We know it’s September, but if you want to get away and celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with family and friends in a stunning villa/lodge/castle/chalet now’s the time to book. So here’s UltraVilla’s 31 top properties for your NYE getaway Part 1.
Formentera, Balearic Islands, Spain
Sleeps 8-12
You’re surrounded by 16,000 square meters of fig, olive and carob orchards in a home with 360˚ unobstructed views to die for and a stunning heated rooftop pool. Cold? What’s that? Plus there’s plenty of space for the kids to run around and long island walks to be had – without the usual Formentera crowds.
For more see Aqvaliving Villas
Cornwall, United Kingdom
Sleeps 12-16
You don’t find many truly special contemporary homes to let in Cornwall but of the ones you do Cornwall Escape wins hands down. Designed by Mary Reynolds for open plan living, there are multi-level gardens with space heaters to keep you warm when outside and an open fire coupled with a superb sound system inside – which means your New Year bash will go with a (seriously loud) bang.
For more see Blandings
Catalonia, Spain
Sleeps 20-30
What more could you want on a wintry new year’s eve than a luxury spa/sauna/pool to relax in. This 14th century Spanish Masia has all three and more – hydro massage jets, a salt electrolysis system and a fitness room. But if that’s too much water for you can challenge your gang to a ping pong or snooker tournament instead. Then pass out in one of the eight huge luxury en suite bedrooms.
For more see El Sol Villas
Waterford, Ireland
Sleeps 20-30
Nowhere gives you that homely Christmas/New Year festive feeling better than an ancient Irish castle. And Castle Waterford dating back to 1170 is the perfect one. Set in stunning gardens it makes some setting for a celebration – you’ll eat fresh produce from the grounds, enjoy fully staffed comfort and there’s even a home cinema for when you curl up with a Xmas movie and Irish coffee. One word: unforgettable.
For more see Elegant Ireland
Ithaca, Greece
Sleeps 8-12
Who says Greece in winter is a no-go. Not us. Stay in the high end luxury Ithaca AA villa, among 200 acres of landscaped gardens, the azure Ionian sea all around and you’ll see why. Tranquil, magical and perfect for intimate gatherings it will change your perspective of holidaying in December/January in the Med. And if the thought of hanging out inside all week gets tired you can take the party to the private motor yacht instead.
For more see Five Star Greece
Thailand
Sleeps 30+
For a truly exotic New Year party take your friend to Yao Noi Island. Not far from Phuket, this stunning Thai beachfront estate will impress every single guest with every modern comfort and its design inspired by northern Thailand’s ancient temples. Wake up on New Year’s Day and start 2015 with a swim in the 30metre pool or be even more ambitious and head out for some cave kayaking instead. It’s time to party.
For more see Global Nomad
Ávila, Spain
Sleeps 16-20
One of the most picturesque NYE holiday options you can imagine, El Pinar just outside the walled town of Ávila was once home to the Marquis of Valdueza and taking your family gathering here won’t fail to impress every guest. Prepare for a traditional Spanish treat.
For more see Greatness
Paris, France
Sleeps 8-12
Paris is always a good New Year’s Eve option – the city buzzes with atmosphere and the monuments and streets are lit up beautifully. What you need then is a luxury place to stay perfect for a house party and this modern loft space is just that. It’s got a superb double height entertaining space, a home cinema projection screen and Dolby surround sound so you show a Jean-Luc Godard flick to a musical sountrack while toasting your friends and 2015 with the finest Dom Perignon. Don’t forget to dress up!
For more see Haven in Paris
Maui, Hawaii, USA
Sleeps 16-20
December in Maui is the time to go, the weather is perfect and the sun, sea and sand as stunning as you can imagine. Take your gathering to the impressively laid out Golden Sands and spend your days snorkeling and parasailing on Ka’anapali Beach before celebrating as the sun goes down.
For more see Hawaii Hideaways
Chianti, Italy
Sleeps 16-20
Located in the famed Conca d’Oro of Tuscany’s Chianti, minutes from Panzano, Ca Di Pesa is truly a home to for a large get together where chef Anna will fill your bellies with the perfect pizza and more made using the traditional wood burning oven. And of course you are in Chianti so the wine will be to die for.
For more see Homebase Abroad
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Sleeps 8-12
Spending New Year in what was once the vacation home of Sir Paul McCartney in stunning Montego Bay never gets tired. Sitting on the highest point of Round Hill perfect for sunrises and sunsets, Janus has it all – including a baby grand piano for when you want to sing along to Auld Lang Syne on the stroke of midnight.
For more see Jamaica Villas
Cluny, France
Sleeps 12-16
Where better for a seasonal countryside gathering than this storybook chateau in Cluny with beautiful views in all directions, surrounded by forests, fields and fairytale farmhouses. The chateau has nine exquisitely decorated rooms and there’s a beautiful separate pavilion with a billiard room and a heated swimming pool. Christmas in the country has never looked so good.
For more see Just France
London, United Kingdom
Sleeps up to 8
London in the festive season is filled with incredible entertainment options – from the best theatre in the world to the best restaurants in the world to the best musical venues in the world. But where to stay? This stately four-bedroom house in Kensington with a soaring entryway leading to an opulent living room and stunning luxury bedrooms is where. A true home away from home.
For more see London Perfect
Winchester, United Kingdom
Sleeps 16-20
You can probably sleep everyone you know here and pretend you’re in Downton Abbey too – in fact Highclere (where Downton is filmed) is close enough to visit. But more importantly, this lavishly restored manor filled with art and antique furniture is a dream venue for a New Year break, you simply won’t want to leave. Well, except to visit the picturesque village pubs nearby for an ale or two.
For more see Loyd & Townsend Rose
Bali, Indonesia
Sleeps 8-12
Bali, New Year in a hotel that’s just for you. Smack bang in fashionable Seminyak, this five-bedroomed property is the ultimate winter sun destination right next to the beach. The party will go on and on and you won’t have to lift a finger as the 24-hour staff will take of everything. Cocktail please!
For more see Luna 2
Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Sleeps 12-16
New Year in New Zealand – need we say more? Enjoy long lazy lunches and call in January 1st first with the most incredible stars above your head at Villa Oneroa, a contemporary calm property above miles and miles of uninterrupted beach. Let the festivities begin.
For more see Majordomo Villas