru, before retiring to the terrace for a specially prepared dinner – because no baddies can be beaten on an empty stomach. >>

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This extravagant experience which will set you back £40,500 for two people, also includes a glamorous yacht cruise around Phang Nga Bay, where The Man with the Golden Gun was filmed. Guests can sip free-flowing Krug champagne and tuck into a gourmet barbecue prepared by the onboard private chef, so you can wine while you dine. This spectacular bay’s most famous rock, ‘James Bond Island’, played a starring role in the movie as Scaramanga’s hideout and ensures your getaway goes off with a bang.

Back at the villa, guests can develop their Ninja skills with a private Muay Thai boxing lesson, because it’s always better to be prepared against your nemesis. Soak up the views over the Andaman Sea as your butler serves 007’s signature dry Martini cocktail (I don’t need to tell you how it’s served!) before heading to the cinema room for a private viewing of vintage James Bond films, so you can relive the iconic secret service agent’s most memorable escapades.

In addition to a pampering spa, Anantara Layan Phuket offers a range of acclaimed dining options including Thai restaurant Dee Plee and a rooftop pop-up of the award-winning contemporary Japanese eatery Zuma which runs until 15 March 2018.