PORTO BAY RIO INTERNACIONAL, RIO DE JANEIRO

PORTO BAY RIO INTERNACIONAL, RIO DE JANEIRO

Brazil’s Copacabana Beach attracts millions of people of all ages on New Year’s Eve and is Brazil’s second biggest party of the year after Carnival. But if you don’t fancy joining the throng in your Brazilian thong bikini, the Porto Bay Rio International is right on the beach and has fantastic views of the party and the fireworks as the clock strikes midnight.

In fact, some of the best sights of Rio de Janeiro can be experienced from the rooftop pool and bar which is where all the action happens on New Year’s Eve.

If you’re lucky enough to get a room with a view, you may even be able to experience the festivities from the comfort of your own hotel room. On clear days you can see Sugar Loaf Mountain and the Corcovado statue.

HYATT REGENCY SANCTUARY COVE, GOLD COAST

HYATT REGENCY SANCTUARY COVE, GOLD COAST

If you feel like spending New Year’s Eve by a pool sipping cocktails, playing a round of golf (the hotel is flanked by two golf courses), or maybe experiencing one of the Gold Coast’s renowned theme parks (Dreamworld and Warner Brothers Movie World are both located within 15km from the hotel), the Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove is the place for you.

Once the sun begins to set, head to one of the two restaurants for their New Year’s Eve feasts and then dance the night away to the live music on the Verandah Bar. If you are taking the kids, the Hyatt hosts Camp Hyatt for 4-12 years olds where they can bring in the New Year with games, videos and dancing.

HILTON MELBOURNE SOUTH WHARF, MELBOURNE

HILTON MELBOURNE SOUTH WHARF, MELBOURNE

The Hilton, located in Melbourne’s newest shopping and dining destination, South Wharf, is offering several enticing New Year’s Eve options. Overlooking the Yarra River, the Hilton guarantees an impressive view of the city’s New Year festivities.

Guests can choose the New Year’s Eve delights with a Spanish tapas feast or a meal prepared by Michelin star chef Ramon Freixa both on offer.

Each room, inspired by the Yarra River, offers views of the river or the city so even if you choose to see in the New Year in your room, you will still have an unforgettable view.

SEBEL PIER ONE, SYDNEY

SEBEL PIER ONE, SYDNEY

The Sebel Pier One in Sydney, located right in the heart of The Rocks, provides outstanding views of the Harbour Bridge and the harbour – perfect for a New Year’s Eve mini-break.

The Sebel also offers a New Year’s dining experience to make your mouth water. Enjoy a scrumptious fresh seafood buffet with unrivalled views of the festivities and bring in the New Year with a chilled glass of bubbly whilst marvelling at the world famous firework display.

When you want to call it a night, retire to your room where you can relax in your luxurious bath robe.

BANYAN TREE, BANGKOK, THAILAND

BANYAN TREE, BANGKOK, THAILAND

Thailand has embraced the Western New Year as well as its own Chinese and Thai New Year and Bangkok pulls out all the stops to impress its guests. The city and its vibrant culture offers light and sound shows, live entertainment and of course fireworks.

However, if you want to spend New Year’s Eve in the lap of luxury, look no further than Banyan Tree hotel. Its Vertigo Grill & Moon Bar is an open-air rooftop lounge, 61 floors above the streets of Bangkok, with breathtaking views over the city. If you are afraid of heights try dinner at Pier 59 where guests dine ‘under the sea’ in a recreated underwater chamber.

To relax after the party spend New Year’s Day at the Banyan Tree Spa, which offers a host of appealing treatments.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, PRAGUE

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, PRAGUE

Prague is an enchanting place to visit, with its ancient castle, 14th century Charles Bridge and intricate cobbled stone streets and on New Year’s Eve the city truly does come alive. The Mandarin Oriental in Prague is housed in a 14th century monastery set on the banks of the Vltava River, 500 metres from the impressive Prague Castle.

This New Year’s Eve the hotel will be hosting a ‘Viva Las Vegas’ themed Gala Buffet Dinner in the Grand Ballroom, which is sure to impress. Guests can also meander down to Charles Bridge for the fireworks display above the castle.

On New Year’s Day visit the Christmas markets for some local mulled wine and fresh, hot doughnuts.

So which one would you prefer?