From the slopes of Whistler to the sandy beaches of Rio, get the inside scoop on the hottest locales to ring in the new year.
by Jetsetter
The West Indies: Barbados
Barbados has earned a reputation as a hideaway for the rich and famous. The inviting locals, rich culture and unique cuisine offer distractions from lazy days on the beach. Indulge in the world’s best rum - the perfect ingredient for a poolside cocktail.
Where to stay:
Sandy Lane Hotel: Leave the party behind; visit the world renowned spa
St. James, Barbados 246.444.2000
Where to eat:
Brown sugar restaurant
Aquatic gap, St. James, Barbados 246.432.5525
Josef’s Restaurant / Kampai
St. Lawrence Gap, Barbados 246.435.8245
Where to drink:
Daphne’s Payne’s Bay: Savour the moment - super drinks and fabulous views
Barbados 246.432.2731
Where to be in the West Indies on New Year’s Eve:
The terrace at Cobblers Cove: The best game in town
St. Peters, Barbados 246.422.2291
Switzerland: St. Moritz
One of the oldest ski
resorts in the world, St. Moritz (or “St. Mo”) has hosted many a Duke and Duchess. The elegeance and refinement of the decor accents the awe-inspiring slopes. On New Year’s Eve its all about glitz, glam and fine fur. Make champagne and caviar your currency for the night.
Where to stay:
Badrutt’s Palace Hotel: Switzerland’s most famous, exclusive and fashionable hotel
Via Serlas 27, St. Moritz 41.81.837.10.00
The Kulm Hotel: More than a five star establishment
Upper Engadin Valley, St. Moritz 41.81.836.80.00
Where to eat:
Nobu at Badrutt’s Palace. 41.81.437.10.00
Baumann’s Gourmet: Holder of two Michelin stars.
Restaurant Chesa Pirani
La Punt, St. Moritz 41.81.854.25.15
Where to drink:
The Dracula Club: membership matters here.
The King’s Club in Badrutts Palace: with ski-shoes or Jimmy Choos…
Via Serlas 27, St. Moritz 41.81.437.10.00
Where to be in St. Moritz on New Year’s Eve:
Restaurant Johri Talvo: Tied for two Michelin stars
Via Grunels 15, St. Moritz-Champfer 41.81.833.44.55
India: Goa
New Years in Goa boasts a reputation for one of the biggest beach parties. Both Kate Moss and Angelina Jolie have enjoyed the 24-hour party palace. Spend a few days in Jaipur, where royal treatment is always in fashion.
Where to stay:
Leela Palace Hotel
Cavelossim Beach, Goa 91.832.287.1234
Where to eat:
Axirvaad: “Bombay film maker Deepti Datt’s gorgeous, established restaurant’s name means ‘blessing’, and that’s what it is… a great source of movie lore coupled with the latest social intrigue.”
483 Bouta Vadd, Goa 91.832.256949
Where to drink:
Goa’s beach shacks: A place where the nightlife never ends with great food, wonderful music and beautiful people. In other words, “it’s the world’s largest pool party !”
Where to be in Goa on New Year’s Eve:
Any beach shack: Flying Dolphin, Club Cubana, Babutes and Tito’s.
United Arab Emirates: Dubai
Dubai is the quintessential home of sun, sand and shopping. Skyscrapers l
oom large against the mosques and wind towers of old Dubai as modernity over-shadows old world tradition. Stay in the world’s only 7-star hotel and do not forget to ask for your Hermes scarf, a gift on check out
.
Where to
stay:
Burj al Arab: Dubbed the ‘seven-star hotel’
Jumeirah beach 971.4.301.7777
One and Only Royal Mirage
Jumeirah Beach 971.4.399.9999
Where to eat:
Verre by Gordon Ramsey
Hilton, Dubai Creek 971.4.227.1111
Spectrum on One at the Fairmont Dubai
Sheikh Zayed Road 971.4.332.5555
Where to drink:
Buddha Bar at the Grosvenor House
Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road 971.4.339.8888
Where to be in Dubai on New Year’s Eve:
Marina at le Meridien: Mina Seyahi’s Black Tie Gala.
French West Indies: St. Bathelemy (“St. Barths”)
If you miss the French Riviera and do not want to wait until next summer, then St. Barths is your answer. As the official send off for the jet-set circuit, there is no shortage of luxury here. With superyachts crowding the harbour at Gustavia, elaborate beaches and uber privacy (should you want discretion), this star studded island has it all.
Where to stay:
Hotel Isle de France 590.27.61.81
Hotel Guanahani 590.27.66.60
Where to eat:
Le Ti St. Barths
Point Milou 590.27.97.71
Where to drink:
Nikki Beach
Plage de St. Jean 590.27.64.64
Where to be in St. Barths on New Year’s Eve:
On board Octopussy – Paul Allen’s superyacht watching the fireworks in Gustavia.
South Africa: Cape Town
Cape Town exudes old world glamour with its scenic views and historic architecture. A favourite destination of Europeans, the cuisine is as exciting as the sights. Explore the wildlife of Africa on a jeep safari for expansive savannahs, magnificent animals and exotic tribes.
Where to stay:
The Twelve Apostles
Camps Bay 8040 27.21.437.9000
Cape Grace
West Quay Road, Victoria & Albert waterfront 27.21.410.7100
Where to eat:
La Colombe: Number 28th on the “World’s best list”
Constantia Uitsig Estate, just outside of Cape Town 27.21.794.2390
Bukhara: North Indian cuisine – heat seekers welcome
33 Church Street 27.21.424.0000
Where to drink:
Planet champagne and cocktail bar: This new planet bar gives Mount Nelson a chic, sexy edge
76 Orange Street 27.21.483.1000
Where to be in Cape Town on New Year’s Eve:
Preston Haskel’s private house party
United States: Colorado: Aspen
Aspen is Los Angeles favourite playground. Whether young starlets, Hollywood legends or one of Hugh Hefner’s bunnies, the gliterati come to this ski town for more than just the slopes. Toting dressed-up terriers, screaming vuittons and scandalous bank accounts, the place to be seen is the main square. Catch the fireworks at the corner of Cooper and Galena.
Where to stay:
St. Regis Resort
315 East Dean Street 970.920.3300
Ritz-Carlton Hotel
419 East Hyman Avenue 970.429.2300
Where to eat:
Matsushita
303 East Main Street 970.544.6628
Where to drink:
The ‘J’ Bar at the Hotel Jerome
330 East Main Street 970.920.1000
The Bar at Little Nell: Hot spot for the après-ski scene
675 East Duran Avenue 970.920.4600
Where to be in Aspen on New Year’s Eve:
At Denise Rich’s party
Canada: Whistler
Host of the 2010 Olympiad, Whistler is lauded as one of the best ski resorts in North America.
From the snow-topped mountains to romantic chateaus, Whistler offers the best in outdoor recreation as well as places to sip a hot toddy. Getting to Whistler is the best part. Billions have been spent on the Sky to Ski highway; its breathtaking views are a must-see.
Where to stay:
Adara Hotel
4122 Village Green 604.905.4009
Four Seasons Hotel
4591 Blackcomb Way 604.935.3400
Where to eat:
Araxi
4222 Village Square 604.932.4540
Il Caminetto di Umberto
4242 Village Stroll 604.932.4442
Where to drink:
Mallard at the Fairmont Chateau
4599 Chateau Boulevard 604.938.8000
Mix Lounge
4154 Village Green 604.932.6499
Where to be in Whistler on New Year’s Eve:
The Bear Foot Bistro
4121 Village Green 604.932.3433
United Kingdom: London
If you are into private clubs, then London is your town. For a more public affair, the famed London Eye is the best place to take in fireworks, lighting up the River Thames during a 10-minute display. One of the most expensive cities in the world, London is filled with the hottest restaurants and nightclubs. Don’t forget your slicker though.
Where to stay:
Lanesborough Hotel
1 Lanesborough Place 020 7259 5599
The Berkeley Hotel
Wilton Place, Knightsbridge 020 7235 6000
Where to eat:
Maze: ‘Bad-boy’ Gordon Ramsey cooking at his best
10-13 Grosvenor Square 020 7107 0000
Hakkasan
8 Hanway Place 020 7927 7000
Where to drink:
Wellington Club: Late night hang-out for ‘A-list- celebrities
116A Knightsbridge 020 7823 8211
Cuckoo Club
Swallow Street 020 7287 4300
Dukes Hotel: Try the world-famous Duke Martini
35 St. James’s Place 020 7491 4840
Where to hang out:
Victory House
99-101 Regents Street 020 7734 1401
Where to be in on New Year’s Eve:
Annabel’s night club
Berkeley Square 020 7736 0915
South America: Brazil: Rio
Being gorgeous, tanned and sexy is a must in Rio. Transformed in the likeness of St. Tropez with Brigitte Bardot’s holiday in 1964, this exotic paradise has some of the best beaches in the world. Be sure to wear white for the festivities held in Copacabana and bring fresh flowers to throw in the sea for good luck. Pack light – you need only a Rosa Cha swimsuit, a Gucci caftan and a pair of sandals.
Where to stay:
Copacabana Palace
Avenida Atlantica, Rio 1702 021.2548.7070
Le Meridien Copacabana
Avenida Atlantica, Rio 1020 021.3873.8888
Where to eat:
Dom Camillo: Number 50 on the World’s Best Restaurant List.
Avenida Atlantica, Rio 3056 021.2549.9958
Olympe Restaurant: fabulous international cuisine by famed
chef Claude Troisgros
Rua Custodio Serrao Lagoa 021.2539.4542
Restaurant Antiquarius
Leblon, Rio 021.2294.1049
Where to drink:
Bar d’Hotel
696 Avenida Delfim Moreira Marina Hotel, Rio 021.2540.4990
Bardot: Laid back and sexy as a samba
247 Rue Dias Ferreira La Bion, Rio 021.2274.5590
Where to be in on New Year’s Eve:
Cirque du Soleil’s Guy Laliberte’s late night house party
Latin America: Mexico: Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas brings the best of Baja – authentic Mexican cuisine, raging surf and luxury villas. Begin the day with a boat ride to Lover’s Beach, admiring its impressive rock formations and white sand. Spend the afternoon lounging on Nikki Beach’s floating white beds, while treating yourself to salted margaritas. Visit famed haunts Squid Row and Cabo Wabo, ending the night at Passions with its upscale elegeance.
Where to stay:
Palmilla resort
San jose del Cabo 624.146.7000
Melia Cabo San Lucas
Playa El Medano 624.145.7800
Where to eat:
Casa Rafael’s restaurant
Calle Medano 624.143.0739
The Restaurant at Esperanza
Punta Ballena 624.145.6400
Where to drink:
Passions in the Hotel Meli: Cabo’s riposte to Los Angeles Sky Bar
624.145.6400
Nikki Beach Club at Cabo San Lucas
Playa El Medano 624.144.3253
Where to be in on New Year’s Eve:
Anywhere.
