The crowds are gone! Top 6 global dawn-watching accommodations where you can enjoy breathtaking views without leaving your room

Ring in the New Year by checking off your dream travel list—head to the Maldives to soak up the sun and enjoy the beach. (Photo provided by KAYAK)

As 2017 draws to a close and we countdown to 2018 with just one month left, have you decided where to celebrate New Year’s Eve? Global travel search engines recommend six unique ways to chase the first light of dawn around the world, along with special hotels. Whether you’re heading to New Zealand to catch the world’s first sunrise, staying at the most romantic resort in the Maldives, enjoying a luxurious desert dawn safari in Africa, or experiencing fireworks and the first light of the New Year from Taipei’s best scenic hotels—all without leaving the country—you’re sure to be treated to stunning vistas.

% Team? Young? The first choice for adventure—relax and slow down at Queenstown, New Zealand’s top resort destination

Want to greet the world’s first light of dawn? Head to New Zealand. With summer in full swing, the climate is comfortable, offering a completely different New Year experience compared to the Northern Hemisphere. Queenstown, a renowned resort town, attracts many overseas visitors every year with its spectacular scenery. The New Year’s Eve party held at the city center’s wharf is an unmissable highlight, and the fireworks display after the countdown is the climax of the event. For those looking to sleep comfortably, the global travel search engine KAYAK recommends the highly rated Eichardt’s Private Hotel, which boasts a 9.4 rating. The rooms, with their large floor-to-ceiling windows, are set against mountains and lakes. Guests staying in the lake-view suites can even enjoy an unobstructed view of Lake Wakatipu, shaped like a lightning bolt. Even better, on the first day of 2018, you can wake up on your room balcony and watch the first light of the New Year rise majestically over the mountains—a truly worthwhile experience.

% Dressed up and ready to tick off your bucket list—head to the Maldives to enjoy sunshine and beaches

The Maldives is a dream destination for many, and what better time to plan a trip there than at the start of the New Year? Check this bucket list item off with a trip to paradise. The Globetrotter Resort & Spa Maldives has been rated as the most romantic resort in the country, with an impressive guest score of 9.5. The rooms not only retain a traditional South Seas style but also incorporate a luxurious atmosphere, delivering a lavish yet relaxing stay. The overwater “Water Villa” is the most recommended classic room type, where guests can embrace million-dollar sea views and enjoy a private and serene New Year’s Eve. Stroll along the beaches lined with coconut and palm trees to fully immerse yourself in the island vibe—this is sure to be a New Year trip that will make your friends envious.

Spend New Year’s Eve in a winter holiday paradise and enjoy Alpine views without leaving your room. (Photo provided by KAYAK)

% Travel to a snow-covered wonderland—enjoy Alpine views without leaving your room

Crans-Montana in Switzerland enjoys sunshine all year round and is a well-known holiday destination. Especially in winter, it becomes a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Visitors spending the New Year holiday here must not miss the chance to experience the thrill of speeding down the spacious ski slopes.

Crans-Montana offers a variety of accommodation styles, and the Hotel Le Crans Spa & Wellness is one of the top recommendations. Surrounded by mountains and forests, the hotel offers stunning views of the Alps and Mont Blanc. Guests can also enjoy a warm spa amidst the snowy landscape. On the first day of the New Year, you can look out from your cozy room and admire the breathtaking snowy scenery, as well as catch the first light of the New Year rising from the Alpine peaks. The hotel’s restaurant, which has earned a prestigious Michelin one-star rating, is an absolute must-visit for foodies.

Experience an unforgettable desert dawn and a luxurious New Year’s journey in Namibia, Africa. (Photo provided by KAYAK)

% Queue up for a luxurious New Year’s trip to Namibia, Africa

Tired of crowded celebrations? Looking for a unique New Year’s adventure? Head to Namibia in Africa to ring in the New Year. The Little Kulala Lodge is undoubtedly the highlight of this luxurious journey. This luxury villa in the desert has only 11 rooms, each offering sweeping views of the vast, endless desert. At night, you can lie on the balcony, stargaze, and enjoy the clear skies far from the noise and light pollution of the city—you might even spot a shooting star.

On the morning of the first day of the New Year, you can witness the breathtaking beauty of the desert at dawn—an absolutely unforgettable New Year experience. And when in Africa, don’t miss the chance to connect with nature. KAYAK recommends visiting the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Venture into the seemingly barren red desert, where you can find antelopes, ostriches, and even various creatures like desert beetles, lizards, and snakes. The ever-changing colors of the sand dunes under the shifting light are nothing short of magical.

From New Year’s Eve fireworks to the dawn of January 1st, stay at Taipei’s most scenic hotel to celebrate the New Year. (Photo provided by KAYAK)

% Dive into the festive vibes—stay at Taipei’s most scenic hotel

Want to party with friends and ring in the New Year? Consider staying at the Shangri-La’s Far Eastern Plaza Hotel Taipei. On New Year’s Eve, the hotel’s rooftop pool area transforms into a starry dance floor, where you can dance the night away to DJ-spun tunes, sip on fine drinks and delicious food, and count down to the New Year with friends—the atmosphere is sure to reach a fever pitch.

For those who prefer to avoid the crowds and quietly enjoy the romantic fireworks, opt for a 101 fireworks view room. From the comfort of your room, you can get an up-close view of the 101 fireworks display, and the bar with its 180-degree floor-to-ceiling windows is also a fantastic vantage point. On New Year’s morning, the first light of dawn streams through the large windows, gently waking you up. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast prepared by the hotel—this is the perfect New Year itinerary for the laid-back traveler.

% Explore Green Island—enjoy a peaceful and beautiful New Year’s morning

Come to Green Island for a tranquil New Year’s journey. The world-famous sea hot springs, “Chao Ri Hot Springs,” are an absolute must-do. Soaking in the hot springs on the first day of the New Year and watching the first light of dawn appear is an experience that will leave a lasting impression on all visitors. For those who want to enjoy breathtaking sea views from their room, the Green Island Good Hope Cape Sea View Homestay is a great choice.

It features the island’s only outdoor seaside hot spring pool. At night, you can sit on a lounge chair and gaze at the starry sky, while in the early morning, you can witness the sunrise rising over Niutou Mountain from the horizon. Lie in the hot spring pool on the balcony, feel the cool sea breeze and the sound of the waves, and welcome a peaceful and beautiful New Year’s Day—it’s pure bliss.

From boundless deserts to serene islands, dawn-watching accommodations cater to diverse preferences. Additionally, according to KAYAK, 7% of Taiwanese people tend to book flights just one week before their trip, but this often results in higher airfare costs. Booking at the last minute (within one week of departure) can cost 16% more than the average price.

High value-for-money and independent travel are becoming travel trends. The tourism industry is promoting “departing the day before New Year’s Eve,” bringing joy and prosperity with a Macau 3-day self-drive tour starting from just 9,999 NTD. (Photo provided by Canxing Travel)

In addition to the above options, as the Lunar New Year approaches after New Year’s Eve, Canxing Travel is launching the “Year of the Dog: Number One Prosperity” campaign. From now until December 31, purchase featured packages to enjoy up to 10,000 NTD off your Lunar New Year trip. The Austria-Czech Republic-Dubai 9-day package starts from 79,900 NTD, with the second person getting 10,000 NTD off. The ultra-value Gold Coast 7-day package starts from 59,900 NTD, with the second person getting 10,000 NTD off for early birds. Additionally, visit any Canxing Travel branch in Taiwan to experience VR panoramic environments and stand a chance to win 10,000 NTD in travel vouchers.