The Bahamas is a beautiful destination, so it's no wonder it serves as the backdrop for many a movie. Not only is its beauty a real draw for film productions, but so is the fact that it's easier to reach for a U.S.-based cast and crew than spots like Zanzibar, Madagascar, and the middle of the Adriatic Ocean -- all "roles" the Bahamas has played in various films. It's unlikely you'll tire of lying on the sand during your Bahamian getaway, but just in case you do, we found the film locations of six famous movies you can check out while you're there; and the bonus is, most are located on the sandy shores so you'll never actually have to deny yourself that stunning ocean view.
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1. "Pirates of the Caribbean: Deadman's Chest"
Two installments of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie series spent significant time filming in the Bahamas. In fact, Johnny Depp fell in love with the collection of islands while on location for “Pirates of the Caribbean: Deadman’s Chest” (2006) and purchased his own private island there shortly after it wrapped. The island pictured above serves as the fictional Isla Cruces in “Deadman’s Chest.” The surrounding waters are known for being a prime snorkeling destination, so tour groups come here to show off both the island and the colorful fish below the surface.
2. "Casino Royale"
Ranked the most luxurious hotel in the Caribbean, the gorgeous One&Only isn’t just a star in the hospitality industry. Daniel Craig made his first appearance as James Bond here while filming “Casino Royale” (2006), and Kate Upton, Cameron Diaz, and Leslie Mann ganged up on an unfaithful lover at the resort in “The Other Woman” (2014). The cast and crew of the TV series “Scandal” also stayed here during filming — although the scenes were meant to depict Olivia Pope tucked away on an island off the coast of Zanzibar rather than in the Bahamas.
Celebs don’t just come here for work, though. One&Only has hosted the likes of Beyonce, Jay-Z, and Angela Bassett, and Cindy Crawford married husband Rande Gerber in an intimate ceremony on the resort’s beach in 1998.
3. "Scooby-Doo"
Production of “Scooby-Doo” (2002), starring Freddie Prinze, Jr. and Sarah Michelle Gellar, spent a lot of time on the island pictured above, which served as Spooky Island in the movie. After filming, the island was purchased by an eccentric multi-millionaire who has maintained much of the set. Various boat tours, including Stuart Cove’s, include the island as one of their stops.
4. "Holiday in the Sun"
We’re not sure we’ll believe you if you claim you haven’t seen “Holiday in the Sun” (2001), a straight-to-video Mary Kate and Ashley film also starring Megan Fox, who, at the time, was relatively unheard of on the acting scene. Ashley Olsen and Fox are guests of the Atlantis, and duke it out for a “hottie” hotel employee’s affection. Spoiler Alert: Ashley leaves victorious.
Like One&Only, Atlantis is a popular spot for vacationing celebs, too. Dwayne Wade, wife Gabrielle Union, Jennifer Hudson, and many others have booked rooms at the Atlantis’s most lavish tower, The Cove.
5. "After the Sunset"
A hidden gem in Nassau, Graycliff Hotel has been operating as such since 1973 — but its history extends all the way back to 1740, when a famous pirate had the mansion built. Throughout various owners, the property has hosted the likes of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Al Capone, Sir Winston Churchill, and — more recently, Beyonce and Jay-Z. It’s rumored that Jay-Z actually proposed on Graycliff’s grounds.
As far as film history, Graycliff Hotel served as a set location for “After the Sunset” (2004), starring Pierce Brosnan and Salma Hayek. Once filming wrapped, the cast and crew dined at the on-site restaurant.
6. "Splash"
One of the island’s best known dive and snorkeling companies, Stuart Cove’s takes adventurers out on various water-based excursions; you can even opt to swim with sharks if you so dare. The company’s oceanfront headquarters (and the water below) have been featured in a handful of movies — “Splash” (1984), starring Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah, “Flipper” (1995), starring Elijah Wood, and the James Bond “The World Is Not Enough” (1999), to name a few.
Related Links:
- Our Complete Travel Guide to the Bahamas
- 7 Islands You Need to Visit Before They’re Gone Forever
- 10 Adorable Small Towns in the South
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