Imagine ringing in the New Year under a gorgeous canopy of twinkling stars, with Caribbean music pulsating in the air and warm trade winds caressing your skin.
Yes, this can be a reality if you opt for sailing in the Caribbean to send-off the old year and embrace the New Year. The Caribbean offers a dream-like setting to ring in the New Year in style – from exuberant party scenes to serene hideaways drenched in tranquillity, there’s something to please every traveler’s demand for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve experience.
Here are the best islands for a New Year’s adventure in the Caribbean.
St. Barts is a laid-back gem of an island in the French West Indies, but it comes alive on New Year’s Eve. You can look forward to brushing your shoulders and shaking a leg with some of the biggest names in music, Hollywood, and business as they come for celebrations on the beaches of St. Jean, in the bars of Gustavia, and on yachts moored off the shores.
If you are seeking a quiet New Year’s Eve celebration, you can rent a villa that is close enough to view the fireworks over Gustavia Harbor and enjoy French-Caribbean fusion cuisine meted out by world-class chefs. A glamorous dinner at a five-star resort can elevate your celebrations, or you can dance the night away with your loved ones under the stars at an exclusive beach party.
St. Lucia, the “Helen of the West Indies,” is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Towering volcanic peaks, lush rainforests, and pristine beaches combine to create a breathtaking setting for New Year’s celebrations.
Allow yourself to be enveloped by the wonders of the natural world by hiking in the rainforest or splashing in a secluded sulfur spring. For a really romantic holiday, indulge in a luxury couples massage or dine privately under the Pitons, those iconic volcanic spires on the island, at nightfall. Just before midnight, enjoy fireworks over Rodney Bay that light up the sky at night.
Barbados has a bright culture and warm hospitality – the perfect New Year’s experience in a class of its own. Immerse yourself in the lively Bajan spirit at street parties pulsating with reggae rhythms and exuberant dance performances. Bajans also refer to New Year’s Eve as Old Year’s Night. You can spend New Year’s Eve like the locals by starting your evening at church with Midnight Mass and then greeting the New Year on the beach to watch the first sunrise of the year.
You can also sample local delicacies like flying fish and cou-cou and raise a toast with a glass of Mount Gay Rum as the clock strikes twelve. For a touch of luxury, head to the West Coast, where exclusive resorts offer opulent New Year’s Eve galas.
Grenada, the “Spice Island,” is a gourmet paradise famous for nutmeg, cinnamon, and clove plantations. The jewel of the Caribbean can now be savored by you. The capital city of St. George’s is always vibrantly colored with pastel houses, and its harbor is scenic. Celebrate New Year’s Eve in traditional “bush tea” – a party with the use of local herbal infusions under the stars. Or consider a high-end catamaran cruise, sailing along the sparkling waters while the twinkling fireworks color the evening sky.
Turks and Caicos is known for its white, powdery sand beaches and turquoise shores. Watch the sunset over a gourmet meal at a beachfront restaurant and cap off the night with a sophisticated New Year’s Eve gala at one of the local luxury resorts. For a truly unforgettable experience, rent a private yacht to celebrate amidst the serenity of the open sea, with fireworks erupting over the horizon.
Or celebrate like the locals and deck up in masks and vivid costumes as the clock strikes midnight. Head to Provo and be a part of Junkanoo Jump Up – one of the oldest traditions in the twin-island country.
Aruba is a sure bet for nonstop fun. This Dutch Caribbean island has a nightlife scene to suit every taste. Casinos are pulsating with energy; nightclubs feature international DJs, and beach bars host open-air parties. Dance the night away under the stars, indulge in delectable cocktails, and join the party as the countdown to the New Year with other revelers.
Explore over 50 islands and islets making up the British Virgin Islands for an archetypal Caribbean experience. Set off on an unforgettable sailboat island-hopping experience in secluded coves, snorkel through a vibrant coral reef, and get soaked up with island laid-back vibes. Welcome the New Year under a blanket of starry sky over a deserted beach as the fireworks erupt against the dark night sky.
Conclusion
No matter what island you choose, a Caribbean New Year’s adventure promises a very memorable experience. Pack your bags and embrace the adventurous spirit!
