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Shaking a leg in Hollywood
Party like a celebrity in the city of dreams, sunny beaches and Hollywood - Los Angeles. New Year's Eve in the city is famous for its bar crawls and buzzing parties with famous DJ's beating out hip-hop, techno and electronic dance tunes. A VIP pass gets one entry into the glitziest parties, with packages that cover unlimited alcohol and sumptuous food. And if one wants to class it up a bit, there's the black-and-white ball at the Viceroy Hotel, planned to perfection with a poolside patio, band performances, hors d'oeuvres and a midnight toast for the New Year cheer. And there's always a chance to spot your favourite celebrity dining at a table next to yours.
If you wish to usher in the year with a glass of champagne and fireworks in the sky, then go to the Universal CityWalk New Year party on the coast of Marina del Ray or Long Beach where you can enjoy a gala dinner offshore, live music and a spectacular display of pyrotechnics.
ACTOR SHAHID KAPOOR WILL BE PARTYING ON NEW YEAR'S EVE IN LOS ANGELES WITH HIS FRIENDS TO CELEBRATE THE SUCCESS OF HIS RECENT FILM, R... RAJKUMAR.
While the world is busy partying it up, there's a quiet little archipelago in the Indian Ocean with a peaceful aura. New Year's Eve at Maldives is the ideal getaway from the din of cities and the usual line-up of nightlong parties. With over 1,000 islands, a majority of them uninhabited, you can look forward to a New year's Eve that brings you closer to yourself. Lounge at a beach, sip on some tender coconut water and feast on some local delicacies - either way, there's plenty of peace and relaxation to be had. The archipelago is dotted with luxury hotels like the Taj and Four Seasons which offer exclusive experiences. You can have a pretty sporty runup to the celebrations with a session of scuba diving and snorkelling in the crystal clear waters. Most of the hotel properties come with private beaches that extend into small coral reefs, thus becoming a snorkeller's paradise. The picture-perfect private island of Faafu Atoll, a 35-minute sea-pane ride away, will host some great parties on New Year's Eve.
DEEPIKA PADUKONE IS IN MALDIVES WITH HER FAMILY. SHE HAS HAD A HECTIC YEAR WITH SHOOTS AND FILM PROMOTIONS, AND WANTS SOME QUIET TIME TO UNWIND.
Say beaches, parties and sunny paradise, and most Indians will point you in the direction of Goa. Be prepared to run into every possible frenemy and acquaintance as revellers from across the country would have biked/driven/flown to be part of the never-ending party on the beach.
With options to suit every taste and budget, the city-state wears the crown of the holiday capital of the country with elan. New Year's Eve in Goa has an array of beach parties, with all large and small beach shacks participating to create a sense of community. Most luxury hotels too, like the Lalit and Vivanta by Taj, host gala dinners and dances. And when the countdown to midnight begins, it's hard not to be taken in by the celebratory aura that the entire city wears. Be sure to be at the venue of your choice at least by 9 pm, or be prepared to ring in the New Year at a midnight jam on the clogged roads of Goa.
" WHEN YOU HAVE KIDS YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW THEM IN THEIR EVERY WHIM. BOTH MY SONS WANTED TO BE WITH THEIR FRIENDS IN GOA AROUND CHRISTMAS, SO WE HAD TO FOLLOW THEM THERE. I MIGHT BE IN DELHI FOR NEW YEAR'S AS A VERY CLOSE FRIEND MIGHT COME OVER...HAVEN'T DECIDED YET"
Rina Dhaka, Fashion designer
Audrey Hepburn once said, "Paris is always a good idea" - and there's every reason to usher in the New Year in the arms of this magical, historical city. And there's lots more in store aside from the nearly 70 monuments and museums that the city houses. Make a reservation at Ciel de Paris, the gourmet restaurant at the Montparnasse Tower and be swept off your feet. Located on the 56th floor, the restaurant offers unmatched views of Paris, with fireworks on the horizon when the clock strikes 12. For a more glitzy affair, head to the ever famous Moulin Rouge in central Paris, with a 5-course gala dinner, dancing, fireworks and "Feerie", the 100-member Parisian caberet troupe - all of this with the finest of champagnes flowing freely. And for the historically-inclined, there's the Latin District tour, which includes a guided tour with commentary, a lavish dinner at La Bucherie on the banks of the Seine near Notre-Dame and an additional glass of the bubbly to toast to the New Year.
" YEAR-END CELEBRATIONS HOLD A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY LIFE. I WILL RING IN THE NEW YEAR IN PARIS ALONG WITH MY FAMILY. I HOPE 2014 BRINGS IN NEW HOPE AND CHEER TO EVERYONE'S LIFE."
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Founder-chairman, Biocon
Step into the world of pride and honour, of tradition and culture, and of a royal aura that has sustained itself through the ages. Rajasthan has been one of the favourite holiday destinations in India for years now, with a wealth of history to explore. Why not combine the rustic with the luxurious at the scores of 5-star hotels and havelis? On New Year's Eve, cities like Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaipur are buzzing with activity, special cultural performances and traditional dinners. While Jaipur Marriott will host a Fashion Arrest 2014 party, the Radisson Blu has transported the Full Moon party from the beaches of Bangkok to the pink city of Jaipur. Mount Abu will also host a Winter Carnival between December 29 and 31, with a grand display of fireworks at night.
" I AM MOSTLY PLAYING DURING THIS TIME OF THE YEAR AND THE GAME DECIDES WHERE WE USHER IN THE NEW YEAR. THIS YEAR I HAVE RANJI MATCHES BETWEEN DEC 30 AND JAN 2 IN THE VERY BEAUTIFUL RAJASTHAN. SO THE NEW YEAR WILL BE BROUGHT IN HERE ALONG WITH YUSUF AND MY BARODA TEAMMATES."
Irfan Pathan, Cricketer
Mention New Year and the one word on everyone's lips is Victoria Harbour. This year too, the resplendent waterfront is likely to become the hub of celebrations on December 31. The event promises to be the biggest and grandest in the history as an eight-minute long pyromusical display will light up the skies over the famous Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Just as the din of the party will die out, the renowned sound and light show, Symphony of Lights, will begin across buildings on either side of the harbour. Though the show is a daily feature, the magnificent scale on New Year's Eve is breathtaking. Also, you can make a wish on a star as beginning 11 pm, rooftops across the harbour will emit shooting stars at regular intervals! Make sure you grab a spot that gives you the best view. For those looking for a quiet evening, several local tour companies operate cruises from the Victoria Harbour. And if one wants to take new beginnings to a whole new level, the Crystal Cruise is ideal to embark on a holiday, just as the year ends.
ROCKY S WILL BE SPENDING NEW YEAR'S EVE IN HONG KONG TO EXPLORE ITS NIGHTLIFE AND PARTIES, AND OF COURSE, THE GRAND FIREWORKS AT VICTORIA HARBOUR
