Each Chinese Zodiac sign marches to the beat of its own drum, from the quiet elegance of the Snake to the curious energy of the Monkey.In finding a hotel that resonates with these traits, one can discover experiences that feel as harmonious and authentic as their own personal qualities — whether through quiet retreats, inspiring adventures, or moments of effortless charm.
Characteristics: Snakes, with their wisdom and intuition, might prefer mysterious and intriguing destination.
Recommended Destination: Istanbul, Türkiye
Where to Stay: Address Istanbul
With its unique blend of East and West, ancient and modern, Istanbul offers countless picturesque locations that capture the imagination and the heart. The Bosphorus Strait is Istanbul’s most iconic backdrop, offering breathtaking views of the city’s skyline. The heart of Istanbul’s historic district, Sultanahmet Square, is surrounded by some of the city’s most stunning landmarks: the Blue Mosque, with its cascading domes and minarets, and the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. Nearby, the Topkapi Palace gardens offer serene views over the Golden Horn.
For the Snake, Address Istanbul provides a retreat amid the vibrant energy of Istanbul. Located within the Emaar Square Mall complex, this modern hotel merges luxury with comfort, offering stylish rooms and personalized service that appeals to the elegant Snake’s love for tranquillity and elegance. The Address Istanbul’s thoughtful design and welcoming atmosphere allow the Snake to recharge after exploring the depths of Istanbul’s unique cultural tapestry, creating a balanced and soothing experience.
Characteristics: Given their energetic and adventurous nature, horses might enjoy active and adventure-filled travel experiences.
Recommended Destination: Graubunden, Switzerland
Graubunden, Switzerland’s largest canton, offers a blend of challenge and reward amid breathtaking alpine landscapes to the energetic and adventurous Horse. Known for renowned ski resorts like St. Moritz and Davos, Graubunden is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, combining thrilling winter sports with serene summer hiking and biking trails.
With picturesque lakes, charming villages, and cultural gems like the historic town of Chur, this region provides a plethora of adventure. 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, making it an ideal destination for those who value depth and resilience in their travels. Graubunden bridges Switzerland’s German, Italian, and Romansh-speaking regions, making it a unique cultural crossroad. Visitors can experience this richness by wandering through picturesque villages like Guarda and Poschiavo, where traditional customs, architecture, and cuisines blend harmoniously.
Characteristics: Sheep, with their kind and compassionate nature, might 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
For the sweet spirit of the Sheep, Castelfalfi in Tuscany is a fitting retreat. This Italian region is steeped in 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 offers a deeply rooted Tuscan experience with both charm and comfort. 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 playground of discovery and joy, offering a variety of cultural experiences and breathtaking vistas.
Characteristics: Monkeys, with their playful and inventive nature, they may be drawn to festivals, events, or destinations known for their unique and eclectic vibes.
Recommended Destination: Bray, United Kingdom
Where to Stay: Monkey Island Estate
Bray, a charming village on the banks of the River Thames, stands out as a destination that masterfully blends the unique and the eclectic. From exploring its historic St. Michael’s Church, with roots tracing back to the Saxon era, to spotting the eccentricities of Monkey Island – an islet adorned with playful architectural features and storied past – Bray invites curiosity at every turn. Monkey Island Estate is a retreat for the playful and resourceful spirit of the Chinese Zodiac Monkey.
Spanning seven acres on a private island in the River Thames at Bray, this storied estate has long attracted a fascinating mix of royalty, artists, and visionaries over its 800-year history. With YTL Hotels’ stunning renovation, the estate offers a mix of heritage and modern luxury, creating an ideal playground for the curious and inventive. The charming village of Bray, with its world-class dining and four Michelin-starred restaurants, adds to the experience, providing Monkeys with countless ways to indulge their love for exploration and discovery. Whether wandering the estate’s picturesque gardens or savouring an innovative meal, Monkey Island Estate is a sanctuary where wit and creativity are perfectly at home.
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 breathtaking mountain range in northern Italy, exemplifies the harmonious blend of ambition and meticulous attention to detail. Here, you will find FORESTIS, perched 1,800 meters high on the Plose mountain, an ideal retreat for those born under the detail-oriented influence of the Chinese Zodiac Rooster.
This elegant hideaway invites guests to reconnect with nature amidst the timeless beauty of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site and the nearby Puez-Geisler Nature Park. With 62 suites that echo the quiet elegance of the landscape, FORESTIS embraces sustainable design, natural materials, and gentle earth tones, creating spaces that inspire tranquillity and creative reflection. Roosters will enjoy the curated menu of guided hiking trails, mountain biking excursions, and forest bathing sessions, allowing guests to explore the pristine environment under the guidance of expert local hosts. Minimalism and natural harmony foster a meditative atmosphere, inviting the discerning spirit of the Rooster to rest, dream, and create while immersed in the beauty of the alpine wilderness.
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, offers an enchanting mix of dining and entertainment experiences that cater to every taste and mood. For the friendly Dog, Samujana in Koh Samui, Thailand, offers an inspiring fusion of a beach vacation and a family-friendly environment. Designed by renowned 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, Samujana’s villas are set up to embrace both the sunrise and the Dog’s warm, loving energy. This exclusive escape encourages guests to step into the present with its luxurious, expansive atmosphere, making it an ideal sanctuary for Dogs who seek an extraordinary retreat that matches their captivating spirit.
Characteristics: Pigs, with their easy-going and generous nature, might prefer 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 serene beauty, offers travelers a leisurely escape where moments of reflection and relaxation intertwine seamlessly.
For the easygoing and sociable Pig, Azumi Setoda offers a warm and immersive retreat rooted in rich heritage. Set in the carefully 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 to evoke serenity and comfort. 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. Azumi Setoda invites guests to savour life’s simple pleasures while connecting deeply with Japanese tradition in a modern, relaxed setting.
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 Chinese zodiac sign of the Rat, off-the-beaten-path destinations offer the perfect playground to thrive. For instance, the serene retreat of Chiva-Som in Thailand. Renowned as a transformative health sanctuary, it aligns seamlessly 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, making it a fitting destination for the Rat’s knack for optimizing every opportunity.
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 serene 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.
Characteristics: With their diligent nature, oxen might prefer 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 often 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, Switzerland, with a legacy of elegance and refinement dating back to 1844. This hotel is a perfect match for the gentle qualities of those born in the Year of the Ox, with 120 elegantly appointed rooms and suites that exude understated luxury. Guests can savour acclaimed dining experiences, including the newly debuted Marguita, each crafted with exquisite attention to detail.
Baur au Lac is just a short stroll from Zurich’s bustling financial district and the renowned Bahnhofstrasse shopping street. Mother Nature remains close by, as Zurich is dotted with green oases, such as the Botanical Garden, home to over 15,000 plant species, and Rieterpark, which offers a tranquil setting with views of the city and Alps. Zurich’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring the Swiss Alps. Destinations like Engelberg, Mount Titlis, or Rigi are just a short train ride away, offering activities like hiking, skiing, and paragliding amidst breathtaking alpine scenery.
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. White Desert‘s luxury Antarctic expeditions are a fitting choice for those born under the Year of the Tiger, 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 enjoy activities such as ice trekking and observing penguins, highlighting White Desert’s precise logistics and commitment to safety and awe-inspiring travel. This is a place where careful planning ensures safety and sustainability, allowing visitors to connect deeply with one of the most remote and extraordinary places on Earth.
Characteristics: Rabbits, with their gentle and sensitive nature, might prefer serene and picturesque destinations.
Recommended Destination: Cannes, France
Where to Stay: Le Grand Jardin Cannes by Ultima Collection
Cannes, with its sun-drenched boulevards, sparkling Mediterranean waters, and dynamic energy, is a region that offers breathtakingly picturesque 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 Chinese Zodiac Rabbit. This unique eco-conscious luxury retreat invites exploration and wonder, with its lively tapestry of 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 that refresh the senses. 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. Be it diving into the sea, hiking trails above the coast, or chasing inspiration in its arts and culture, Cannes is a destination that inspires sweet serenity.
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 perfect match, exuding elegance and seamless style in the heart of Milan’s iconic couture district, Quadrilatero della Moda. Each of the 95 rooms, meticulously designed by Giorgio Armani, reflects a blend of aesthetic charm and modern functionality, appealing to the Dragon’s love for the finer things in life. The hotel’s upper levels house the popular Armani/Ristorante and the Armani/Bamboo Bar, which offer breathtaking views of Milan’s skyline, including landmarks like the Duomo. Luxury in Milan extends to wellness at the Armani/Spa, perched atop the Armani Hotel, for treatments that combine high fashion with ultimate relaxation.
Milan, famed for its high fashion and iconic landmarks, 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 indulgence in its most refined form.
