From romantic European escapes to spellbinding family adventures, whatever type of celebration you’re seeking this New Year’s Eve, welcome 2019 in style with these unforgettable festivities.
FAMILY FUN
Edinburgh
Winter is a magical time of year at The Balmoral. Walking into its grand entrance, your family will step into a winter wonderland. Spoil them with an overnight stay in the suite in which JK Rowling wrote the final Harry Potter book; your children will delight in its Harry Potter-inspired décor and all the benefits of our Families R Forte programme. Celebrate the New Year in true Scottish style with your loved ones at The Balmoral’s glittering Hogmanay Gala Ball. Opening to the sound of bagpipes, you’ll enjoy a Champagne and canapé reception, followed by a sumptuous 4-course dinner and live music for a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne at midnight.*
NEW YEAR’S ROMANCE
Frankfurt
Celebrate the start of a new year with a romantic retreat to the luxury of Villa Kennedy, where you can welcome 2019 with that special someone. Spend the afternoon taking a leisurely walk along the Main River, before unwinding together with a couples massage at the hotel’s spa. Your garden view suite is the perfect place to enjoy some quality time together, ensconced in secluded luxury. Order Champagne and strawberries on room service to see in the new year, just the two of you.
PARTY WITH FRIENDS
Berlin
A stylish, vibrant hotel in the heart of cosmopolitan Berlin, Hotel de Rome is an unforgettable destination in which to kick off the new year with a bang. With striking views over the Bebelplatz, the glamorous Terrace Suite is the perfect place to watch the fireworks with your closest friends and let the Champagne corks fly. To keep the party going, head to A-list favourite, The Grand nightclub, situated nearby, and dance your way into 2019 with your nearest and dearest.
* Tickets to The Balmoral’s Hogmanay Gala Ball are available for children of 12 years and over.
Agrigento’s roots run as deep as the gnarled olive trees that dot its landscape, stretching back over 2,500 years to its founding as Akragas, one of the greatest cities of the ancient Greek world. Set against a breathtaking coastline, this once thriving cultural and political hub was praised by the Greek poet Pindar as “the most beautiful city of mortals”. Today, this splendour is immortalised in the Valley of the Temples.
In 1925, a world still shell-shocked from the ravages of World War I found renewal in a burgeoning artistic movement: Art Deco. It reflected motion, progress, the future. Immediately embraced by famed Belgian architect Victor Horta, he laid the foundations for Art Deco in Brussels with his plans for the Centre of Fine Arts (Bozar). This marked the inception of a radically modern approach to architecture and art in the city. Now, as Brussels marks a century of Art Deco style, it’s the perfect time to explore this distinctly walkable city with your own budding artists.
Along Italy’s dazzling southern coastline, two Rocco Forte Hotel retreats prepare to welcome spring’s arrival. Each destination, from Puglia’s rolling hills to the sugary shores of Sciacca, exudes charm and space to unwind while offering personalised onsite activities and local experiences.
