Spoiled for Choice – New Year Celebrations in Barbados

If you are looking for the ultimate New Year’s Eve experience, then head to Barbados this year. You’ll be spoiled for choice with all the celebrations taking place. Though the one thing you’ll certainly need to get your head around is that, over here, we call it Old Year’s Night. And what a night it is, with traditional festive celebrations, spectacular themed dinners and fun-filled beach parties. Here is just a selection of the many things you can enjoy.

The Final Sunset

Watching the fabulous sunsets disappear over the horizon on the beautiful west coast is something to be cherished any day of the year. However, it’s always been part of our traditions to head to the beach to say a fond farewell to the last sunset of the year.

Today, this is best done by finding a local beach bar, getting yourself a delicious, Barbadian rum cocktail and raising a toast to the year as its last golden rays light up your glass and cast the first fireworks of the evening, dancing over the waters.
As darkness descends, it’s time to head out for a night full of Barbadian fun and splendour.

New Years at The Tides Restaurant

With its beachfront location, impeccable service and exquisite menus, The Tides Restaurant, in Holetown, is one of the premier restaurants on the island and a perfect place to treat yourself to a night to remember. With a specially selected, seven-course menu, a midnight balloon drop and firework display, all followed by a DJ led party ‘til 2.00 am, you’ll be seeing the old year out in style.

The Gala at The Cliff

Perhaps the most famous of the island’s restaurants and a magnet for A-Listers, The Cliff does everything with a touch of panache. This year, it’s putting on a specially themed ‘Space Cowboy Gala Buffet’ to celebrate Old Year’s Night and as you would expect, the food and entertainment will be lavish. Guests will be treated to fireworks and party favours, together with select champagne, fine wines and food to die for.

Firework Spectacular

Extravagant New Year firework displays are held in capital cities all over the world and Bridgetown is no exception. The island’s biggest and most spectacular firework display is held at the Hilton Hotel in Bridgetown and the venue puts on a large party which goes on until three in the morning with live music and DJs blasting out the hottest dance tunes.

An alternative that many people enjoy, is to hire a catamaran for the evening and anchor offshore. Here you can host your own party and still get to see the magnificent fireworks away from the crowds. Indeed, with such a vantage point, you’ll be able to see many of the island’s firework displays all along the shore.

Divine Dinner

For a sumptuous New Year’s dinner in luxurious surroundings, there’s no better place than the Royal Westmoreland Beach Club at Mullins Beach. This private members club opens its doors to non-members for the rare opportunity to enjoy its Old Year’s Night festivities. Enjoy a welcome cocktail or a glass of Prosecco to toast the final sunset and then help yourself to the complimentary wines while you choose from the sublime a-la-cart dinner menu. Dinner is followed by a fun-filled party with music and dancing. Reservations are required.

East Coast Sunrise

Just as we say goodbye to the last sunset on the west coast of the island, many of us welcome in the dawn of a new year by heading over to the east coast to see the first sunrise. For those that have been partying hard, there will have been no going to bed in between. If you are planning on going, the sun rises at 6.21 am on the 1st January, so make sure you get there in time.

Because of the rugged ocean on the east coast of the island, it’s not the place to celebrate the new year by going for a refreshing dip, especially if you’ve been overindulging in the complimentary drinks on offer the night before. Instead, find a nice bar, grab yourself a coffee and a bite to eat and watch the sun rise above the rolling waves.

Afterwards, head back to the calmer seas of the west coast and find a shady spot on one of the many soft, sandy beaches. Alternatively, take yourself back to your villa or apartment, pull out a sun lounger by the pool and get some much needed, blissful rest.

Conclusion

Barbados is the ideal destination for the New Year. There are many fabulous Old Year’s Night events you can attend, with stunning food, great parties and spectacular midnight firework displays. While we have shown you our top places to go here, there are lots more to choose from all of which offer you the best of Barbadian hospitality.
If you are considering somewhere special for your New Year’s break, the magnificent villas and apartments here at The Royal Westmoreland provide the perfect, private retreat.