Ritesh Sharma
In Prime Video’s political thriller ‘G20,’ tensions run high when terrorists attack a high-level G20 summit hosting the world’s most powerful leaders. The summit in the Patricia Riggen movie takes place in Grand Diamont, a lavish and heavily secured location in Cape Town, South Africa. The hotel becomes a critical character in the story with its opulent design, sprawling architecture, and isolated placement. It not only sets the tone for diplomacy and international prestige but also serves as the primary battleground for chaos and resistance. The hotel’s corridors are where tense negotiations unfold, its suites house strategic decisions and its fortified chambers turn into war rooms as the narrative progresses!
Grand Diamont is Not a Real Hotel
Despite its realism, Grand Diamont does not exist in real life. The name was created exclusively for the movie by the creative heads behind ‘G20.’ There is no record of any such hotel existing in or around South Africa, and anyone attempting to book a stay at this fictional establishment will find themselves disappointed. The creators of ‘G20’ must have devised the name to evoke the feel of an actual high-end luxury hotel—something that sounds legitimate enough to trick the audience into believing it might be based on a real location. And while the name may be fabricated, the physical space where the action takes place is absolutely real and accessible.
What Doubles For Grand Diamont?
To bring Grand Diamont to life on the screen, Patricia Riggen and her team turned to one of South Africa’s most picturesque and luxurious wellness destinations—Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa. Located in La Bella Vita Wine Estate at Simonsvlei Road in the town of Paarl, this real-world location was transformed into the summit’s setting. The establishment in the Western Cape province of South Africa is around 35 miles away from Cape Town, the movie’s setting. Nestled in a quiet and naturally stunning environment, Santé offered everything the production needed to convey both prestige and isolation. The surrounding mountains and vineyards gave the impression of a world removed from the chaos of everyday life—perfect for the intense, all-eyes-on-this-place energy of a global crisis summit.
Santé is known for its serene atmosphere and dedication to holistic health, which makes its use in a high-tension thriller all the more intriguing. The film’s production team reimagined the tranquil luxury of the spa as a diplomatic fortress. With clever set design and cinematography, the retreat’s facilities were seamlessly turned into different parts of the fictional Grand Diamont. From lavish suites that double as presidential rooms to large meeting halls that resemble United Nations-style assemblies, each area was carefully chosen and enhanced to suit the scale and intensity of the film.
The interiors of Santé, with their earthy tones, elegant lines, and natural light, provided a unique visual contrast to the tension in the action thriller. While the film thrusts viewers into a world of danger and urgency, the calm design of the location reminds us of what’s at stake—the preservation of peace in an increasingly volatile world.
Is Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa Open to the Public?
Perhaps the most exciting part for the ardent admirers of ‘G20’ is that Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa isn’t another Hollywood soundstage or green-screen creation. The South African establishment is open to the public. That means if you are eager to experience Grand Diamont’s ambiance, you can book a stay at the place. Of course, your visit will be free of presidential motorcades and terrorist threats. Instead, you’ll find relaxation, luxury treatments, and peaceful walks through nature. For those who enjoy tracing film locations, it’s a compelling way to step into the world of ‘G20’ while enjoying the wellness perks of a high-end resort.
So, while the name on the sign may not exist outside the universe of the film, the essence of Grand Diamont lives on in the quiet corners and sunlit balconies of Santé. It’s a reminder that even the most intense political thrillers can draw their power from places rooted in calm, beauty, and reality.
Read More: G20 Ending Explained
