Word: Richard Smith

It’s that time of year again – the craziness of Christmas and New Year behind us and just as we’ve recovered it’s time to start celebrating again! Chinese New Year is here and for many Hong Kong residents it’s a time to make the most of the holiday and leave the city for experiences new. But in keeping in with the Chinese ideals I’ve looked into the characteristics of the signs of the Chinese Zodiac to determine what would be the appropriate getaway destination for each sign.

RAT

The energetic Rat has keen observation skills and a curious mind. With the use of these traits a Rat would surely enjoy the delights of Royal Chitwan National Park in Nepal where nature lovers can venture into the wilderness on foot, by elephant back or dug-out canoe to view the rare and wonderful One-horned Black Rhinocerous, Bengal Tigers, Sloth Bear, Leopard and many more glorious creatures in the terrain bordering the Indian plains. World Expeditions (www.worldexpeditions.com) offer 3-days trips that depart daily from Kathmandu.

OXEN

The dependable, strong and determined Oxen are hard workers and rarely give themselves time to relax. Not the most sociable of Chinese Zodiac they prefer the rural outdoors and could definitely benefit from a bit relaxation to take the weight off their hooves. The Cameron Highlands in Malaysia would be a perfect respite from the unnatural urban jungle of Hong Kong. Visit the infamous tea plantations and see how tea is produced and enjoy a cuppa in the process. Stunning Waterfalls and Nature trails abound for those fancying a carefree stroll to clear their minds. Stay at the Cameron Highlands Resort (www.cameronhighlandsresort.com) and you’ll wind down in this “tranquil boutique hideaway” of this grand colonial heritage building. It even has its own Spa Village for a vast range of award-winning treatments.

RABBIT

Creative, compassionate and sensitive, the Rabbit is friendly and outgoing and enjoys the company of others. They have great interest in learning about cultural issues and people from other countries – so why not take a tour of China, there’s certainly enough culture, history and diversity for everyone! Visit Our China (www.visitourchina.com) offers a 10 Days China Fantastic Highlights Tour covering Beijing, X’ian, Guilin and Shanghai. You’ll see the Great Wall, the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Warriors… the blend of western and eastern cultures and architecture in Shanghai and the picturesque and rural landscapes of Guilin and Yangshou.

DRAGON

Dominant, ambitious, driven, unafraid of challenges – they like to do things in a grand fashion – send the Dragon to Beverley Hills! And where else other than the Beverley Hills Wilshire, Beverly Hills (www.fourseasons.com/beverlywishhire/). This historic hotel is the iconic place to stay, see, and be seen! Conveniently situated just steps away from Rodeo Drive lil’ Miss Dragon will never be far from all the couture she desires, just remember not to dress too slutty like Julia Roberts’ character in Pretty Woman – you don’t want the snobby store bitches giving you attitude!

TIGER

The brave Tiger likes to be competitive and unpredictable and what better way for them to showcase all these attributes than to head for the ski slopes. Canadian Mountain Holidays (www.cmhski.com/heli-skiing/trips/gay) have a Gay Trip In The Gothics, Canada. With a call to “grab your poles!” head there for 11th-15th February 2010 and join other gay and lesbian skiers and snowboarders for a 4-day Heli-Ski trip to the CMH Gothics Lodge. Guaranteed expanses of unspoilt white powder (not of the Columbian kind!), no crowds just endless, joyous runs to tame the Tiger in you!

SNAKE

The intelligent and graceful snake enjoys a life of calm and peace – what better way to relax than to head to a small Balinese Village in the hills of Ubud to rejuvenate in the confines of a beautiful yoga retreat and spa like Kumara (www.kumarasakti.com) with just 10 deluxe rooms, with children under 14 years restricted from the resort to ensure peace and quiet. There are two swimming pools, a large open pavilion overlooking a gorge and a river, dining room, lush gardens and spa with high quality treatments including Ayurvedic Chakra Dhara Massage. There’s no chance of rattling a Snake in this environment.

HORSE

The Horse has an outgoing nature and is always in search of a good time – and what better time could you have than at what many consider the real Mardi Gras – in New Orleans! This year Mardi Gras (the last day of the Carnival season) falls on 16th February but the celebrations have already begun and will continue all the way through! You are expected to wear the colours of purple, green and gold (the traditional colours of the Mardi Gras) when you are not wearing your chosen outfit for this most exuberant of Carnival seasons. For more information and accommodations options go to www.mardigrasneworleans.com

GOAT

The intelligent and creative Goat is very homely and like to express themselves creatively whether it be painting or cooking or another outlet for expression. They are excellent care-givers and like to spend time with their thoughts. So why not add to your talents and learn to cook Vietnamese cuisine in the city of Hanoi. Hidden Hanoi (www.hiddenhanoi.com.vn) offers walking tours and language classes as well as cooking classes. The cooking classes run daily from 10am-2pm starting with a market tour. You can learn to perfect the making of such culinary delights as Sour Fish Soup, Claypot Stewed Chicken with Lotus Seeds and Mushrooms, Fried Vietnamese Spring Rolls and Marinated and BB’q Prok to name but a few dishes that any Goat will be proud to serve their friends at their next dinner party.

MONKEY

The Monkey is renowned for its mischeviousness, forever playful characters that also love people watching what better way to spend your CNY vacation than at a Circuit Party…and where better than Rio!

Over the holiday period there’s a lot going on with both R:EVOLUTION PARTY featuring DJ PAULO from LA (13th February) and THE ORIGINAL BRAZILIAN POOL PARTY (16th February) featuring New York DJs/Producers Dave & Gerard. You can get information on both parties from www.revolutionparty.com.br. The R:evolution party is held at Armazem 4 – Pier stage, – cais Do Porto… the pool party is held at the Club Internacional De Regatas – both parties in the ‘party central’ of Brazil – Rio De Janiero. With all the hot local and international totty who go to these parties, the promiscuous Monkey will find it hard to get bored!

ROOSTER

Roosters are motivated, confident, loyal and trustworthy – they are considered good soldiers… So why not escape into Hong Kong’s war zone, no not CWB on a weekend – head to Kowloon Bay with your squad of friends and enter Paintball Headquarters (www.paintballhq.com.hk). Get yourselves all hot and sweaty under the collar as you battle it out in a specially designed warehouse wearing protective gear and using specially designed and cool paintball guns. Go on… shoot me I dare you!

DOG

One of the traits of the Dog is to always have the urge to master a new subject and equally they prefer to save money to cover future expenses… So if you’re a dog and want a few new tricks then why not try Scuba diving – there are numerous sites around the world and the Gay and Lesbian scuba dive travel experts Undersea Expeditions (www.underseax.com) have a few expeditions both in Asia and Caribbean around Chinese New Year for those already certified. Their Thailand/Burma Safari gives you 9 nights aboard the Mermaid I with access to the most stunning dive locations in the world. The package includes airport or hotel transfers from Phuket (the pick up and drop off point), meals and fresh fruit between meals, all soft drinks, tanks etc. and up to 30 dives (weather permitting).

PIG

One of the traits of the Pig is that they indulge more than they should – excessive eating, drinking and smoking means that it would be wise to consider a healthier lifestyle…

The reputable resort, spa and detox center, The Sanctuary (www.thesanctuarythailand.com) could be the ideal destination for the Pig – their hectic and indulgent social lives can take it’s toll and the benefits of a healthy retreat in Thailand “The land of Smiles” could do them no end of good. The Sanctuary offer numerous detox and fasting programs to ensure that you end up cleansed, refreshed and with a healthy glow from the inside out. There’s a choice of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences and with a location on the beautiful tropical island of Koh Pha Ngan nestled into the corner of Haad Tien Bay.