The 2000 film Sexy Beast is full of recognizable stars like Ben Kingsley, Ray Winstone and Ian McShane. The Jonathan Glazer film gained praise, recognition and various nominations and awards, including an Oscar nomination for Mr. Kingsley in the Best Supporting Actor category and the prize of Best Director from the British Independent Film Awards. While the acting, the story line and the directing are all commendable, the setting of the film is certainly eye-grabbing as well. Filmed partially in Spain, it is possible for fans to recreate memorable scenes from Sexy Beast while enjoying the beautiful Spanish sun.
In the film, viewers find former criminal safe-cracker Gary “Gal” Dove, played by Ray Winstone, enjoying life in the Spanish sun with his wife, DeeDee, portrayed by Amanda Redman. His peaceful paradise is ruined when Don Logan, played by Ben Kingsley, shows up recruiting Gal for another heist. The location used for Gal’s Spanish paradise is Agua Amarda in the autonomous community of Andalucia in the south of Spain. Agua Amarda is a popular resort and fishing area with beautiful sandy beaches and white-washed buildings. With warm weather year-round, this Sexy Beast location is certainly perfect for soaking up the Spanish sun. Apparently, some of the actors arrived in Agua Amarda a few weeks prior to filming in order to obtain a deep and realistic tan. Sounds wonderful!
While Agua Amarda is the general filming area for the scenes in Spain, the villa where Gal lives is on the Calle Ferrocarril Minero. Perched on the end of the street, it provides fantastic views of the town, the ocean and the coastline. This villa was fairly difficult to find, according to producer Jeremy Thomas. In order to fit the script, Gal’s villa needed to have a pool and be in proximity to a rock face because there is a scene where a boulder falls into the pool. It took the production crew much searching, but fortunately they found the villa. It also helps that the villa is luxurious and is a fitting residence for a former criminal to relax and forget about a troubled past.
What is exciting for fans who truly want to recreate the scenes from Sexy Beast is that the villa is open for rental; part of it at least. The apartment part of the villa, called “The Palm”, sleeps eight guests and has three bedrooms and two en suite bathrooms. It requires a minimum stay of one week in July and August and a two-night minimum throughout the rest of the year. The price per night varies depending on the season, but the average would be around £130. The only downfall is that the pool belongs to the owners who live in the top two floors and may not be available for just anyone to use. Perhaps if one asked nicely, they could take a picture and pose like Ray Winstone in his lounge chair, but no guarantees. Nevertheless, visitors to Agua Amarda can still get their own Spanish paradise experience just like Gal without being interrupted by any crazy criminals!
Travelling from Alicante to Benidorm? Don’t forget to book your transfer from Alicante airport to Benidorm.
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