Still Deciding Where to Celebrate New Year's Eve and Ring in 2018?
With just a few days left until Christmas, many of us are already debating on where we want to kick off the New Year. While watching the ball drop in Times Square may be one of the most hyped NYE events, standing in the cold with 1-2 million other people (yes million) might not appeal to everyone. There are many phenomenal places that are a little more under the radar, where you can celebrate, drink champagne and see the fireworks!
new years eve in hawaii
Hawaii is a hot spot for a scorching New Year’s Eve party. There are several great options this year. On Oahu, Honolulu’s biggest rager is the Party of the Year, a two-day event that goes down at the Aloha Tower at Honolulu Harbor. The Grammy-winning duo Chainsmokers headline the December 30th event before Walshy Fire of Major Lazer performs on the 31st. On Maui, a ritzy benefit bash with the long name New Year’s Eve Maui Foodbank Benefit Concert with The Stars affords the chance for rooftop mingling and cocktails with the likes of Alice Cooper and Steven Tyler.
But ringing in the New Year in Hawaii should always revolve around fireworks and that’s why our top pick on Maui is in Wailea. Hawaii is not short on New Year’s Eve fireworks, and the Wailea Resort Association typically hosts the biggest show. The details are still a secret, but—hot tip alert!— the website Go Visit Hawaii is reporting that boat companies are promoting their firework cruises to Wailea for that night, which suggests it will happen. When it does, you couldn’t be better positioned to watch the show than at a private villa in town.
Where to Stay: Wailea Beach Residence - Wailea, Maui, Hawaii
Sleeps 6 | From $1,350 / Night
Palm trees and lush tropical greenery line the patio of this luxurious three-bedroom villa in the Wailea Beach Residence, creating a secluded environment that is are to relax and rejuvenate you and your guests. With the seclusion of a private residence and the amenities of a beachfront resort, Wailea is ideal for those who appreciate their attractions within walking distance. And, with golf, beachfront, shops, and restaurants so close, you’ll have no trouble making the most of your next amazing Luxury Retreats vacation.
From the expertly manicured lawn and garden to the rugged stone archway of the terrace, and on to the spacious living room, Wailea flows seamlessly. Inviting fresh ocean breeze and natural sunlight into interior spaces is an important part of an authentic Hawaiian vacation, and with a Wailea’s open-air layout, this villa pulls it off with ease. Inside, rich wood textures, floral prints, and high-end electronics decorate the open-concept living area. In the kitchen, you’ll find granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, and an inviting breakfast bar.
View more villas in Hawaii here.
Where to Stay: Mauna Lani Resort - Big Island, Hawaii
Sleeps 6 | From $395 / Night
Located within one of Hawaii’s most prestigious resorts, this private three-bedroom enjoys quick and easy access to golf, restaurants, beaches, and the many luxurious amenities of the Mauna Lani Resort. Beyond the resort’s gated property, you’ll find the many wonders of the Big Island, including national parks, dormant volcanoes, and plenty of whale watching opportunities.
Decorated with soothing earth tones, wood trim, floral prints, and elegant stone features, this beach villa displays all the trademark style for which Hawaii is known. You’ll have no trouble feeling the fresh ocean breeze and natural sunlight when the balcony doors are slid open. From the kitchen to the formal dining area, to the living room, you and your guest will flow as freely as the breeze, making use of the villa’s great social atmosphere. When it’s time to retire for the evening, all three of 614’s bedrooms feature en-suite bathrooms and air conditioning.
new years eve in paris
Spending New Year’s Eve in Paris is a spectacular idea no matter what you do, but dinner in the Eiffel Tower is next-level for le Nouvel an this year. The first-floor, newly-redesigned 58 Tour Eiffel impresses not only with Chef Alain Soulard’s gourmet French cuisine, but also with its magical views of Paris at night. The restaurant’s name refers to its height 58 meters above the ground, and its large bay windows peer out over the Seine river and the Trocadéro, while passersby will surely be posing for glamorous pictures in front of the Parisian landmark. Unlike most major cities, Paris doesn’t have an official fireworks show on New Year’s eve—but they do have an amazing light show which can be seen from the Eiffel Tower.
Where to Stay: Art de Vivre Elysée - Paris, France
Sleeps 7 | From 3,028 / Night
With the Élysée Palace as your neighbor, step into French luxury and sophistication in the heart of the 8e Arrondissement in Paris. Nestled in an aristocratic 1858 building, this Haussmannian apartment represents a piece of history representative of the “art of living” à la Française in the 19th century. Art de Vivre Élysée offers a château feeling for epicurean travelers who find joy within huge indoor spaces while surrounded by the finer things in life, both at home and just outside their door.
This vacation rental showcases antiques that have been lovingly collected, juxtaposed with contemporary furnishings and up-to-date equipment. Step out onto the thirty foot long wrought iron balcony and gaze at the scene of traffic and pedestrians below. Perks at this apartment include Wi-Fi, an espresso machine, satellite TV and a Sonos sound system.
Where to Stay: Palais Nouveau - Paris, France
Sleeps 4 | From $699 / Night
Once a part of the original Palais Royal, this elegant two-bedroom has been renovated to the highest standards of modern luxury, while maintaining its rich historical atmosphere. Located right across from the Palais Royal’s lush gardens, Palais Nouveau captures incredible views of the seventeenth-century palace. Located in the 1er Arrondissement, you’ll be just a short walk from the most famous attractions in Paris, and Metro Palais Royal, which makes it easy to navigate the entire city.
Parquet flooring and a light color scheme make this apartment a relaxing place to unwind after a day of exploring Paris. Designer furniture, eclectic works of art, and high-end electronics can be found throughout Palais Nouveau’s open concept interior, as well as many wide opening windows that frame beautiful city views.
View more villas in Paris here.
new years eve in st. barts
Take your celebrity spotting to the next level. St. Barts is the celebrity playground for New Year’s Eve. Each year, celebrities like Channing Tatum, Rihanna, and Beyonce flock to St. Barts. You’re as likely to run into a famous actor in the local supermarket as you are on the beach of choice, St. Jean. Powdery beaches, old-world French charm, and world-class shopping beckons visitors who seek languid Caribbean landscapes without the high-rise hotels. On New Year’s Eve, dress to the nines and head to the tiny capital of Gustavia, for fireworks, dining, and a chance at an exclusive yacht party invite.
Where to Stay: Lital - Anse des Cayes, St. Barts, Caribbean
Sleeps 14 | From $2,714 / Night
Let go of your cares at the exquisite Lital. Rendered in glass for a nearly transparent feel, this newly built contemporary villa offers views of the white sands and turquoise waters of Anse des Cayes from nearly every room—and the calming sound of the waves from nearly every seat in the house. Personalized service, chic modern furnishings and seven suite-style bedrooms make this St. Barts vacation rental feel like your own private boutique hotel.
Your stay at Lital begins with a welcome basket filled with cheese, charcuterie, wine and more, and continues with a daily continental breakfast and nightly turn-down service. The villa is laid out around a stunning pool; glass walls mean you can see through the house to the ocean even as you’re taking a swim. Stretch out in one of the lounge chairs on the pool deck, set up a game at the table and chairs or sip a drink at the indoor-outdoor bar. A second deck along the front of the house is lined with glass railings for uninterrupted views of the bay.
View more villas in St. Barts here.
Where to Stay: Mirande - Pointe Milou, St. Barts, Caribbean
Sleeps 6 | From $500 / Night
In Pointe Milou, just 7 km from the airport, you’ll find this well-appointed home, recently renovated, and offering up some of the best sunset views of all our St. Barts villas. The island of St. Barts, with its perpetual sunshine, offers some of the top restaurants in the Caribbean as well as some of the best shopping around.
Enjoy stunning views of the sea while lounging on one of the sun chairs on the tiled terrace. They surround the infinity-edge pool, a refreshing way to cool down on hot days. This backyard space also includes an outdoor seating area and a barbecue for an evening of casual dining. Exercise enthusiasts can keep up their routine in the exercise room, while those who need to stay connected can take advantage of the Wi-Fi access.
Within the home, the decor is contemporary and features an open-design concept. The living room opens up to terrace and offers views of the sea, plush sofas, glass coffee tables and a zebra-print area rug. Vaulted ceilings with fans keeps things cool, while the nearby equipped kitchen is loaded with gadgets to make cold drinks, including an ice maker, blender and a beverage fridge.
new years eve in australia
Sydney is a home run New Year’s Eve choice any year, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge offers a perfect vantage point for a view of Sydney’s landscape and its world-famous fireworks. The 2017-18 celebration will be particularly special; this year’s event is 15 months in the making. It will be the 40th-anniversary celebration of Sydney’s inaugural Mardi Gras in 1978, a now-annual LGBT celebration, and also a celebration of Australia’s 2017 vote in favor of marriage equality. To commemorate the anniversary and this year’s vote, a midnight rainbow waterfall will cascade from the bridge along with 28,000 fireworks totaling eight tonnes.
Ringing in the New Year Down Under brings with it a summer vibe. The historical average temperature in Sydney on December 31 is a low of 64℉ and a high of 77℉, so you can plan to spend New Year’s Day lazing on the beach.
Where to Stay: Balmoral Beach View - Mosman, Sydney, Australia
Sleeps 8 | From $4,043 / Night
This spectacular four-bedroom villa is situated in the Mosman suburb of Syndey, a short walk from Balmoral Beach and minutes from downtown. Designed by the renowned architecture firm PopovBass, the villa enjoys expansive views of the bay from all three levels and ample outdoor living areas for savoring the Pacific light. High-end amenities include a steam room, gym, elevator, underfloor heating, home automation, and chef-grade appliances. Four bedrooms provide excellent accommodations for families and friends seeking stylish waterfront serenity and a prime location.
The villa's exquisite design gracefully fuses alfresco living spaces with luminous interiors. A ground-floor media room opens to a swimming pool lined with elegant loungers, inviting you to refreshing dips and tranquil relaxation under the sun or stars. Climb the exterior stairs to the main living areas on the middle floor, where vanishing walls create a seamless, open-concept space. The designer kitchen serves a breakfast bar and two dining tables, while two ample lounges set the scene for wine parties with loved-ones. The minimalist décor accentuates the natural light and beauty of the bay and coast, enhanced by choice touches of cheerful color, rustic texture, and sea-inspired forms.
This beautiful 4-bedroom villa is situated in the suburb of Bronte, about a ten-minute walk from Bronte Beach on the Pacific coast and about eight kilometers from downtown Sydney. Four bedrooms accommodate eight guests, while ample living spaces invite you to savor the sunlight and sea-kissed air of coastal New South Wales. For families and friends seeking a fine balance of prime location and home-like privacy, Bronte Sands is an ideal choice.
The villa's ground-floor living areas offer multiple spaces for dining and relaxing in the sun or shade. A designer kitchen serves a spacious TV lounge and a dining table for six, while lovely French doors open to an alfresco dining patio with pergola. Wide doors open from the lounge to the pool and yard, creating a lovely flow of space and air. The décor throughout the villa is minimalist and luminescent, with exquisite rustic touches in the wood cabinets, copper lamps, and lush potted plants.Upstairs, the master bedroom features a king bed, ensuite bathroom, and French doors overlooking the pool. The primary guest room also enjoys a king bed and sitting area, while an adjoining living room includes a TV and wood-burning fireplace. The bedrooms offer cozy havens for guests of all ages, with serene white finishes, wall-to-wall carpeting in a soothing gray tone, and sumptuous bedding.
View more villas in Australia here.
Click here to view Luxury Retreat's list of NYE destinations around the world.
