Astrology has been around for millennia, crossing cultures east to west, and it’s been experiencing something of a resurgence in the last few years. As the Chinese Year of the Pig rolls around, we at Compare Retreats thought we’d celebrate with a special retreat pairing of an astrological nature. Are you as stubborn as an ox but need to balance emotionally? Perhaps you’re an ambitious dragon who’s ready for their next challenge, but not sure where to find it? Find out the perfect retreat for you based on your Chinese zodiac sign. Kung Hei Fat Choi!
Rat: 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
Famous Rats: George Washington, John F. Kennedy, William Shakespeare, Prince Harry, Gwyneth Paltrow, Katy Perry
People born in the year of the rat are known for their flexibility and ability to adapt to new situations—however, this can also make them a little uncertain and reluctant to assert themselves. The Body:Reset retreat with 38ºNorth will test you while you explore the different aspects of your wellness—nutrition, fitness, and mindset—and help you build up your confidence along the way.
Book 38ºNorth today on Compare Retreats
Ox (1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)
Famous Oxen: Barack Obama, Walt Disney, George Clooney, Jack Nicholson, Kate Beckinsale, Kiera Knightley, Cristiano Ronaldo
With a strong sense of faith and will, those born in the year of the Ox are loyal and dependable. They’re often honest and straightforward, but this bluntness can sometimes be confused for rudeness and they struggle to articulate more delicate feelings. An Emotional Balance retreat at REVĪVŌ could give you the best opportunity to get in touch with your softer side. The luxury resort in Nusa Dua focuses on healing body, mind and spirit through self-awareness and mind-training as much as nutrition and sport. With a little Ox-like determination, we think you’ll come out of this retreat with a lot of powerful tools to take home.
See also: The Best Yoga Retreats for a Zen Chinese New Year
Tiger (1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)
Famous Tigers: Beethoven, Marco Polo, Marilyn Monroe, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise, Jim Carrey, Penn Badgley, Penelope Cruz
Tigers are brave and intelligent, and seriously competitive, so an intensive boot camp will really give you a chance to flex those competitive muscles. Chai Talay Retreats’ Five Star Fitness Programme offers a packed four-day programme with more than 40-hours of optional fitness activities and an intimate group setting of 35. It’s not all about packing a punch (although, there is a boxing session or three), as there’s also yoga, meditation, TRE and wellness workshops designed to help you slow down and strengthen mentally as well as physically—which many Tigers could do with a little more of.
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Rabbit (1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011)
Famous Rabbits: Albert Einstein, Michael Jordan, David Beckham, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Drew Barrymore, Hilary Duff, Zac Efron, Evan Rachel Wood, Maria Sharapova,
Rabbits tend to be kind and quiet, avoiding confrontation and skillfully placating even the most argumentative of people. Easy-going and often romantic, Rabbits sometimes forget to look after themselves and do what they want to do—which is why a retreat at COMO Maalifushi in the Maldives is the ideal way to unwind. Perfect for a romantic getaway with a partner, it’s also got plenty of wellness options to satisfy any interests, from yoga to scuba diving to surfing. And if you want to do nothing at all? There’s plenty of time for that, too.
See also: Lucky Red Resort Wear For Chinese New Year Jetsetters
Dragon (1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)
Famous Dragons: Bruce Lee, Sandra Bullock, Reese Witherspoon, Rihanna, Liam Neeson, Salvador Dali, Frank Sinatra
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Dragons are ambitious and excitable which is why an adventure at Chōsen Experiences is the perfect luxury wellness escape for 2019. Providing a holistic approach to wellness, the programmes will push you to your limits physically while nourishing your mental and emotional strength—plus, it’ll give you a chance to work on some realistic goals. Located in Bali, South Africa, Iceland, New Zealand and Guatemala, there’s no shortage of exciting destinations to tempt you.
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Snake (1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013)
Famous Snakes: Taylor Swift, Daniel Radcliffe, Picasso, Audrey Hepburn, Martha Stewart, Jacqui Onassis, Charles Darwin
Snakes get a bad rep in almost every culture, but in the Chinese Zodiac, those born in the year of the snake are also renowned for their intelligence, creativity and witty humour. Passionate and sensitive, an Awarness Immersion at Amanpuri could be the key to tapping into your creative side. This retreat is focussed on the internal, helping you reconnect with yourself through meditation and yoga practice, as well as unique spiritual workshops like specialist sessions with former Buddhist monk Amamai. If you’ve been feeling blocked or that you could go deeper in your personal or professional life, this retreat is the perfect way to unlock your deepest thoughts.
Book Amanpuri now on Compare Retreats
Horse (1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014)
Famous Horses: Cindy Crawford, Cynthia Nixon, Denzel Washington, Harrison Ford, Jackie Chan
People born in the year of the horse are often active and independent, with seemingly limitless energy—which means it’s going to take an intense fitness boot camp to really challenge you. Thanyapura’s triathlon training retreat should provide more than enough exercise opportunities, with daily swimming, cycling and running. If that doesn’t whip you into shape in 2019, we don’t know what will.
Sheep (1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)
Famous Sheep: Michelangelo, Rudolph Valentino, Nicole Kidman, Julia Roberts, Bruce Willis, Matt LeBlanc
Mild-mannered and kind-hearted, those born in the year of the Sheep (also known as the Goat or Ram) have a passion for beautiful things, whether its fashion, art or design. The stunning Amanemu is the ideal resort to satiate this, combining Aman’s renowned attention to design aesthetics with traditional Japanese architecture. The Health, Beauty & Anti-Ageing Wellness Immersion offers three to 14 days of pampering at their luxurious spa, designed to make you glow inside and out.
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Monkey: 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Famous Monkeys: Leonardo da Vinci, Yao Ming, Tom Hanks, Will Smith, Owen Wilson, Eleanor Roosevelt, Gisele Bundchen, Miley Cyrus
Sociable and versatile, Monkeys tend to have a knack for getting along with everybody and making the most of opportunities as they come along. Endlessly curious, Monkey’s need a little wonder to stop them getting distracted, which is why a retreat at Aro Hā in New Zealand is perfect. The outdoor retreat offers hiking adventures in the beautiful setting of the Southern Alps, as well as yoga, journaling and meditation with a group of like-minded people to keep you mentally engaged.
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Rooster (1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)
Famous Roosters: Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Aniston, Matthew McConaughey, Matt Damon, Roger Federer, Serena Williams
Roosters are known for their quick wit and keen observation skills, but have a tendency to be overly critical of both themselves and otherwise. While self-awareness is great, making sure it’s constructive is another matter entirely—which is why the Refresh programme at Song Saa Private Island, which focuses on mental clarity and destressing, is ideal for independent Roosters looking for a bit of R&R while they reflect.
Dog (1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)
Famous Dogs: Jane Goodall, Ellen DeGeneres, Heather Graham, Queen Latifah, Prince William
Honest and endlessly loyal to those they love, people born in the year of the dog have big hearts and a lot of energy. Perfectly happy on their own, they also thrive with others, so a fitness retreat at Mountain Trek is great for a social wellness holiday: the retreat is limited to 16 guests for an intimate setting that encourages lasting friendships. Spending time out in the fresh air trekking through British Colombia, the retreat works on lowering stress, increasing metabolism and building strength over the six days to send you back home feeling full of life and energy.
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Pig (1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019)
Famous Pigs: Stephen King, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Luke Wilson, Magic Johnson, Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis
Last but not least, the Pig. This year is the Pig’s unlucky year (known in Chinese astrology as the Ben Ming Nian), but with the Pig’s optimistic spirit and hardy nature, things are sure to turn out alright. Those born in the year of the Pig can sometimes feel a bit sluggish and struggle to motivate themselves to action, so an energising detox retreat at The Farm at San Benito can help pick things up when you’re feeling a lull in life. Cleansing your system, the detox can help to boost energy, improve concentration and improve complexion.
