For most, it’sall about having more fizz than fizzle when it comes to celebrating New Year’sEve. Your guests will want to start off 2015 with a bang — where the Champagneis flowing, the fireworks are dazzling and the merriment never ceases. So just whereare those New Year’s Eve gems that they can ring in the New Year with all the sparkle,shine and spirits their hearts desire?
St. Barths is oneof the hottest destinations for the holiday, according to Miriam Cain, thepublications and communications manager of Camper & NicholsonsInternational, adding that the company has many charters booked there. A yearlyfavorite, St. Barths remains party central for the chic and elite, holding anallure for those looking for a night of glitter and glamour.
“The trendcontinues for a lot of charterers to ‘see and be seen in St. Barths’ for NewYear’s,” adds Katya Jaimes, a charter agent at International Yacht Collection. “[A]big beach party with fireworks at midnight on New Year’s Eve, and thepossibility to be invited to Mr. Abramovich’s private party at his villa,continues to be a big draw amongst many Russian clients, other internationaltrendsetters that enjoy the spotlight [and] some celebrities.”
With enough soireesto light up the entire island, your guests will have many options for partyhopping when they get bored with one and are ready for the next. Eden Rock willserve an exquisite gourmet dinner presented by World Famous MasterchefJean-Georges Vongerichten and followed by an after-party on the beach. Forreservations, contact Karine at nyeevent@edenrockhotel.com. Nikki Beach offers a captivating club atmosphere that will roaruntil the sun rises, with exclusive performances, including composer DavidBryan of Bon Jovi.
For guests whoprefer to kick off 2015 in a more subdued fashion, the Virgin Islands are theplace to be. Jaimes says that clients who desire calmer seas often head thereto enjoy the holiday with family sans the wild parties.
“The VirginIslands are sophisticated and offer plenty of elegant options for [a] New Yearcelebration, and have beautiful weather during this time of year,” shecommented. “Water is warm and calm, perfect for water sports, [and] islands areclose to each other [with] no need for extensive sea travel.”
In the U.S.Virgin Islands, guests can raise their glasses to a new year at the RitzCarlton in St. Thomas, which is hosting a refined New Year’s Eve gala dinner ofsix courses with live music for $280 a person. Reservations can be requested here.
The Bitter EndYacht Club in Virgin Gorda in British Virgin Islands is a popular choice forits always elegant New Year’s Eve dinner and celebration on a spectacularwaterfront with mesmerizing views. For more information about their New Year’sevents, call +1 284 494 2746.
Although theVirgin Islands are a quieter and more polished way to ring in 2015, they stilloffer a little something for the party-loving guest who isn’t quite feeling St.Barths this year: Old Year’s Night at Foxy’s Tamarind Bar and Grille on JostVan Dyke. Known to draw thousands of people from boaters to island-lovers, thistwo day extravaganza is complete with live music, dancing, dining and abundantdrinking. The Beach level offers open access to the bar and barbecue and theUpper Crust Level holds a five-course dinner, elite entertainment and libationsfrom only the highest shelves. After all, how can you say no to the slogan,“One small bar…One Great Party!”?
Due to their proximityto the United States, The Bahamas remain another hot spot, especially popularamong Americans looking for a quick getaway with the family, says Jaimes.
Staniel Cay YachtClub’s celebration will have guests feasting on a delicious dinner, followed bya party and complimentary bubbly to sip on as fireworks erupt over a glowingbeach at midnight. Atlantis Paradise Island, always a favorite, will be hostingits own extravaganza for $1,000 a ticket. To book, call +1 800 Atlantis.
Wherever yourguests go, make sure their introduction to 2015 is one to remember.