best places to ring in the new year around the world
Now, ringing in 2021 was more of a low-key affair, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t plan for 2022 and make it the best flippin new years EVER. From the Western Hemisphere to the Eastern, I’ve got you covered. Whether you want a snow-filled holiday or sun and the beach, there’s a place for you - and better yet, there’s a party or two. International destinations only here!
Disclaimer - these hotels WILL be more expensive as New Years Eve and the days before and after are high season. These aren’t just your normal NYE travel recommendations, these are bucket list destinations. Keep that in mind and be prepared to have a hefty budget if you want to do one of these trips the right way!
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
Summertime baby! Who doesn’t love escaping the winter and going down South - way down to the other side of the world - to ring in the new year. Sydney is known for its New Years Eve celebrations. Experiencing fireworks over the Sydney Harbor Bridge and Sydney Opera House - talk about a bucket list moment. Whether you are at a restaurant, hotel, or on a boat on the harbor, the views are unbelievable.
And for New Years Day, hit the beaches. It is the thing to do.
ACCOMMODATIONS
The hidden gem. The views range from the beautiful city center of Sydney or the expansive Sydney Harbor. The rooms are light and airy with a lot of natural light and pops of color. You are walking distance from most of the iconic attractions in Sydney. The Langham is a fantastic option, if you are open to spending a bit more $ on NYE.
Now views may not be the major selling point here (unless you wanna ball out on the Penthouse), but the Establishment Hotel does offer a lot. It is a small, 31 room boutique hotel which automatically allows it to have character. The rooms are mainly Japanese in style - mixing darker tones with soothing colors. The hotel also offers a lot of dining outlets, from eating in a garden to drinking in an opulent bar.
I categorize this hotel as a definite millennial fave. Enjoy the infinity pool that offers a beach club-like atmosphere. The rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views. The design is more minimal, letting the views really speak for themselves.
HONORABLE MENTION - PARK HYATT SYDNEY
I’m going to start doing these - hotels that will be out of budget but just to give you some inspo (AKA let me drool over some of my hotel faves). You know, put it on your story board or manifest that shit into the universe. The Park Hyatt Sydney is that property in Sydney! Iconic.
SO MILLENNIAL
During your stay in Sydney, branch out to snap a pic at one of these instagrammable spots -
Barrenjoey Lighthouse
Bondi Iceburg’s Pool
Forgotten Songs
The Blu Horizon Bar at the Shangri-La
Sydney Opera House
Opera Bar - NYE must
RIO DE JANIERO, BRAZIL
Talk about a party - I mean before COVID, but I hope that the parties continue once the world is safe. Over 2 million people usually join the most epic beach party dressed in all white to party into the new year. Your new years resolutions are sent out into the vast ocean on little rafts while live music blares. Join the party at Copacabana Beach and dance the night away!
ACCOMMODATIONS
A historical landmark. Situated on Copacabana Beach, the Belmond is in the most ideal location. The large art deco building overlooks the beaches and greatest landmarks. The rooms are decorated in period furniture and are classical with a hint of a beachy vibe. Don’t miss the Michelin-starred restaurant (and sit at the Chef’s Table if you can get it).
Now this is my kind of hotel. Floor-to-ceiling windows, woven textures and wooden accents, mod-style rooms - this hotel is natural. It’s one where you don’t feel intimidated when you walk into it - it’s not “grande” in design, but the small accents are definitely luxurious. Check out the infinity pool that overlooks the ocean - have a drink and take an Instagram shot. You’re bound to rack up on those likes!
The Grand Hyatt may not be as “grande” (no pun intended) as the Belmond or as airy as the Emiliano, but it definitely worth mentioning. It’s more of an urban resort with expansive grounds within the city. The rooms are basic in design, but really let the outside landscape speak for itself. But the pool though, that’s where you would find me lathered in sunscreen all day long - with a glass of rosé in my hand of course.
HONORABLE MENTION - FASANO RIO DE JANEIRO
This hotel will be out of budget for a lot of people, but all good hotels are worth mentioning. Fasano is an AMAZING hotel brand in South America. It’s definitely worth checking out, even to just dream about a stay!
SO MILLENNIAL
Rio is full of “must see” sights. It is also full of small murals and amazing food. Really any moment is instagrammable.
Christ the Redeemer
Sugarloaf Mountain
Escadaria Selarón
Arcos do Lapa
Jardim Botanico
Parque Lage
EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND
Let’s move to some cold weather why don’t we. Now this isn’t a destination that comes to mind initially when thinking about New Years Eve, but consider it. Edinburgh usually has an epic 3-day farewell celebration to the year. I’m talking street parties, fireworks, folk music - definitely a cultural change but you will enjoy it. Plus the Scottish can drink! Try to keep up, if you can.
ACCOMMODATIONS
KIMPTON CHARLOTTE SQUARE HOTEL
Nestled in a picturesque private garden, the Kimpton hotel mixes the classical design and architecture of the building with the funky design within the hotel. Imagine a castle with Jonathan Adler-esque interiors (perhaps a little more subtle). It’s fun, it’s luxurious, and it’s a great place to celebrate a new year.
Now this is a Rocco Forte Hotel and if you aren’t familiar with the luxury hotel world - this is a GOOD thing! It will really make you feel like you are in Scotland; it’s classic and legendary. Grande in it’s design and central to any pubs, shops, or sights you want to see. This hotel differs greatly from the Kimpton just due to its classic Scottish vibes.
SO MILLENNIAL
Take a step away from the pubs and take some pics, whether of beautiful gardens, colored buildings, the beer your drinking - you do you.
Victoria Street
Calton Hill
Royal Botanical Gardens
Edinburgh Castle
Dean Village
Circus Lane
PARIS, FRANCE
The City of Lights - what is better for ringing in a New Year than champagne at night and a croissant in the morning. Wait - wait, a kiss underneath the Eiffel Tower at midnight would be a little bit better (or A LOT better). Spend the last few days of the year strolling the Marais, shopping in the boutiques, taking a boat on the Seine River, and much more. Party into the New Year with the Parisians - don’t forget to bring your most high fashion attire - to fit in of course.
Now in regards to accommodations in Paris, there are A TON of 5-star hotels. All of the below are more boutique properties except the “Honorable Mention” which is $$$. I could go on and on and on and on … about Parisian hotels. #swoon
ACCOMMODATIONS
Elegance meets comfort. This hotel is meant to be like your own private residence - lounge in the library, stroll the streets of the Left Bank, and just enjoy. The decor is not “stuffy” like many Parisian hotels. They use more neutral colors and let the natural light soak into every corner of each room and suite.
PRINCE DE GALLES, A LUXURY COLLECTION HOTEL
Location, location, location. Situated on the prestigious Avenue George V, Prince de Galles is in a prime location, just steps away from the Champs-Elysées. A bit more masculine in style, the rooms mix traditional and contemporary. The views though - wow. If you are lucky enough to have a suite with outdoor space, soak up the terrace and the city swirling around you.
The design highlights the chic and eclectic style of the French designer Didier Gomez. Enjoy the elements of fashion during your stay. This hotel is posh, chic, high fashion *cue a thesaurus for more synonyms. Don’t be scared by a little color within the hotel! Take a step outside and check out the neighborhoods hot spots.
HONORABLE MENTION - LA RESERVE PARIS
Romantic, luxurious, stunning, and any other positive adjective could be used to describe La Reserve Paris. Now, this is an expensive hotel. But the amenities, the design, the staff, etc. are all worth it. If you can splurge, you won’t regret it.
SO MILLENNIAL
I mean, talk about one of the most instagrammable cities in the world. From the Eiffel Tower to croissants in a cute café, you can find the perfect shots for your feed.
Eiffel Tower
Montmartre
Dior House
Louvre
Arc de Triomphe
Sitting in any window overlooking Paris (preferably in a robe)
Strolling the Marais
