New Year's Eve. It's one of very few nights when all-night revelry and indulgence are not only accepted, but expected.
If you'd like to spice up your NYE celebrations even more with some travel, there are a few beach destinations in the US and Latin America looking to lure you with delectable cuisine, never-ending pours of bubbly and swank surroundings.
Here are our picks to celebrate New Year's Eve near the beach in Miami, Brazil and Colombia, to give you some ideas of what to do this year or next.
New Year's Eve in Miami
Photo: Theresa BoehlYou can expect any NYE party in Miami to be top-notch – this city is world-renowned for bringing the action, after all.
Those who appreciate a good meal might opt for one of the New Year's Eve dinners hosted in restaurants in Miami Beach. At A Fish Called Avalon, partygoers can chow down on a seafood dinner while listening to live music and enjoying cool ocean breezes. Later, a dazzling fireworks show will top off the evening.
Bazi restaurant in Miami. Photo: The Marlin HotelA DJ hosted dinner starts at 9 pm at Bazi, an Asian-fusion spot on Collins Ave. Cost is $120 per person – a champagne toast is included. If Italian fare is your thing, head to SPIGA for a customizable prix-fixe menu. Or reserve a table on the fourth floor rooftop deck at Hakkasan, and get ready to enjoy a four-course meal featuring the restaurant's award-winning modern Cantonese fare.
Photo: Theresa BoehlWith full bellies, beach-lovers will be in a better position to crank the party up a notch. Consider taking it out on the water with a party cruise. The multi-million dollar Lady Windridge Yacht will play host to festivities starting at 9 pm, and the Musette Yacht will win over revelers with a full dinner buffet, live music and climate controlled decks, along with a champagne toast at midnight and a stunning fireworks show.
The Lady Windridge Yacht. Photo: Windridge YachtsBack on land, hit up a handful of clubs in one night with World Crawl Miami, a bar crawl that bills itself as "North America's Largest Party Tour." Don't be surprised if you make stops at dive bars in addition to swank joints like Cameo and Liv Nightclub.
Seeking something a little more elegant? Try the "Eve of Midas" event that starts at 8:30 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton. Come dressed in gold, as is the custom, and enjoy an upscale affair involving champagne, dancing, DJ sets, and performances, all for $200 per person.
Exterior of the Clevelander Hotel. Photo: ClevelanderOver on Ocean Drive, the Clevelander South Beach is throwing a futuristic bash complete with light displays. Tickets are available for general admission or for open bar events on the glam SPF4 Sun Deck or on the Art Deco-fabulous C-Level Rooftop Terrace.
LvL 25 at the Conrad Miami. Photo: Conrad MiamiNot one to be left out, Conrad Miami is offering up an evening of drinks, entertainment and cuisine. The party starts at 7 p.m. with a welcome reception at LvL 25th on the hotel's 25th floor. At 8, guests will be served a five-course dinner at Atrio Restaurant and Wine Room while they enjoy live music. Later, a full-on DJ-led party will blossom in The Room on the 25th floor.
If you still have energy left the next day, join fellow foodies at the Conrad for a traditional brunch compete with mimosas. Then, find the perfect spot on the beach to relax and refresh after a night of partying.
New Year's Eve in Cartagena, Colombia
The courtyard of the Tcherassi Hotel and Spa. Photo: Oleg MarchA former colonial mansion, the luxury boutique Tcherassi Hotel and Spa plays host to its traditional San Silvestre New Year's Eve Party, with festivities focusing on the property's lush, romantic garden. Dancing is highly encouraged, and a live band's extended set will get you in the mood and keep you going well into the night. Chef Daniel Castano's VERA restaurant will present a four-course meal and excellent champagne for toasting. Cost is $190 per person for dinner and dancing.
Plan to stay on at the Tcherassi for a while – you deserve to start the New Year right. You'll be in the heart of the charming Old City, and not far from the beach.
New Year's Eve in Brazil
On the night of New Year's Eve, Brazilians celebrate with a long dinner and all-night party called Reveillon. This celebration is the second largest in the country after Carnaval, and many Brazilians flock to local beaches to party and enjoy the occasion. You wouldn't go wrong to join them.
Expect the party to be especially lively in Rio de Janeiro, as this year's Reveillon marks the beginning of the festivities for the 2016 Olympics to be hosted there. Concerts will be taking place throughout the city, and residents will be stuffing themselves with traditional dishes like lentils and pork.
White is the color of the evening – don't be caught wearing anything else, as this color is meant to symbolize peace and prosperity in the coming year.
For extra luck, take to the water and jump over seven waves, making sure to make a wish each time. Or join hopefuls offering gifts to the ocean Goddess, Yemanja, in a traditional ritual from the Afro-Brazilian religion Candomble.
For something more low-key, head to Fernando de Noronha, an archipelago comprising 21 islands and rock islets. There are just a few hotels in this UNESCO World Heritage Site; if you can get a room, you'll join an exclusive group of partygoers drawn to the area's gorgeous, remote beaches. Baia do Sancho and Baia dos Golfinhos are just a few to choose from.
To go even more remote for your celebration, try Sao Migel dos Milagres, a small fishing village known for its excellent fare and undisturbed beaches. If you're looking for a little romance with your Reveillon, this is the place to go.
Packed with fun beaches, mountains and lagoons, Florianopolis in the south of Brazil is another great New Year's Eve destination. This island is beloved by surfers, nightlife seekers, and anyone who appreciates good seafood.
Ready to plan a last-minute NYE beach party? Check out our flight, package, cruise and hotel deals to beach destinations around the world.
