Where to travel in the Year of the Horse, according to your Chinese zodiac sign

Ox: A boutique cruise on the Mekong

The Ox earns their success through diligence in 2026—and a high-end boutique cruise is a well-deserved treat that allows the notoriously hardworking beast of burden to slow down and relax.

The Mekong River Cruise by Aqua Expeditions travels between Vietnam and Cambodia, stopping at historical sites. In Vietnam, visit the village of Binh Thanh, home of the intricate art of mat-weaving using natural materials, a skill passed down over centuries. In Cambodia, visit the 17th-century former royal capital of Oudong and the silversmith village of Koh Chen; while in Phnom Penh, the National Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Khmer art. And with just 20 beautifully designed suites, Aqua Expeditions is perfect for the often introverted Ox. 

Tiger: An exclusive safari lodge in Namibia

The Tiger is in dynamic harmony with the Horse, which boosts their innate love for adventure this year. Get in touch with your wild side—while still in the lap of luxury—with a safari that will satisfy your appetite for exciting new experiences and learning new things. 

Our Habitas Namibia is a gorgeous collection of lodges in the sub-Saharan plains, where you are virtually guaranteed to encounter giraffes, elephants, rhino and more. You’ll also spend time with bushmen from across the country, as they swap stories over braai, or barbecue, and cocktails.

Rabbit: A mindful reset in Tokyo 

The fast-paced Horse year can overwhelm the peace-loving Rabbit, so a journey focused on gentle aesthetics, comfort and rich cultural immersion provides grounding while fuelling also creativity.

The newly opened JW Marriott Tokyo offers a surprisingly refreshing approach to wellness that focuses on slowing down and being fully present. As well as spa treatments and sound baths, the wellness journey weaves in mindfulness practices rooted in Japanese tradition, including a matcha ceremony, learning mindful eating techniques with a Zen master, and a Kintsugi workshop—where broken ceramics are repaired using gold or silver powder, a practice that treats breakage and repair as part of the object's history to find beauty in imperfection. 

Dragon: An energetic escape in New Zealand 

This year, the Dragon's ambition is amplified by the Fire Horse—it’s a year of finally executing grand ideas they’ve held tightly in their claws. That said, even the fiercest of dragons need to know when to rest. 

The Lindis sits on a 2,400-hectare plot of wilderness on New Zealand’s South Island. Surrounded on three sides by conservation parks, the eight-suite hotel’s design playfully traces the lines of neighbouring peaks and troughs—an element design-loving Dragons are sure to appreciate. The property is the perfect base for adventure seekers, with access to a range of activities from walking trails to mountain biking, fly-fishing to horse riding, and an inspiring reset—a way to keep the adrenaline pumping so Dragons can return home rested and ready to continue their quest. 

Snake: An Ayurvedic retreat in the Himalayas

The Snake faces a challenging “do-it-yourself” year with astrologers warning to manage stress and keep an eye on health in the coming Year of the Horse. 

So make that your focus as you head to Ananda in the Himalayas. Situated on a 40-hectare Maharaja’s palace estate in northern India’s Himalayan foothills, the retreat looks over the sacred Ganges River and the spiritual town of Rishikesh, meaning  its surrounding landscapes are as healing as its holistic approach to wellness. Personalised programmes begin with a consultation with qualified Ayurvedic doctors, who prioritise nurturing mental health as much as physical well-being. 

Horse: An unforgettable train journey through Peru

As it is their year, Horses are bursting with energetic, passionate momentum—and a vibrant trip combining culture, activity and spontaneity will satisfy your free-spirited nature and drive for personal growth. 

We recommend the Andean Explorer, a Belmond Train. On this once-in-a-lifetime experience, you’ll journey from historic Cusco to Arequipa, visiting remarkable sites along the way, including Raqch’i, a 15th-century Incan archaeological site, as well as Lake Titicaca and its man-made Uros floating islands. On board, luxury cabins feature hand-woven Peruvian textiles and large windows so you can marvel at Peru’s breathtaking landscapes, while the onboard spa offers massages, including one designed to alleviate the effects of high altitude. Any excuse.

Goat: Wild luxury in Australia’s spiritual centre

The gentle-natured Goat is predicted to have a harmonious year ahead, supported by a smooth career path and peace within the home. To keep these happy vibes going, a trip somewhere with stunning landscapes, and wholesome—at times indulgent—activities is sure to hit the spot. 

Longitude 131 sits in the World Heritage-listed expanse of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. It has just 15 tents—they’re more like stylish cabins—looking out towards the rust-red wilderness of the Simpson Desert, with incredible private views of the sun rising and setting over Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock). Every other night, guests are taken to a secret location for the lodge’s Table 131 dining experience, a three-course meal under the stars. Appealing to the Goat’s dreamy nature, dinner is followed by a storytelling session about the region’s expansive desert starscape by the lodge’s resident astronomer, who shares the significance of the stars and planets in the Indigenous stories of creation.

Monkey: Isolated inspiration in Mongolia 

The Monkey is clever and social but prone to restlessness—astrologers warn against impulsive spending this year. So where does one find excitement, prestige and (somewhat controlled) freedom?

At Genghis Khan Retreat in the Orkhon Valley, guests stay in traditional Mongolian ger constructed by hand, where beds are adorned with soft cashmere made in the family’s factory, which also produces cashmere for Hermès. Days are spent horse riding, swimming in the crystal-clear river and hiking—keeping the active Monkey happy. Its all-inclusive nature, plus a location hours away from any restaurants, bars or shopping, will minimise reckless spending and serve as a reminder to those born under this sign that true happiness can come from a simpler, humbler way of living. 

Rooster: Making moves in Munich

The Rooster faces a “tempering” year that’s projected to bring pressure, but also breakthroughs and financial success. As a sign that values efficiency, the Rooster can, at times, find travel more stressful than work itself … so choosing the right destination is key to avoid burning out at both ends. 

Munich, with its “metal” architectural energy and deep historical roots, provides the stability you need to withstand the fast-paced Fire Horse influence. We recommend booking a suite at Rosewood Munich, a stunning hotel that’s housed in the former Bavarian State Bank headquarters, for an auspicious stay in a year that’s predicted to be financially abundant—lucky you. 

Dog: Meaningful moments in Indonesia 

The Dog has plenty of inner clarity but also the tendency to get in their heads and over-analyse. A trip focused on purpose, integrity and natural wonder will allow them to detach and help others. Enter the Indonesian island of Sumba.

Nihi Sumba is a luxury resort with a difference. While it features the expected private plunge pools, spa treatments and locavore dining, guests are encouraged to give back. Its original founders established the Sumba Foundation to preserve the island’s unique culture, while supporting village-based projects that impact health, education, clean water and income generation. Guests can even get involved in community projects during their stay. To date, the foundation has helped more than 45,000 Sumbanese gain access to clean water, and reduced malaria infections by up to 93 per cent. Luxury that makes a difference? Instant inner peace.

Pig: A historic stay in a Beijing hutong 

The warm, sincere Pig will be driven to seek comfort and connection this year—so we’re picking a destination that caters to their love of luxury, exceptional dining, and community. 

Mandarin Oriental Qianmen, Beijing, is a remarkable property within the historic Caochang hutong neighbourhood. It’s made up of 42 beautifully restored siheyuan, or courtyard houses, scattered across several ancient alleyways, meaning guests live alongside local residents whose families have called the area home for generations. Explore the narrow alleyways on foot, soak in the atmosphere of authentic everyday life and definitely pig out on the array of delicious street food sold roadside around the hotel. 

NOW READ

A discerning traveller’s design guide to Tokyo’s sky-high hotel swimming pools

Facts about Iceland: 11 little-known details about the country’s culture, geography and history before you go

These are the top travel trends in 2026

From Interlaken to Lucerne: the best of Switzerland's “Pre-Alps” region