Image courtesy of Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita, Mexico
There’s a lot to look forward to in the world of travel. In 2025, expect new trends, refined versions of perennial favorites and fresh, unexpected takes on the tried-and-true. US ski destinations are getting well-deserved extra love. Hotel brands are taking wellness to a new level. And all-inclusives are actually cool (trust). Here’s what I’m most excited about as we head into the new year.
US ski levels up
Image courtesy of Amangani
After the 2024 launch of Fora’s ski week in Aspen, we’re thinking a lot about hitting the slopes now that winter’s back. Our eyes are on One&Only Moonlight Basin, in Big Sky. As One&Only’s first resort in the US, it also marks the luxe brand’s entry into the ski market. Doors open in June 2025.
Over in Wyoming, the recently opened Hotel Yellowstone broadens Jackson Hole’s options. It’s ideal for those who want a bit of a ski moment, but from a mountaintop location. Next door, the ultra-luxe Amangani announced renovations starting in April, which are expected to be completed late next year. Grab a room while you can. Then plan your return trip for 2026.
And over in Deer Valley, the Grand Hyatt is unveiling its new rooms and residences, and the Viceroy Snowmass will officially début its new Cirque tower. My bags (and hand warmers) are already packed.
Fora Perks at One&Only Moonlight Basin:
Hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Amangani:
$100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Viceroy Snowmass:
$100 hotel / resort credit, $45 daily breakfast credit, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Montage Deer Valley:
$100 hotel / resort credit, $90 daily breakfast credit, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Montage Big Sky:
$100 hotel / resort credit, $35 daily breakfast credit, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Pendry Park City:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Keep calm and carry on
Images courtesy of J.K. Place Paris and the Thompson Denver
I dream of being a “light packer.” But alas — you’ll often find me with my XXL suitcase stuffed to the brim. I want to have options. I want to have my favorite things. But now, several hotels are stepping up their game, making it easy for us to pack light without sacrificing the essentials.
The Thompson Denver, for instance, offers complimentary daily laundry service for gym clothes. Now you only have to worry about packing one set. The Four Seasons Houston lets you borrow luxury handbags via a partnership with Vivrelle. Over in Turks and Caicos, Amanyara has an exceptional tennis program, and has you covered when it comes to equipment; racquets and tennis shoes come courtesy of Babolet and K Swiss. And several of the world’s most glamorous hotels — Passalacqua, Jumeirah Carlton Tower, Singita properties — come equipped with luxe amenities like Dyson Airwraps. No need to lug your heavy hair accessories through TSA.
Even skincare shows up right where you need it. I still can’t get over J.K. Place Paris’ travel-sized packages of Noble Panacea moisturizer, which come with turndown service in their top suite. And don’t forget the ski gear. Actually, do — at least when you head to Brush Creek Ranch, which has a full closet of weather-proof outerwear for guests to don when they hit the resort’s private ski mountain.
Fora Perks at Thompson Denver:
$75 hotel / resort credit, a welcome amenity, breakfast daily, an upgrade and early check- whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Four Seasons Hotel Houston:
When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
Fora Perks at Amanyara:
$100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Passalacqua:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Jumeirah Carlton Tower:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at J.K. Place Paris:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Brush Creek Ranch:
$100 hotel / resort credit, breakfast daily, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
All-inclusives are back
Images courtesy of Kimpton Tres Rios
Forget what you knew about all-inclusives. In theory, paying for just about everything in one up-front price significantly reduces stress and decision paralysis. The trade-off, traditionally, has been lackluster accommodations, food and amenities. But all-inclusives have upped their game, and now you get the best of both worlds: a set-it-and-forget-it price and a great vacation.
Case in point: Impression Isla Mujeres, off the coast of Cancún. The food here ranges from regional Mexican to Italian to Asian fusion. The common thread, though, is the resort’s commitment to local and organic ingredients. Sample tequila, listen to live music, paddleboard, kayak and snorkel — the resort abuts one of the world’s largest coral reefs. PS no seaweed here due to tide patterns, and the water mimics the Maldives in Mexico.
In the Riviera Maya, Kimpton Tres Rios is now accepting reservations for March and beyond. The brand’s signature playful, tastefully hip aesthetic works especially well on the Yucatán. Speaking of: Sign up for an eco trek and recover at the hotel’s holistic Kej Spa. Also on my radar is the adult-only W Punta Cana, expected to début April 2025. It’s stylish, mature, breezy and everything you’d want from a luxe beachfront resort. And we must not forget about Naviva, from the Four Seasons. It’s a 15-tent (max occupancy: 30), all-inclusive luxury wellness retreat in Punta Mita. Consider the all-inclusive myth debunked.
Fora Perks at Impressions Isla Mujeres:
$100 hotel / resort credit, a welcome amenity, hydrotherapy access and extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Fora Perks at Naviva, A Four Seasons Resort:
When you book Four Seasons with a Fora Advisor, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner amenities. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
