The Chinese zodiac has always fascinated many with its ability to tell stories and facets about our personality, likes, dislikes and a glimpse into the future. While ardent believers use this as a guide to their year, we at Ministry of Villas believe that it can inform travel choices for villas as well!
History of the Chinese Zodiac
The ancient story of the Chinese zodiac varies depending on the storyteller, but it revolves around Buddha or the Jade Emperor summoning all the animals of the universe. The order that the 12 animals came determined the order of the zodiac – Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Money, Rooster, Dog, Pig. The actual history behind this calendar is tougher to find, but one of the theories is that these animals stemmed from nomadic tribes in ancient China, who developed a calendar based on the animals they used to hunt and gather.
Regardless of the origin, do see below our (completely unscientific!) list of Chinese zodiac and potential travel likes this year.
Year of the Rat
Birth years: 1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
The Rat is known to be social, charming, quick-witted, and are generally popular people. Always on the move, the Rat always seeks out new places even when visiting a destination they’ve already been to. They enjoy being artistic and appreciate attention to detail from their chosen holiday abode.
The Rat will love: The Glasshouse, Niseko, Japan
Designed by famed Australian chef Simon Robinson, the chalet is built combining all the best luxury elements making this a perfect Japanese holiday escape. The home looks absolutely splendid frost-covered in snow during winter, while its endless views during summer are to die for. Coupled with the tasteful décor hinted with a traditional style, the Rat will enjoy their stay here as they travel and explore this lovely part of Japan!
Year of the Ox
Birth Years: 1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
The methodical ox are known to be family-oriented folk who love traveling with their spouses and children. Oxen’s nature is one that does not prefer last-minute spontaneity; travel plans have to be set out and thought through in great detail.
The Ox will love: Casa Hannah, Bali, Indonesia
Casa Hannah Villa will appeal to the Oxen, as the property boasts five rooms (able to sleep ten guests) making it a great family holiday spot. It is a private oasis and is known for its sleek and modern design, blending traditional Balinese culture with a Western spin. Should the Ox want to start planning for the next holiday, the sleek black study room makes it a perfect escape.
Year of the Tiger
Birth Years: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
Tigers are known to be romantic, charismatic and independent. They are also very adventurous, known to travel to places slightly off the beaten path. Tigers like travelling with a few plans in place, making discoveries as they go.
The Tiger will love: Villa Liberty, Phuket, Thailand
Villa Liberty is an extraordinary, five-level, 1,213 square metre villa. Situated on a dramatic oceanfront headland secluded on Phuket’s ‘Millionaires Mile’. Villa Liberty sets a new luxury standard as one of the finest oceanfront villas currently available for unforgettable holidays in South East Asia, one the Tiger will love.
Year of the Rabbit
Birth Years: 1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Rabbits are known to enjoy the finer things in life. Refined and cultured, they thrive on fine wine, gourmet food and quieter, more serene atmospheres.
The Rabbit will love: The Layar, Bali, Indonesia
The Rabbit will fall in love with the contemporary architecture and ultra-chic interiors that characterize The Layar in Bali. Every item in the villa has been carefully thought about in design. For instance, the garden bathroom is an elegant expanse of Palimanan stone with a foliage-fringed shower and elongated counters, and – in the adjacent white-pebbled courtyard – a decadently statuesque stone bathtub. With such a splendid selection of areas to choose from within the villa, relaxation comes easy, day or night.
Year of the Dragon
Birth Years: 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Strong, courageous and tenacious, those born in the year of the Dragon will rise towards travel that brings the next thrill.
The Dragon will love: Bayu Gita Beachfront, Bali, Indonesia
Bayu Gita, a 6-bedroom villa in the tranquil coastal village of Ketewel on Bali’s southeast coast, is one of the most stunning properties in Bali. The active Dragon can get their adrenaline rush hopping down for a surf at Pabean beach – a renowned surf spot. After which, the Dragon can be entertained within the comfort of the property with the home cinema, games room, hi-tech gym and the enormous swimming pool.
Year of the Snake
Birth Years: 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Snakes love their privacy, but also like being in the spotlight. They are the ones who are in constant search for understated yet upscale travel, enjoying everything luxurious.
The Snake will love: Samujana 30, Koh Samui, Thailand
The Snake will find Samujana 30 an exceptional place to escape from the mundane complexities in life. The villa’s design seamlessly blends contemporary luxury with Thai architecture created by the award winning, Gary Fell of Gfab Architects. The Snake can live like royalty and enjoy unadulterated sea views from sunrise to sunset.
Year of the Horse
Birth Years: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
The horse loves freedom, and they are known to seek city or party destinations. Nothing makes the horse happier then a getaway filled with family, friends and fun.
The Horse will love: Villa Anandita, Lombok, Indonesia
Gallop away to Villa Anandita – a magnificent 4-bedroom villa located on 1.5 hectares of beachfront on the picturesque island of Lombok. Villa Anandita is perfect for the Horse who love to have family or friends wanting to be pampered on a tropical island. The Horse and their mates will never get bored as they can enjoy the diverse outdoor activities offered by the villa which include snorkelling, kayaking, volleyball, swimming in the free-form pool and exciting bike tour, weaving in and out of the traditional villages. Adjacent to the villa is an 18-hole championship course for golf lovers.
Year of the Sheep
Birth Years: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Mild mannered and shy, those born under the year of the sheep might prefer travelling on their own and discovering destinations that can serve as food for thought.
The Sheep will love: Ziva Boutique, Bali, Indonesia
Ziva Boutique villa will be the ultimate escape for the Sheep. The one-bedroom villas are furnished with king-size beds right next to a private pool. The hardwood teak floors and lush tropical gardens surround the compound and the Sheep is privy to a dining area where they are served complimentary meals.
Year of the Monkey
Birth Years: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
The mischievous Monkey is intelligent and curious, wanting to learn more about a destination when travelled.
The Monkey will love: 39 Galle Fort, Sri Lanka
39 Galle Fort is an immaculate property seamlessly blending old world charm with modern comforts. This three bedroom villa, located within a 17th century UNESCO world heritage site is perfect for the Monkey who can learn the culture and history of the place.
Year of the Rooster
Birth Years: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
The cocky rooster loves being in the centre of attention. They’re not picky about their travel destination, but would prefer places that allow them to remain well groomed!
The Rooster will love: Jindabyne Lodge, Niseko, Japan
Jindabyne Lodge will be a perfect holiday home for the Rooster. The Rooster will be the centre of attention as they come back and share pictures of the beautifully designed property, alongside the striking view of Mount Yotei and their ski expeditions.
Year of the Dog
Birth Years: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
A devoted dog will always prefer to travel with others in the family. They’re not fussy with the destination, as long as it is with their spouse and children.
The Dog will love: The View Samui, Koh Samui, Thailand
The Dog will love bringing the family to The View Samui, a 5-bedroom property, purposefully built with children in mind. The villa has wrap -around lawns, and beautifully landscaped gardens that include a private beach. At the centre of the property, two huge, communal areas feature a pool/jacuzzi deck and outdoor living area; and then the upper level living with dining area and balcony, giving the Dog ample opportunities where to have family fun activities.
Year of the Pig
Birth Years: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
The nurturing pigs are meant to be nicest people on planet. Given their nature, the pigs might want to travel to developing countries in which they can engage in some form of voluntary activities.
The Pig will love: Hartland Estate, Bali, Indonesia
Hartland Estate is a blissful villa sanctuary for those seeking healing and relaxation in an inspirational setting that focuses on natural beauty. The villa is a private enclave nestled in the tropical slopes of Ubud, overlooking stunning rice terraces beside the pristine Ayung river. The Pig can look at following Elizabeth Gilbert in her search in ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, helping out in local communities surrounding the area.
Which zodiac sign are you? Are you inspired to explore new destinations soon? Gong Xi Fa Cai from Ministry of Villas!
