Top Places To Count Down To The New Year Besides America

Start 2016 off with an exciting experience, and celebrate New Year’s Eve abroad this year. Escape to a luxury hideaway in Thailand, dine at a Michelin-starred restaurant in London, relax on a private beach in the British Virgin Islands or escape to the scenic mountains of British Columbia on a snowshoe trek. Toast the season (and the New Year!) at one of these 10 locations.


The Goring | London

Located in the heart of Belgravia where everything is glamorous and extravagant, The Goring is the perfect place to ring in 2016. London’s oldest family-run five-star hotel delivers some of the finest personal service in the world, offering guests a superb experience set against the elegant backdrop of the quintessentially English luxury hotel.

The recent award of their first Michelin Star makes The Dining Room at The Goring one of the best places to spend this special holiday. (See the mouthwatering New Year’s Eve menu here.)

Earlier this month, The Goring’s legendary outdoor terrace was transformed into a slice of glamorous St. Moritz by one of London’s top stylists. Enjoy alpine sophistication with stylish cocktails, appetizers and vintage skis that perfectly set the scene. Wooden sledge side tables and cashmere rugs will keep everyone warm and cozy late into the night.


Paresa Resort | Phuket, Thailand

Looking for the ultimate hideaway? Paresa Resort is a luxury pool villa and pool suite resort perched on the cliffs of Kamala set in a lush tropical forest in Phuket, Thailand. Paresa boasts breathtaking views of the dramatic indigo Andaman Sea, embracing its natural surroundings.

A world-class sanctuary-inspired spa provides the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation with unique and regionally inspired experiences for ultimate restoration. Soothe body and mind with energy healing and mediation/mind training classes from a former Buddhist monk. The resort also offers picturesque views for Asthanga, Hatha and Kriva yoga classes.

If you want to start 2016 with a completely cleansed slate, sign up for a seven-night juice cleanse package. You'll stay in a Talay suite (with a private infinity pool overlooking the ocean) and receive daily breakfast and delivery of seven fresh juices each day.

For more earthly delights, Paresa also features two onsite restaurants for unsurpassed culinary experiences, plus a Thai cooking school.


The Mulia & Mulia Villas | Bali, Indonesia

Located on the white sand Nusa Dua beach, The Mulia & Mulia Villas are two ultra-luxurious properties that offer breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. From expansive and elegant suites to distinct lounge and oceanfront pools, The Mulia's luxury accommodations truly exceed expectations for style, comfort and service.

Guests can dine at a wide variety of restaurants at the resort, including the signature seaside Mediterranean and Pan Asian restaurant Soleil; a range of Japanese Cuisine at Edogin; or enjoy afternoon tea or pre-dinner drinks at Sky Bar by the tranquil Indian Ocean.

The Mulia Spa, home to Asia Pacific’s only Ice Room, offers a variety of indigenous and unique treatments and makes every effort to refresh, renew and revive while you relax in a tranquil oasis.

Ring in the New Year with an exclusive performance by Jermaine Paul, the acclaimed winner of the second season of NBC's “The Voice.” Guests at The Mulia will receive complimentary entry.


Peter Island Resort & Spa | British Virgin Islands

Peter Island Resort & Spa, located in the British Virgin Islands, is an idyllic private island hideaway that has been a mainstay for more than 30 years. The island’s 1,800 unspoiled acres include five pristine beaches, three luxury villas and beachfront junior suites just steps from the sea, and conveniently located oceanview deluxe rooms.

Home to one of the Caribbean’s top-ranked spas, the 10,000-square-foot oasis take pampering to an entirely new level. The island’s wide variety of land and sea activities include private diving and snorkeling excursions, sea kayaking, windsurfing, tennis, sailing, deep sea fishing and hikes to the island’s scenic Sunset Loop.

Be sure to spend one of your days on your private beach—just pick up the beachside telephone for food or cocktails. The resort welcomed new executive chef Todd Howard in September to create an “island-to-table” concept as they expand their on-island gardens for additional farm-to-table fare.


Mountain Trek | Nelson, British Columbia

Start the New Year healthy and relaxed, surrounded by British Columbia's pristine nature, at Mountain Trek's all-inclusive luxury fitness and health spa retreat.

Every winter, Mountain Trek offers a snowshoe trek for guests to reset habits and begin the journey toward a healthier lifestyle in 2016, all while experiencing a unique fitness regimen set amongst the crisp, snowcapped mountains.

Guests are treated to an ultra-personalized program, with options including hiking, yoga, massage and detox treatments. You can also attend a variety of fitness and nutrition classes, including stress management, nutrition, sleep health, metabolism, detoxification, goal setting and personal willpower.

This whole-self backcountry experience is the perfect way to start the New Year.


Fairmont Mayakoba | Riviera Maya, Mexico

Situated within 240 acres of tropical forest and crystal waters, you will find this AAA Five Diamond and Rainforest Alliance Verified resort. With an abundance of New Year offerings, Fairmont Mayakoba is the perfect holiday season destination.

Guests can indulge at three of Fairmont Mayakoba’s newly renovated restaurants in partnership with world-renowned chef and restaurateur Richard Sandoval. On New Year’s Eve, guests can opt to enjoy an unforgettable celebration with a progressive dinner at three restaurants in one night. The set menu will showcase the revamped F&B program with traditional and signature dishes.

End the night and ring in the New Year at the after party on the Terraza Lawn with live entertainment, a DJ, and a fireworks show.

During your stay, don’t miss the 20,000-square-foot spa, golf, kids Discovery Club, Adventure Camp and on-site babysitting.


Vevey—Lake Geneva Region, Switzerland

The lakeside city of Vevey has a fireworks display on New Year’s Eve called “Vevey Réveillon,” and it's one of the most popular New Year’s celebrations in French-speaking Switzerland. This year will be the event's tenth anniversary, and has just been renamed "Les Folies Veveysannes" to better reflect its festival spirit.

This gathering takes place in Europe’s second-largest market square. Kids can enjoy a special puppet show or ice-skating while adults can enjoy disco and dancing. The evening ends with a fireworks display that lasts around 20 minutes.

Stay in Vevey at either the Grand Hotel Dulac or the Hotel Des Trois Couronnes, both lovely lakeside hotels with spas.


Marquis Los Cabos—Los Cabos, Baja California, Mexico

This New Year, ring in 2016 as a couple at the romantic, secluded resort Marquis Los Cabos. Recently reopened after a $10 million renovation and redesign, the adults-only, all-inclusive resort is an ideal getaway.

Toast with Champagne and hors d’oeuvres before celebrating under the stars at a gala dinner and dancing to the live jazz band.

This all-suite property offers five dining options, as well as a cafe and bar, the 13,000-square-foot holistic Spa Marquis, and three on-property pools. Every room at the property has direct ocean views.


The Palms Turks and Caicos—Providenciales, Turks and Caicos 

There is no better place to ring in the New Year than the sparkling white sands of Grace Bay Beach. Enjoy beautiful weather with cocktail in hand at The Palms Turks and Caicos, just steps away from the famed beach.

The 72-suite oceanfront resort boasts a serpentine infinity pool with swim-up bar, award-winning 25,000-square-foot spa and a variety of restaurants.

Families will find comfort in the one-, two- or three-bedroom suites with patios overlooking the water, amazing full kitchens and living spaces. Alternatively, couples can enjoy romance with private beach dinners and moonlit beach massages, the perfect way to end 2015.


Montreal, Canada

Montreal is a marvelous place to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Head to Old Montréal to experience the festivities of the holiday season in a unique and magical setting.

The Merry Montreal-organized outdoor New Year’s Party in Old Montréal’s Place Jacques-Cartier and the quays of the Old Port is now in its third year. It’s the largest New Year’s celebration in the city with free concerts, midnight countdown, DJ party, and fireworks. This year’s party includes Québec performers—namely Coeur de Pirate, Dumas, Bernard Adamus and Yann Perreau.

Another option is to celebrate at Casino de Montréal on Île Notre-Dame in the St. Lawrence River, immediately south of downtown Montréal, for a Champagne-themed evening of entertainment, live music and dancers; giveaways and the countdown to midnight are all part of the action.

For a luxury stay, look to the refurbished Ritz-Carlton Hotel; their in-house restaurant, Maison Boulud, will be the site of their Gala soirée, and they’ll be offering a delectably decadent six-course meal, DJ, and Parade of Chefs at midnight.


By Alison Lewis | 10 Best