0  of 18
New Year breaks 2016-17
  • See the New Year in with a bang, literally, in Rio. Known locally as Reveillon, it hosts arguably the world’s biggest public New Year party and combines the kind of New Year’s Eve celebrations you see everywhere with some uniquely Brazilian twists. As well as the huge live music party on Copacabana Beach (rumours are that both Madonna and Black Eyed Peas will be headlining this year) there are also glamorous masked balls where you can party the night away in stylish anonymity; wherever you are in Rio people dress all in white, but with flower garlands or bandanas in other colours to reflect their New Year’s resolutions – green for health and well-being, red for romance, or yellow for prosperity. And after midnight locals head down to the ocean and carpet the waves with white flowers and floating white candles as offerings to Iemanja, the candomblé goddess of the ocean. 
    Book it: RealWorld have a range of tailormade Reveillon packages in Rio, from 5-star packages including tickets for the masked ball at the Copacabana Palace, to rather more affordable trips. For example, they have a 5-day package featuring tours, transfers, 4-star accommodation and tickets for the ball at the Windsor Excelsior, all for £1250pp. Contact www.realworldholidays.co.uk/brazil or call (0113) 262 5329.
     
     
  • This New Year, head for the sunshine in Gran Canaria, which spoils visitors with 360 days of sun per year and is only a short-haul flight from the UK. Check in to Bohemia Suites & Spa, one of the island’s only five-star hotels. The property boasts cool design features, bright and opulent suites, and stunning views of the Maspalomas Sand Dunes and Atlantic Ocean – the perfect antidote to the winter blues and a great place from which to watch the island’s impressive fireworks display from the hotel’s chic Lounge terrace, with a Champagne cocktail in hand. Start your Dry January the following day with an invigorating yoga session on the hotel’s terrace, a pampering spa treatment. 
    Book it: The hotel is now offering guests a 10% discount on their best available rates when booking at least 21 days in advance. Rates start from £174 for a Deluxe Double room; and from £294 for a Junior Suite, including breakfast. Call +34 928 563 400 or visit www.bohemia-grancanaria.com.
     
  • For a truly luxurious New Year, stay in a private pool villa at the stunning Banyan Tree Samui and enjoy the fun of their New Year’s Eve Gala. With a private beach and the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa, you can spend your days in peace and relaxation whilst looking forward to an evening of live soul and blues classics to welcome in the New Year. An indulgent Thai feast with caviar and oysters will be served for the adults whilst the kids can look forward to carnival style games and a delicious dessert buffet.  
    Book it: Minimum five-night stays at Banyan Tree Samui from 22 December to 10 January. Until 31 March, guests booking can book the General Anniversary Offer through Kuoni and enjoy one complimentary Rainforest spa treatment, complimentary fruit platter, in-villa decoration and a celebratory cake.  Visit www.kuoni.co.uk and www.banyantree.com.
     
  • For one of the best ways to start the New Year in Malta, head to Floriana near Valletta, where the streets are closed for a huge street party - a vibrant place to join the locals and enjoy the celebrations. The 4-star db San Antonio Hotel and Spa is located in the St Paul’s bay area of Malta on the northern coast of the island and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean. It’s a great location for a relaxing get away with excellent spa facilities including sauna, massage, hot tub, hammam and wellness centre. The hotel is also close to the Oracle Casino and the Malta National Aquarium as well as the shops, bars and restaurants in nearby Bugibba Square. With over 7000 years of history, there's plenty to explore in the region including the Renaissance cathedrals and Baroque palaces found in many of the island’s major cities.
    Book it: Loveholidays offers 7 nights over New Year's Eve in Malta from £602 per person (a saving of up to £118 per person) staying at the 4-star db San Antonio Hotel & Spa in St Paul’s Bay on an all-inclusive basis from Stansted airport on 29 December 2016. Prices based on 2 adults sharing and subject to availability and change. Visit www.loveholidays.com or call 0203 870 6844

  • The Thurlestone Hotel in South Devon is kicking off 2017 in style with a family-friendly three-night package filled with entertainment for all ages. The package includes a sumptuous Gala Dinner on New Year’s Eve as well as activities for both adults and children to enjoy, all in a beautiful coastal setting. Arriving on 30 December, you’ll be welcomed with a cocktail, and over the next two days you can ienjoy a golf competition; kids’ activities including movie night, tea party with a clown, and magic show; and New Year’s Eve entertainment with a disco late into the night. There’s also a spa if you fancy a bit of a pamper, and why not?
    Book it: Priced from £645 per person based on two adults sharing on dinner, bed and breakfast basis, including all activities and use of the hotel’s sports and leisure facilities. Visit www.thurlestone.co.uk or call 01548 650382.
  • Forget fireworks, how about seeing in the New Year with a fabulous natural display of the Northern Lights? Head to the fjordside town of Tromso, which is at the centre of the northern aurora zone, where dazzling celestial displays circle the sky above the city. There’s also exciting excursions on offer, from epic husky sledding to snowmobile safaris, reindeer sledding and whale watching – which can all be arranged on request.  Combine this with a vibrant cultural and social scene – there are more pubs per capita in Tromso than anywhere else in Norway - and it makes for a perfect New Year getaway.
    Book it: The four-day trip  with Best Served Scandinavia includes an Aurora Safari to one of four base stations to view the Northern Lights. Prices for a three night/four day Northern Lights City Break over the festive New Year’s period start from £1,245 pp.  Price includes return flights, 3 nights b&b accommodation at the Thon Hotel Polar and an Aurora Safari.  Visit www.best-served.co.uk or call 0207 664 2241.
  • Dominated by the mighty Matterhorn and surrounded by outstanding scenery, the compact village of Cervinia is one of the highest resorts in the Alps. The ski area is served by an impressive lift system which connects Cervinia with Valtournenche as well as Zermatt in Switzerland. This New Year’s Eve the town of Cervinia will hold a crowd-pleasing torch-light procession, bonfire, live music and entertainment in the main square. 
    Book it: Inghams is offering eight nights on a chalet board basis (breakfast, afternoon tea and a five-course evening meal with complimentary wine) at the 3.5 diamond Chalet Hotel Dragon in Cervinia, Italy from £748 per person, a saving of £600 per person. Price includes a New Year’s Eve special menu, return flights from Manchester to Turin and resort transfers, departing on 30December 2016. Visit www.inghams.co.uk/ski-holidays or call 01483 791 114. 
  • As the clock strikes midnight on New Years’ Eve, look out for the traditional way the locals welcome in the New Year. With each chime of the clock they eat a grape, said to give them good luck for the 12 months of the year to come.
    With average daily temperatures of 22°C and a short flight time, Tenerife is an ideal choice for a New Year's break. The 4-star Isabel Family Hotel is the ideal place for families looking for a New Year's beach getaway. Set in the peaceful resort of Costa Adeje, it's a perfect location for relaxation with three heated pools, a wellness centre for spa treatments and a gym while the nearby resort provides family-friendly attractions – from thrilling water parks to historical sites.
    Book it: Loveholidays offers 7 nights New Year’s holidays in Tenerife from £1300 per person (a saving of up to £461 per person) staying at the 4-star Isabel Family Hotel in Costa Adeje on an all-inclusive basis from East Midlands airport on 28 December 2016. Visit www.loveholidays.com or call 0203 870 6844
     
  • Set sail on a 14-night five-star New Year cruise of the Caribbean for a sun-soaked start to 2017. Departing from Bridgetown (Barbados) on 31 December, this cruise, onboard P&O Cruises’ Britannia, starts with a New Year extravaganza onboard. Recover on 1 January with a day at sea before continuing to Curacao, Aruba, Grenada, St Vincent, St Lucia, Dominica, Antigua and St Maarten before returning to Barbados. White sand, cocktails and azure-blue sea. We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the New Year.
    Book it: Price starts from £1,429 per person, including return flights from London Heathrow and 14 nights’ full board accommodation onboard the Britannia, based on two sharing an inside cabin. Visit www.broadwaytravel.com or call 0203 196 7998.
     
  • You don’t have to head to France to holiday at a beautiful chateau. Visit Anglesey at New Year for a relaxing break at Château Rhianfa.  On arrival you’ll enjoy Afternoon Tea followed by an afternoon exploring the grounds overlooking the Menai Strait or relaxing in the sauna and hot tub. On New Year’s Eve, canapés will be served by the roaring fire, before you go down to the Banqueting Hall for a five-course meal.  A glass of Champagne will be provided to celebrate when the clock strikes midnight and there’ll be music to party the night away ahead of a lazy brunch the following morning. There’s also a tennis court and an atmospheric wine cave to check out. 
    Book it: Rates start from £250 per person based on a two guests sharing a Classic Château double room.  Visit www.chateaurhianfa.com or call 01248 880090.
     
  • Adventure bunny? Why not spend the New Year doing something totally different  - like a luxury lodge-to-lodge trekking holiday in the Peruvian Andes. You’ll stay in superior hotels in Cusco and Aguas Calientes and explore Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire. What’s more, you’ll take in views of glacial peaks, dramatic valleys and rare wildlife. At New Year, after celebrating the evening with a glacial swim or outdoor Jacuzzi in the deluxe Salkantay Lodge, you can wake up early to trek into the Rio Blanco Valley and up to the high point of Abra Salkantay (4638m). Enjoy the snow-capped peaks of the Vilcabamba while trying to spot Andean condors. That sounds tough to top.
    Book it: Price from £3,895 with flights  from London to Cusco on Tuesday 27 Dec to Saturday 7 January.
    Visit www.keadventure.com.
     
  • If you’re single and looking for like-minded people to ski with, then this new break from singles holiday specialist Friendship Travel is perfect.
    It is a one-off five-night New Year ski break in Val d’Isere. The package includes flights and transfers, and is typical ‘chalet style’, with hearty breakfasts every morning, afternoon tea and a sociable dinner every night with a special party evening on 31 December in the hotel’s dining room. This lively ski resort has reliable snow and great nightlife, making it a great spot for some New Year fun. Accommodation is at the Chalet Hotel le Val D’Isere, where you join others (mainly adults, including other single skiers) and are looked after by the resident friendly Chalet Hosts.
    Book it:  Price is £1449 for your own room at the hotel. Ski hire, lift passes and lessons not included, but can be booked in advance through Friendship Travel. Visit www.friendshiptravel.com or call 0844 800 2770.
     
  • New Year’s Eve is one of the most popular times of year in Phuket as visitors from around the world come to attend the parties and celebrations on the beaches.  Located on the southerly tip of the island at Cape Panwa is the stunning Sri Panwa with its amazing rooftop bar, Baba Nest. It offers 360-degree views of the Andaman Sea and surrounding islands making it the perfect destination to watch the sunrise into the New Year. New Year’s Eve begins with a welcome cocktail at Baba Pool Bar, followed by the New Year Feast Gala Buffet, before the Countdown Party begins with performances from a host of international DJs.
    Book it: Prices start from approximately £358 per night, including daily breakfast for two. Prices for NYE dinner start at £225 per person, including 2 20cl bottles of Moet Chandon Brut Champagne. Children start from approximately £90 per person, reservations only. Visit www.sripanwa.com
     
  • Taber Holidays are offering a delightful snowbound wilderness retreat in Swedish Lapland – perfect for the family to welcome in the New Year together. Based on an island in the Lulea archipelago, this four-night break features dog sledding, snowshoeing, a Northern Lights hunt by sled, snowmobiling through the forest and a Nordic winter adventure skills session. You'll get rustic and stay in a cabin at Brandön Lodge, overlooking the frozen sea. New Year’s Eve will start with a special four-course meal at the lodge’s restaurant before guests walk out onto the frozen lake to lift a nicely chilled bottle of Champagne from a hole in the ice! Fireworks will then ring in 2017. What could be better?
    Book it: Prices start from £1,890 per adult, and from £1,145 per child. This includes flights from London Heathrow, Gatwick or Manchester to Luleå via Stockholm, transfers, accommodation, most meals and all above-mentioned activities. Based on two adults per booking and a child aged between 6 and 11. Departs Thursday 29 December 2015. Visit www.taberhols.co.uk or call Taber Holidays on 01274 875 199.
  • How about a Hollywood-inspired New Year’s Eve party at a top hotel located in Rovinj on the northern coast of Croatia? The black-tie event will transport you back in time to cinema’s most captivating era, making you feel like Hollywood movie stars walking the red-carpet, with Champagne on arrival and live music from some of the most celebrated films ever produced - the perfect getaway for New Year’s Eve. The special New Year’s Eve package includes two nights with a buffet breakfast for two people sharing a Premium room, an NYE Hollywood dinner, evening entertainment with live bands, and entry to Lone’s Nightclub with music by resident DJ Rea. Guests will also receive complimentary access to Lone’s Wellness Spa & Relaxation zone.  A New Year’s programme for children is available at an extra charge. 
    Book it: Hotel Lone's New Year’s Eve package starts from €645 (approx. £574) for two adults for two nights.Visit www.maistra.com
     
  • Enjoy New Year in Sussex - 1920s-style. Set in 93 acres in the heart of the Sussex Downs, South Lodge is a beautiful country house hotel with a private lake, two restaurants, and wine cellar. The hotel’s black tie Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve dinner includes a cocktail reception, three-course dinner with wine, live band and a glass of Champagne at midnight. Sounds like the perfect spot to sing Auld Lang Syne.
    Book it: Prices from £252.50pp (two sharing) including full Susex breakfast.The Great Gatsby New Year’s Eve dinner is £140 per person. Visit www.prideofbritainhotels.com or call 0800 089 3929 .

  • The idyllic Isle of Eriska, a 300-acre private island  off the west coast of Scotland, is home to a five star Relais & Chateaux hotel, nine hole golf course, Stables Spa, private beaches and beautiful scenery and wildlife. It’s offering a five-night New Year package from 29 December to 3rd January. As well as traditional Hogmanay celebrations and a magnificent fireworks display, there’ll be beautiful food at the Michelin starred restaurant. Optional events will take place throughout the festive period and include the  Eriska treasure hunt, the Eriska Highland Games and the first 2017 Eriska Open Golf Championship on New Year's Day. You can also dance the night away with the Scottish Country Dance Band in the Drawing Room on New Year’s Day.
    Book it: From £1220.00 per person. Visit www.eriska-hotel.co.uk

Advertisement