The Winged Boots definitive bucket list for 2022

If you dream of spectating a nail-biting race in an infamous setting, the Monaco F1 Grand Prix is not to be missed. Renowned as one of the most demanding tracks in Formula One, the Monaco circuit leads drivers around hair pin bends, hurtling past opulent marinas and through a dangerous tunnel as the race speeds around the narrow streets of the city.
 

The Grand Prix experience is about far more than just the time on the tarmac. Visitors can observe heart pounding speeds from a yacht or private terrace, before exploring the wonders of this dazzling city, attending lavish evening soirées, dining at Michelin-starred restaurants and relaxing at dusk in five-star hotels. Sounds dreamy, right? Motorheads don’t delay. A weekend of a lifetime awaits from 26th to 29th May in 2022 where spectators can look forward to an exclusive event with an abundance of glamour, fierce competition, and a wealth of luxury experiences. To start planning your bucket list escape to Monaco in 2022, contact our team of travel experts on 0203 816 0985.

Dubai has a huge reputation for setting world records, and so, it will come as no surprise that the world’s highest 360-degree infinity pool is located on the 50th floor of the Palm Tower, Dubai. Standing 52 stories tall on the iconic Palm Jumeriah Island, the Palm Tower is one of Dubai’s newest landmarks, opening late in 2021. 
 

The Aura Skypool sits at an impressive 200-metres and promises showstopping views across the Dubai skyline including the Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa and beyond. Surrounding the staggering pool, the deck is an elegant oasis with a vibrant lounge complete with VIP sunbeds and a bar serving cocktails and tapas. Tickets are available for morning, evening or full day visits and without a doubt this is the newest and most unmissable spot when visiting Dubai in 2022. To begin planning your next Middle Eastern adventure, click here. 

This is a travel goal for all budding David Attenborough’s out there, young and old. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience allow Africa to astound you with a stay at One&Only Gorillas Nest in Rwanda. Immerse yourself amongst swaying eucalyptus trees and encounter majestic mountain gorillas within their natural environment.
 

Accommodation consists of a combination of luxurious lodges and sumptuous suites offering remarkable volcanic vistas and boasting secluded open-air viewing decks where you can sit back and allow the sights and sounds of the forest to envelop you. While here don’t miss out on an awe-inspiring collection of curated experiences available. From diving into the rich history of Rwanda, with enlightening cultural experiences and immersive village visits, or exploring the dramatic Volcanoes National Park on a quest to spot a wide range of wildlife including mountain gorillas, golden monkeys and more than 300 bird species. Fancy taking a trip on the wild side? Click here to enquire today. 

Following on from the enormous success of Gareth Southgate’s team at the Euros 2021, hype is already building for the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup which is due to be held in Qatar from 21st November to 18th December 2022. The bookies are currently ranking England third favourite to win the tournament, and so a seat for the final could prove to be an opportunity of a lifetime, and a chance to witness history unfold in front of your very eyes.

While in Qatar soaking up the atmosphere, football fans will also have the chance to enjoy everything from sightseeing trips to nature tours. The capital Doha has an abundance of beautiful beaches and due to its geographic location it boasts crystal-clear waters and a rich marine life – making this an ideal destination for water sport lovers. The attractive Doha Corniche is lined with luxurious resorts, hotels and restaurants where visitors can experience the traditional hospitality of the Bedouin culture. For something totally unique, head to the desert to camp under the stars, enjoy a sand bashing safari or camel ride adventure. Want to witness football coming home for yourself? Contact your personal travel manager to start planning this once-in-a-lifetime trip. 

Located five meters below the surface of the shimmering Indian Ocean, Ithaa Undersea Restaurant provides an incredible opportunity to dine under the sea, surrounded by a colourful coral garden and a vibrant array of exotic sea life.

The delicious menus showcase fusion dishes blending local flavours with Western influences and, of course, are paired with fine wines and refreshing cocktails. If you are travelling with a larger group, the restaurant can also be reserve for private dining, and is an incredible way to celebrate a landmarking milestone or birthday. Sure, you’ve dined on pancakes in America and pizza in Italy, but have you enjoyed the catch of the day beneath the waves? To discover more about the stunning Conrad Maldives resort and what else you can look forward to during your stay, click here. 
 

As surreal experiences go, this one is quite high up on the list. Nowhere else in the world will you discover a colony of wild pigs that live on an uninhabited island. Big Major Cay is one of 700 islands and 2,400 cays in the Bahamas. This relatively small isle is no longer than one mile in length and bordered by soft white sands and turquoise waters, which are typical for the Bahamas.

How did the pigs get there? No one is 100% sure. But one thing is evident and that is that these little piggy’s love to swim, and we don’t blame them because the year-round tropical climate will leave most wanting to take a dip to cool off. A day trip to the island is easily organised from many neighbouring isles and visitors can’t wait to get up close and take a splash with these charming animals. Plus, with the Caribbean waters so crystal clear, while you are swimming with the pigs you may also catch a glimpse of sea turtles, puffer fish, rays, and reef sharks. If you swoon over swine, begin planning your bucket list escape to the Bahamas. Click here to view our collection of superb accommodation.

The world’s largest ice driving centre is situated in a remote location at the very heart of Swedish Lapland, surrounded by an extreme snow-covered environment. Every year between January and March the frozen Lake Udjar, is converted into a driving enthusiasts’ playground, with 2,965-acres of frozen icy landscape mapped into around 14 circuits, including a number of replica F1 tracks for visitors to enjoy. 

This is your opportunity to check your driving skills, put your steering agility to the test and learn to drift like the best of them, all while under the expert guidance of the professionals. You can choose to learn from the experts with a taster day on a variety of circuits or take exclusive use of a track and car with an instructor at your disposal, there is an option for every level of expertise. One thing is certain, you will be telling stories of this memorable trip for years to come. Learn more about Lapland ice driving here.
 

When dreaming of a relaxing Maldives escape, your mind instantly conjures images of luxurious wooden villas built on stilts above shimmering, tiffany blue waters. One resort we can’t stop thinking about this year is Soneva Jani, whose water retreats and water reserves raise accommodation goals to a whole other level.
 

Take the popular one Bedroom Water Retreat with Slide for example. It’s spread across two floors and boast incredible vistas over the Indian Ocean. By night you can watch the stars from the comfort of your bedroom through the villa’s remarkable retractable roof. By day, when you get too hot from sunbathing on your veranda, you can cool off in your private pool or better yet slip directly into the ocean from a private two-storey water slide. Sounds like bucket list heaven to us! Click here to learn more about this stunning resort.

Animal lovers will go wild when they learn about Giraffe Manor in Nairobi. This one-of-a-kind boutique manor house hotel boasts a stately 1930’s aesthetic surrounded by picturesque gardens, terraces and courtyards. The wow-factor comes however from the resident herd of Rothschild giraffes who stroll across the lawns every morning and night, creating a breath-taking juxtaposition between humans and the natural world. 

Each night in the hotel includes waking up to a showstopping breakfast with a few long-necked friends who attend by poking their heads through windows and fluttering their long lashes in the hope of a treat or two. But there is more to Giraffe Manor than meets the eye. Just by staying at the hotel you are contributing to the conservation of these gentle giants. Across the lawn from the hotel is the AFEW Giraffe Centre, a sanctuary committed to breeding the endangered Rothschild’s giraffe and educating children about these majestic animals. The resort claims to offer ‘the most unforgettable bucket-list breakfast in the world’, and we think we agree. To book yourself in for a stay at the Giraffe Manor, click here.

Husky dogs aren’t only soft, fluffy, blue-eyed cuties, they are powerful and strong animals designed to thrive in arctic conditions. Exploring the Finish wilderness via a sled ride is the ultimate way to embrace the destination and feel the thrill of the icy breeze in your face. Perhaps the only ones having more fun than you will be the huskies themselves, as the dogs see pulling a sled as their favourite thing to do.

For an added adrenaline rush why not take the reins and put yourself in charge of your very own team of dogs? A safari guide will give you a full induction to learn how to steer and brake, but other than that the dogs will take care of the rest. Get set for a memorable adventure of a lifetime. Plus, another benefit of visiting Finish Lapland, is the chance to tick another bucket list worthy item off at the same time, by keeping your eyes peeled for the Northern Lights throughout your stay. Discover Finland today.

Mandarin Oriental, Lago Di Como is nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake Como and boasts a stunning collection of 52 elegantly appointed suites, 21 guestrooms and 2 spectacular private villas. All rooms boast sublime views either over the lake or across surrounding mountains, forests and gardens, and many feature private balconies or terraces from which you can breathe in the fresh alpine air and admire the jaw-dropping views.

Perhaps the best position to really appreciate your surroundings and the picture-perfect vistas is from the resort’s Michelin-starred restaurant L’Aria or lounging beside the hotel’s wow-factor floating pool that sits on the lake itself. If you are looking to visit this spectacular destination, there is no better viewpoint around. Learn more about this treasured resort on the banks of Lake Como here.

Just a 40-minute drive outside of Cape Town you will reach Boulders Beach, a series of sheltered inlets nestled between giant granite boulders that are said to be hundreds of millions of years old. Popular with visitors for one reason and one reason only, the beach is home to a colony of endangered African penguins that settled here relatively recently in 1982. This is now one of the very few places across their native coastline where you can observe these magnificent animals in close proximity.

The best place to view the penguins is from neighbouring Foxy Beach, where wooden walkways surrounding the colony provide an ideal viewpoint while maintaining a respectful distance from the penguins. Nesting season is between February and August, and the best time to visit for a chance to see baby penguins is January. To start planning your dream holiday to South Africa today, contact our personal travel managers on 0203 816 0985 or submit an enquiry here.

Caesars Palace is an iconic luxury hotel and casino situated on the west side of the infamous Las Vegas strip. You will recognise it most notably from popular films including Ocean's Eleven, Dreamgirls, Iron Man and more recently The Hangover and The Hangover Part III. However, what this hotel is most famous for is the notorious collection of stars who have performed here, including everyone from Frank Sinatra and Stevie Nicks to Tina Turner and Elton John. As performance venues go, this is the pièce de résistance. 
 

The main performance venue is The Colosseum, a theatre within the resort which seats 4,296 people and contains a 22,450ft2 stage. The line up so far for 2022 features names such as Rod Stewart, Sting, Journey, Keith Urban and Adele. For concert goers and music lovers this has to be the ultimate wish list venue. So, if you are longing to visit the neon capital of the world to witness a world-class performance to tell the grandchildren about in years to come, click here to discover more.

The islands of Greece lie scattered across the Aegean and Ionian seas, just waiting for you to discover them. There are small islands and large islands, cosmopolitan islands, and untouched islands, so this promises to be varied and adventurous holiday that ticks every box. Whether you charter a yacht or set sail on a catamaran you can find yourself in a secluded and tranquil cove one minute and a thriving town’s family-run taverna smashing plate in just a blink of an eye.

Live out your fairy-tale Mamma Mia dreams, admire legendary sunsets, sample wines from local vineyards, taste mouth-watering food, and dive into this magnificent culture. Island hopping across the Greek islands has all the hallmarks of an epic holiday of a lifetime. Ideal for romancing couples, this is the ultimate honeymoon for adventurers and those who enjoy to travel authentically and off the beaten track. Feeling tempted to make summer 2022 the season of dreams? Click here to discover more inspiration.

As romantic moments go, you can’t beat the unbelievable beauty of hot air ballooning at sunrise or sunset in Cappadocia, Turkey. The sheer number of balloons in the air at one time only adds further magic to the spectacle, and it is normal to view hundreds of balloons floating in the air at one time. This insta-worthy spectacle has brought fresh appreciation to the region, which is an UNESCO World Heritage Site with a mass of iconic rock formations, affectionately called fairy chimneys.

From the air you will be able to admire the endless beauty of the natural landscape as you dip into valleys, drift above mountains, and marvel at the huge expanse of land beyond. Lots of tours will include small but welcome gestures that add the finishing touch to your experience, like hot drinks and cookies on arrival and champagne and cake towards the end of your flight. It is these perfect touches that would make this an ideal excursion for celebrating a special anniversary, birthday – or perhaps even popping the question? To learn more about how we can help plan an unforgettable escape to Turkey for you and your plus one, submit an enquiry here.
 

Bucket list dreams don’t get much bigger than marvelling at the beauty and power of wild animals in their natural environment. For many it is the opportunity to witness the African big five, the lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo, but because you are travelling across vast savannahs, woodlands and mountains it’s likely you will also spot hippos and bee eaters too, amongst others. 
 

Rest assured our travel experts know an incredible offering of luxury accommodation where you can rest in comfort while still immersed in the sounds of the bush by night. This will, without doubt, be the holiday of a lifetime, and you will witness sights and sounds you will truly never forget. If you are ready to take the leap and begin planning the African safari you’ve always dreamed of, click here to submit an enquiry today.