5 Oscar-Inspired Destinations Worthy of an Academy Award

By VITA Daily

It’s that time of year again, when Hollywood is preparing for the most star-studded night of the year: The Oscars, taking place on February 26. There are some great contenders this year (think indie film Manchester by the Sea, musical La La Land and Second World War epic Hacksaw Ridge) and, to celebrate, Booking.com, the global leader in connecting travellers with the widest choice of incredible places to stay, is presenting five Oscar-inspired destinations that are worthy of an Academy Award themselves. —Annie Hennessey

• Manchester by the Sea—Massachusetts, U.S.

  By VITA Daily

  This critically acclaimed indie film starring Casey Affleck and Michelle Williams is a sure Oscar contender, already wowing audiences with its emotional premier at the Sundance film festival and receiving rave reviews (98% on Rotten Tomatoes). The film is set on the coastal towns of Massachusetts including Gloucester, Rockport and Beverly, and tells the story of a Boston Janitor who is forced to move back to his hometown to look after his nephew when his brother dies. Affleck and Williams are strong contenders for best actor and actress so watch this space! Beauport Hotel Gloucester is in the North Shore region of Massachusetts and offers guests a seasonal outdoor pool and sun terrace, hot tub, fitness centre and restaurant. Water sports are available and the beach is right on your doorstep. Rent a car to make the most of it and explore the wider area with Boston and Cambridge under 30 miles away.

• La La Land—Los Angeles, U.S.

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  One of the most anticipated films of the year, La La Land stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in this incredible musical performance which is well and truly in the Oscar running’s after winning eight awards at the Critics’ Choice Awards and seven nominations at the Golden Globes. The film oozes retro vibes as it plays homage to Hollywood musicals from the 40s and 50s as it tells the story of a jazz pianist and aspiring actress trying to fulfil their dreams, and of course falling in love along the way. If you fancy taking a trip to try and get a glimpse of the stars, it’s good to know that Los Angeles is the top endorsed destination for nightlife and Hollywood is endorsed for history, architecture and local food according to Booking.com travellers. The top nationalities booking a stay in Hollywood during the Oscars 2016 were China, UK and Australia. Stay at Oakwood Elite Collection Downtown L.A. as a great base to explore the city. Located in downtown L.A., the apartments offer an outdoor pool, hot tub and sun terrace. It won’t be hard to explore the set of La La land as the film took place in locations all over LA; the film’s opening musical sequence was shot on the 105/110 freeway overpass, Mia’s pink apartment is in Long Beach and of course let’s not forget Warner Brothers Studio. Over the road from the studio you can grab a bite in the restaurant where Ryan Gosling plays his Christmas tunes in the film.

• Lion—Kolkota, India

  By VITA Daily

  This is the incredible true story of five-year-old Indian boy Saraoo, who gets lost and separated from his family and ends up being fostered by a family in Australia. As he gets older, Saroo’s childhood memories are triggered and he uses Google Earth to try and track down his family. Staring Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman, the movie is set in Kolkata, India as well as various locations in Australia including Hobart, Tasmania and Melbourne, Victoria. The Oberoi Grand Kolkata is located in Kolkata’s main shopping district and offers an outdoor pool, gym, spa, delicious Bengali dining options and lovely views of the bustling market place or palm trees. From here guests can easily explore the sights including Maidan Park, Victoria Memorial and Indian museum.              

• Hacksaw Ridge—Sydney, Australia

  By VITA Daily

  Directed by Mel Gibson, this epic biographical World War II film has been gaining Oscar level praise, landing a Golden Globe nomination for Best Director and winning nine awards at the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) awards. It tells the true story of Second World War conscientious objector Desmond Doss, played by Andrew Garfield, who demonstrated extreme bravery under enemy fire and won the Medal of Honor. Some of the film set was in the NorthWest town of Richmond, Sydney which was transformed to reflect the World War II 1940’s era. The QT Bondi aparthotel makes for the perfect getaway if you are taking a trip to Sydney. Just three minutes from the sandy shores of Bondi beach, it’s easy to explore the local restaurants, cafes and stores that dot the area. Make sure you do the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk to make the most of your glamourous beachside escape. Richmond is on the edge of the famous Blue Mountains national park, so you can combine both if you fancy taking a peak at the film set.

• Moonlight—Miami, U.S.

  By VITA Daily

  Another indie film that’s sure to be in the Oscar running’s is Moonlight, which tells the story of Chiron, a young African-American man as he struggles with his masculinity, sexuality and finding his place in a rough Miami area from childhood to adulthood. It’s already won Best Film from the Los Angeles Film Critics Association and received a nomination at the Golden Globes so is a strong contender for Best Picture or Best Director.  If you’re going to go to Miami you have to do it in style – stay at the Art Deco Four Seasons Hotel Miami so you can easily walk to the beach and explore the area. Located opposite Biscayne Bay, guests can enjoy a full-service spa, two outdoor pools with cabanas and on-site restaurant. You can also easily venture out to find boutiques, restaurants and nightlife which Miami is famous for.