Unless you’ve been living across the Dothraki Sea, you may now be aware of the hit TV show they call “Game of Thrones”. The acclaimed fantasy drama levelled up from underground novel to sleeper hit following season one, and then quickly transitioned from worldwide success to becoming the Zeitgeist – the show that everyone is talking about.
Great stories and characters, naturally, need great backdrops and the series has already shown to have boosted tourism numbers in its primary locations; Northern Ireland for various scenes around the Stark family home, Winterfell; Croatia’s Dubrovnik (above) for the fictional capital of King’s Landing; and the Svínafellsjökull Glacier in Iceland for the scenes “beyond The Wall.”
Travel research firm GoEuro.com has released an updated list of infographics to coincide with the show’s new season. The website saw an increase through its booking platforms to key shooting locations such as Dubrovnik, which increased up to 16 per cent during some periods.
Flights to the island of Malta, used to film scenes in ‘Essos’, home of the Dothraki horse lords, rose by 26 per cent, whilst journeys to Belfast, the closest major city for scenes shot in Winterfell, increased by up to 11 per cent for various travel modes.
The updated infographic includes new information on the filming location of Spain, a country previously unvisited by the production crew.
Visiting Nothern Ireland to honour the fallen Starks? Take a luxury stay at Galgorm Resort & Spa. The spacious suites include leather Rolf Benz seating large balconies overlooking the River Maine. The marble bathrooms are nothing like you'd see in Winterfell.
Sounding right at home in the Game of Thrones universe, The Xara Palace should offer your luxury fit for a Lannister in this exotic Mediterranean location. You should receive better hospitality than Ned Stark within the 17th Century Palazzo - especially if you're dining at the de Mondion restaurant, with panoramic views of the island from the bastion terraces.
Small Luxury Hotels of the world are determined to keep you safe from Stannis Baratheon's fleet at Villa Dubrovnik. Each of the rooms and suites has its own private terrace with a sea view. The three-bedroom Villa Kolin has its own private garden and a Jacuzzi on the terrace. Enjoy a light lunch in the al fresco restaurant under the shade of the trees, overlooking the beach.
Members of the Night's Watch may be gazing 'beyond the wall' but they'll be dreaming if a comfy bed at 101 hótel in Reykjavík. The Apartment Suite is equipped with a King-size bed, a big walk-in shower, a bathtub and underfloor heating. The watchers on the wall can also keep in touch with loved ones thant the high-speed WiFi.
What sort of accommodation would befit the Mother of Dragons? Daenerys Targaryen would surely feel at home at the Royal Mansour Marrakech, especially in the "Riad D’Honneur”, a private villa that offers the ultimate luxury experience with its own gardens and swimming pool.
Unbowed, unbent and unbroken, Seville is the perfect setting for Dorne - the dwelling of the proud House Martell. Oberyn's brother, Prince Doran, may choose to wipe away his tears at Hotel Alfonso XIII, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Seville. The five-star property may even rival the fictional Water Gardens with its innovative décor and traditional Andalusian design.