5 Star New Years

Travel – 21 October 2013

Although the thought of New Years Eve may seem rather frightening, if you want to celebrate in style outside of your hometown, you need to book now. Whether you want to be the first or the last in the world to celebrate the event, it’s not too late to plan your escape and book a last minute break to help you recover from Christmas.

For those with children, the first step might be to see if their Grandparents would like to spend a week of quality time with them. And for those who are Grandparents themselves, this might be time to book something quickly, so when the kids come knocking you already have plans.

Be the First

One of the world’s first destinations to celebrate the New Year is Samoa. While accommodation in Samoa is more “relaxed” than the 5 star ratings you expect in major cities, it still makes for a fabulous stay.

Two suggestions are Tanoa Tutisala Hotel and Aggie Grey’s.

Visit: http://www.tanoatusitala.com/

Visit http://aggiegreys.com/resort/

Be the Last

On the other side of world time, it might appeal to be part of the final New Year celebrations in Hawaii. The Starwood Hotels Group has a good selection of properties on Waikiki Beach which are perfect for viewing the fireworks. Most resorts have luxury spas as part of the package so you can indulge during the days before the New Year.

Visit: http://www.starwoodhotelshawaii.com/

New York

Times Square in New York is not the place to go if you don’t like huge crowds. Most of the restaurants with a view are very low quality – such as Bubba Gumps which has the most notable view of the ball drop but is also known for its basic cuisine.

However you could visit The Carlyle and be close to the famous New York Runners midnight race.

Visit: http://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/carlyle/

Or be in the thick of it at the W Hotel in Times Square.

Visit: http://www.wnewyorktimessquare.com/

Paris

The city has amazing fireworks displays that are magnificent and easily accessible, so you can be part of the crowd without feeling consumed. The fireworks display over the Eifel Tower is very special and romantic and best viewed from the top of the Tuileries Gardens. Webjet is a great site to view all the airfares on offer, and they even stipulate the aircraft for each route.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong has it’s own Times Square in Causeway Bay which is a focus for celebrations., but just like New York, the crowds can be overwhelming. Anywhere in Central, Causeway Bay and Ocean Terminal are great for viewing but you need to grab a spot early. The view from the Sky100 Observation Deck is apparently magnificent on New Years Eve. Or if you want a view from inside a luxury hotel, try the Harbour View Hong Kong from the Le 188 restaurant.

Visit: www.harbourgrand.com

Sydney

If you’re after a night’s stay in sheer luxury, the Shangri La hotel in Sydney has best seats in the house for an amazing New Year’s experience. With views of the Harbour and the Opera House, you won’t even need to leave your room. However, if you’re after something different, the Opera Australia holds an Opera Gala plus performs La Boheme on New Years Eve. The Platinum tickets include pre-performance dinner, the very best premium seats to the performance of your choice, the Midnight Party and a glass of French champagne at interval, $1180.

Visit: http://www.shangri-la.com/sydney/shangrila/

Visit: http://www.opera-australia.org.au/whatson/events/nyelaboheme