What's New in February: Wellness Retreats, Remote Escapes & Barefoot Luxury

February is here, bringing with it more exciting hotel openings and experiences to fuel your wanderlust. From beloved beach destinations like Marbella and Dubai to up-and-coming hotspots like Madagascar, Montenegro and Okinawa, remote retreats are definitely having a moment. Keep reading for the latest openings, then reach out to me to plan your next getaway.

SIRO Boka Place, Montenegro is now accepting reservations

SIRO Boka Place, the second SIRO hotel from Kerzner International (creators of One&Only and Atlantis), is gearing up for its April 2025 début — and it’s already turning heads. Set in the UNESCO-protected Bay of Kotor within Porto Montenegro, this wellness-focused resort blends transformative experiences with digital innovation. Hike, bike or sail by day, then hit the sprawling fitness lab (SIRO excels at gyms) or half-Olympic pool before crashing in rooms made for peak recovery and deep sleep. 

• Belleville Adventures X Fora Reserve perks include 20% off fitness and recovery services, a welcome amenity, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella opens its doors in February

Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella is set to bring fresh energy to Marbella’s glamorous coastline. The iconic Hotel Los Monteros has been completely transformed and now boasts 178 stunning rooms just steps from the beach, with the Sierra Blanca mountains providing a picture-perfect backdrop. With a Mediterranean-inspired design featuring colorful prints and airy, light-filled spaces, the hotel will offer four restaurants and bars, two pools, a spa and lots  of event space. Poised to be Kimpton’s flagship in Southern Europe, it’s perfect for both leisure and business travelers.

• Belleville Adventures X Fora’s IHG Destined perks include a $100 hotel credit, a welcome amenity, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Voaara opens in Madagascar 

With far-flung experiences being a travel trend for 2025, it isn’t surprising that Voaara, which opened in December on Sainte Marie, a lush tropical island off Madagascar’s coast, is stealing the spotlight. Dreamed up by Swedish hotel guru Philippe Kjellgren and his wife, Vi, this intimate boutique resort is a study in barefoot luxury. With just eight rustic-chic bungalows blending Tulum vibes with African soul, it’s as unspoiled and secluded as it gets. Picture outdoor baths under starlit skies, lazy afternoons on shaded verandas, world-class whale watching and fire-grilled snapper on the beach. 

Rosewood opens in Japan and Mexico

Rosewood is kicking off 2025 with not one, but two exciting openings. Rosewood Miyakojima, opening March 1, marks Japan’s first Rosewood property. Located on Miyako Island and surrounded by sugarcane fields, all 55 rooms boast sweeping sea views. The design reflects Okinawan culture, combining Ryukyu limestone with the minimalist elegance of wabi-sabi. Indulge in locally sourced delicacies like Miyako wagyu, rejuvenate at the Asaya Spa and immerse yourself in the island’s heritage.

On April 1, Rosewood Mandarina comes to Mexico’s Nayarit coastline. Tucked away where jungle, ocean and mountains meet, this ultra-luxury resort offers activities like ziplining, horseback riding and surfing. And thanks to a new highway, the drive from Puerto Vallarta International Airport has been cut to just 50 minutes, making this paradise more accessible than ever.

• Belleville Adventures X Fora’s Rosewood Elite perks include a hotel credit, welcome treat, daily breakfast, an upgrade and extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Dubai opens in March

One of Dubai’s most anticipated openings, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab is set to welcome guests from mid-March (reservations are already open). Inspired by the design of a super yacht, this Arabian-style resort is all about opulence, with 11 restaurants, sprawling gardens and a three-story spa. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling retractable windows offering 180° views of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, the marina and the Arabian Gulf, plus spacious walk-in closets and gorgeous bathrooms.

• Belleville Adventures X Fora’s Jumeirah Passport to Luxury perks include a $100 resort credit (with an additional $50 credit per night from 3rd night onwards), daily breakfast, a guaranteed upgrade for non-suite bookings, private airport transfers for suite and residence bookings and guaranteed check-in/late check out whenever possible.

Magnolia Bakery’s famous banana pudding reaches new heights

Not a hotel opening, but just as thrilling: Magnolia Bakery’s legendary banana pudding is now available on United Airlines. Starting mid-March, United First passengers on flights over 901 miles long can indulge in Banana Pudding Wafer Cookie Bits — a dreamy, creamy version of Magnolia’s iconic dessert, now available at 30,000 feet. It’s all part of United’s mission to elevate onboard dining, making it the first time Magnolia’s beloved treat has taken to the skies.