The start of each new year means new beginnings — so why celebrate with the same crowd in the same city every year? If you’ve always dreamed of ringing in the new year on a Caribbean island, this is the perfect time to make plans. Not only will you be flying to a warm sunny island with a beachy vibe, you’ll also be giving yourself a long-deserved change of scene in what has been a challenging year.
Not sure which Caribbean island to go to? Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or kids, here is a list of the best Caribbean Islands for a New Year’s Eve celebration:
On New Year’s Eve, this typically laid back gem of an island in the French West Indies comes alive. For instance, some of the biggest names in Hollywood, music and business come together for celebrations in the bars of Gustavia, on the beaches of St Jean, and on yachts moored just off shore. Recently, St. Barths made headlines as NYE visitors included Leonardo DiCaprio, Paul McCartney, LA Reid, Beyonce, Jeff Bezos, Ellen Degeneres, Rhiana and Russell Simmons. One year the artists known as Prince, arrived by helicopter, and performed at a private party on Shell beach.
The most buzzed about New Years Eve gatherings are usually hosted in villas or on yachts. However, there are plenty of parties held at restaurants like Nikki Beach, Shellona, La Guerite, Pearl Beach, Sand Bar and Bonito. If you don’t have an invite, you can create your own unforgettable New Year’s Eve on St Barths. For instance, rent a villa that’s positioned to give you front row seats for the fireworks over Gustavia Harbor. You can also have WIMCO arrange for a catered dinner with champagne out on the terrace by your villa’s private pool Take a swim as the clock strikes midnight to give you a fresh beginning for the new year.
It’s easier than you think to get to St Barts. From the East Coast of the US there are many direct flights to San Juan and St Martin. You can take a short flight on a smaller plane directly into St Barts. From London one can fly directly to Antigua, then fly from there into St Barts. From Paris you can fly direct into St Martin, then fly into St Barts.
Browse villas in St Barts for New Years.
The main island of Providentiales (Provo) in the Turks & Caicos islands is only a four-hour direct flight from NYC, and even shorter from airports like Atlanta, Charlotte and Miami, making it a highly desirable island on which to celebrate the New Year. Turks & Caicos is home to Grace Bay beach, one of the top rated beaches in the Caribbean, as well as a world class barrier reef for scuba and snorkeling. On New Years Eve, most vacationers will gather along Grace Bay, either directly on the beach or in one of the waterfront restaurants to watch the fireworks shows put on by some of the top hotels on the island.
The Turks & Caicos islands are home to one of the most unique new years eve celebrations called the “Junkanoo Jump Up”. This street celebration takes place in downtown Provo. When the clock strikes midnight, you’ll see the streets in downtown Provo fill with people wearing flamboyant costumes and outlandish masks. They play instruments, dance, and lead a parade across the island. This event is one of Turks & Caicos’ oldest traditions. It began in the 16th century, initially started by slaves who were celebrating their one day off around the Christmas season. If you’re feeling festive, bring your own costume and join in on the celebration.
Getting to Turks & Caicos is easy. There are direct flights from many cities in the US including New York, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Charlotte and Miami.
Browse villas in Turks & Caicos for New Years
Grand Cayman is a popular choice for vacationers looking for a great beach to spend New Years Eve on. Grand Cayman is home to the legendary Seven Mile Beach, and on New Years eve there are countless restaurants, hotels and bars along the beach offering special dinners, fireworks and general celebration there.
The 7 pm fireworks show at Camana Bay is the best way to start your New Year’s Eve in Grand Cayman. Camana Bay has several outstanding restaurants with outdoor seating, like Karoo, so grab a table early to ensure you’ve got a prime spot for viewing. If you take too long getting ready and don’t make it for the 7 pm show, there’s an encore at midnight. Favorite events on Grand Cayman include the “No Resolutions” party at The Crescent, or an elegant Masquerade Ball at the Ritz-Carlton. The Ball includes dinner, entertainment, and fireworks on the beach. In the morning, stop by the Westin for a champagne beach brunch, or the Ritz-Carlton for their famous buffet and spicy Bloody Mary bar.
Getting to Grand Cayman is easy. There are direct flights from many cities in the US.
Browse villas in Grand Cayman for New Years
Simon Cowell has been spending New Year’s in Barbados for some time, and once you visit you’ll understand why. Barbados has a different name for New Year’s Eve — it’s “Old Year’s Night” — and there are plenty of family-friendly events all around the island. For example, Sandy Lane Resort will make sure your kids are taken care of with a special “cocktail” party during the evening. On New Year’s Day there’s a Treehouse Club Carnival. Many Bajans go to church for Midnight Mass before going out to celebrate and welcome guests. The fireworks usually go off from the Hilton Hotel Resort on the South Coast. The West Coast has fireworks going off from Sandy Lane Resort and Mango Bay Resort.
Ready for a little-known fact about renting villas in Barbados? You will always be taken care of as most villas come with staff. for example, New Year’s dinner can even be prepared on the beach where you can watch fireworks after sunset.
Browse villas in Barbados for New Years
There’s nothing quite like escaping the chill of winter and spending the holidays in the Caribbean. Therefore, the time around the New Year is extremely popular with vacationers, and thus vacation villas are in high demand. If you’re thinking about counting down to the new year on one of the best Caribbean Islands for New Year’s eve celebrations, call WIMCO now to see what’s available and book the villa that’s perfect for your needs. Call 1-401-849-8012 or send an inquiry to [email protected]
Read about St. Barths over the 2017 New Years season
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