Best locations for New Year’s celebrations on a superyacht.

Make a special occasion even more special on board a superyacht charter. Discover the best locations to celebrate New Year’s Eve with Burgess.

For the ultimate New Year celebration, why not head off on a yacht charter to some of the finest locations in the world. From spectacular fireworks held in front of the world’s most breathtaking backdrops to the biggest beach parties, our Burgess charter experts recommend where best to see in the New Year in style.  

Why spend New Year’s Eve on board a superyacht charter? 

Where better to ring in the New Year than on the decks of a superyacht, surrounded by the people who matter to you the most. The best service combined with gastronomic delights – a superyacht offers you all the luxuries of a five-star hotel, with the added benefit of more personal and customisable service, security, and most important of all, privacy. Plus, you don’t have to worry about making those hard-to-get dinner reservations, or how to get home afterwards. Whether you are looking to escape to warmer climes, or spend the holiday season with the family, there’s no shortage of amazing ways for the waterborne to ring in the New Year.  

Sydney, Australia

Where can I spend New Year’s Eve in Sydney? 

Sure, Sydney isn’t the most original recommendation for New Year’s Eve, but it is a fantastic way to spend it in one of the coolest cities in the world. And if you are going to do it, it must be on the harbour – the decks of a superyacht offer peerless views of the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, where the mother of all fireworks displays takes place. The dazzling light show is among the first in the world to welcome in the New Year, illuminating the bridge, the waterfront and above the 'sails' of the Sydney Opera House in the most spectacular fashion.

The main event is followed by the Harbour Light Parade – 50-plus illuminated vessels on the water. Yachts of more than 30m (100ft) in length are assigned a specific anchorage area opposite Bradleys Head, affording their guests the best views in the harbour.  Alternatively, for those preferring to take a berth for the occasion, the Sydney Superyacht Marina offers alongside berthing for superyachts up to 75m (246ft) and is just a stroll from the city centre or 20-minutes to Darling Harbour. Alternatively, Campbell’s Cove, right by the Opera House, has berths for two yachts of up to 90m (300ft) in length.

As the fireworks and parade come to an end and more than a million revellers disperse from their quayside positions, why not tender ashore to join the party in the streets of Sydney – and there’s no need to go far as the harbourside has everything you could possibly require in one handy spot – live music, dancing, bars, you name it. With unrestricted Harbour Bridge views, the Opera Bar is arguably Sydney’s most iconic cocktail bar and on New Year’s Eve, the best place to head for a full dance party. 

Make like a local and swap Sydney Harbour for the heart of Sydney’s CBD. The city’s anything-goes energy is well and truly buzzing at the Employees Only Bar – an outpost of the famous New York City speakeasy bar. Burlesque dancers and tarot readings are accompanied by a classic cocktail menu which will help you make it a New Year to remember. Always down-to-party, the city is not short of world-class clubs, but with such an impressive skyline and pleasant climate, elevated al fresco drinks at the best rooftop bars are also a must. A prime spot that brings a slice of Ibiza, the Café del Mar Sydney displays views of the Sydney skyline and the waters of Darling Harbour. 

Phuket, Thailand 

What is there to do in Phuket on New Year’s Eve? 

There are of course parties on the beaches of Thailand’s islands all year round, but the chicest of them all is the New Year’s Eve party scene in Phuket. The biggest and loudest parties here tend to be centred along the west coast, where world-class DJs play long into the night as merrymakers gather to dance, toes-in-the-sand style, twirling under the stars. Revolving around Phuket’s Patong Beach, the party starts as soon as it gets dark and goes on well beyond sunrise and for many even into the following afternoon.  

For those looking for a slightly slower start to their celebrations, anchor off Surin Beach. Enjoy cocktails and a dinner of freshly caught and grilled fish on board, watching the fireworks courtesy of the Amanpuri resort, and then join the party ashore just before midnight. Alternatively, why not head ashore to dine at one of three restaurants at Amanpuri – Thai, Japanese, or Mediterranean. The resort’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are a guest-list-only affair though, so be sure to plan ahead with your Broker and Captain. 

Head back for a dawn swim – the tender ride through turquoise waters as the sun is coming up might possibly be the most memorable you have ever taken. For those who lack stamina, rest assured the atmosphere ashore carries over the water to keep everyone in high spirits while on board.

If berthing is your preference, then the Yacht Haven Phuket Marina at the northeast end of the island can accommodate yachts of up to 70m (230ft) in length. The marina here is the ideal launch pad for a charter through the stunning cruising grounds of Phang Nga Bay and is conveniently located just 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport, should you have guests joining you just for the celebrations.  

St Barth, Caribbean 

What can I do in St Barth on New Year’s Eve? 

St Barth is without doubt the New Year’s Eve capital of the Caribbean, and the main blowout on the chic island in the waters off the Port of Gustavia. The quayside is where you will find some of the most glamorous superyachts in the world berthed side-by-side, with boat hopping parties to celebrate the turn of the year. In typical Caribbean style, the party ashore also starts and finishes late: fireworks, music and carnival dancing go on in the streets until well after the midnight fireworks have popped.

If you want a party with a more local flavour, head for the beach. If there’s one reliable place to be at midnight, it’s Saint-Jean. Conveniently located just minutes from Gustavia, Saint-Jean is the beach in St Barth. It’s hard to beat dancing with the sand between your toes and fairy lights strung on every palm tree. Start the evening with sunset drinks at the Sand Bar – Eden Rock, where reservations essential for New Year’s Eve. After dinner, the beachfront setting here transforms into one of the island’s most exclusive party venues. Fortunately, the after party is just a short stroll along the beach at the buzzing Nikki Beach. Reservations essential.

Come morning, bask in the Caribbean sunshine around your yacht’s jacuzzi pool, or take advantage of the watersports equipment carried on board.  The experienced crews on board any of the yachts in the Burgess fleet will be delighted to show you the ropes.  

Nassau, The Bahamas 

How do they celebrate New Year in the Bahamas?  

Every yachtie may know about St Barth for New Year’s Eve, but for those looking to join locals in a more traditional Caribbean celebration then the Bahamas carnivals cannot be beaten. There are plenty of festivals and carnivals throughout the islands, but the capital’s famous Junkanoo Parade is the biggest of all. Held on New Year’s Day, the festival is part party, part procession, and all carnival, but this is not one for the fainthearted. The noise and colours are loud – a sensory overload that continues well after the sun sets. Our advice? Start slowly, enjoy a relaxing day on board, perhaps a late lunch and drinks, before heading ashore to join in the carnival spirit.

For a more intimate party, why not choose the Exumas Archipelago. Here, the waterborne have several options – from parties at local restaurants, hanging out with friends at a lively bar, or perhaps your very own private sunset BBQ on a deserted beach with just your group – whatever you choose to do, the Bahamian culture calls for all-out celebrations. The Staniel Cay Yacht Club is a firm favourite on the yachting scene throughout the year, but fresh from a refurb, New Year’s Eve this year sees it come into its own with a party and fireworks at midnight. 

The Maldives 

Where can I celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Maldives? 

For something a little more intimate than the Caribbean or Bahamas, the less-chartered waters of the Maldives offer an idyllic alternative. Uninhabited islands, coral underwater worlds that will blow your mind, and fishing grounds for the catch of the day – and many of which are inaccessible to all but the waterborne traveller. Added to that, the abundance of five-star island resorts, with their dream combination of superb gastronomy and uncrowded beaches playing host to low key New Year’s Eve celebrations, and you’re all set for a tranquil celebration with family and friends.

The Fari Islands are one of the archipelago’s more vibrant spots – with three hotels, a marina, beach club, and a host of restaurants to choose from. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, has five restaurants alone, showcasing cuisine from around the world, while at the nearby Marina you could dine in a Bedouin-tent-inspired space. Alternatively, the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort hosts Michelin-starred chefs for tasting menus, and has an award-winning wine cellar to ensure you have the best glass to raise at midnight.

After a peaceful night on board, perhaps it’s time to learn a new skill for the new year? Where better to learn to dive than in the stunning coral atolls of the Indian Ocean. Alternatively, there are plenty of award-winning spas dotted around the various resort islands for those looking to kick start a new health regime, be it a detox, stress relief or simply to help boost your fitness levels.  Many offer wellness programmes. The Six Senses Laamu, for example, offers a personalised wellness assessment that uses diagnostic technology to analyse biomarkers and movement efficiency. Over in the Thaa Atoll, COMO Maalifushi can help you decompress and recharge, while the Anantara Kihavah Maldives offers Ayruvedic programmes targeting either longevity or detox.

Discover yachts for charter, and the best charter destinations this New Year with Burgess. Enquire now

To find out more about Burgess’ yachts for charter and yachts for sale, please contact a Burgess broker. Alternatively, get in touch with one of our offices directly: London, Monaco, New York, Miami, Singapore or all other locations.