Kiwi Curated
7 Ways to Ring in the New Year
by Joy PecknoldNo matter how low the bar is set, having zero expectations for New Year’s Eve is a near-impossible feat. But, good news, science (more like personal trial-and-error) has concluded that the greatest equation for NYE happiness is to get out of town, because going somewhere new is innately exciting. Now, where to go? Easy, herein, seven atypical experiences to celebrate another calendar year.
7 Ways to Ring in the New Year
New York, done that. Hong Kong does its own Times Square-esque countdown and ball drop. There’s a fireworks show in Victoria Harbour too, and arguably the most interesting vantage point is living it up in the lap of luxury, way up in the world’s highest hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong. Naturally, it’s also home to the highest bar in the world, Ozone, on the 118th floor.
7 Ways to Ring in the New Year
Sydney Harbour is the first major city to ring in the New Year but for those looking to escape the throngs (after surviving Christmas with the whole family, it’s understandable), opt for Arajilla Retreat. Located on Lord Howe Island, where there’s fewer than 400 residents and a cap on tourists around the same, the 12-suite property enables adventure or utter relaxation.
7 Ways to Ring in the New Year
Can’t decide between a dance party in the city or a day on the slopes? Don’t. Courchevel in the French Alps facilitates both. Kicking things off is the uniquely named band, Inglorious Fonkers, then after fireworks at midnight, a DJ’s on deck. The best cure for a hangover is a morning ski—the lifts open at 9 a.m.—and the Grandes Alpes Private Hotel & Spa is right where the resort’s three main pistes converge.
7 Ways to Ring in the New Year
Perhaps the most unconventional way to celebrate is to get a head start on one’s health resolutions—just think of the bragging rights! Scores of hotels have spa experiences to speak of, but at the Sha Wellness Clinic it’s all encompassing, including cooking classes, yoga, psychology and acupuncture, to name a few. They cater programs to guests’ needs, be it quitting smoking or improving sleep.
7 Ways to Ring in the New Year
Winter in California wine country means more wine drinking and less wining about the crowds. Just because it’s quieter in Napa doesn’t mean there’s less fun to be had. Hop aboard the Wine Train for their New Year’s Eve “A Night in Paris” dinner ride then head back to one of the individual cottages at Carneros Resort & Spa for a good night’s rest.
7 Ways to Ring in the New Year
Justin Bieber fans have one last chance to see him perform in 2016 and it ain’t too shabby a venue. The Fontainebleau Miami Beach is hosting his New Year’s Eve gig poolside, followed by a DJ set by Skrillex at their Liv Nightclub. Delightfully, ticket packages for the evening include an open bar from 9 p.m. to midnight.
7 Ways to Ring in the New Year
While it’s a more popular activity for children, no one is ever too old to wish upon a star, or planet, they’re big and bright too. However, the grown-up way to do it is on a stargazing safari. Kruger National Park’s savanna for miles and clear skies can help with that. At the Singita properties there, such as Lebombo Lodge, a guide will provide a lay of the galaxy, along with drinks and cocktails to make it extra magical.
New York, done that. Hong Kong does its own Times Square-esque countdown and ball drop. There’s a fireworks show in Victoria Harbour too, and arguably the most interesting vantage point is living it up in the lap of luxury, way up in the world’s highest hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong. Naturally, it’s also home to the highest bar in the world, Ozone, on the 118th floor.
Sydney Harbour is the first major city to ring in the New Year but for those looking to escape the throngs (after surviving Christmas with the whole family, it’s understandable), opt for Arajilla Retreat. Located on Lord Howe Island, where there’s fewer than 400 residents and a cap on tourists around the same, the 12-suite property enables adventure or utter relaxation.
Can’t decide between a dance party in the city or a day on the slopes? Don’t. Courchevel in the French Alps facilitates both. Kicking things off is the uniquely named band, Inglorious Fonkers, then after fireworks at midnight, a DJ’s on deck. The best cure for a hangover is a morning ski—the lifts open at 9 a.m.—and the Grandes Alpes Private Hotel & Spa is right where the resort’s three main pistes converge.
Perhaps the most unconventional way to celebrate is to get a head start on one’s health resolutions—just think of the bragging rights! Scores of hotels have spa experiences to speak of, but at the Sha Wellness Clinic it’s all encompassing, including cooking classes, yoga, psychology and acupuncture, to name a few. They cater programs to guests’ needs, be it quitting smoking or improving sleep.
Winter in California wine country means more wine drinking and less wining about the crowds. Just because it’s quieter in Napa doesn’t mean there’s less fun to be had. Hop aboard the Wine Train for their New Year’s Eve “A Night in Paris” dinner ride then head back to one of the individual cottages at Carneros Resort & Spa for a good night’s rest.
Justin Bieber fans have one last chance to see him perform in 2016 and it ain’t too shabby a venue. The Fontainebleau Miami Beach is hosting his New Year’s Eve gig poolside, followed by a DJ set by Skrillex at their Liv Nightclub. Delightfully, ticket packages for the evening include an open bar from 9 p.m. to midnight.
While it’s a more popular activity for children, no one is ever too old to wish upon a star, or planet, they’re big and bright too. However, the grown-up way to do it is on a stargazing safari. Kruger National Park’s savanna for miles and clear skies can help with that. At the Singita properties there, such as Lebombo Lodge, a guide will provide a lay of the galaxy, along with drinks and cocktails to make it extra magical.