Every year, the Chinese zodiac unveils a celestial map of personality traits, guiding everything from relationships to career choices. But what if this ancient wisdom could also chart your next travel adventure? From adventurous Tigers to sociable Monkeys, there’s a perfect place waiting to match your energy. So, pack your bags, embrace your zodiac vibes, and prepare to embark on a trip that feels like it was written in the stars.
Snake
Characteristics: Snakes, with their wisdom and intuition, might prefer mysterious and intriguing destinations.
Recommended Destination: Istanbul, Türkiye
Where to Stay: Address Istanbul
Istanbul affords countless picturesque locations that capture the imagination and heart. The Bosphorus Strait is Istanbul’s most iconic backdrop, whereas Sultanahmet Square is surrounded by stunning landmarks, including the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. Nearby, the Topkapi Palace gardens overlooks the Golden Horn.
For the Snake, Address Istanbul provides respite amid the vibrant energy of Istanbul. Located within the Emaar Square Mall complex, the modern hotel houses stylish rooms and personalised service that appeals to the Snake’s love for tranquility and elegance. Through thoughtful design and a welcoming atmosphere, the Address Istanbul allows the Snake to recharge after exploring the city’s unique cultural tapestry.
Horse
Characteristics: Given their energetic and adventurous nature, horses might enjoy active and adventure-filled travel experiences.
Recommended Destination: Graubunden, Switzerland
Switzerland’s largest canton, Graubunden, offers both challenge and reward amid breathtaking alpine landscapes to the energetic and adventurous horse. Adored for renowned ski resorts like St. Moritz and Davos, Graubunden is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, fusing thrilling winter sports with tranquil summer hiking and biking trails.
The Horse’s thrill-seeking spirit will resonate with Graubunden’s enduring beauty and rich cultural heritage, from its unique dialects to local specialties like the Bündner Nusstorte (a traditional sweet, caramelised nut-filled pastry). Graubunden bridges Switzerland’s German, Italian, and Romansh-speaking regions, and visitors can experience this diversity by wandering through villages like Guarda and Poschiavo.
Sheep
Characteristics: Sheep, with their kind and compassionate nature, may prefer destinations known for their hospitality and warmth. They may enjoy cultural experiences, culinary tours, or visiting destinations known for their scenic beauty.
Recommended Destination: Tuscany, Italy
Where to Stay: Castelfalfi
Castelfalfi is a fitting retreat for the sweet spirit of the Sheep. This Italian region is brimming with tradition, where the bonds of family and community are deeply cherished, and every experience feels like a heartfelt, warm embrace. Nestled in a scenic 2,700-acre estate with vineyards, olive groves, and a medieval village, Castelfalfi provides a deeply rooted Tuscan experience.
Known for its balance of traditional beauty and modern luxury, the resort’s historic rooms, expansive wellness facilities, and immersive cultural activities – like olive oil tastings, truffle hunting, and wine tours – suit those who appreciate authenticity and dedication. For the Sheep, Tuscany is a hot spot of discovery and joy, presenting a variety of cultural experiences and breathtaking vistas.
Monkey
Characteristics: Monkeys, with their playful and inventive nature, may be drawn to festivals, events, or destinations known for their eclectic vibes.
Recommended Destination: Bray, United Kingdom
Where to Stay: Monkey Island Estate
A charming village on the banks of the River Thames, Bray is a destination that masterfully blends the unique with the eclectic. From exploring its historic St. Michael’s Church to spotting the eccentricities of Monkey Island, Bray invites curiosity at every turn. With that said, Monkey Island Estate is ideal for the playful and resourceful spirit of the Monkey.
Spanning seven acres on a private island, this storied estate has long attracted royalty, artists, and visionaries over its 800-year history. After a renovation, the estate now merges heritage and modern luxuries, creating a mecca for the curious and inventive. Bray, with its world-class dining and Michelin-starred restaurants, adds to the experience, enabling Monkeys to indulge their love for exploration and discovery.
Rooster
Characteristics: Roosters, known for their ambition and attention to detail, might prefer well-organised and structured travel experiences.
Recommended Destination: The Dolomites, Italy
Where to Stay: FORESTIS
The Dolomites, a spectacular mountain range in northern Italy, exemplifies the harmonious mash-up of ambition and meticulous attention to detail. Here, you will find FORESTIS, perched 1,800 metres high on the Plose mountain, a great retreat for those born under the detail-oriented influence of the Rooster.
This elegant hideaway allows guests to reconnect with nature among the beauty of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site and the nearby Puez-Geisler Nature Park, embracing sustainable design, natural materials, and gentle earth tones. Roosters will enjoy the curated menu of guided hiking trails, mountain biking excursions, and forest bathing sessions, inviting the Rooster to rest, dream, and create.
Dog
Characteristics: Dogs, with their loyal and trustworthy nature, might prefer family-friendly destinations or trips with close friends and loved ones. They may enjoy beach vacations, road trips, or destinations known for their welcoming and friendly atmosphere.
Recommended Destination: Koh Samui, Thailand
Where to Stay: Samujana
Koh Samui, Thailand’s tropical paradise, showcases an enchanting mix of dining and entertainment experiences that cater to every taste and mood. For the friendly Dog, Samujana in Koh Samui extends a beach vacation with a family-friendly environment.
Designed by architect Gary Fell, each villa incorporates the hillside’s unique topography, blending contemporary elegance with Thai architectural elements. With unadulterated sea views, private pools, and open-air spaces, this exclusive escape encourages guests to step into the present, making it an ideal sanctuary for Dogs who seek an extraordinary retreat that matches their captivating spirit.
Pig
Characteristics: Pigs, with their easy-going and generous nature, might delight in leisurely travel experiences focused on relaxation and enjoyment. They may enjoy luxury resorts, spa retreats, or destinations known for their culinary delights.
Recommended Destination: Hiroshima, Japan
Where to Stay: Azumi Setoda
Hiroshima, a city with a profound history and tranquil beauty, furnishes travellers with a leisurely escape where moments of reflection and relaxation intertwine. For the easygoing and sociable Pig, Azumi Setoda offers an immersive retreat rooted in rich heritage. Set in the reimagined family estate of the Horiuchi family, an esteemed lineage in Setoda’s salt and shipping industries, Azumi reflects over 140 years of legacy.
The property’s architecture preserves its historical charm, with guest rooms thoughtfully updated. Dining is an experience, where French cuisine is prepared using premium Setouchi ingredients and served on treasured Horiuchi family tableware. Activities like cycling along scenic routes or joining local artisans for workshops resonate with the Pig’s enjoyment of life’s pleasures and a slower, connected pace.
Rat
Characteristics: Given their resourcefulness and adaptability, rats might enjoy off-the-beaten-path destinations where they can use their quick wit to navigate unfamiliar territories.
Recommended Destination: Hua Hin, Thailand
Where to Stay: Chiva-Som Hua Hin
For those born under the sign of the Rat, off-the-beaten-path destinations allow them to thrive. For instance, the serene retreat of Chiva-Som in Thailand. Renowned as a transformative health sanctuary, it aligns with the Rat’s ability to navigate new environments with ease and ingenuity. This wellness haven blends holistic healing practices with personalised wellness plans, from fitness regimes to rejuvenating spa therapies.
Set against a tranquil beachfront backdrop of Hua Hin, Chiva-Som’s emphasis on balance and mindful living resonates with the Rat’s agile spirit and ability to adapt to life’s challenges. The resort’s peaceful yet structured environment allows the Rat to recalibrate both body and mind, cultivating resilience and resourcefulness in a nurturing space far removed from the usual tourist paths.
Ox
Characteristics: With their diligent nature, oxen may be inclined to well-planned trips that offer stability and comfort. They enjoy structured tours and peaceful retreats in nature.
Recommended Destination: Zurich, Switzerland
Where to Stay: Baur au Lac
Zurich, Switzerland, is seen as a hub of precision and intellect, embodying wisdom in its structured urban planning, innovative industries, and rich history. Baur au Lac is a five-star sanctuary in Zurich with a legacy of elegance and refinement dating back to 1844. This hotel is perfect for the gentle qualities of those born in the Year of the Ox, with 120 elegant rooms and suites as well as acclaimed dining experiences.
Baur au Lac is just a short stroll from Zurich’s bustling financial district and the Bahnhofstrasse shopping street. Mother Nature remains close by, as Zurich is dotted with green oases, such as the Botanical Garden and Rieterpark. Zurich’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring the Swiss Alps, while destinations like Engelberg, Mount Titlis, or Rigi are just a short train ride away.
Tiger
Characteristics: Tigers, known for their courage and adventurous spirit, might gravitate towards exploring destinations that challenge their boundaries and offer unique experiences.
Recommended Destination: Antarctica
Where to Stay: White Desert’s Echo Camp
The Antarctic, with its stark landscapes and extreme conditions, demands organisation and precision to navigate. Hence, White Desert’s luxury Antarctic expeditions are a fitting choice for the Tiger, a Chinese zodiac known for their courage and sense of adventure. Founded by experienced polar explorers, White Desert offers boundary-challenging experiences that balance adventure with environmental responsibility.
Their camps, including Echo Camp, Whichaway Oasis and Wolf’s Fang, are models of thoughtful, sustainable design in extreme conditions, reflecting the Tiger’s affinity for excitement. Guests can enjoy activities such as ice trekking and penguin observations, allowing visitors to connect deeply with one of the most remote and extraordinary places on Earth.
Rabbit
Characteristics: Rabbits, with their gentle and sensitive nature, may opt for serene and picturesque destinations.
Recommended Destination: Cannes, France
Where to Stay: Le Grand Jardin Cannes by Ultima Collection
Featuring sun-drenched boulevards, sparkling Mediterranean waters, and dynamic energy, Cannes presents insanely gorgeous views at every turn. Le Grand Jardin Cannes by Ultima Collection is a vibrant escape on the island of Sainte-Marguerite, perfectly attuned to the gentle energy of the Rabbit. This eco-conscious luxury retreat elicits exploration and wonder with its lively history and nature.
Arriving by boat, guests step into a private, 13th-century walled sanctuary brimming with Mediterranean charm. The vast botanic gardens are ideal for those with a restless spirit, offering winding paths through fragrant citrus groves and quiet natural pools. Le Grand Jardin is a retreat for those who, like the Rabbit, value freedom and beauty in an environment that inspires both energy and tranquillity.
Dragon
Characteristics: Dragons, with their charisma and ambition, are drawn to luxury destinations where they can indulge in fine dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Recommended Destination: Milan, Italy
Where to Stay: Armani Hotel Milano
For those born in the Year of the Dragon, Armani Hotel Milano is a glorious match. Each of the 95 rooms, meticulously designed by Giorgio Armani, reflects aesthetic charm and modern functionality, appealing to the Dragon’s love for the finer things in life. The hotel’s upper levels house the Armani/Ristorante and the Armani/Bamboo Bar, while the Armani/Spa is perched atop the Armani Hotel.
Milan also hosts a treasure trove of luxurious experiences for the Dragon. Tastemakers recommend exploring the cobblestone-lined Navigli district to uncover hidden gems like independent art galleries, vintage shops, and quirky cafes. From opulent shopping avenues and world-class dining to exclusive cultural experiences, the city offers refined indulgence unlike any other.
Images courtesy of Heavens Portfolio
