New Year’s Eve is approaching, and the Caribbean is a perfect place to celebrate the beginning of 2014. No matter where you’re flying from, it’s a great holiday for a short excursion to the West Indies, whether you want to watch Bunny Wailer live or watch some Bahamian junkanoo. We’ve put together a list of six great places hosting their own NYE parties and events.
Sunshine’s Nevis
All-you-can eat lobster, chicken, fish, roast pig and a bottle of champagne at one of the Caribbean’s most famous beach bars, along with complimentary drinks with dinner until 10 PM. Why not celebrate with some Killer Bees? ($100 per person.)
Bimini SuperFast
Live in South Florida? Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a nighttime cruise to Bimini. The Bimini SuperFast leaves PortMiami at 9PM and returns at 6AM on Jan. 1, and include a “Fire and Ice” party theme, a champagne toast and a fireworks show over Bimini. Reservations start at $149 per person for the cruise. A VIP package includes a three-course dinner and private disembarkation lounge for $199 per person.
Humidor Restaurant at Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant — Nassau, Bahamas
All-you-can-eat Brazilian churrasacaria, a live DJ, limbo, a fire dancer and then, naturally, take in the Junkanoo parade in downtown Nassau. Or stay and watch the fireworks by the pool. Starting at $95 plus service charge. (Graycliff is also offering a “New Year’s Eve Gala” at its signature restaurant featuring champagne, royal cavair, foie gras and more starting at $345).
Foxy’s Tamarind Bar — Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
At the famous Foxys Bar in Jost Van Dyke, it’s not New Year’s — it’s the extremely lively concert-cum-festival “Old Years Night.” There are several options, from a $20 per person Caribbean barbecue on the beach level to an “upper crust” event including a six-course seafood and meat dinner, an open bar with champagne and unlimited access to a concert by Bunny Wailer, starting at $400 per person.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Punta Cana
Celebrate with producer/songwriter Jack Novak at the all-inclusive Hard Rock’s Oro Nightclub on New Year’s Eve. Diamond admission starts at $71 per person.
Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman
It may be turning 2014, but you can party like it’s the 1920s at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman. Enjoy food from the chefs at the Ritz-Carlton, a live Caribbean band and DJ and the Ritz-Carlton’s own fireworks display at midnight. Tickets start at $375.