New Year’s Eve can raise mixed feelings in the majority of people; you want to celebrate in style but it always feels a bit of a slog to organise and get your head round, since Christmas is the main event for most people. We identify with this combination of bittersweet feelings and so we have compiled our top five suggestions for where to jet to this New Year, to solve this annual predicament. Whether you are searching for relaxation and tranquility after the hectic yuletide season, a glamorous party scene or a healthy detox we’ve covered all bases…
This Caribbean island is one of the islands to be seen at over New Year’s Eve; it is known for its social prowess and over the festive period it burgeons with holidaymakers and returners, year on year. If you’re interested in sailing, this is the Mecca of yachting as well as diving, but it is also fantastic for shopping or just as a place to spend time on its stunning and mainly empty, pristine, tropical beaches. With a wealth of the most luxurious private villas and gorgeous hotels, this destination will give you a rare combination of total relaxation and beach bliss combined with the ultimate party scene; their fireworks are world renowned, there’s plenty of live music and events and the annual Regatta round the island gives the buzz needed to hype up the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
We know this is a classic, however classics are classic for a reason, and therefore it would be rude to New Year’s Eve itself if we did not mention NEW YORK!! For kooky, grand or boutique hotels New York has them all, working as a fantastic spring board for searching out the party; start off your evening with a few champagne cocktails in your hotel, move on to a Michelin starred restaurant to tantalise your tastebuds and soak up the atmosphere amongst New Yorkers. Then either head to Time Square if this is your first visit to NYC during NYE or ask us for recommendations for the hippest destinations to enjoy the famous countdown. Then as an antidote to the furious party scene on the 31st, head to the shops for the notorious January sales- winner!
Head to the city on this island for a very special New Year’s Eve, combining cultural traditions that will charm, stunning scenery that will impress and sumptuous food from local restaurants through to Michelin starred fine dining establishments. Our favourite tradition on this island was established in the early 20th century in order to sell the best grapes for winemaking, it is also linked to warding off evil spirits; on every peal of the bell at midnight you have to eat a grape (so 12 grapes in total- Las doce uvas de la suerte!) Take your own grapes and try and aim for the smaller variety (for ease of swift eating), on completion of munching the 12 grapes you will have secured a year of prosperity for yourself! Feliz año Nuevo!
Irrespective that in South East Asia you will get to see in the New Year before your friends (well, maybe a touch of kudos?) this glorious part of the world has something truly magnificent and magical to offer those willing to fly a little further. With cultures, histories and food that are millennia old there is much to delight and fascinate. Bali, Vietnam and Cambodia have stunning beach hotels and luxury private villas, or how about jungle retreats in the rainforests, surfing and yoga on the tropical beaches, summiting volcanoes or learning to cook authentic traditional food, there is much to entice. Either choose to settle in and bask in sheer luxury in one of the many 5* hotels and spas embracing the local traditions of New Year’s Eve, or we can help you hop between countries to give you a wider scope for discovery in a range of locations, embracing as much of these incredibly mystical and beautiful countries as possible.
Finally, a destination closer to home, Hogmanay in Scotland is an exceptional party, be prepared for rowdy, raucous revelers in high spirits- this is a party that the Scots take very seriously! Dating back to the Vikings celebrating winter solstice with wild parties late into the night you can see these links to the ancient traditions in the torch led procession through the heart of the city, creating a river of fire from the Royal Mile to the son et lumiere and fireworks on Carlton Hill on the 30th December. Then on the 31st head to Princes Street for dancing, live music and entertainment, watch in awe at the world famous Hogmanay fireworks from the castle ramparts and don’t forget to stay until Auld Lang Syne- join hands with nearest and dearest (and strangers all around!) to ring in New Year with great joy, and just for a great fact this annual rendition is the largest in the world! Altogether now: “For auld lang syne, my jo, for auld lang syne, we’ll tak' a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne”.
So to solve your New Year's Eve predicament with one swift phone call, give us a call on 01993 899 430 or enquire here and we'll give you something to look forward to once you're over that Christmas hurdle!