RECAP TET HOLIDAY 2026: A PEACEFUL AND RADIANT SPRING AT ANA MANDARA VILLAS DALAT
The Lunar New Year – Year of Horse 2026 may have ended, yet the lingering echoes of spring at Ana Mandara Villas Dalat Resort & Spa remain vivid – like the warmth of tea still resting on the veranda of a vintage villa, like laughter softly resonating through the highland pine forest.
It was not merely a festive season; it was a journey of connection, tranquility, and joy shared wholeheartedly with every cherished guest who chose Ana Mandara Villas Dalat as the place to begin their new year.
Feb 15 (2 days before Lunar New Year) – Warm Kitchen Fires and a Cozy Banh Chung Workshop
Spring officially arrived on the 28th December, 2 days before the Lunar New Year, as the sunlit garden of Le Petit Restaurant came alive with a traditional “Banh Chung” workshop.
Under the attentive guidance of our culinary team, each dong leaf was carefully wiped dry, layers of white sticky rice, green mung beans, and marinated pork were neatly arranged into perfect squares. Adults focused intently on wrapping the cakes, children eagerly tied the strings, and the entire space filled with laughter and the comforting aroma of fresh rice.
As the pots of banh chung were placed over glowing flames and gentle smoke drifted through the cool pine forest air, all distances seemed to dissolve. Tet began not with noise and extravagance, but with the warmth of fire and a deep sense of belonging.
Feb 16 (1 days before Lunar New Year) – Year-End Dinner “Taste of Home”
The 29th December was a time for reflection. As sunset cast its golden glow over the French colonial villas, the restaurant transformed into a warm and intimate setting for the year-end reunion dinner.
The “Taste of Home” menu featured familiar dishes from the traditional Vietnamese Tet feast, refined with elegance while preserving authentic flavors. Banh chung, pickled vegetables, fresh spring rolls, steamed chicken… Each dish served as a bridge connecting modern Tet memories with the festive meals once lovingly prepared by grandmothers and mothers.
Under soft candlelight and gentle spring melodies, families raised their glasses to bid farewell to the old year and express gratitude for the journey past. The atmosphere was not overly exuberant, yet it was rich with emotion – allowing everyone to truly feel that reunion is the most precious reward after a year of dedication and effort.
First Day of Tet – A Joyful Beginning, A Prosperous Start
On the morning of the first day of Tet, the rhythmic beats of lion drums echoed through the pine-covered hills, awakening a vibrant new year. The lion dance carried wishes of prosperity and good fortune, as red lucky envelopes were exchanged amid cheerful smiles.
One of the most anticipated highlights was “Golden Egg of Prosperity – A Smooth and Fortunate New Spring” – a symbolic experience representing renewal and auspicious beginnings. Each golden egg, collected from happy hens raised at the organic farm Le Jardin, brought delightful surprises to children and rekindled a sense of childhood wonder in adults.
After the lively celebrations, guests gathered for the meaningful first calligraphy ritual of the year. Small wooden ornaments shaped like apricot blossoms, peach flowers, hearts, and five-pointed stars carried handwritten wishes, hopes, and faith in a bright and promising 2026 – a year destined for success.
Second Day of Tet – Slowing Down with Tea and Blossoms
Following the vibrant rhythm of the first day, the second day of Tet invited guests to embrace Dalat’s signature tranquility.
In the cool highland air, guests leisurely enjoyed French-style afternoon tea while admiring the final apricot cherry blossoms of the season, their soft pink petals drifting gently in the spring breeze across lush green hillsides. There was no need for a packed itinerary; a simple morning stroll along winding stone paths, breathing in the crisp pine-scented air, was enough to feel completely renewed.
Many guests shared that it was the gentle pace of the second day that made their holiday truly memorable – because they had real time for one another, for long conversations, and for warm embraces.
It was a peaceful second day of Tet, perfectly reflecting the spirit Ana Mandara Villas Dalat sought to share throughout the season.
Third Day of Tet – A BBQ Night of Vibrant Celebration
As planned, after days of softness and reflection, the third day of Tet unfolded into a long-awaited celebration like fireworks lighting up the sky.
As the sunset painted the horizon in radiant shades of red and gold, the garden shimmered under warm lights, and the aroma of charcoal grilling blended with the cool highland breeze. The Grand Reunion BBQ Buffet, held in the garden of Le Petit Restaurant, created a space of connection through cuisine and openness – where every guest, whether familiar or newly met, could raise a glass, exchange warm handshakes, and share heartfelt New Year wishes.
The music was lively yet refined, energizing the evening while preserving the resort’s signature elegance. Laughter, clinking glasses, and spring blessings intertwined in the warm night air, creating a celebration that truly sparkled – a celebration of joy and togetherness.
The third evening closed with radiant smiles and promises to “meet again next spring.”
Tet of Reunion – When Serenity Is the Greatest Gift
Looking back at the journey and preparation for The Lunar New Year 2026, perhaps the greatest success of Ana Mandara Villas Dalat was the emotions left in guests’ hearts: inner peace, wholehearted joy with family, and spring memories filled with laughter.
Amid Dalat’s tranquil pine forest, this year’s spring was written through the glow of banh chung fires, the comforting flavors of “Home,” the vibrant lion drums, symbolic golden eggs of prosperity, and a jubilant BBQ night.
A Tet season has come to an end, yet the journey of beautiful memories continues. Ana Mandara Villas Dalat offers not just a holiday, but a spring that truly lingers in the heart of every cherished guest.