Much like any travel experience, we think New Year’s Eve is what you make of it. Sure, you could cozy up at home with a bottle of wine – or, you could reclaim the holiday with a truly memorable night on the town! 

Need some inspiration? We rounded up some of our favorite NYE happenings to get you started, like fabulous beachside soirées, mouthwatering feasts, and family-friendly festivals across the U.S. 

Amidst your party planning for December 31, perhaps a more important consideration is, where do you want to wake up on January 1? What are you looking forward to in this New Year? More time with family? Holistic health? Getting lost in nature? Adventurous travels to unknown places? Whatever you dare to dream in 2022, Independent Collection Hotels & Resorts can help bring those ambitions to life. 

Send off 2021 in spectacular style and welcome the New Year with open arms at these exciting destinations.

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Slow Down

Where some resolutions are stuffed with to-do’s, others have but one mission: to slow down, relax, and savor the little things in life. For those in pursuit of simpler pleasures, consider a New Years’ vacation to the Florida Keys. 

Surrounded by turquoise water and serene natural landscapes, the Keys embrace island life to the fullest. Here the days are deliciously slow and decidedly carefree, the perfect setting to unwind and do nothing at all. (Of course, there are tons of outdoor activities and local happenings to keep you entertained, too!) 

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At Islander Resort and Bayside Villas by Islander Resort in Islamorada, spend your final days of 2021 snorkeling coral reefs, kayaking mangroves, or reeling in trophy fish with local captains in the Gulf of Mexico. The waterfront resort’s 24-acre property is your playground for family fun, too. Join a jewelry crafting session, spark some friendly competition on the volleyball court, stroll the butterfly garden, or play bingo by the pool with a tropical drink in hand. 

Further south in the Florida Keys, you’ll find even more serenity (and a healthy dose of hedonism) in Key West, a beautiful island city at the very tip of the continental U.S. Equal parts tranquil and cheeky, Key West is where locals go to get away and international travelers flock for historic charm, mesmerizing sunsets, and fun-filled nights on the town. 

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Make the most of your Key West experience at Parrot Key Hotel & Villas, an award-winning resort with luxurious waterfront villas, lush gardens, four (!) pools, tons of on-site water sports, and much, much more. For the ultimate New Year’s celebration, book Parrot Key’s “Toast to ‘22” package for special pricing on a villa or suite complete with a welcome bottle of champagne, a $100 credit for delicious dining at The Grove  – the resort’s al fresco restaurant – and all of those classic NYE party favors.

Count down the clock with old friends and new at The Grove, keep things intimate with a private party in your villa, or head to one of Key West’s historic streets for a different kind of ball drop. On Duval Street, watch the conch shell drop from Sloppy Joe’s (a locals’ favorite bar) or cheer along as Sushi, the island’s most famous drag queen, descends into the crowds from a ruby red high-heeled shoe. 

Read more about the iconic Islander Resort in our latest blog post, and book your stay with these special offers. Discover more about our award-winning Parrot Key Hotel & Villas and book your experience on our website. 

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On the West Coast, slow down in a different setting at Monterey, California. Flanked by deep blue water and dense, green forests, Monterey has enchanted travelers with its rugged coastal beauty for centuries. Yet contrary to its grandeur, the city of Monterey is actually quite small. And during the wintertime, when swarms of summer travelers have subsided, Monterey’s small-town charm is yours to explore.

If locally-grown wines, beachside bonfires, and oceanfront hikes sound like your ideal getaway, plan a stay at The Sanctuary Beach Resort. A rare Monterey Bay hotel located on the beach, the Sanctuary truly lives up to its namesake with cozy oceanfront cottages, a holistic spa, and quiet seclusion. Best of all, the resort is within reach of Monterey’s famous wineries, charming neighborhoods, and nature hikes. 

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Elevate your New Year’s escape with a prix fixe feast at Salt Wood Kitchen and Oysterette, the Sanctuary’s on-site restaurant. Here, locally-sourced ingredients are masterfully prepared by local chefs in a live-fire kitchen. On New Year’s Eve, settle in for a six-course culinary adventure of jumbo scallops with shaved truffle and foraged mushrooms, “surf and turf” with roasted vegetables, and much more. Add some live music and celebratory bubbly, and you have a fabulous start to 2022.

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Further south along California’s coast, Santa Barbara is equally sublime and nature-filled. Think dramatic mountains, yellow sand beaches and deep blue waves, all surrounded by Spanish-inspired architecture and towering palm trees. For quintessential California vibes, check in to the lovely Hotel Milo. This family- and pet-friendly hotel is just steps from the beach and a bike ride away from Santa Barbara’s world-class vineyards, local boutiques, and acclaimed restaurants. 

On New Year’s Eve, why not join the Santa Barbara Symphony for an evening of sing-along classics by American composer George Gershwin? If you’re traveling with little ones, head to the MOXI for a festive party and NYE countdown to 12 (PM, that is!) or visit Santa Barbara’s famous zoo for up-close encounters with endangered species from all over the world. 

Find out more about The Sanctuary Beach Resort, and explore Salt Wood’s holiday dining here. Visit our website to discover Hotel Milo in Santa Barbara.

Say Yes

Perhaps your New Year’s resolution is to live life to its fullest. Saying yes to opportunities that come your way and making the most of 2022. What better place to do just that than America’s most dynamic metropolises?

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Take for example Miami Beach, a glittering epicenter of Art Deco architecture, culinary creativity, non-stop nightlife, and beautiful beaches. Experience everything the city has to offer with a stay at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club, an award-winning oceanfront resort inspired by European Riviera glamour. 

On New Year’s Eve, join the Cadillac Hotel for a fabulous fête with specially-priced bottles of Moët & Chandon and an over-the-top, buffet-style feast. At the raw and crudo bar, choose from juicy lobster tails, salmon tartare, and fresh oysters. Pile your plate with even more treats from the pasta, salad, pizza, and charcuterie stations, and leave room for delicious entrees like Barolo-braised short ribs, New Zealand lamb chops, and New England sea scallops. When the clock winds down, don your best pastel blazer and head to the Cadillac’s ‘80s-inspired New Year’s Eve party before walking to the shoreline for fireworks under the stars. 

After an all-night celebration, recover by the pool in true Miami style – with a relaxing spa treatment in your private poolside cabana. When you’re finally rejuvenated and ready to explore, the city is ready to welcome you with seemingly endless things to do: outdoor concerts, food and wine festivals, architecture tours, light shows in botanical gardens, and so much more.

Book your oceanfront stay at Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club and explore the holiday menus here. View special offers for our other Miami Beach hotels – Blue Moon Hotel and Winter Haven Hotel.

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One of America’s oldest cities, Boston is rich with history, cultural happenings, iconic local restaurants, public gardens, and tons of outdoor activities – the perfect destination to kick off your “yes”-filled year. 

But first, a celebration is in order. Where will you be when the clock strikes 12? If champagne toasts and opulent crowds pique your interest, head to one of Boston’s famous nightclubs for a late-night-turned-early-morning bash. Find a spot along the Boston Harbor for an incredible fireworks show (check out the North End, Downtown Waterfront, and Castle Island areas for the best views), or round up the family for First Night Boston, an alcohol-free, kid-friendly celebration with ice sculptures, live music, arts and crafts, and a festive parade. 

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At Independent Collection, we think your hotel should be just as thrilling as your New Year. Foodies should plan to stay at The Envoy, a design-forward hotel with fantastic on-site restaurants and lounges headed by award-winning chefs. Rent a festive igloo at Lookout Rooftop and enjoy gorgeous skyline views, craft cocktails and seasonal dishes, or gather with your closest friends for a family-style meal at Para Maria, a new Latin-inspired restaurant by acclaimed local chef Tatiana Rosana. Across town, The Whitney offers a luxury boutique-style stay in Boston’s historic Beacon Hill neighborhood. Book in advance and you’ll receive up to 25% off your room or suite, plus The Whitney’s coveted “neighborhood passkey,” a curated guidebook offering exclusive perks and savings at some of Boston’s best boutiques, bars, spas, antique shops, and beyond.

Explore Independent Collection’s Boston hotels and book directly for our best New Year offers.

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Of course, “the city that never sleeps” implies an epic start to the New Year, don’t you think? For those who plan to grab 2022 by the horns, the ever-wondrous New York City awaits.

From quintessential holiday experiences to world-class cultural institutions, to underground raves and drag queen brunches, New York City offers something fun and unique for every kind of traveler. Say yes to it all and stay in the heart of the action at Hotel 48LEX, a luxurious Four-Diamond hotel in Midtown Manhattan. Take advantage of Hotel 48LEX’s curated winter guide (and check out Independent Collection’s blog for inspiration, too!) for the ultimate NYC experience.

Book your NYC escape to Hotel 48LEX, and check out Independent Collection’s blog for our top picks of NYC dining, shopping, and more.

Live Well

Inspired by the promise of a New Year, many will reaffirm their dedication to living well. If elevating your mental, physical and spiritual health is a top resolution, consider starting your wellness journey in Seattle, Washington. 

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Seattle is abundant with outdoor activities in the most beautiful landscapes. Picture skiing and snowboarding across snow-capped mountains, hikes and bike trails through mystical forests, and wide-open lakes ripe for kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing. Besides the physical benefits of exercise, like weight management and reduced risk of disease, getting outdoors is proven to improve your brain health by lowering one’s risk of depression and anxiety, and helping to achieve a better night’s sleep. 

While some head outdoors to work up a sweat, others may seek a helping hand – literally. Look no further than The Rittenhouse Spa & Club, a state-of-the-art wellness facility at The Rittenhouse, a luxurious Forbes Four-Star property in Philadelphia. 

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With a range of science-based treatments and an insanely impressive amenity list, The Rittenhouse Spa & Club promises a holistic approach to wellness. Improve the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation with the spa’s signature “Hydrafacial, MD®”, relieve tension and stress with a “Back and Should Rescue” massage, or book the “Cashmere Quench” and treat your hardworking body to a head-to-toe exfoliation. Between your rejuvenating spa(aaahhh) treatments, make use of the Rittenhouse’s excellent facilities. There’s a sauna and steam room, a barre and yoga studio, a fitness center with top-notch equipment, and a hair and nail salon, too! At the end of your spa day, kick back by the indoor saltwater pool and enjoy a nourishing lunch with a glass of rosé, or two. (Balance is key, after all.)

We’ll be there to join you with a glass and a toast to the New Year ahead. Here’s to 2022, and all of what you make of it! 

Discover our unique collection of hotels and resorts in Seattle and Philadelphia.