New Year's Celebrations Around The World
PHOTO: Fireworks over London courtesy of UK Daily Telegraph
While it's hard to believe another rotation on the axis has occurred -- where did 2015 go?!? -- ringing in the new year is always a wonderful time filled with great celebrations. After all, each year is an opportunity to reset and start afresh.
From Australia to Beverly Hills, here are some choices to consider for merriment and revelry around the world.
WHERE: In the air
HOST: XOJET
DETAILS: XOJET, in partnership with luxury tour operator, Butterfield & Robinson, has developed a 21-day, private jet-hopping journey for two to start of the New Year in luxury. The excursion allows travelers to ring in 2016 by exploring coast to coast, discovering the best that North America has to offer. Travelers can immerse themselves in British Columbia’s nature and wildlife, indulge in culinary experiences in California’s best wineries, and explore the Berkshires various hiking trails and art galleries.
COST: Contact www.xojet.com
PHOTO: View from The Dolder Grand (c) Sery Kim
WHERE: Zurich
HOST: The Dolder Grand
DETAILS: Picturesque winter scenery, sparkling ball gowns, dashing black ties, and a dazzling line-up of entertainment. At the gala dinner party, guests can toast to new beginnings with a glass of champagne atmidnight, and enjoy delicious snacks while welcoming the New Year in the elegant Steinhalle.
COST: Prices starting at appox. $2307 (CHF 2,340)
WHERE: Gstaad
HOST: Gstaad Palace
DETAILS: For an enchanting New Year’s Eve celebration, journey to Gstadd Palace and celebrate amongst the unparalleled beauty of Switzerland’s snow-capped mountains. The bewitching hotel is welcoming guests to a Venetian carnival-themed New Year’s Eve party, a black-tie affair sure to evoke a fairytale atmosphere. The extravagant evening will begin with cocktails and canapés in the Lobby Bar and the renowned GreenGo club, followed by a luxurious gala dinner. The hotel’s popular Dora Live Band and JP Verdolini will be performing live to keep the festivities going until late into the night.
COST: New Year’s Eve Gala and After Party rates starting at approximately $1237 (CHF 1250)
WHERE: Berlin
HOST: Regent Berlin
DETAILS: Set against the stunning backdrop of Berlin's iconic Gendarmenmarkt Square, Regent Berlin provides a magical holiday for international travelers with its New Year's Eve package. Guests can ring in 2016 with a two-night stay in a deluxe room, a six-course menu and wine pairings hand-selected by renowned Fischers Fritz's Chef de Cuisine, Christian Lohse, followed by a champagne toast at midnight. Guests can dance the night away with DJ Sacha Stobinski in the hotel lobby and indulge in hors d’oeuvres and champagne from the flowing Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar.
COST: See generally http://www.regenthotels.com/EN/Berlin/
PHOTO: The Balmoral courtesy of Google Images
WHERE: Edinburgh
HOST: The Balmoral
DETAILS: The Balmoral's Hogmanay Gala Ball is black-tie event including a grand four-course dinner, created by The Balmoral’s award-winning Executive Chef Jeff Bland, will be served in the Sir Walter Scott Suite accompanied by the finest of wines selected by a dedicated Sommelier. An explosive firework display from Edinburgh Castle will light up the skies at midnight.
COST: For guests wishing to stay during the Hogmanay celebrations and attend the Gala Ball, accommodation packages start from $815 per person based on a two night stay in a Classic Room including breakfast, with two people sharing
PHOTO: Ballroom at Pousada de Lisboa (c) Sery Kim
WHERE: Lisbon
HOST: Pousada de Lisboa – Praça do Comércio
DETAILS: This New Year’s Eve celebrate the festive spirit of the Portuguese people with the Pousada de Lisboa – Praça do Comércio. NYE will be spent in either Salão Nobre or the Hotel’s signature restaurant Lisboeta where Portuguese Chef Tiago Bonito has prepared the best of traditional Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist menu as well as a special selection of exquisite wines including Portuguese favourites from the surrounding regions.
COST: Prices start from €749 (approx. £533) for the Special NYE – Salão Nobre package based on a two nights stay for two people in a Classic Room which includes a menu of Portuguese dishes at Salão Nobre with Dom Pérignon champagne served at midnight. Alternatively, try the Special NYE – Lisboeta and Dom Pérignon package priced at €1,070 (approx. £768) with a premium menu of Portuguese dishes at Lisboeta with Dom Pérignon wine pairing menu and champagne served at midnight.
WHERE: Dubai
HOST: Madinat Jumeirah
DETAILS: Madinat Jumeirah welcomes travelers to experience currently the world’s most popular destination for NewYear’s Eve, Dubai. Known for it’s over-the-top style and record breaking fireworks, Dubai is the place to be for ringing in the flashiest holiday of the year. The Arabian Resort of Dubai, Madinat Jumeirah offers guests prime beachfront location to see all of the fireworks throughout the night along with a magical dining experience at one of their multiple restaurants with live multi-piece bands.
COST: See generally http://www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/madinat-jumeirah
PHOTO: Fireworks over Sydney courtesy of Google Images
WHERE: Australia
HOST: Australia
DETAILS: Ring in new year’s first in Australia. Start at the highest vantage point in the Southern Hemisphere in Melbourne, Victoria at the Eureka Tower NYE celebration. Try also Brisbane, Queensland’s sparkling Story Bridge, with its stunning fireworks display. Adelaide, South Australia has a beer garden, live concerts and a fireworks display over the River Torrens to ring in new year’s. But, of course, nothing says new year’s more than watching fireworks from the Sydney Harbor.
COST: Varied
WHERE: Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
HOST: Eden Roc at Cap Cana
DETAILS: The resort invites guests to ring in 2016 in style at the L’Art De Vivre New Year’s Gala. Guests can dance the night away with live music and entertainment, and indulge in festive cuisine created by Executive Chef Gianluca Re Fraschini. The next day, guests can feast on traditional barbecue while soaking in ocean views at on-property La Palapa restaurant and enjoying live entertainment by Trio Caribeño.
COST: New Year’s Eve Gala $300 plus 28% tax per person. Room rates starting at $1,247
WHERE: Costa Rica
HOST: Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort
DETAILS: Located on a 1,100-acre tropical rainforest in Costa Rica, Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort is rolling out the magic carpet this New Year’s Eve with its Arabian Nights themed celebration, complete with belly dancing, live music, champagne toast and fireworks at midnight. The enchanted evening includes buffet dinner and open bar.
COST: $215 per person
WHERE: Puerto Rico
HOST: W Retreat & Spa – Vieques Island
DETAILS: Millennials can celebrate on a remote island eight miles off the coast of Puerto Rico at the luxurious for the “Stop the Clock” countdown to the New Year complete with an ultra-chic bash and fireworks. Guests will get the party pumping with some island fun in the photo booth, sharing selfies with wall cling-on phrases such as “Hot Mess” and “Regret Nothing,” and complimentary themed cocktails.
COST: See generally http://wvieques.com/
WHERE: Puerto Rico
HOST: Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino
DETAILS: The hotel is ringing in 2016 with the sixth year of its Illusions celebration, anticipating over 3,000 attendees for an evening of Tropical Latin music lasting until 5 a.m. with open bar. Hotel package includes breakfast, late checkout, and 20% Zen Spa and lunch discounts to recover.
COST: Guests can purchase tickets here. Room rates begin at $382 for bookings between Dec. 28 and Jan. 4
PHOTO: Thompson Playa del Carmen courtesy of Thompson Playa del Carmen's Instagam Account
WHERE: Mexico
HOST: Thompson Playa del Carmen
DETAILS: Welcome 2016 with a three-day-long electrifying New Year’s Eve bash. On the outdoor terrace of CATCH Playa del Carmen, the hotel will feature a number of live performances from top-notch talent, including Steve Aoki (Dec 30) and NAS (Dec 31). Guests can enjoy executive chef Pedro Abascal’s special prix-fixe menu featuring signature seafood and sushi items, tropical-inspired cocktails and Champagne.
COST: Packages with accommodations start at $1,079 per night (4-night minimum)
WHERE: Mexico, Playa del Carmen
HOST: Fairmont Mayakoba
DETAILS: The AAA Five Diamond and Rainforest Alliance Verified resort, Fairmont Mayakoba is offering a celebratory progressive dinner on New Years Eve 2016. Enjoy three of Fairmont Mayakoba’s newly renovated restaurants in partnership with world-renowned chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval in one night. The set menu will showcase the newly revamped F&B program with traditional and signature dishes. Guests can pick from two dining hours 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. or 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.
COST: See generally http://www.fairmont.com/mayakoba-riviera-maya/
WHERE: HAWAII
HOST: Hilton Waikoloa Village
DETAILS: Bid aloha to the year past at Hilton Hawaiian Village’s annual New Year’s Eve dinner featuring a Hawaiian-infused menu of kampachi, filet mignon, lobster and guava macaroon’s. In classic island-fashion, following dinner will be a concert by the award-winning local ukulele group, Maunalua.
COST: Tickets for the dinner and show are $285
WHERE: Beverly Hills
HOST: The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel
DETAILS: The Polo Lounge at The Beverly Hills Hotel is featuring a tasting menu priced at $295, with live entertainment. The hotel's popular Bar Nineteen 12 welcomes revelers with live music, DJ, party favors and a midnight champagne toast ($50 cover charge for non-hotel guests/$25 for hotel guests). Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air will offer a la carte menu from 5:30 to 7 pm; and a five-course tasting menu from 8 to 11 pm priced at $195 (includes live music, champagne toast and party favors).
COSTS: Varied, see above
WHERE: South Florida
HOST: Windridge Yachts
DETAILS: Sail on the waters of South Florida on Windridge Yachts for NYE. Featuring live DJ entertainment, intracoastal views, decadent dinner and dessert buffet menus, passed hors d’oeuvres, and a premium open bar and flow of champagne.
COST: Price starts at $224.90 per person
PHOTO: Fireworks over Miami courtesy of Google Images
WHERE: Miami
HOST: The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach
DETAILS: Ring in 2016 in true opulence at The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach this New Year’s Eve with the Glimmer in Gold package. Guests will be taken through a gold journey encompassing every experience from culinary to wellness. This over-the-top offering is being unveiled timed to the re-incarnation of the annual New Year’s Eve Party, Eve of Midas.
COST: $3,259 per night
WHERE: Miami
HOST: Faena Hotel
DETAILS: The Great New Year Celebration open house party begins at 10 pm with a fun journey through Faena Hotel, including live art and musical performances and DJs spinning — and a premium open bar until 1am with a Champagne toast at midnight. Additionally, choose to stay at Faena Hotel Miami Beach for the Great New Year’s Eve Celebration for an unforgettable evening with the New Year’s Eve package which includes entrance for two to the not-to-be-missed party and also includes a New Year’s Day asado brunch for two guests and a spa credit to use throughout the stay.
COST: $500 to $750
WHERE: Miami
HOST: Baoli Miami
DETAILS: Baoli Miami will countdown to 2016 with a seductively sinful Garden of Eden-inspired celebration where guests will be enveloped in a garden glam atmosphere while dining and dancing their way into the New Year.
COST: Entrance is $150 and includes a glass of Perrier-Jouët champagne plus party favors. Dinner includes a glass of champagne, party favors and an exceptional five-course tasting menu for $395 per person
WHERE: Miami
HOST: W South Beach
DETAILS: Ring in the New Year at W’s chic nightspot WALL Lounge and welcome DJs Jean Claude Ades and Oxia with support from DJ Chicco Secci for this New Year’s party.
COST: The package cost is $25,000 and a limited number is available
PHOTO: New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square courtesy of Google Images
WHERE: New York City
HOST: Waldorf Astoria New York
DETAILS: Choose from the Peacock Alley Grand Holiday Buffet, featuring the famed gourmet brunch with live band and dancing, premium open bar, midnight balloon drop and live ball drop broadcast ($550 per person) or the Dinner & Dancing five-course prix fixe menu featuring Filet Mignon, Lobster Newberg and Colorado Lamb Chop at Bull and Bear Steakhouse with live band, champagne and party favors ($355 per person).
COSTS: $355 to $550
WHERE: New York City
HOST: JAZZ at KITANO, the city’s supper club at The Kitano New York
DETAILS: Live jazz from Nilson Matta’s “Samba Meets Jazz” will fill the room as guests enjoy tempting dinner selections such as pan-crisped sea bass and filet mignon along with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight.
COSTS: $125 cover and $30 food/beverage minimum
WHERE: New York City
HOST: The Roxy in Tribeca (Former Tribeca Grand Hotel)
DETAILS: To celebrate the year coming to a close and kick off 2016, The Roxy is hosting the “The Surrealist Ball” and transforming the entire lobby level into a giant party reminiscent of one of Salvador Dali’s dreams. At midnight, a “defaced” ball by an artist selected by GrandLife’s curator, Natalie Kates, descends as the crowd counts down to the New Year. Music will be provided by a special guest to be announced shortly.
COSTS: Tickets begin at $149, which includes and open premium bar from 9pm-1am and a champagne toast at midnight
PHOTO: Interior of Aldea courtesy of Aldea
WHERE: New York City
HOST: ALDEA
DETAILS: This New Year’s Eve, chef George Mendes will offer a special three-course prix fixe menu at ALDEA in NYC’s Flatiron neighborhood. The Michelin-starred spot will be serving elevated Iberian fare and champagne to ring in 2016.
COSTS: $110
WHERE: New York City
HOST: Bowery Meat Company
DETAILS: Ring in the New Year at Bowery Meat Company and celebrate with a festive pre-fixe menu with highlights such as Fois Gras & Chicken Liver Parfait with onion jam, Herb-Crusted Lamb Chops with cucumber and yogurt and Skuna Bay Salmon with spaghetti squash and pumpkin seeds. Desserts include Gingersnap Cheesecake Tart, Doughnuts and Coffee and a Seasonal Fruit Plate.
COSTS: $175/person
WHERE: New York City
HOST: Colicchio & Sons
DETAILS: This New Year’s Eve, Colicchio & Sons will be ringing in the New Year with prix fixe menus in both the Dining Room and Tap Room. To get in the celebratory spirit, each guest will be welcomed with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine, followed by a four-course menu for the first seating and a five course menu for the second seating. Dishes include a first course of Octopus with caramelized endive, citrus & chorizo vinaigrette, Roasted Foie Gras with cranberry jam & pickled mustard seeds and Butter Poached Lobster with black trumpet mushrooms & Brussels sprouts. To end the soirée on a sweet note, pastry chef Stephen Collucci’s dessert menu for the night includes a Hazelnut Eclair, Sweet Milk Panna Cotta and a Chocolate-Passionfruit Tart. Full menu here.
COSTS: $175 first seating (5-6:30pm) | $220 second seating (7:30-11pm)
PHOTO: Gabriel Kreuther courtesy of Grubstreet
WHERE: New York City
HOST: Gabriel Kreuther
DETAILS: This year at Gabriel Kreuther, guests can ring in the new year in style with special offerings in both the main dining room and bar. Guests can enjoy Gabriel’s refined fare in one of two seated prix fixe menus in the main dining room or can opt for a more casual evening at the bar with passed canapés & champagne. Both areas will enjoy unique performances after 8pm, party favors and a champagne toast as the clock strikes 12.
COSTS: $175 Prix Fixe (5pm-8pm first seating) | $450 (8:30pm second seating) | $150 bar (9:00pm bar opens)
WHERE: New York City
HOST: Houseman
DETAILS: For their first New Year’s Eve in Hudson Square, chef/owner Ned Baldwin and chef Adam Baumgart are hosting a party at Houseman for large parties (six or more) with family-style food & drinks. Menu options will include large duck roasts, whole ham, vegetable platters and more, and guests will ring in 2016 with magnums, jeroboams and other festive spirits.
COSTS: Starting at $80 per person (minimum six people)
WHERE: New York City
HOST: La Pecora Bianca
DETAILS: This year, La Pecora Bianca is ringing in the New Year with a prix fixe Italian menu that guests can enjoy in one of two seatings. Every table will receive a complimentary carafe of Aperol Spritz to enjoy alongside the music of a live DJ and guests who choose to dine for the second seatings will receive a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. The decadent, four-course menu from chef Simone Bonelli includes Wild Striped Bass Tartare, Risotto with white truffle, and a New York Strip with mushroom ragu followed by a Mascarpone Semifreddo.
COSTS: $95 Prix Fixe | $150
WHERE: New York City
HOST: Le Bernardin
DETAILS: Le Bernardin will offer a special holiday tasting menu in its private dining rooms--Les Salons—and in the main dining room. The menu features decadent ingredients such as truffles as well as chef Eric Ripert’s signature seafood preparations such as King Fish Caviar served in a Marienere Broth, Langoustine with foie gras mache & white balsamic vinaigrette and Lobster served with a chestnut mousseline and Persian lime sauce. Desserts include a slow-roasted pear topped with beurre noisette and Baba Au Scotch served with caramelized banana and black walnut ice cream.
COSTS: $240 | $175 wine pairing
WHERE: New York City
HOST: Liberty Hall
DETAILS: Guests are invited to ring in 2015 with the Ace Hotel’s “Higher Ground” party in Liberty Hall, their subterranean event space below The Breslin Bar & Dining Room. Guests can enjoy open bar with specialty cocktails from 9pm to 10pm and dance the night away with music by acclaimed New York DJs JD Samson, Robi D Light and others. Tickets and can be purchased in advance here.
COSTS: $25 per person (pre-sale)
WHERE: New York City
HOST: Lure Fishbar
DETAILS: Lure Fishbar chef Preston Clark will offer a celebratory three-course menu this New Year's Eve, and dishes include Kampachi Shashimi with jalapeño and cumin oil, Slow Roasted Lobster with baby leeks and Caviar Beurre Blanc, Grilled Filet Mignon with butternut squash and foie gras butter as well as a Vanilla & Cherry Swiss Roll or Panettone Bread Pudding for dessert. Full sushi and raw bar will also be available. Full menu available here.
COSTS: $150/person
PHOTO: Riverpark courtesy of Riverpark
WHERE: New York City
HOST: Riverpark
DETAILS: Ring in the new year on the East River with a celebration at Riverpark, featuring a four-course menu, open bar and live music. Highlights from the seasonally driven menu include Sweetbreads & Cotechino with beluga lentils, hakurei turnips and black truffles to start, followed by a selection of pasta, such as Araucana Hen Egg Raviolo, and entrées including Diver Scallops, Veal Loin and Pekin Duck Breast served with black trumpet mushrooms and quince. For dessert, pastry chef Geoffrey Koo is creating a festive White Chocolate Namelaka, a creamy Japanese treat served with Champagne sorbet, gingerbread and tangerine. Wines by the glass, seasonal beers and select spirits & cocktails are also available. Full menu here.
COSTS: $250 per person
WHERE: New York City
HOST: Sessanta
DETAILS: Guests can enjoy a glamorous New Year's Eve at Sessanta, John McDonald and Steven Eckler's spot in SoHo, where a jazz trio will ring in 2016. Chef Jordan Frosolone will offer a four course pre-fixe menu with celebratory specials such as Lobster Risotto with Acquerello rice and tarragon, Sheep's Milk Ricotta Ravioli with white truffles, Beef Short Ribs with bone marrow dumplings and potato puree and Eggplant Parmesan with alla napoletana, in addition to classic Italian desserts and a midnightchampagne toast to top the evening off. Guests can choose from an early or a late seating, the first of which has the option of a la carte while the second accommodates pre fixe only.
COSTS: $125/person
