It is apt that during this season of giving, readers of The Straits Times (ST) could win a luxury getaway to an East African island as part of a final round of giveaways to mark the newspaper's 170th anniversary.
The flagship daily wraps up its year-long series, ST Treats, this month with prizes that include an island holiday to Zanzibar off the coast of Tanzania, as well as hotel stays and Christmas feasts.
The online contest starts today and runs until Dec 8. Readers just need to answer a simple question about the prize they want.
The top prize is a five-night villa stay for two at The Residence, a coastal resort in Zanzibar owned by a Singaporean.
ST Life travel writer Lee Siew Hua, who curated the trip specially for the contest, described Zanzibar as "an unexplored gem for Singapore travellers who love luxury and local experiences on a far frontier".
Ms Lee, who was in Zanzibar earlier last month, said: "It's like a fusion island with deep Arabic and African influences. The ocean is many shades of sublime blue."
She added: "I had lunch on an isolated sandbar where a private chef sailed in to prepare grilled lobsters and luscious salads."
Also up for grabs are staycations at Sentosa's Capella Singapore and Marina Bay hotel Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore. The latter stay includes a dinner for two at the newly-opened Cantonese fine-dining restaurant Summer Pavilion.
In keeping with the festive season, readers could also win a Christmas lunch at European brasserie Ash & Elm, or a buffet dinner at Japanese restaurant Triple Three.
Five winners and their guests will also get to learn how to make the Singapore Sling cocktail at a masterclass for 10 at the Raffles Hotel Long Bar, where the classic drink was created in colonial years.
ST Editor Warren Fernandez said: "What a year it has been for all of us in Singapore, and for us in The Straits Times. We want to share the joy with our readers, especially during this festive season, and hence these special treats for them."
More than 150,000 entries have been received for ST Treats since the contest started in February, with nearly 300 winners bagging goodies such as tickets to Taylor Swift's London concert, living room makeovers, and vacations to the Maldives and Perth.
For details on how to win the giveaways and to take part, readers can visit 1845.straitstimes.com.
