After a whirlwind of a year, 2017 is finally drawing to a close. No matter where you find yourself in the world, it’s safe to say that 2017 has been a doozy. Now it’s time to let your hair down and end the year with a bang.
What better place to celebrate the New Year than in a fabulously exotic location? From tropical beaches to snow-covered mountains, here is a look at New Year’s celebrations in some of our favourite destinations.
Bali
You know what they say – Bali is always a good idea. This platitude is never more true than during the holiday high season when the Island of the Gods is sizzling with parties and events. This year, Bali will be hosting more than a few world class DJ sets and international artists. One of the biggest names will be performing in Nusa Dua at The Mulia, where British superstar Charli XCX will be taking the stage at the grand ballroom on New Year’s Eve.
And of course, when in Rome… Nothing says a New Year in Bali quite like a spectacular beach party and true to form, Bali’s best beach clubs are putting on quite the show. From Uluwatu to Canggu, the southwest coastline will be dotted with fabulous parties come New Year’s Eve. Opt for one of the tried-and-tested icons like Ku De Ta or Potato Head, or head for one the island’s new beach and pool clubs like Mrs Sippy or Ulu Cliffhouse.
Though Bali’s New Year parties are legendary, you can also go for the total opposite and celebrate the turning of the year surrounded by peace and quiet. Though it’s easy to forget when staying in bustling Seminyak, the rest of the island offers a world of tropical tranquillity. Hop on a motorbike or book a driver and make for the great beyond. Far away from the city lights, surrounded by the jungle, the starry skies will be crystal clear. If you ask us, hiding out in the Ubud jungle is a pretty magical way to ring in the New Year.
Thailand
The Thai islands of Phuket and Koh Samui offer a beautiful tropical setting for celebrating the New Year. For truly insane New Year’s festivities, you just can’t go wrong with the neon coloured madness that is Bangla Road in Patong. Over in Koh Samui, central Chaweng is guaranteed to satisfy all party animals.
Though the islands offer wild parties, both Phuket and Koh Samui also cater to more sophisticated tastes. Enjoy a romantic dinner on Koh Samui’s Bophut Beach or opt for one of Phuket’s more high-end beach clubs, like Xana or Catch.
If you’re looking for a bit more peace and quiet but still want to celebrate, staying in one of Phuket’s fabulous hilltop villas is an amazing way to spend New Year’s in Thailand. Phuket offers huge luxury villas which can accommodate large groups at an amazing value. Pro tip: places like the amazing Samsara villa estate in Kamala offer once-in-a-lifetime views of the fireworks over in Patong.
Celebrating the New Year by booking a huge luxury villa with your friends? #goals
Niseko
Niseko in northern Japan is one of the best ski resorts on the planet and also makes for a fantastic location for celebrating the New Year. New Year is a big deal in Japan and there’s a real sense of occasions that floats in the air. This is the time of year when Japanese spend time with their families and most businesses are closed.
In Niseko, you’ll find many of the New Year’s staples – including a traditional countdown to midnight, fireworks and of course, champagne. The best place to take in the fireworks is at the Grand Hirafu and Annapuri resorts, where the classic New Year’s fireworks take place after a torch relay down the slopes.
Besides the more familiar activities, New Year is a great time to get better acquainted with local Japanese traditions. From breaking sake casks to making traditional sweets, New Year is a very special time in Niseko. People traditionally start the New Year by visiting a Shinto shrine (the tradition is called Hatsumōde). This is a very special experience that you really don’t want to miss when spending New Year in Niseko.
This wonderful video by videographer Charlie Wood offers a unique glimpse at a New Year spent in Niseko:
Maldives
For a truly, madly, deeply spectacular New Year’s, head to the Maldives. This bucket list destination offers amazing views and jaw-dropping luxury any time of year, but watching the New Year roll in over the pristine lagoons is something truly special. It’s no wonder the Maldives has been the chosen venue for celebrating the New Year for the likes of the Beckham clan and family friend Gordon Ramsay.
Luxury resorts like Soneva Fushi offer easy breezy island life – or, as their own slogan puts it, “barefoot luxury.” At the other end of the spectrum, the Maldives can also throw an epic party. This year, the retro-fabulous Finolhu resort is set to throw a spectacular New Year’s bash with a “Party Like a Rock Star” theme. Live music, acrobats and special appearances from A-list celebrities… Race you there!
This video from Soneva Fushi’s 2016 New Year’s celebrations is bound to get you into a tropical state of mind:
No matter where in the world you’re celebrating the New Year, Ministry of Villas wishes you and yours a fabulous 2018!
