Winged Boots Team Travels 2024

"In February, I was lucky enough to explore Lisbon on an enriching familiarisation trip. The hotel offering is just incredible, spanning everything from chic boutique hotels to ultra-opulent establishments. I particularly loved The Lumiares. Located in Bairro Alto, it uses only local materials and even has its own expert perfumer creating its signature scent. Don’t miss the rooftop bar/restaurant – the views are spectacular. My top tip, however, would be to venture to the coastal town of Comporta (one of George Clooney’s favourite haunts), where the aptly named Sublime Comporta redefines coastal elegance."

See our picks for the top 16 hotels in Lisbon and beyond.

"Then, with babymoons the newest trend sweeping socials, I decided to jump onboard and pack up the dog, husband and car for a mini staycation to the Cotswolds to make the most of the early May Bank Holiday. We stayed in a remote cabin on its very own private lake and spent the weekend exploring the quintessentially British towns and villages this area has to offer. If you're expecting a new arrival soon I highly recommend taking some final 'us time' before your bundle of joy arrives.”

"For our first trip of the year, myself and my partner made for the sunnier climes and character-filled streets of Barcelona. I’ve been to Barcelona before, so this time decided to take it easy and just eat, drink, and stroll around. We wanted a coastal break so chose W Barcelona, where we had a fabulous Bay Room with panoramic sea views that could be enjoyed from your bed. It’s just a 15-minute walk from the city centre, which suited us perfectly and has a super funky vibe: very Miami Beach with people working out at sunrise (if that’s your thing). We ate at COYA and then went to the hotel’s bar/nightclub, where there was a great DJ and even better vibes. The highlight was stumbling across an art market in a small square where we then sat watching the world go by with a jug of Sangria. It's a city that never disappoints and presents a new experience each time you visit."

"Then, in March, I spent 10 nights in Ras Al Khaimah, a unique alternative to Dubai. We began at the InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa, enjoying a Club Room in the adults-only section. Next, we spent three nights at Ritz-Carlton Al Hamra Beach: a Maldives-style property with individual villas, each offering a private pool. Our final three nights were at the Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert, where the tented pool villa and Desert Moon bar stood out, offering memorable starlit moments in the heart of the desert. You can wake up in the morning, meander out of your (very glamorous) tent and start the day with a swim while the desert animals including camels and beautiful gazelles wander about the grounds. It's really magical and a memorable way to spend a couple of nights at either end of your trip.

"Ras Al Khaimah is a great option for those who love the UAE but have perhaps been to Dubai or Abu Dhabi and want to try something new. You've got beaches, deserts, and some stunning natural beauty — plus, you are just 45-minutes from Dubai by car if you did want to head there for some shopping or a greater variety of restaurants. The nightly rate in RAK is much more affordable than Dubai, too, so you can treat yourself to a special accommodation option if you like."

“June saw me set off for a really enjoyable break in Ibiza. While I have been to the White Isle several times before, this time, we decided to mix things up a little.
“For the first few nights, we rented a villa – just because we really wanted to get away from it all and enjoy some peaceful quality time, so the villa in a pretty countryside location suited us perfectly.

“Then, we moved on to stay at BLESS Ibiza in Cala Nova. Away from hectic San Antonio and the super clubs, it’s great for a chilled-out, grown-up retreat, offering chic accommodations and great service. It’s kind of what you imagine when you think of a cool Ibiza hotel.

“The cove itself is very laid-back (and so beautiful, with its brilliant turquoise waters and steep cliffs). Despite being relatively quiet, there is a handful of well-known restaurants and beach clubs that have a DJ during the day, giving you that Ibiza vibe while still being suitable for families or those just wanting to lounge around.

“During our time here, we hired a car and explored the northern part of the island, which a lot of people miss when they come – but a trip to Ibiza’s north should be on everyone’s itinerary. There’s such a lovely bohemian atmosphere, with loads of hippie hangouts and some stunning scenery. Just driving around, we found lovely little places for lunch and enjoyed lots of great food at prices that were so much more reasonable than elsewhere on the island. It was then that I realised that Ibiza can be as affordable or as expensive as you like – it’s not just a generally expensive destination at all!

“Following that it was time for Ibiza Town, where we stayed at Hotel Mirador de Dalt Vila: a classically elegant hotel with with a great central location. I was thinking that Ibiza town is actually a great place for a city break with a beach aspect, or a girls' trip (thanks to the fantastic shopping, cute cafes, cosy restaurants). You could come and spend a few days wandering through Ibiza Town, and cap it off with a day or two by the beach.

“My highlight, however, has to be the day we spent on a private yacht, visiting Formentera for lunch. I’ve done some amazing things but this was definitely up there. Absolutely everyone should do this if they get the chance as the sense of barefoot luxury you get, pulling up into gorgeous little coves and hopping off your boat for lunch is just unbeatable. You can even stay on the boat while staff pull up in a little dingy to drop off your cocktails to you out on the water! If you don’t do anything else, this is an incredible experience.

“My top tip would be: don’t rely on a taxi from the airport, the queue is hours long. Opt for a private, pre-booked transfer service such as that which Winged Boots can arrange for you. You’ll save yourself a lot of time and hassle (getting your holiday off to a stress-free start).”

“I spent the last two (and a bit) weeks of February bouncing around Thailand and Cambodia. We began our adventure in bustling Bangkok, where time-honoured tradition finds a home amid a sprawling modern metropolis. Then it was on to the heart-stealing island of Koh Chang for some much-needed R&R. Honestly, the water was like a crystal-clear bath — I was semi-aquatic by the end!"

"After that, it was on Siem Reap and the wonders of Angkor Wat, both of which have left a lasting impression and will certainly draw me back time and time again. While most people know Siem Reap as the home of the massive temple complex, there is some great nightlife to get stuck into come evening too. So make your way to Pub Street if you fancy a night out! Stay at the Sofitel Angkor Phokeethra Hotel Siem Reap (well, if it’s good enough for Angelina Jolie…). Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, is still something of an undiscovered gem and just has a certain magic about it — get there before the secret gets out.”

“I spent four nights in Las Vegas, staying at the Paris Las Vegas on The Strip. The location was great and it had a buzzy beer park overlooking the Bellagio fountains. 

"If you want to go and see the iconic 'Welcome to Las Vegas' sign, there is a bit of a secret way around the side so you don't have to queue or pay the guy at the front to take your picture! I loved walking down Freemont Street: one of the older parts of town where there are often musical performances going on. 

"My main highlight, however, has to be the heli-tour; the views as we dipped into the Grand Canyon took my breath away—social media doesn’t do it justice. After flying around for about 45 minutes, we touched down at the helicopter company's private landing area where we were treated to some refreshments and Prosecco. We then refuelled and flew back over the Strip, which was truly an experience I'll never forget."

“In Spring 2024, I spent some time exploring Mauritius, discovering the best beaches in the east and a wealth of activities in the north. Mauritius is remarkably affordable outside of hotels, and I recommend hiring a car for ease and safety. Our journey began at The Oberoi Beach Resort, Mauritius, in a private villa with its own pool: an idyllic retreat known for its exceptional dining and tranquil ambience."

"Next up, One&Only Le Saint Géran. It represents the pinnacle of luxury, offering pristine accommodations, top-notch service, and a prestigious location. It's nestled on its own private peninsula on the northeast coast surrounded by 60 acres of tropical gardens, with a sheltered coral lagoon on one side and sandy white beaches on the other, so it feels really private and intimate.

"The resort features 163 spacious suites and villas, each designed with comfort in mind. Options range from Lagoon and Ocean Rooms to the exclusive Villa One, all offering private balconies or terraces with breathtaking sea views and high-end amenities such as rainforest showers.

"Because of all this, One&Only Le Saint Géran has long been a favourite among celebrities seeking a blend of privacy and beachfront luxury. While specific names aren't disclosed, the resort's reputation for excellence in service and exclusivity makes it a top choice for high-profile guests and, having visited myself, I can definitely see why it's a hit with celebrities! It offers the perfect blend of activity options and classic beachfront relaxation in a tucked-away location.

“In late March, I was invited on a fitness-focussed familiarisation trip to Dubai, exploring SIRO One Za'abeel: the city's pioneering wellness and recovery hotel, and the newly opened One&Only One Za'abeel, both of which are located within the iconic One Za'abeel building.

"Our time at SIRO was jam-packed with fitness programmes, from stretching and massage treatments to HIIT classes by AC Milan and innovative red light therapy — an advanced technology originally developed by NASA. For our final night, we checked in at One&Only Resorts' newest venture, which did not disappoint. I was fortunate enough to stay in a Sanctuary Suite, which was spectacular."

"Combining both hotels in one holiday offers the perfect blend of fitness activities and relaxation — and while its location caters well to business travellers, it also radiates a resort-style ambience, boasting impressive facilities such as The Garden Pool on the 4th floor, South-East Asian dining options, and a Kid’s Club. Additionally, there's an adult-only pool area situated on the 27th floor of The Link, offering unparalleled views of Dubai. SIRO guests can access this pool from 6am to 10am, while non-residents have the option to purchase a day pass for around 1500 Dirham."

Click here to read our Managing Director, David Ox's, full review of his stay at One Za'abeel.

“I visited Lake Garda in May, staying in Desenzano Del Garda: a tiny town right on the lakefront. There were hardly any tourists which made it feel like a more authentic Italian experience and was more laid-back than somewhere like Venice — though we did visit Venice for the day and picked up some pieces of famous hand-blown Venetian glass. The food was fantastic, too, with fish straight from the lake itself — so fresh!

"You can get a boat across the lake to visit the other towns, which we did. Bardolino and Sirmione were full of life (and plenty of Aperol) and beautiful rustic buildings. Really good value for money, too, compared to other Italian destinations. A litre of wine was 11 euros. Pay that for a glass in London!”

"Then, in June, I enjoyed a relaxing stay at Forte Village. It’s nestled within 116 acres of stunning gardens on Sardinia's southern coast. So, even though you are only a two-and-a-half-hour flight from London, you feel surrounded by miles of untouched nature – great, if you want to get away from it all! The resort has plenty to do, including go-karting, pizza-making classes, wine tastings and a gorgeous spa. The complex is also home to no fewer than 21 restaurants and 14 bars – so you can eat your way around without ever getting bored! It’s a favourite among celebs, too, so keep your eyes peeled for star spotting.”

“I enjoyed a quick early Summer esacpe to the Amalfi Coast with my partner and 18-month-old daughter. We based ourselves in Positano at the Eden Roc Hotel and visited Sorrento and Capri. Although it is not a traditionally child-friendly destination, the locals could not have been more accommodating. We loved exploring Christopher Colombo’s boutiques and bistros… and earnt ourselves a lemon sorbet; a Positano rite of passage.”

"Then, in June, I made my way to Sin City. Las Vegas is always a good idea and I just returned from my fifth visit. If you’re travelling to the city of sin you cannot sleep on The Mayfair Supper Club. Perfectly positioned in the centre of Bellagio, you can view the fountains dance out the windows while the dinner show entertains you through three courses… and a delicious cocktail selection. Other highlights from this trip included drinks in The Barbershop, a speakeasy lounge with live music hidden behind the janitor’s closet of real hairdressers within The Cosmopolitan, and also a casual dinner setting at Ole Red, a new four-storey restaurant owned by country music star Blake Shelton.”

"I jetted off for a springtime break in Paphos, Cyprus, staying at the Almyra Hotel: a family-friendly seafront hotel near the harbour. Cyprus is special to us as my wife and I got married there five years ago, so it's a trip we always look forward to. The weather was great, the food delicious, and prices affordable—some places offered pints for only 3 euros! The Almyra also grants access to The Annabelle next door and its restaurants with half-board options. Highly recommended!"

At the end of April, Dean also ran the London Marathon in aid of Children with Cancer UK. He accomplished an admirable personal goal and helped the charity with its vital fundraising and awareness-increasing initiatives. We are all very proud—well done Dean!

"I enjoyed a fantastic break at One&Only Royal Mirage, The Palace in Dubai, and I'd highly recommend the hotel for your next UAE trip. It has an unbeatable location steps from the Palm beach and a short 30-minute drive from the airport while the luxurious rooms and suites with deep soaking tubs are just what the doctor ordered. You'll also find diverse culinary offerings, including the poolside Eauzone (my personal favourite)."

“In May, I was sent by Winged Boots to explore the beauty of Mykonos, to help further my knowledge of Greece and assist me with any future customer enquiries I may have for this island gem. I really enjoyed exploring the white cobbles of the old town, and seeing the isle's famous windmills. If you haven't already visited, you need to add Mykonos to your European bucket list. I can't wait to return... but for now I will use my knowledge and wanderlust to plan the perfect holidays for my clients.”

“I travelled to Dubai with my family in June for six nights. We started at the JA Lake View Hotel Dubai: a great all-inclusive option with enough to entertain the kids during the day, including a splash park and several different pools across the complex. There are also really nice restaurants, with Kinara, White Orchid and Sette being my favourite. I’d suggest opting for the ‘dine around’ package as it's such good value for what you get.

"We then stayed at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel for a few nights (my favourite resort in Dubai). I love being opposite the Burj Al Arab and getting the little Abra boats around the resort is such fun. Again, we were lucky enough to enjoy some fantastic food at the places we ate. Rockfish was a particular highlight: a stunning restaurant and the lobster ravioli was amazing.

"One evening, we set sail on a Superyacht sunset cruise which was such a unique and special experience. It went all around the marina, the Palm and up to Atlantis the Royal. There was a DJ, live music, BBQ food and an included bar — all of which contributed to the great atmosphere on board."

"I spent a few days in May exploring the capital of Portugal. Staying in the beautiful Alfama district, we were lucky to be so close to the sites of the old town. Walking up and down the famous cobbled hills, sea views were everywhere and it was great to watch the cruise ships roll in. The seafood was so fresh and of course, the Pastéis de Belém (the original Pastéis de Nata) were delicious. 

"Be sure to take a tram ride on the iconic Tram 28. This vintage yellow tram weaves through the city's most historic neighbourhoods for a scenic journey that showcases Lisbon's unique character. Starting in Martim Moniz and ending in Campo de Ourique, the tram route passes through Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela, allowing you to see landmarks such as the Sé Cathedral, the Church of São Vicente de Fora, and the Basilica da Estrela while giving you a real feel for the city. The ride offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and stunning views of the city's picturesque streets and architecture — as well as the chance to stop for a cold beer afterwards!"