The best places to go for New Years – CTD edition

The Best Places to go for New Years - CTD Edition

From the biggest beach parties to the most spectacular fireworks on the planet, here are our suggestions of where to see in the New Year in style.

At Connecting the Dots, we understand that New Year's Eve isn't just a night on the calendar – it's an opportunity for our esteemed members to immerse themselves in unparalleled luxury and create moments that last a lifetime. While some may dismiss this occasion as crowded or overhyped, we see it as an exquisite canvas, awaiting the touch of exclusive and bespoke experiences. We specialize in transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. This New Year's Eve, let us be your gateway to the world's most sought-after events and opulent parties. Our bespoke services ensure that every detail is meticulously orchestrated, leaving you to revel in the joy of the moment. From fireworks blasting across breathtaking backdrops to raucous street parties in cool capitals and all-night raves on blissed-out beaches, there’s no shortage of amazing places to go for New Years.

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Dubai, UAE

The main event: New Year's Eve in Dubai is a spectacle of grandeur, highlighted by the iconic fireworks display at the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. The city hosts stunning fireworks shows at various landmarks, including the Burj Al Arab and the Palm Jumeirah, creating a dazzling panorama against the city's skyline. Additionally, there are concerts, parties, and yacht cruises along the Dubai Marina for those seeking an extravagant celebration.

The local view: Locals and tourists alike eagerly anticipate Dubai's New Year's Eve festivities. The atmosphere is electric, with residents and visitors coming together to witness the incredible fireworks, enjoy live entertainment, and revel in the festive spirit. The city radiates a sense of excitement and joy, making it a must-visit destination for ringing in the New Year.

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London, UK

The main event: The highlight of New Year's Eve in London is the dazzling fireworks display along the Thames River. The iconic show takes place near the London Eye and Big Ben, illuminating the sky with a breathtaking spectacle. Thousands gather along the riverbanks and in designated viewing areas to witness this stunning pyrotechnic display that marks the beginning of the new year.

The local view: Londoners and visitors eagerly anticipate the New Year's Eve celebrations. The atmosphere in the city is buzzing with excitement as people gather at popular spots like Westminster Bridge, South Bank, and Trafalgar Square to enjoy live entertainment, countdowns, and the magnificent fireworks. The spirit of camaraderie and celebration is palpable throughout the city.

Where to stay: London offers diverse accommodations catering to various preferences. For an ideal New Year's experience, consider central areas like Westminster, South Bank, or Covent Garden. Luxury options include OWO Raffles, a sophisticated newcomer, and The Berkeley in Knightsbridge, known for its timeless luxury and Michelin-starred dining. Additionally, in the heart of Soho, The Broadwick Soho offers chic accommodations amid vibrant surroundings.

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Courchevel, France

The main event: New Year's in Courchevel is an extravagant celebration that combines the thrill of skiing on world-class slopes with glamorous parties and fireworks. The resort hosts lively events, including gala dinners, themed parties at exclusive clubs, and dazzling fireworks displays that light up the snowy skies, making it a memorable way to ring in the New Year.

The local view: Locals and visitors alike are enchanted by the festive atmosphere during New Year's in Courchevel. It's a time when the entire village sparkles with decorations, creating a magical ambiance. Residents and tourists come together to revel in the celebrations, enjoying the unique blend of high-end entertainment and the joyous spirit of the season.

Where to stay: Courchevel offers a range of luxurious accommodations to suit different preferences. For those seeking opulence and convenience, there are prestigious hotels and chalets nestled amidst the snowy peaks. From upscale resorts to cozy chalets with breathtaking views, the options cater to discerning travelers looking for both comfort and sophistication.

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Paris, France

The main event: If you’ve got someone special to share a midnight kiss with, there’s no better place to spend New Year’s Eve than the city of romance. The centre of the action is undoubtedly the firework display on Champs-Élysées. Still, if you’re hoping to soak up the atmosphere without being packed shoulder-to-shoulder, the street parties in hilly Sacré-Cœur offer a cinematic – and slightly calmer – view over the festivities.

Local view: Traditionally, the French mark New Year’s Eve with a supper known as le réveillon – usually an indulgent feast of delicacies such as oysters, caviar, escargot and foie gras. Michelin-starred restaurant La Tour d’Argent does a set menu of exceptional dishes.

Where to stay: Start the year off with a flourish in the palatial Le Meurice, a creative haven that’s housed both Dali and Picasso, with interiors by designer Philippe Starck.

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New York City, USA

The main event: Sure, Times Square isn’t the most original recommendation, but it is the archetypal NYE in NYC. If you’re going to do it, do it from the Renaissance Hotel’s R Lounge – the bar windows offer peerless views of the famous One Times Square building due south, where the ball drops.

The local view: Make like a real New Yorker and swap Manhattan for Brooklyn. There are free fireworks and live music at Prospect Park, and Brooklyn Bridge is a spectacular spot to take in the sky-side show.

Where to stay: As one of the newest hotels in New York and Aman's first urban outpost in the US, Aman New York has raised the bar for Midtown – all rooms are generous in size, well sound-proofed and have working fireplaces.

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Koh Phangan, Thailand

The main event: There are parties on the beaches of Thailand’s islands all year round, but the wildest of them all is New Year’s Eve on Koh Phangan, home to the world’s most famous full-moon party. Revolving around Sunrise Beach in Haad Rin, the maelstrom starts as soon as it gets dark and romps on well beyond sunrise and into the following afternoon.

The local view: Go for cocktails and a dinner of freshly caught and grilled fish over on the sunset side of the island, and don’t even think of joining the party until just before midnight. Then head back to Sunset Beach for a dawn swim.

Where to stay: The stylish Anantara resort is halfway up the east coast of Koh Phangan, some distance from the party, but the journey home, on a boat through turquoise waters as the sun is coming up, might possibly be the greatest taxi ride you’ve ever taken.

Venice, Italy

The main event: Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s crowded. But something is enchanting about Venice at New Year’s Eve, all the same, the anticipatory thrill of counting down to midnight in the packed St Marco’s Square more than worth the wait. (And there’ll be a wait – get here at least a few hours in advance if you want a good spot to see the fireworks).

The local view: One of the best views of Venice’s fireworks isn’t actually on the main island; catch the Vaporetto (water bus) over to Giudecca and watch the show from across the lagoon. There are several Italian New Year’s Eve traditions you can join in with. It’s good luck to be wearing red underwear as the year turns over, while lentils, also believed to bring good luck, are an essential part of any New Year’s Eve dinner. Plus, try out more modern practices, such as the chilly New Year’s Day swim in the Lido.

Where to stay: Of all of the hotels in Venice, the most sought-after view is from the garden at The St Regis, which overlooks the Grand Canal. For a party atmosphere, Il Palazzo Experimental hosts one of the best aperitivo hours in town.

Barcelona, Spain

The main event: Barcelona is a city of night owls, so the revelry doesn’t really start gearing up until about 11pm. That’s when crowds gather at Plaça d’Espanya to watch the midnight pyrotechnics on Montjuïc, the hill just above. A few yards from here, Poble Espanyol, the open-air architectural museum, hosts a huge dance party until 6am.

The local view: One of the stranger traditions – other than eating a grape for each chime at midnight (seriously, everyone does it) – takes place at Plaça de Catalunya, in the city centre. As soon as the new year has been rung in, the assembled thousands throw their Cava bottles into the middle of the square. If that sounds slightly frightening, head instead for the most popular club bashes: Pacha rages all night.

Where to stay: Check in to The Hoxton, Pobelnou, a beloved local hangout with a rooftop pool and taqueria. For an unbeatable location, ME Barcelona is a short stroll from the city's central square, Plaça de Catalunya.

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Cape Town, South Africa

The main event: The mother of all celebrations in the Mother City usually takes place on the V&A Waterfront, where there’s everything you could possibly require in one handy spot: dinner, live music, dancing, fireworks. Plus, there are views of Table Mountain and the Atlantic shore. It’s spectacular – but if you want a party with a more local flavour, you must head for the sand.

The local view: A sunset picnic on Clifton 4th Beach, a gorgeous cove in the affluent Clifton neighbourhood, is a popular choice for Capetonians. Then it’s time to hit one of the city’s many glam beach clubs. The hottest ticket? Pacha’s elite soirée at Grand Africa, on the Grand’s private beach, facing Robben Island.

Where to stay: Sitting atop the V&A Waterfront’s much-feted Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, The Silo is the very definition of a destination hotel. Rooms are a happy marriage of vibrant silks and velvets in deep purple and bottle green, while the ballroom-worthy bathrooms are lit by Egyptian-crystal chandeliers.

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