Oh, 2016. If there was ever a year to celebrate leaving, it would be you! It’s time we send you off in true high style. From traditional New Year’s Eve dinners and black tie affairs to non-traditional trips to wherever, we’ve curated a list of some of the poshest New Year’s Eve destinations around the world to commemorate the final day of a difficult year. On the bright side: you can revel in the fireworks, drown your sorrows in bubbly and look forward to a whole new year… but you can’t wait any longer!
New York
Ringing in the New Year in Times Square is one of those bucket list items — but a night at The Knickerbocker, the only five-star hotel in Times Square? It will be one for the memory books. Some of the historic hotel’s luxurious accommodations — such as the St. Cloud NYC Rooftop — may include partial views of the iconic Waterford Crystal Ball and the dazzling New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square. You may still be able to book a night by contacting, the hotel directly at nye@theknickerbocker.com or +1-212-204-4980. Standards rooms start at $996/night and can range up to $1,743 for a city view.
Chicago
The Drake — one of Chicago’s most iconic hotels situated atop Chicago’s Magnificient Mile — has a reputation as one of the best New Year’s Eve parties in the United States. The party starts with a $195 black tie dinner that includes oysters, sushi, foie gras and steak. A VIP table at the party in the grand ballroom runs $1,750. Call the hotel at 312-787-2200 to enquire about availability and booking.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles doesn’t have the New Year’s Eve reputation of Chicago or New York, but the New Year’s Eve dinner at The Peninsula Beverly Hills will be a posh affair nonetheless. There will be two seatings at the New Year’s Eve dinner at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m., and will be followed by a live band and dancing starting at 9 p.m. The earlier seating is four courses and $150 per person, the second six courses for $275. Call the hotel at 310-551-2888 to book.
South Beach, Miami
The Fontainebleau Miami Beach is always one of the hottest New Year’s destinations in the U.S. The hotel is offering a $500,000 Ultimate VIP Package, which includes a five-night stay in a penthouse for up to 10 guests, access to luxury cars throughout their stay, private yacht transfers, a $100,000 shopping spree, the best table for Justin Bieber’s New Year’s Eve poolside performance, and exclusive tables for both Skrillex at LIV and Marshmello at STORY. The group can also recover on New Year’s Day with a specially curated breakfast by a personal chef in their penthouse along with a bloody mary bar and a rejuvenating spa day where each person will enjoy a two-hour personalized spa treatment. For more information, visit fontainebleau.com/NYE, or call 305-674-4641.
Nashville
Savor the Southern hospitality by spending New Year’s Eve at The Hermitage Hotel, Nashville’s oldest and grandest hotel. You’ll start with a prix fixe menu in the renowned Capitol Grille before ringing in the fun at Nashville’s Music City Midnight. Hosted by Jack Daniel’s, the event will feature performances by Keith Urban and Styx, as well as a fireworks and a midnight music note drop from 145 feet. Deluxe accommodations include a luxurious oversize guest room, holiday turn-down with specialty truffles each night, a red wine welcome amenity upon arrival and more. Rates start at $299 per night, not including tax. Book by calling 888-888-9414.
Dubai
The Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai — one of the world’s tallest and most expensive hotels — is literally sending 2016 off with a bang. It all starts with an electrifying champagne reception like no other at Sahn Eddar, accompanied by live entertainment, stage performances and projection mapping across the tallest atrium in the world. Then the energetic evening continues with an element themed dinner in of one of five of the hotel’s signature restaurants. The gala dinner offers attendees a captivating journey through the four elemental worlds of Earth, Air, Fire and Water, the closest views of the longest firework display in the UAE, live entertainment and unlimited alcohol. There will be sensational fire-themed performances and a spectacular fireworks show at midnight, and for those not ready to end the night there, the after-party of the year will kick off in Al Falak Ballroom. Once 2016 hits, guests can retire to the $15,000 a night Royal Suite. To reserve your New Year’s Eve celebration at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, contact the hotel at +971 4 301 7600 or email BAARestaurants@jumeirah.com.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
If you want a decadent, all-night affair, look no further than Rio de Janeiro. Partygoers, all dressed in white, descend on Copacabana Beach each year to during the Réveillon — the Brazillian way of ringing in the New Year — complete with Brazilian samba and fireworks. (A few revelers have also been known to plunge themselves in the ocean to wash away heir sins.) The best place to view all of this excitement is from the beautiful Belmond Copacabana Palace Hotel. The art deco hotel will host its own New Year’s Eve party, which includes a grand dinner and live entertainment for $1,430.
Cape Town
Cape Town has always captivated us with its unique culture and spirit. On December 31, the South African city will not disappoint with its year-end blowouts. One, in particular, caught our eye: New Year’s Eve at the Grande Roche Hotel. A gastronomic seven-course dinner with a New Year’s Eve celebration in Paarl at the acclaimed Grande Roche Hotel’s Bosman’s Restaurant will take revelers on a memorable journey. A live band will provide live music throughout the affair (dancing is encouraged), and at midnight, guests can say hello to 2017 with a spectacular fireworks display. Pair your trip with a visit to the Stellenbosch wine region wine region, or perhaps even a nearby safari. Call +27 21 863 5100 for reservations.
Maldives
Sometimes you just want to escape the big city, the fireworks and the crowds of people counting backwards. If that is the case, follow in Victoria Beckham’s footsteps, and book your trip to the beautiful Maldives for New Year’s Eve. Invite your closest friends to take over the Four Seasons luxury Maldives resorts. Here, you’ll have your white sandy spots on the island surrounded by turquoise sea and palm-thatched bungalows. Hire a personal chef or a dive instructor and just let yourself enjoy these precious moments of respite away from it all. Call the Resort reservations department at +(960) 66 00 888.
