Festive Escapes to Ring in the New Year

It may only be late summer, but the festive season always sneaks up quicker than expected. As calendars begin to fill and travel plans take shape, thoughts turn to where and how you’ll mark the biggest night of the year. New Year’s Eve is more than just a countdown; it’s a chance to pause, reflect, and welcome what’s next in style.

For some, that means fireworks over a tropical beach, for others, it’s champagne in the snow or a glamorous dinner party beneath the stars. The beauty of planning early is having the pick of the world’s most colourful, vibrant celebrations - whether you’re dreaming of sand between your toes or crisp alpine air.

Here are four destinations that promise unforgettable New Year’s Eve experiences in 2025-26:

Aleenta Phuket-Phang Nga, Thailand

Why it's magical: Picture yourself barefoot on the beach, dancing under the stars with gentle sea breezes. Aleenta transforms New Year’s Eve into a sensory feast: live music, premium champagne, gourmet dining, a vibrant DJ set, and a dazzling fireworks display over the ocean.

Bonus: Guests staying at least five nights in December - including NYE - enjoy complimentary access to the New Years Eve Gala celebration.

Coral Sands, Harbour Island, Bahamas

Why it’s laid-back luxury: This pink-sand paradise promises island serenity and beachfront charm. While details for 2025 are still to come, past festivities have featured live music and entertainment in a warm, tropical setting. Think: a breezy, barefoot countdown under swaying the Bahamian palms.

Giardino Mountain, St. Moritz, Switzerland

Why it's alpine elegance: For a glam New Year’s in the snow, Giardino Mountain delivers. Ring in the new year with a gourmet gala dinner in refined surroundings, beginning with an ice-bar aperitivo of sushi, oysters, truffle tarte flambée, and champagne, before moving on to a sumptuous main course and live entertainment.

Bonus: Nearby, the village of Zuoz celebrates in the town square with a public extravaganza involving music and community spirit (from 5 p.m. to midnight).

D-Resort Göcek, Turkey

Why it’s coastal chic: This stylish Aegean resort offers a serene setting on the edge of Gocek’s picturesque marina, ideal for a sophisticated New Year’s getaway. Previous years have seen festive dinners and live entertainment at the resort’s Olives restaurant, plus outdoor events and concerts in landscaped spaces - a stylish, social way to ring in the year by the sea.