Cover A room at the White Desert Echo Camp appeals to those born in the Year of the Tiger (photo courtesy of Heavens Portfolio Singapore)
A room at the White Desert Echo Camp appeals to those born in the Year of the Tiger (photo courtesy of Heavens Portfolio Singapore)
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Choosing a hotel is usually about location, experience and amenities. But how about picking accommodations based on your Chinese zodiac sign? It may just open you up to a genuinely spiritual experience
The discerning traveller always does exhaustive research when planning a trip. But in addition to all the reviews, ratings and recommendations that go into the selecting a holiday destination, using your Chinese zodiac can be an additionally fun and entertaining way to help plan the next vacation.
Whether you’re a fully fledged believer or a cautious skeptic, using your sign as a guide may be a unique and novel way to help you tap new ideas for the ideal vacation spot. From serene retreats to bold adventures, each sign has unique traits that align with certain destinations and hotels.
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Luxury, cultural immersion, or relaxation—whatever you’re looking for, these handpicked stays promise a journey tailored to your zodiac spirit.
1. Rat (Adaptable & Resourceful): Chiva-Som, Hua Hin, Thailand
Above Chiva-Som, Hua Hin, Thailand (Photo: courtesy of Heavens Portfolio Singapore)
Chiva-Som, Hua Hin, Thailand (Photo: courtesy of Heavens Portfolio Singapore)
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Chiva-Som is a wellness escape tailored for agile minds. Its holistic wellness programs align perfectly with the Rat’s knack for optimising every experience. For more laidback Rats, it has a state-of-the-art gym, spa treatments and physiotherapy.
2. Ox (Diligent & Steady): Baur au Lac, Zurich, Switzerland
Above Baur au Lac, Zurich, Switzerland (Photo: courtesy of Heavens Portfolio Singapore)
Baur au Lac, Zurich, Switzerland (Photo: courtesy of Heavens Portfolio Singapore)
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This lakeside sanctuary is where understated luxury meets precision and stability—ideal for the Ox, who seeks tranquillity for enjoyment. Baur au Lac offers refined elegance and access to the cultural heart of Zurich.
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3. Tiger (Bold & Courageous): White Desert Echo Camp, Antarctica
Above White Desert Echo Camp, Antarctica (Photo: courtesy of Heavens Portfolio Singapore)
White Desert Echo Camp, Antarctica (Photo: courtesy of Heavens Portfolio Singapore)
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The brave-hearted Tiger is always looking for an otherworldly adventure. Echo Camp provides a once-in-a-lifetime Antarctic experience. Here, you can find raw landscapes supplemented with unparalleled luxury, like heated sky pods, champagne picnics and massage treatments.
4. Rabbit (Gentle & Refined): Aman Kyoto, Japan
Rabbits love peace and beauty, so what could be better than a serene haven steeped in elegance? Set in a secret garden at the foothills of Kyoto’s mountains, the ryokan-inspired Aman Kyoto offers refined luxury and placid spaces: think picture-perfect onsen and delicious kaiseki dinners.
5. Dragon (Charismatic & Bold): The Peninsula Shanghai, China
Overlooking the Bund, The Peninsula Shanghai combines timeless luxury with modern sophistication, catering perfectly to the Dragon’s magnetic personality. The Art Deco design and lavish restaurants match the opulence and grandeur that define the commanding Dragon.
6. Snake (Wise & Mysterious): Address Istanbul, Türkiye
Above Address Istanbul, Türkiye (Photo: courtesy of Heavens Portfolio Singapore)
Address Istanbul, Türkiye (Photo: courtesy of Heavens Portfolio Singapore)
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Snakes value sophistication and intrigue, and Istanbul delivers in spades. The skyscraping Address Istanbul blends modern luxury with timeless charm in the vibrant Emaar Square district. Snakes will relish the city’s layered history and the hotel's serene design as they uncover Istanbul’s secrets.
7. Horse (Energetic & Adventurous): Kulm Hotel St. Moritz, Switzerland
Adventure awaits in alpine grandeur for the spirited Horse, adventure. Graubünden’s famed Kulm Hotel offers world-class ski slopes and summer hiking trails, ensuring endless exploration against a breathtaking mountain backdrop.
8. Sheep (Compassionate & Warm): Castelfalfi, Tuscany, Italy
Above Castelfalfi, Tuscany, Italy (Photo: courtesy of Heavens Portfolio Singapore)
Castelfalfi, Tuscany, Italy (Photo: courtesy of Heavens Portfolio Singapore)
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The kind-hearted Sheep will undoubtedly thrive in Tuscany's golden landscape. Nestled among olive groves and vineyards, Castelfalfi is a sanctuary of rustic luxury, offering immersive cultural experiences like wine tastings and truffle hunts.
9. Monkey (Playful & Inventive): Monkey Island Estate, UK
Above Monkey Island Estate, UK (Photo: courtesy of Heavens Portfolio Singapore)
Monkey Island Estate, UK (Photo: courtesy of Heavens Portfolio Singapore)
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Monkey Island Estate is an island retreat designed for curiosity and charm. Set on a private Thames islet, this 800-year-old storied estate combines heritage with playful luxury, perfect for the Monkey’s mischievous personality. Wander through the picturesque gardens or indulge in Bray’s outstanding culinary landscape, which includes four Michelin-starred restaurants.
10. Rooster (Ambitious & Meticulous): Forestis, Dolomites, Italy
Above Forestis, Dolomites, Italy (Photo: courtesy of Heavens Portfolio Singapore)
Forestis, Dolomites, Italy (Photo: courtesy of Heavens Portfolio Singapore)
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Perched in the serene Dolomites, Forestis blends minimalist design with breathtaking landscapes, appealing to the Rooster's eye for precision. It’s pure high-altitude elegance for the discerning Rooster. The villa has its own garden and private spa for a luxuriously private experience, while the penthouse gives an obstructed view of the Dolomites, a Unesco World Heritage Site.
11. Dog (Loyal & Friendly): Samujana, Koh Samui, Thailand
Above Samujana, Koh Samui, Thailand (Photo: courtesy of Heavens Portfolio Singapore)
Samujana, Koh Samui, Thailand (Photo: courtesy of Heavens Portfolio Singapore)
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Family-friendly luxury meets Thai serenity—that’s Samujana. The private villas are designed by Gary Fell, who blended the area’s unique topography with Thai culture. Each one comes with panoramic ocean views private pools, and al fresco spaces. Samujana is perfect for Dogs seeking connection and relaxation.
12. Pig (Easygoing & Generous): Azumi Setoda, Hiroshima, Japan
Above Azumi Setoda, Hiroshima, Japan (Photo: courtesy of Heavens Portfolio Singapore)
Azumi Setoda, Hiroshima, Japan (Photo: courtesy of Heavens Portfolio Singapore)
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Set in the meticulously restored estate of the Horiuchi family, an influential name in Setoda’s historic salt and shipping industries, Azumi Setoda preserves over 140 years of cultural heritage while blending it with modern hospitality. The hotel itself will tempt you to stay indoors, but you can cycle through the area or trek around the islands.
