Seek out memorable journeys in the Year of the Horse. We ask metaphysics master David Tong for feng shui predictions and travel tips.
What lies ahead in the Year of the Fire Horse? We turn to David Tong, founder of Chinese Metaphysics Global Consulting (CMG Consulting), for his fengshui forecast across the 12 animal zodiacs. Based in Singapore, Tong established his practice in 2006 and has since become a trusted authority, offering guidance on everything from auspicious wedding dates to feng shui consultations for homes and offices.
“From an economic perspective, industries related to the Earth and Fire elements are expected to perform well,” shares Tong. “Earth-related industries include property, construction, asset management, and hospitality. Meanwhile, Metal industries such as engineering, electronics, finance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, insurance, and legal services are also well-positioned to shine in the year ahead.”
Let your feng shui forecast help guide your travel plans to make your journeys extra fortuitous this year!
Don’t Miss: Written in the Stars: Your 2026 Villa Escape, Based on Your Star Sign
Horse
1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
For the Horse Zodiac, 2026 brings potential for financial growth and stability through wise investments and disciplined saving. Leadership opportunities that could lead to a promotion may come your way; handle projects and challenges with diplomacy and tact to let your best qualities shine. Calm seaside destinations are suitable for the Horse zodiac, with the most favourable directions being the North and Southwest. February, July, and October are the best months for travel.
Where to book: Manu Villas, a pair of three and four-bedroom villas in Bali’s serene Sanur, a coastal town where the family-friendly beaches come with white sand, calm waters and stunning sunsets. Make it a wellness day, every day: each villa has its own private pool, ice bath and gym area. Restaurants and cafes nearby also provide ample dining options for little ones and everyone in the entourage; perfect for the Horse zodiac to prioritise everything from rest to recreational fun.
Goat
1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027
This could be your year! Tong says that the Goat zodiac will enjoy both career opportunities and financial luck that will improve further with hard work and meaningful collaborations. Mountain or highland destinations are more favourable for the Goat zodiacs, bringing stability, clarity, and renewed luck. “The most auspicious travel months are March, June, and November, with journeys toward the Central regions of the world being beneficial for both work and leisure,” recommends Tong.
Where to book: The Headland Villa 4 in Koh Samui, Thailand, to savour an indulgent White Lotus-style vacation. An optional private chef can be enlisted to prepare meals all day, so you don’t even leave the villa while on vacation, if you wish. This stunning villa has an elevated cliffside position, where the oceanfront and sunset views will take your breath away. Newly renovated in 2024, the property has its own sauna, ice bath, as well as a 9m private pool with a kid-friendly shallow area; you’ll also appreciate being close to local eateries as well as popular venues such as the Air Bar at The InterContinental Samui.
Monkey
1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
“With the support of the Travelling Horse Star, Monkey is encouraged to travel more in 2026, as frequent movement brings strong career advancement and new opportunities,” says the fengshui expert. This is the year to seek new job opportunities, especially roles that involve travel or being reassigned to an overseas outpost.
Tong suggests that both mountain and seaside destinations are especially auspicious, and adventurous activities such as skiing or diving are favourable for the Monkey Zodiac. “The best months to travel are April, May, and December, with Northeast and West as auspicious directions,” he says.
Where to book: Time to plan that unforgettable ski getaway. Pick Meigetsu Aki Niseko, an ultra-luxury chalet, just 500m from the slopes in Niseko, Hokkaido. A rose gold spiral staircase takes you up to a photogenic open-plan living and dining room, as well as a soothing spa area with a cold plunge tub and sauna, and a rooftop terrace.
Rooster
1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
The Rooster zodiac may just benefit from the support of benefactors, whether from mentors, female business partners or colleagues. Both mountain and seaside destinations are auspicious for Roosters travelling this year. With the influence of the Romance Star, single Roosters may develop meaningful relationships during their solo travels. “The best months to travel are January, April, and May, with favourable directions being Northwest and West,” says the geomancy expert.
Where to book: Tsubasa at Hanaridge in Niseko, Hokkaido, because winter holidays deserve the chalet treatment. Enjoy the area’s renowned January powder snow in the most remarkable setting at this ultra-luxury four-bedroom chalet. Be pampered by a butler who knows what you need before you ask, while making full use of the facilities that include an indoor-outdoor onsen, private gym, and even a grand piano to put your musical talent on show.
Click for More Inspiration: Jeanne Grey of GREYLAYERS on Why Niseko Keeps Calling Her Back
Dog
1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
The Dog zodiac will find financial stability in the year ahead, while enjoying a conducive environment bolstered by teamwork and meaningful partnerships. The feng shui master recommends mountain-based group tours for Dogs: “collective travel helps activate supportive energy”, as these journeys may foster encounters with benefactors, mentors, or future business partners. The most auspicious months to travel are February, March, and June, with favourable directions toward the Central regions of the world.
Where to book: Villa Praison, a five-bedroom cliffside villa in Phuket, Thailand, which enjoys a remarkable ocean view while being surrounded by the tranquil palm trees and other plant life. A 12.5m infinity pool, games room with a pool table, board games and more await. And did we mention Phuket’s fantastic hiking trails, worth leaving the pool for?
Pig
1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
“Focus on steady investments and prudent budgeting. Wealth will grow through wisdom and generosity, not speculation or greed,” warns the fengshui master. This zodiac should seek out ample opportunities to rest and recharge, as the Pig may be more susceptible to health concerns in 2026. So a gentle and cautious approach to travel is advised. “Opt for easygoing, seaside activities that support balance and wellbeing,” says Tong. The most ideal months to travel are February, March, and July, with Southeastern destinations being the most favourable.
Where to book: Mandala Oasis, in Bali’s Berawa-Canggu neighbourhood. This standout five-bedroom luxury villa has everything you need for an unforgettable pool party, from its sleek 29m pool with a swim-up bar to a rooftop outdoor cinema; beach clubs are also just a short stroll away. To top it off, a well-equipped gym, ice bath and sauna complete the wellness experience.
Rat
1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
Rats may find this year more challenging, and are advised to favour calm seaside destinations for relaxation and balance, while ensuring adequate travel insurance is in place. The most auspicious months to travel are January, April, and August, with Southeast destinations likely to be most favourable for this zodiac.
Where to book: Ban Kinaree offers the perfect escape among the hills in Thailand’s Koh Samui. Sunny yellow loungers, an impeccable hillside location and proximity to Fisherman’s Village makes this 5-bedroom villa a prime location to bring your very own White Lotus escape to life. Its stunning 19.5m infinity pool simply melts into the horizon, while looking out towards Fisherman’s Village and the bay. The spacious 5-bedroom villa can house up to 10 guests; a perfect reason to gather family and friends for a big group getaway.
Ox
1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
This is the year to take it easy, says Tong. “In 2026, Ox is more prone to accidental mishaps, so strenuous, physically demanding activities should be avoided. Relaxing seaside or mountain-based destinations, especially those offering spa, wellness, or yoga experiences, are most suitable for restoring balance.” The most auspicious months to travel are May, September, and December, with favourable journeys toward the central regions of the world.
Where to Book: Villa Crystal Castle, a spacious seven-bedroom property in tranquil Ubud, Bali that’s great for group travel. This wellness sanctuary is the epitome of a holistic holiday, with amenities that include an 18m-long private pool, a yoga pavilion, a dedicated spa area and a healing rose quartz crystal-lined reflexology path.
Tiger
1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
In 2026, Tigers should exercise extra caution, and are advised to avoid risky or high-adrenaline activities, while keeping a low profile to avoid conflicts at the workplace. All the better to take your OOO notice really seriously — Tong recommends seeking out relaxing seaside destinations that promote rest and recovery while on holiday. The most auspicious months for travel are June, October, and November, while favourable travel directions include South, East, and Northwest.
Where to Book: Kelapa House in Chaweng, Koh Samui for the ultimate island escape in Koh Samui, set among coconut trees and other verdant greenery. The glass-front infinity pool offers the most breathtaking aerial view from its prime hillside location. More panoramic views of the island can be enjoyed from numerous angles at this four-bedroom designer villa, which also boasts a massage pavilion as well as a fitness room with top-tier Technogym equipment and sauna.
Rabbit
1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Blessed by numerous auspicious stars in 2026, Rabbits can enjoy smooth and pleasant travels. Both mountain retreats and seaside destinations are highly suitable for holidays this year. With the Romance Star shining brightly, single Rabbits may even encounter their soulmate while travelling overseas. The most auspicious months for travel are July, October, and November, with favourable directions towards the South, East, and Northwest. Travelling during these periods can enhance luck, relationships, and joyful experiences.
Where to Book: Head towards Japan’s northern frontier for Niseko Kyo in Niseko, Hokkaido, a condo hotel that is also home to MASONRY. Japan, one of the top new après-ski spots in town, where you might just meet new friends or even a soulmate, wink. This ski-in ski-out property offers in-room onsens in most accommodations; a real treat after a busy day on the slopes.
Dragon
1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
Dragons can look forward to steady financial growth in 2026, bolstered by the support of helpful colleagues and opportunities to demonstrate leadership skills in ways that may lead to a promotion. At the same time, Dragons are advised to stay vigilant due to a higher risk of accidents and injuries.
Travel remains favourable overall, especially to seaside or mountain destinations; “as long as the itinerary is relaxed and free from strenuous activities”, quips Tong. The most auspicious months for travel are August, September, and December, with favourable travel directions towards the Central regions of the world. Mindful planning will help ensure a safe and harmonious journey.
Where to Book: Let Villa Kapungkur in Jimbaran, Bali, be the answer to a stress-free and utterly restorative getaway. This fully-staffed five-bedroom villa features a transportive setting that epitomises calm and elegance. Stay in rooms housed within heritage buildings and let the tranquil sound of the water gardens lull you to sleep; the perfect ambience for Dragons in a busy year.
Snake
1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Snakes face a higher likelihood of water-related mishaps, so it is advisable to minimise water activities this year. Choosing mountain destinations instead can help shift the energy positively. This is an ideal year for hiking or land-based adventures, provided safety precautions are observed. The most auspicious months for travel are August, September, and January, with favourable directions towards the North and Southwest. Travelling in alignment with these energies can bring both vitality and positive momentum.
Where to Book: Nag Shampa Private Estate is a top choice for outdoor adventures in Bali’s soulful Taro Village, located amidst the rolling mountains near Ubud. Think of it as the ultimate wellness resort, but imagine having it all to yourself; this huge property features not one but five swimming pools, as well as spacious indoor and outdoor living and dining areas, plus a yoga shala. This private estate can host up to 16 guests in eight bedrooms, most of them housed in individual pavilions for extra privacy and comfort. Another tip: its lovely 1-bedroom Istana Suite is available for spontaneous romantic getaways.