Best month to see northern lights

Vietnam’s festive staycation the grandest offers of the year (photo: freepik.com)

Park Hyatt Saigon’s festive staycation package

Nothing ordinary ever happens during Christmas and New Year. From now to December 31 (excluding the peak nights of December 24, 25, 31, and January 1), you can experience a special staycation from only VND7 million ($305) per night for two guests, including a VND4 million ($173) credit per night redeemable for all of hotel services, 30 per cent off for spa, a premium bottle of Prosecco upon arrival, daily breakfast for two, and much more.

On Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the hotel celebrates the season with promotions running round the clock and all-day festivities at all outlets. Among them, Le Petit Chef Festive Edition is priced at VND 4,000,000 per guest, excluding beverages. Its Magic At The Park – Holiday Edition organised in the Ballroom on December 13, 20 and 27, pricing from VND650,000 ($28) for 6-12 year olds, VND950,000 ($41) for people over 12, and VND1.2 million ($52) per guest for the premium two front rows. Furthermore, all you need for a cosy and wonderful Christmas season is just one call away. The Pastry Boutique introduces a wide range of artisanal Christmas cakes, sweets, and pastries.

Joyful stay at An Lam Retreats Saigon River

This year, An Lam Retreats Saigon River offers a great combination for Christmas and New Year’s Eve at a special rate from VND8 million ($347) per night for two, including a complimentary roundtrip pickup service, Christmas dinner, New Year’s Eve dinner, music performances, lucky draws, and fireworks by the river. The offer is applicable for a minimum of 2-night stays.

The city resort celebrates Christmas and New Year with special rates on December 24 from VND1.75 million ($76) for adults and VND1 million ($43) per child, including buffet by the river, complimentary round trip transfer, free flow of soft drinks, water, tea and coffee, music, and a special visit from Santa Claus.

Christmas Day lunch by the river is offered for VND710,000 ($30) per adult and VND350,000 ($15) per child, for which you can choose either Western or Vietnamese cuisine. Welcome the new year with a special dinner on December 31, starting at VND2.15 million ($90) per adult and VND1 million ($43) per child, with all the aforementioned perks included, plus a countdown party and stunning fireworks by the river.

Sense of Celebration at Banyan Tree and Angsana Lang Co

Banyan Tree and Angsana Lang Co welcome guests to reconnect with their family and friends and celebrate this favourite time of year with the Sense of Celebration package. When booking a king- or twin-bed Garden Balcony or Sea View Junior Pool Suite in Angsana Lang Co, or the Lagoon Pool Villa or Beach Pool Villa in Banyan Tree Lang Co, guests can enjoy a delightful Christmas and New Year dinner for two valued at $172 in total for a minimum of two nights stay.

The resorts’ Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner on costs from VND2.5 million ($109) per person and will pamper your taste buds with a choice of mouth-watering Western dishes, festive goodies, chocolate yule log, and panettone, along with Asian delights.

A Christmas Day Market at Angsana Central Lawn will be organised where you can enjoy a fun time with your family. Besides a full array of fun-filled games, activities, and snacks, you can shop for traditional products, gifts, regional crafts, as well as explore Vietnam’s lively streetfood delicacies. The market costs VND1 million ($43) per adult and VND500,000 ($22) for children ages 4 to 12.

Exclusivity at An Lam Retreats Ninh Van Bay

An Lam Retreats Ninh Van Bay invites you to a special celebration surrounded by the soothing sound of the ocean. Starting at VND7.5 million ($326) two adults for either Christmas or New Year’s Eve dinner, including breakfast, lunch, a pool party with live DJ, countdown party, and lucky draws, as well as complimentary selected minibar items, roundtrip pick-up service, and many more resort activities. The offer is applicable for a minimum stay of two nights.

Suiten’ Sweet at Sheraton Nha Trang

Sheraton Nha Trang offers a special Suite n’ Sweet promotion, starting from VND2.8 million ($122) a night only, including the benefits that come with a luxury suite with modern amenities and privileges for premium guests, plus a choice of the following benefits: early check-in at 10am or late check-out at 4pm, free welcome amenities in the room, daily breakfast, and club lounge access for two adults and two children under 12 years old, 50 per cent discount on the second room, as well as 20 per cent discount on food and beverages and spa services. Book now until December 31 and stay before January 31 and explore one of five suite types, rating from VND2.8 million ($122) to VND8.3 million ($360).

Fabulous Festivities at Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh

Spectacular festive activities await you at Mövenpick Resort Cam Ranh. Relax with your family and friends during the night in which all the magic happens. Indulge in a selection of seasonal favourites, like fresh seafood from Cam Ranh Bay. The resort offers Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner buffets from just VND780,000 ($34) and VND650,000 ($28) per person respectively. The special Christmas 4-course set menu at the Tropicana Beach Club starts from VND880,000 ($38) per and offers great flavours of fresh seafood from Cam Ranh Bay, including a soup, a starter, a choice for the main course, and mouth-watering dessert. In addition, the resort is planning a wonderful New Year’s Eve at Panorama with its executive chef Andrea and the dedicated culinary team preparing gorgeous festive favourites with 14 different types of dishes. The feast costs VND2.25 million ($98) per person.

Savouring with InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach

InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach will organise many culinary and entertainment events under the theme “Carnival.” These events include the gingerbread house-building contest hosted by Santa Claus, where children can also enjoy activities such as reading books with him, while the adults indulge in delightful afternoon teas. The resort’s restaurants Sora & Umi, LAVA, and INK 360 will offer the most memorable cuisine, including a 6-course menu with chosen wines, local specialities, cocktails, and much more. In addition, a carnival will be organised on New Year’s Eve, where tourists can enjoy the appearance of clown stilt walkers, street magicians, bubble wizards, and fire dance shows. Events will officially start on December 19 and last until early 2021.

Home away from home at Mövenpick Resort Waverly Phu Quoc

Mövenpick Resort Waverly Phu Quoc’s mission is to present its guests with opportunities to make moments they can treasure for years to come. Thus, the resort offers the perfect harmony between peaceful secluded space and enjoyable socialising with energetic and cosy activities such as the Chocolate Hour, Aqua Zumba, beach parties, and BBQ pool parties. Families can stay in one of 79 villas with delicate amenities, tailored to each of visitors and including butler service, private villa BBQ dinner, and sunset foot massage. The resort made its mark with the astonishing achievement of becoming the first international 5-star resort on Ong Lang beach earning the “Best Luxury Family Resort in Asia” at the 2020 World Luxury Hotel Awards.

Xmas A-la-mood at Pullman Phu Quoc Beach Resort

This festive season, get ready to revel in a tantalising feast of Pullman’s Xmas A-la-mood, featuring a comprehensive menu of premium dishes. The resort’s experience has been enhanced with an extension of traditional festive treats, ranging from roasted turkey with chestnut stuffing to a beloved honey mustard glazed ham. Other menu highlights include local and international favourites, and homemade dessert buffet. From December 24, the warmest and most magical Christmas on the island is happening at Pullman, and you should explore a playful Christmas meal and a gourmet 5-course menu at only VND1.5 million ($65) per person.

Festive Season at Meliá Hanoi

Meliá Hanoi welcomes all who are looking for splendid accommodation, first-class facilities, and warm service. Celebrate the arrival of this holiday season with Meliá Hanoi Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and a feast at El Restaurant full of delicious goodies on December 24-31. Christmas Eve Dinner on December 24; Christmas Day Lunch on December 25, and New Year’s Eve Dinner on December 31 are all priced from VND1.28 million ($55) per adult and VND680,000 ($29.50) per child from 4 to 10 years, including a choice of beer or soft drink. Groups from 10 persons are allowed an extra invite for free when booking at least five days in advance.

Great holidays at Pandanus resort

Immerse yourself in Pandanus’ lush tropical gardens adjacent to a white sandy beach. The resort’s holiday package includes a 1-night stay in a spacious Superior Standard room with full amenities, a wide selection of international cuisines, a relaxing luncheon, and a sumptuous barbecue dinner all in the Café Blue Lagoon Restaurant. Guests will be given room upgrades at no additional charge, when available. This promotion will be in effect until the end of February for the unbelievably low price of VND2.44 million ($106) per night for two. If you decide to stay on either December 26 or 31, there will be a small surcharge for your stay.

Christmas and New Year at JW Marriott Phu Quoc

With many elements such as fabulous feasts, royal parties, extraordinary service, and deals that are simply cannot be refused, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay shines as the destination for festive season of Christmas and New year. From VND8.5 million ($370), “Festive Delight by JW” prepare for you and your family unforgettable experiences with luxury accommodation, breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children ages 4-12, Christmas or New Year’s Eve dinner at Tempus Fugit Restaurant, airport transfer, and 20 per cent off on spa treatments.

The Christmas Eve “Christmas Feast for All” at Tempus Fugit restaurant is a luxurious buffet party with rates from VND2.5 million ($109) per person. If guests desire to experience their culinary journey in splendid and impressive atmosphere, then Madam Pearl’s Exclusive Party at the grand Pink Pearl mansion, is the choice to make.

Kick off Christmas at Grand Mercure Danang With the jingle bells ringing and sweet-voiced carols in the air, the best time of the year is coming to town! Streamers of tinsel and glass satin balls are hanging up on Christmas trees where the reunited family shares colourful gifts. Let us get into the holiday spirit with a fabulous staycation right here at Grand Mercure Danang. With its splendid Christmas tree set up for guests and their beloved families, the hotel lights up your holiday with awesome deals right at your fingertips. A delicious welcome drink and a hearty Christmas meal will wait for you, right before the party night to ring in New Year and welcome 2021. Grand Mercure’s Christmas & New Year Treats has got it all wrapped up for you to ensure you experience memories of a lifetime. The festive season starts with the Christmas Wonder Land Buffet Dinner at La Rive Gauche Restaurant on December 24 with the Carol Choir. Starting at just VND1 million ($43), you can enjoy a wonderful Christmas Eve experience at La River Gauche, with complimentary mulled wine, and unlimited servings of draught beer, soft drinks, and water. The hotel also offers an early-bird discount of 10 per cent for all bookings by December 15. Furthermore, the New Year Eve Buffet Dinner at La Rive Gauche Restaurant on December 31 invites you to live music at only VND1.1 million ($47) and features a wide range of gourmet dishes. The buffet also includes unlimited servings of draught beer, soft drinks, and water. Moreover, seafood lovers will enjoy the seafood live cooking station while the hotel’s New Year Cookies and Macaroon Tower will satisfy your dessert cravings. Early-bird discounts at 10 per cent are available for all bookings by December 20. Last but not least, you can enjoy New Year at Nirvana Bar with the Sunshine band, starting at VND400,000 ($17.50), including free-flow sparkling, red, and white wine; selected cocktails; draught beer; soft drinks; and water from 9pm to midnight. A special discount of 50 per cent applies for guests enjoying the New Year Eve Buffet. On the first day of the new year, the hotel’s all-you-can-eat Dim Sum Brunch, priced at only VND490,000 ($21) is offered at Golden Dragon. Aesthetically designed by talented chefs from the Sofitel Macau, the menu showcases over 50 dim sum treats, meticulously hand-crafted dumplings, shumai, fried spring rolls, steamed rice rolls, and much more. Year-End Party by the river at Mia Saigon With the festive season on its way, why not experience something new and riverside at Mia Saigon, and hold your year-end, festive event at the luxury boutique riverfront resort. Less than 15 minutes by speedboat from the city centre, Mia Saigon is an ideal place for any event with an intimate ambiance coupled with sweeping views of the Saigon river. The opulent indoor venue at L’ÂME and the open space of the yard and river deck, as well as the stunning rooftop view under the clear skies at Gin on 8, all ensure an unforgettable experience that will impress every guest. Event menus can be tailored for every occasion. Whether it is a cozy dinner for 10, evening canapés or a lavish year-end party for 300 persons, our year-end menus offer something to suit every taste and promise to leave you satisfied and ready for an evening’s joyful entertainment. With its stunning location, a year-end party at Mia Saigon creates an amazing ambiance with a glorious sunset on the river and beautiful view of the city. You can enjoy the open space, the fresh air, and the clear blue sky at crisp evenings thanks to the cool breeze from the river during these coolest months of the year. Moreover, mouth-watering event menus with daily fresh ingredients, local produce, and premium imported meats can be tailor-made upon request and are executed by our dedicated team who cares about every detail to perfect your feast. Last but not least, Mia’s exclusive accommodation packages will bring you resort-style comfort after an enjoyable party night. The hotel offers complimentary welcome canapés for a group from 30 guests; 10 per cent discount for event guests to enjoy the rooftop bar Gin on 8; complimentary pick-up service by speedboat from Bach Dang Wharf; and attractive pricing options starting from VND900,000 ($39) per person.

Christmas illuminations are seen above shoppers on Regent Street in the main high-street shopping area of London on December 15, 2020 ahead of fresh measures for the capital amid rising novel coronavirus infection rates. The British capital faces tougher Covid-19 measures within days, the UK government said on December 14, with a new coronavirus variant emerging as a possible cause for rapidly rising infection rates.(DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP)

Hopes for an end to the pandemic were boosted by positive assessments of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine, but a study warned that at least a fifth of the world’s population in poorer nations may not have access to vaccines until 2022.

With the virus resurgent in Europe, Germany closed non-essential shops and schools, swathes of England came under tighter curbs, and Denmark extended its restrictions.

“It’s very good that we’re closing the shops, it’s for our health. We can’t wait for things to fall apart,” said shopper Jurgen in Berlin, where people were rushing to finish their Christmas purchases before the shutdown.

Germany had coped relatively well with the first wave in the spring, but it has struggled to contain a resurgence in recent months and its health minister said it wanted the European Union to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine “before Christmas”.

Calls have been growing for the EU health regulator to speed up its vaccines decision process, with the bloc lagging behind a growing number of nations that have authorised the drug.

Britain has already started using it, but high infection numbers forced London on Wednesday to join large parts of central and northern England under tough, economically painful restrictions.

Pubs, bars, restaurants and other hospitality sites will close, apart from takeaways, as will theatres and other entertainment venues.

“The hospitality business needs this week, and it’s devastating. It is devastatingly awful,” said Lesley Lewis, owner of The French House, a London pub.

“But if this is what it takes to save lives, that’s what we have to do.”

The Netherlands, France and Turkey have also announced restrictions to be in force over the holiday season.

– Upbeat Moderna assessment –

Known worldwide infections are nearing 73 million, with more than 1.6 million deaths.

The United States remains the hardest-hit nation, setting a record for new daily infections on Tuesday with more than 248,000 cases.

The Washington National Cathedral rang its bells 300 times Tuesday in memory of the 300,000 people who have lost their lives to coronavirus in the United States.

The situation has become severe in California, where officials ordered thousands of extra body bags as Los Angeles was left with fewer than 100 available intensive care beds for a county of 10 million people.

The US has started using the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and the Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday issued an upbeat briefing about the Moderna candidate too, ahead of a meeting of experts on whether to grant it emergency approval.

The regulator also approved the country’s first rapid at-home coronavirus test for Covid-19, which is available over-the-counter and produces a result in around 20 minutes.

President-elect Joe Biden said Tuesday that he would be vaccinated in public.

– Poorer nations left behind? –

With wealthy nations reserving more than half of next year’s potential doses, there are fears the poorer parts of the world will be left behind.

Even if the drug makers all produce effective, safe vaccines and meet their maximum global manufacturing targets, a study published Wednesday by researchers from Johns Hopkins University warned that “at least a fifth of the world’s population would not have access” until 2022.

The World Health Organization has said it is in talks with Pfizer and Moderna about including their vaccines at affordable prices for poor countries.

The widespread deployment of vaccines is seen as crucial to reviving the global economy.

“I’ve been at home for the past eight months, there’s been no income coming in,” said Ashwin Pal, a dive operator in Fiji, where the lack of visitors has devastated the key tourism sector.

“Life’s been pretty tough.”