With the democratisation of air travel, pandering to that itch to travel that isn’t driven by a specific need is an increasingly common occurrence. But this raises new questions and concerns. How do you then choose the ideal holiday destination?

Here’s a thought — pick a destination based on your star sign. Europe-based hotel group for independent hotels and regional brands Worldhotels has come with a fascinating list of destinations that are suited to each of the 12 signs of the zodiac, chosen to perfectly match the individual personalities of each sign.

Best of all, till May 30, all hotels on the Worldhotels network — a total of 450 properties worldwide — are offering fantastic deals for a minimum stay of two nights and breakfast. Applies whether you believe in your zodiac or not.

In the meantime, have a peep at where your star sign says you should go. All rates are per night for twin sharing in a double room.

Aries (March 20-April 20)
City Inn Westminster, London, UK
www.cityinn.com
From £109
Aries is the most extroverted of all the star signs. For this dynamic and energetic individual, a city trip to London is ideal. Located in the heart of the British capital, City Inn Westminster makes the perfect starting point to explore the bustling metropolis. After a day of sightseeing, the tired Arian can relax in splendour at the hotel’s stylish Sky Lounge with panoramic views of London.

Taurus (April 21-May 21)
Dana Hotel & Spa, Chicago, IL, USA
www.danahotelandspa.com
From US$135
For the sensuous Taurus, relaxation and comfort top the list when going on holiday. At the Dana Hotel & Spa in Chicago, you’ll be able to indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments and enjoy the hotel’s exquisite cuisine. Taureans will also take pleasure in the cultural highlights Chicago has to offer.

Gemini (May 22-June 21)
Seoul Palace Hotel, Seoul, South Korea
www.seoulpalace.co.kr
From 100.000 won
With their curiosity, flexibility and adventurous streak, Geminis are ideal travellers. For this star sign, a sojourn at Seoul Palace Hotel is ideal, its location in the centre of Seoul is perfect for discovering this growing city. Geminis will enjoy the hotel’s beautifully appointed guest rooms with flat-screen TVs and luxury bedding.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Ripa Hotel, Rome, Italy
www.ripahotel.com
From €86
Cancerians are very sensitive, amorous and earnest people. When on holiday, they prefer to spend quiet evenings with loved ones or take in an art exhibition or concert. Offering elegant rooms in a luxurious atmosphere and with many of the world’s best cultural and musical highlights right on its doorstep, Ripa Hotel in Rome is a perfect setting for this star sign.

Leo (July 23-Aug 23)
Buddha-Bar Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic
www.buddha-bar-hotel.cz
From €245
The attention-loving Leo is independent, passionate and loves extravagant glamour. On holiday, Leos like to experience new and exciting things — a perfect fit for the Buddha-Bar Hotel Prague, a lifestyle hotel with a unique blend of modern and Asian design. The hotel’s designer furniture, luxurious materials and exquisite culinary palette will impress Leos, as will the in-room massage treatments and close proximity to Prague’s exclusive boutiques.

Virgo (Aug 24-Sept 23)
Catalina Hotel & Beach Club,
Miami Beach, USA
www.catalinahotel.com
From US$99
Virgos like to indulge in the good things in life, and the perfect holiday experience always includes wellness and relaxation. The first-class Catalina Hotel & Beach Club in Miami Beach offers style and sophistication, combined with ultra-luxurious amenities. Virgos will love the hotel’s two rooftop pools, massage facilities and immediate access to South Beach.

Libra (Sept 24-Oct 23)
Hotel Adler, Madrid, Spain
www.adlermadrid.com
From €181
Libras are very harmonic people, with a special sense for equality and fairness. On holiday, the typical Libran enjoys a balanced combination of relaxation, culture and entertainment. The Hotel Adler in Madrid, Spain, is located in a 19th-century refurbished building in the heart of the capital, close to the Golden Triangle of Art — the Prado, Reina Sofia Gallery and the Thyssen-Bornemizsa Collection.

Scorpio (Oct 24-Nov 22)
Furama Dalian Hote, Dalian, China
www.furama.com.cn
From RMB758
Scorpions are proud and strong-willed,  and they love challenges. The idea of a perfect holiday is an extraordinary destination set against an exotic backdrop of culture. The luxurious Furama Dalian Hotel will satisfy the Scorpio’s love of opposites. Situated in the bustling Dalian city centre, the hotel makes a wonderful base from which to explore the nearby Liaodong Peninsula and Qian Mountain range. After a busy day, Scorpions can relax in the hotel’s first-class spa and wellness facilities.
 
Sagittarius (Nov 23-Dec 21)
Hotel Madero, Buenos Aires, Argentina
www.hotelmadero.com
From US$176
Sagittarians are energetic, extroverted and independent, true travellers who enjoy being immersed in foreign cultures. Particularly fascinated by adventurous destinations, Sagittarians will adore the Hotel Madero in bustling Buenos Aires. After a day of exploring this exciting metropolis,  unwind in the hotel’s Zen-inspired special guest rooms with private balconies, garden views and in-room Jacuzzis.

Capricorn (22 Dec-20 Jan)
The Adolphus, Dallas, TX, USA
www.hoteladolphus.com
From US$79
For the traditional Capricorn, a peaceful and calm setting is a must for the ultimate holiday experience. At The Adolphus in Dallas, Texas, this star sign will be able to embrace relaxation in the hotel’s elegant ambience and quiet setting. And if you’d like to take on some adventure, Texas offers the best of America’s Wild Wild West.

Aquarius (Jan 21-Feb 19)
Park Hotel, Amsterdam, Netherlands
www.parkhotel.nl
From €132
Eccentric Aquarians prefer destinations that offer a range of new activities and impressions. The Park Hotel in Amsterdam is perfectly suited for those looking to discover the Dutch capital’s top shopping, cultural and nightlife hot spots, while the hotel’s understated elegance, intimate atmosphere and historical surroundings are a nice match to Aquarians’ individualistic streak.

Pisces (Feb 20-March 20)
Jupiters Townsville Hotel Casino,
Townsville, Australia
www.jupiterstownsville.com.au
From A$138
Pisceans are insightful, sensitive creatures. Their idea of the perfect holiday is to rest and rejuvenate. Jupiters Townsville Hotel Casino is set amongst lush tropical gardens and overlooks Magnetic Island and the Coral Sea. With a grand resort-style swimming pool and deluxe spa amenities, the hotel is the perfect fit.

Bargainhunt
Lipstick and matching lipliners are the latest addition to Este Lauder’s Double Wear collection of longwearing, stay-in-place products. Start with the Double Wear Stay-In-Place lip pencil, which is non-feathering and won’t bleed, delivering a smooth, even line that lasts all day. Then apply the Double Wear Stay-In-Place lipstick, which has a satin smooth finish, gently glides on and will stay put for up to 12 hours, so that just applied look in the morning will last you till your day is done. Get these must-have additions to your makeup ensemble at Este Lauder counters nationwide. The lip pencil is RM68 and the lipstick is RM75.

Splurge of the week
Tiffany & Co’s relationship with renowned jewellery designer Jean Schlumberger has resulted in some truly extraordinary collections, this time around drawing inspiration from nature. “I try to make them look as if they were growing, uneven, and in motion,” Schlumberger has said of his pieces, and as he did with the Monarch necklace. Pave diamonds fall like glistening snow on leaves with 18-carat gold stems loosely tied with delicate bows. A monarch butterfly nestles among them with wings of colour-saturated yellow sapphires, awaiting spring and joyous flight among the flowers. This stunning creation is available for RM579,500 at Tiffany & Co’s boutiques in Suria KLCC and Pavilion KL.

 
This article appeared in Options, the lifestyle pullout of The Edge Malaysia, Issue 793, Feb 15-21, 2010