With travellers now seeking unforgettable yet affordable experiences outside of the norm and with the assistance of Wego Holiday Rentals, Wego’s Travel Editors selected the five most unique locations and getaways to welcome in the New Year.
Marrakech, Morocco
Wake up to a view of the Atlas Mountains from your private, traditional Kasbah at Tigmin Zaraba just 20 minutes’ drive from the city centre amidst five acres of traditional fruit and olive groves. Local leaders once used the Kasbah as first defense if the city was under attack and both the films Gladiator and Lawrence of Arabia used the stunning surroundings as backdrops. December is cooler, dropping from a high of 19°C to a low of 6°C at night, perfect for a drop of wine by the log fire or head to the roof terrace for stunning starry skies. Spend New Year in tranquility or head into Djemaa el-Fna where Marrakech comes alive for a wild and exotic New Year’s Eve.
Wego facts: The villa sleeps up to six and prices start from $101 per night, minimum two people.
http://www.wego.com.au/holiday-rentals/properties/264085
Paris, France
Spend New Year in Picasso’s first atelier and be inspired as he was by the expansive views over the city of love, Notre Dame and the spectacle of the Eiffel Tower at New Year. The historic Atelier Pablo Picasso II loft is situated within walking distance of romantic bookstores, superb bakeries and quaint boutiques. There’s nothing quite like New Year in Paris where the Champs-Elysees comes alive with street parties and a French cabaret seems a very appropriate way to welcome the New Year.
Wego facts: Book three nights for $715 per night. The city of romance is for couples however the loft can accommodate another two people on its convertible couch.
http://www.wego.com.au/holiday-rentals/properties/334746
Edinburgh, Scotland
Grab your friends and experience New Year in an exquisite heritage country mansion in the stunning Scottish countryside at the luxurious Toftcombs House. Just forty minutes out of Edinburgh Toftcombs House sleeps up to 17 people, with several formal entertaining rooms, open fireplace dining rooms, a music room equipped with drum kit, piano, microphone and guitar, your own housekeeper, a marbled games room and formal lawns among ten exquisite acres of woodlands. Apart from the beauty we can’t help but imagine it the best place to hold a New Year’s Eve game of Cluedo on the planet. A Scottish experience wouldn’t be complete without a classic quaint village with pubs and cafes, which is just a ten minute walk away. Private whiskey tours can also be arranged.
Wego facts: Ten bedrooms, nine bathrooms, free Wi-Fi at $1,847 per night, not bad if you’re sharing with friends.
http://www.wego.com.au/holiday-rentals/properties/251890
Kyoto, Japan
One of the most exotic New Year’s Eve celebrations takes place in the Japanese city of Kyoto when roads are blocked to traffic and thousands of Japanese don traditional kimono and head to Shijo Dori marching towards Yasaka Shrine. This colourful procession reverently lights incense, make offerings, drink sake and snack on winter treats. Just before midnight the sea of people make their way to Chion In Temple to witness temple monks strike the massive bell 101 times at the stroke of midnight. Complete your cultural experience and stay in a traditional Kyoto Machiya townhouse five minutes from Yasaka Shrine, owned and operated by a local artist.
Wego facts: Sleeps four people, stay three nights for $267
http://www.wego.com.au/holiday-rentals/properties/282231
Byron Bay, Australia
Feel the rays of the first day of the New Year where the sun first rises at Australia’s most easterly point in Byron Bay. Grab up to nine of your friends and family and stay at the Byron Bay Beachfront Cabins, a unique eco-friendly cluster of four cabins with kitchen, lounge area, Balinese open bath houses and outdoor hot spa directly on the sand dunes. Greet the New Year to the accompanying sounds of pounding ocean waves and a clear sparkling starry sky.
Wego facts: Seven beds, sleeps 10 maximum just 10 minutes from Byron Bay township. Minimum stay of three nights at $749 per night.
