Gstaad, Switzerland – Chinchilla cloakroom
Built in the early 1900s, the Gstaad Palace hotel was the hush-hush lair of the European jet-set for many years. Now the secret is out and the new money is in. Russians, Arabs, Europeans and Americans all partying together side by side is enough to bring hope to any one’s resolutions. The rates may not be cheap but the hotel offers breathtaking views of the Swiss Alps, an exclusive and refined hospitality as well as a wide array of facilities. Furthermore, the best place to party is right in the basement. The legendary GreenGo nightclub, in all its vintage glory, actually underwent a refurbishment only to end up looking exactly as it was. That way the old-guard feels the world is not changing and the new-guard gets to witness a legend. Enjoy Europe’s best Long Island Ice Teas as DJ Jim Leblanc gets the crowd going wild.
Dress Code Preppy chic
Tip order the Long Island Ice Tea
Gustavia, Saint Barts – Champagne showers
Saint Barthélemy has long been considered a playground for the rich and famous and its no surprise why. As home to many dazzling, white sand beaches, tropical forests and great shopping, the island is in fact a jewel harboured in the Caribbean. The hotel in which to stay is the 33-room privately owned Isle de France that blends comfort and elegance with the utmost grace. Situated in Flamands Bay, one of the most beautiful of all of St Bart’s beaches, the hotel is the ultimate getaway for those in search of relaxation. As far as New Year’s Eve in concerned, make sure to get the concierge to book you one of the tables at Nikki Beach over at St. Jean. That is exactly where you will find the celebration, sophistication and excitement to balance the quiet island. With a minimalist, contemporary look and hedonistic, beautiful crowd, you will not be disappointed.
Dress Code Linens and Tod’s
Tip ask the DJ Jacques Dumas for a CD of the night’s music
Dubai, U.A.E – Histrionic celebrations
Staying in Dubai this New Year? Either start planning on how to crash Tom Cruise’s big bash, or find a way to get tickets. Sources say that Cruise has chosen to throw a huge party to inaugurate the opening of the Sanctuary Club in the new 1,539-room Atlantis, The Palm. This huge 2,200 square metre club has two areas, a proper nightclub part with tables set around an oval dance floor and a more intimate lounge that has an outdoor terrace, fountains and cabana-style beds. The party is the talk of town with rumours circulating that the likes of David and Victoria Beckham as well as Kylie Minogue are set to attend. Obviously you should look to get a room in the hotel and the best option for impressing your guests are the two Lost Chambers Suites that look onto the massive hotel aquarium.
Dress Code Thobes are always in
Tip Scientologists get to go backstage
Faraya, Lebanon – Table dancing fever
Beirut may be the more common choice, but the New Year’s Eve parties there have become ever more commercial with the likes of Candy Shop, Bling Bling et al. For those looking for a new perspective, head up to Faraya or rather Ouyune El-Simane. The best way to do it is to rent a chalet for a few days. Stoke the log-fire, warm up the fondue and enjoy the picturesque snowy surroundings. If you’re luck runs out and you find yourself without lodging then don’t fret, try the Intercontinental Mzaar which has 85 regular rooms, 4 junior suites and 4 ambassador suites. After your dinner on the 31st, indulge in some chalet-hopping before counting down the year in either Igloo or Rikky’z. There you will find the usual Lebanese sights such as people dancing atop tables and champagne bottles adorned with sparklers but it’s a fun experience all the same.
Dress Code Smart socialite
Tip Take a warm coat as chalet-hopping gets nippy
Phuket, Thailand – Zen
Located within a former coconut plantation, overlooking the Adaman sea, the Amanpuri Hotel is an entirely self-sustaining tranquil retreat. Meaning ‘peaceful place’ the Amanpuri opened its doors in 1988. It was the first of many Aman resorts to spring up around the world but many still consider this the best of all - especially after its recent refurbishment. Kate Moss, Prince Andrew as well as a host of faithful Aman-junkies love to celebrate the New Year here. Count down the year around the main pool before popping in to the numerous villa-parties around the property. The mesmerising sea views, swaying palm trees and exceptional service will bring some peace to this otherwise stamina-demanding party scene. For accommodation you will have to try your luck at finding a room in the pavilions as the villas are always booked years in advance at this time year.
Dress Code Jewels and sandals
Tip the real parties are at the villas
Las Vegas, U.S.A. – Hedonism revisited
There will not be a livelier New Year celebration than in the city that never sleeps, and that’s Las Vegas of course. Most of the hotels here offer opulence and amenities but Bespoke’s current favourite is the Wynn where there are 2,716 rooms ranging in size from 58 to 650 squared metres. As soon as you book your room make sure to ask the concierge to reserve you some tickets to the many shows Vegas has to offer as well a good table at Tao for New Year. This is the city’s best nightclub and is to be found on the ground floor of the Venetian. It is an Asian temple inspired multiplex featuring go-go dancers, Buddhist statues, celebrities and that often scant commodity – beautiful, cool Americans. Take a table on the upper floor near the glass bathtubs for some truly startling entertainment.
Dress Code Upscale trendy
Tip book a table near the glass bath-tubs
Berlin, Germany – Off beat cool
This once divided city is now international centre of art and creativity. The place to stay is the Adlon Kempinski. Yes this may be the hotel in which Michael Jackson dangled his baby son from a balcony in 2002 but when something is the best it’s the best. Inspired by an abounding past and a modern present, the ambience created at the Adlon is matchless. The place to go to celebrate the New Year is the Felix Club which is conveniently located within the hotel. This is the hot spot of Germany’s club scene offering fine eating and drinking set to lively music within a fun, first-class atmosphere. While in Berlin make sure to eat a schnitzel in the elegant Borchardt restaurant, sample the fun Shiro i Shiro restaurant and bar and also visit the riverside warehouse nightclub Spindler and Klatt. Berlin is a must for those that have not already been.
Dress Code all black minimalist chic
Tip visit the cool, free art galleries in Mitte
El Gouna, Egypt – Far from the madding crowd
The uninitiated stay in Cairo, but those in the know head to El Gouna. The Red Sea's fast emerging premier leisure destination plays host to some of the best New Year’s Eve parties every year. The glitterati of Egyptian society along with some regional party-goers and a sprinkling of international celebrities descend upon this small and relatively new town. The place to count down the year is Ahmad El Ganzouri’s bash, organised by ByGanz. Importing everything from DJs, to dancers and decorations, he is known for his attention to detail. The theme this year is burlesque, and the party will include live shows from Spanish vocalist Rebecca Brown and Hed Kandi’s vocalist Peyton. Last year even Naomi Campbell and Melanie B were in attendance. Currently the best hotel is the Steigenberger Golf Resort; make sure to take advantage of the 18-hole USPGA golf course after the celebrations are over. The other advantage of El Gouna is its year round sunshine allowing you to soak up the sun's rays at one of the many beaches.
Dress Code Cabaret fancy dress
Tip Ahmad El Ganzouri throws the best bash every year
Here are the details about the New Year's eve party ByGanz is organizing.
The
name is El Cabaret, it will be held in El Gouna, Hurghada (Egypt). The theme is Burlesque and the entertainment will include 2 live shows (dancers), D Johnny from the chouchou club in London, Spanish vocalist Rebecca Brown, Spanish performer Diva, and Hed Kandi vocalist Peyton.
