“What are you doing on New Year’s Eve?” Admit it, there’s too much pressure when that question is asked. Especially when it’s almost D-Day and you still haven’t a clue. While it’s perfectly all right to stay home and watch TV or go out for a quiet meal, there are those for whom ringing in the new year is all about loud music, partying and dancing the night away. For them, the options are plenty. But now, with everything being about trying out new adventures, there are quite a few who want a more exclusive experience. For them, we list the five most luxurious ways of celebrating the new year in Chennai.
Fit for a king
How about booking the most expensive room in the city? Sounds great, but here’s a word of advice: You may need to save up for it. For example, the presidential suite at The Leela Palace, one of the most expensive rooms in the city, is all yours for Rs. 2,50,000 for a night.
Yes, we don’t blame you if you thought it was the rate for a month.
And along with that hefty price tag come opulence and luxury. The room measures 4,842 sq. ft., and includes a master bedroom, a washroom with Jacuzzi, a second bedroom, a living room where you can entertain your guests with perhaps a bottle of Moet & Chandon from one of the three mini bars, before the party moves to the personal dining area for 10.
And if you feel too stuffed after the party, feel free to use your private gym or pop over to your personal spa to get rid of those wine cramps.
Silver chairs, mother of pearl coating, silk robes and the scent of exotic flowers add to the luxe experience.
Sail to a new beginning
San Francisco, Dubai, Maldives... they’re all big on yacht parties. Some yachts are big enough to have vintage-themed balls and masquerade dances. Sounds intriguing? There’s no reason why you shouldn’t try it out as well. Chennai’s blue sea has more than just catamarans and speed boats bobbing about.
Quite a few companies rent out yachts for get-togethers or a quiet rendezvous. Usher in your new year glamorously, lounging on one of these yachts in the Bay of Bengal, with the silver moon and crashing waves for company, and a bottle of bubbly. Abhishek Roy, who runs Blue Mile, says he’s already received bookings for New Year’s Eve and the first of January. Shortly, he plans to start renting out his yacht for overnight stays as well. Prices vary and usually begin at about Rs. 10,000.
Pamper your senses
The perfect way to welcome the new year is by treating yourself to a relaxing day at the spa. And while you’re at it, might as well make it a royal experience. Why not try the Royal Bliss Package (priced at Rs. 10,000 plus taxes) at Kaya Kalp at ITC Grand Chola then? One of the most expensive spa treatments in town, the 150-minute session promises to leave you feeling rejuvenated. With an ayurvedic exfoliation, a Kaya Kalp massage and a deep cleaning facial, this spa treatment is for hotel guests and members only.
The guest is welcomed with a special drink made with ginger, lemon and basil leaf, before the signature treatment begins with a luxury foot ritual with rose petals, a sea salt scrub and an ayurvedic red sandal scrub to squeeze out dead skin. This is followed by the Kaya Kalp massage and a deep cleaning facial. And by the time you’re done being pampered, there’s some refreshment and herbal tea to look forward to.
Now that’s a day well spent.
Royal repast
Why must your celebrations end with New Year’s Eve? Let the party continue on January 1 as well, as you take your loved one for a romantic dinner overlooking the Bay of Bengal at Vivanta by Taj – Fisherman’s Cove. Called Watch Tower Dining, the meal can be arranged only upon prior reservation. According to the hotel, the Watch Tower redefines intimacy with a captivating experience on the white sands. The experience begins the moment the guest arrives at the hotel, and is met by a charming cart to be driven to the venue. A personal butler receives you with a welcome drink and shell garlands, before helping you get comfortable in the machan overlooking the bay. What follows is an exclusive four-course meal, customised for you by the chef. It’s the perfect way to get away from the maddening crowds and revel in your very own private nook. The Watch Tower dinner is priced at Rs. 30,000 plus taxes, excluding beverages.
Arrive in style
If you’ve got luxury on your mind this New Year’s, how can your ride be any less? But that certainly doesn’t mean you have to burn a hole in your pocket trying to buy a fancy set of wheels. With luxury car rental services like Luxury8 and Eco Rent A Car, your options are pretty varied. According to P.N. Ranbir, manager sales at Luxury8, one of the most expensive cars in their stable is the Jaguar XJL. “It’s the top-end model and is priced at Rs. 1 crore 80 lakh.” But you can zip around town on this set of wheels for about Rs. 25,000 for eight hours or 80 kilometres, and with a chauffeur to boot. The car has already been booked for New Year’s, according to Ranbir. And if you’re looking to rent it for outstation travel, Ranbir says it can be arranged at a price of Rs. 250 per km.
