Montana
Influencer Montana Tucker features freed Israeli hostage in a skincare promo
Since Oct. 7, Montana Tucker has encapsulated the growing role of social media influencers in the sprawling effort to advocate for Israel.
Tucker, who has more than 3 million followers on Instagram (in addition to 9 million on TikTok), has uploaded videos and photos from the communities devastated by Hamas’ attack and from Auschwitz. She’s posted speeches at rallies and tried to interview people at campus protests. At the Grammys in February, she wore a large yellow ribbon over her dress displaying the words “Bring them home.”
But her latest advocacy effort for Israeli hostages is dividing her pro-Israel fans — because in addition to featuring the harrowing story of a woman who was taken captive with her husband, the video also promotes a skincare product.
“Raz and Ohad have 3 beautiful daughters who did/do everything they can to bring back their dad/ remaining hostages, and take care of their mom,” Tucker wrote in the caption to the video, uploaded on Thursday. “@freskincare is not only an incredible, clean, and Israeli skincare brand, but it is Raz’s favorite.”
The video — and response to it — showcase the thorny questions raised by the melding of influencer culture and pro-Israel advocacy amid a brutal war and hostage crisis. Many of Tucker’s followers praised the video and her months of efforts to raise awareness of the captives’ plight, as well as a gesture of goodwill by the skincare brand. Some others lambasted her for, in their view, using a traumatized family’s story as an opportunity to promote a beauty regimen.
“This is just vile and unconscionable,” human rights lawyer and Israel advocate Arsen Ostrovsky wrote on X. “How dare you @montanatucker come here to Israel to profit of the grief and massacre of our people. Have you no shame?”
Another user who responded to Ostrovsky’s post saw it differently. “She has done so much for our cause in social media since the war started, and because she did something for someone in partnership with a brand, your jumping down her throat,” he wrote. “Pick a fight with the correct people, this isn’t one of them!”
The video starts like many of the other hostage testimonies that have emerged since Oct. 7, when Hamas terrorists took some 250 Israelis captive and brought them to Gaza. Raz Ben Ami, 57, sitting on a couch with her three daughters, recalls hiding in a bomb shelter during Hamas’ attack, and discusses her and her husband Ohad’s abduction from Kibbutz Be’eri.
The freed hostages who appear in the advertisement
Ben Ami was released during a ceasefire in late November. Her husband remains in captivity.
“We miss him very much,” Ben Ami, who is wearing a shirt calling for Ohad’s release, says in the video. “We’re working very hard to get him back. We hope he’s still OK.”
The video then pans to Mickael Bensadoun, CEO of the Israeli skincare brand Fré, who is sitting next to Tucker. “We are praying for the release of all hostages,” Bensadoun says. “This is the least we can do.”
Bensadoun goes on to explain that while Raz was in captivity, her daughter Yulie, 27, had reached out to the company, “saying that she would love her mother to get some Fré products when she’s back. Our head of customer support showed me this message. I think I wanted to give all Fré to you.”
Tucker responds, “There are a million skin care brands, but I think what makes a brand so special is when there is a personal story.” Later, she hugs Ben Ami and says, “You are amazing, really, you inspire me so much.”
At the end of the video, Tucker asks for permission to rub some cream from the brand on Ben Ami’s face. Tucker reassures her that her hands are clean. Ben Ami responds, with a laugh, “I’ve been in Gaza.”
The video concludes with the group shouting, in unison, “We love Fré!”
The post has garnered many positive reactions praising Tucker for bringing attention to the atrocities of Oct. 7 and the plight of the hostages.
“@montanatucker Do you even know how much this means to every Jew in the world?,” one user wrote on Instagram. “The fact that you’re getting their stories out there for ALL to hear and see ! Thank you so much for EVERYTHING you’re doing for your community!”
Tucker shared the video during a week when Israel Defense Forces soldiers have recovered hostages’ bodies from the city of Rafah. The same day Tucker’s video went up, the families of five young women hostages released a video showing their capture by Hamas, sparking heightened pressure on the Israeli government to negotiate their release.
In light of the dire news, some people objected to Tucker featuring hostages in a video promoting beauty products.
“After you thought you’ve seen it all, watch this video and see how some people and the brands they’re pushing apparently have no problem capitalizing on the backs of people who have been to hell and back,” Yaakov Katz, the former editor in chief of the Jerusalem Post, wrote on X.
In response to an inquiry from the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, a representative for Tucker said that Ben Ami and Tucker had met at a recent rally for the hostages’ release before meeting in the temporary housing where the Ben Ami family has been living following the destruction of their home on Oct. 7.
“She wanted her story told, her husband’s story, told by Montana,” said the representative, who gave her name as Michelle. “She always goes to their houses.”
The representative added that the idea for the video came from Fré and that Tucker was not paid to go to the house.
“It was totally a mitzvah thing,” she said. “She will always be there for the hostages until everyone’s home.”
Fré, which did not respond to JTA’s request for comment, is not the only company to tell stories about the hostages with its products. Wines on the Vine, an online wine store and project of the nonprofit Israel Innovation Fund, has released a line of wines featuring the faces and short biographies of the remaining hostages called “Wines of Hope.” A third of the proceeds will be donated to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum advocacy group, according to the website.
“Wines of Hope tells the story of the 257 hostages who were taken captive by Hamas terrorists on October 7, 2023, and specifically the 128 people who remain there until today,” the website says. “With every sip we take, we drink this wine as a symbol of hope and a yearning for their return, until the day we can drink together with them, fully rejoicing and celebrating true freedom.”
BRAINERD — Award-Winning author Candace Simar will celebrate the release of her latest book, “Montana Matrimonial News,” 1-3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at the Brainerd Public Library. The event is free and open to the public. Simar will present a book talk at 1:30 p.m. on this latest historical novel.
In “Montana Matrimonial News,” loneliness gnaws and chews like the relentless prairie wind. Dakota homesteader, Digger Dancy, props his feet in the oven and waits for the storm to end. His brother, George, barges into the soddy in a swirl of blowing snow. George announces he will abandon his claim to seek a wife. He can’ t stand the loneliness. Digger slaps a stack of old newspapers on the table and convinces him to place an ad for a correspondence bride in the Montana Matrimonial News. Doctor Gamla, the almost-doctor and midwife, treats George’ s frostbite, and offers a cure for his melancholia. She tells of two sisters living in tar-paper shacks along the Mad Dog River. The brothers cannot imagine how Doctor Gamla’ s cure will change their lives. Nickelbo’ s whole world is wheat. The homesteaders talk about crops, worry about the weather, complain about prices, and dream what they’ ll buy after the harvest. Asa Wainwright busts sod with a grasshopper plow. Ingrid Larson dallies over planting to avoid her sister’ s wedding. Drunken Oscar Borgom gets lost in a storm on the way to the outhouse. Through it all, Doctor Gamla delivers babies, treats ailments, and offers advice.“ My cures work if you can stand them.”
Contributed
“The text recalls John Steinbeck’s ‘Cannery Row’ with its short-story-like structure charting the lives of various members of the small community,” as stated in a recent Kirkus Review. “One of the most engaging aspects of the novel is the characters’ interactions with major historical events, such as Prohibition and North Dakota achieving statehood. While Prohibition is mostly discussed by the men (who are typically opposed) in the story, the women who are pro-Prohibition are not looked down upon. The novel is successful as an affirmation of the importance of community and connection in the human experience. Touching vignettes of everyday life and romance on the American frontier.”
“The setting is Nickelbo, North Dakota. Simar hands us the climate of every season, including the deathly chill of winter wind and the oppressive heat of a hot August sun, and everything in between,” stated book reviewer Charlie Johnson. “Descriptions of the landscape are diverse, even if it is North Dakota — tree lines, plowed fields, storefronts, and private homes thrive under her keyboard, not to mention the occasional dog, mule, goose, or misbegotten creature. The stories, too, are varied. There are tragic events, there are senseless issues, there are everyday events that turn into life-changing conflict. The pace flows well from story to story, from man to woman, from scientific practice to prehistoric thinking. Simar’s trademark of good story, good character and good setting make ‘Montana Matrimonial News’ yet another fine book to her list of writings.”
Pequot Lakes author Simar likes to imagine how things might have been. Her historical fiction combines her love of history with her Scandinavian heritage. Simar has been recognized by a Spur Award from Western Writers of America, a Will Rogers Gold Medallion, a Peacemaker Award from Western Fictioneers, and Laura Awards for Short Fiction. “Sister Lumberjack” received the Midwest Book Award, was a finalist for the Willa Literary Awards in Historical Fiction, and took 3rd place in the Catholic Novel category of the Catholic Media Awards. Learn more about her work at www.
candacesimar.com
. The book was published by North Star Press of St. Cloud and represented by Blue Cottage Agency.
Here’s a quick look at our top stories for Monday, 3, 2025:
Watch the latest weather forecast
Forecast for Monday, Nov. 3, 2025
TOP HEADLINES:
Cats and plants team up to help Montana’s mental health crisis
Cats and plants team up to help Montana’s mental health crisis
Thousands of trick-or-treaters haunt Butte’s Treat Street at World Museum of Mining
Thousands of trick-or-treaters haunt Butte’s Treat Street at World Museum of Mining
Steve Daines visits Montana This Morning on Halloween 2025
Senator Steve Daines visits Montana This Morning on Halloween 2025
Real-life Cars movie scene made from HAY BALES in Bozeman
Real-life Cars movie scene made from HAY BALES in Bozeman
THAT’S INTERESTING:
Historical Facts, Events, Notable Births and Deaths for November 3
Major Historical Events
1903 – Panama Declares Independence from Colombia The most significant event of November 3rd occurred in 1903 when Panama declared independence from Colombia with U.S. backing. This revolution was engineered by Panamanian nationalists supported by the Panama Canal Company and given tacit approval by President Theodore Roosevelt. The U.S. warship USS Nashville had arrived in Colón on November 2nd, and Colombian forces were prevented from crushing the rebellion. Only one person died in the revolution – Wong Kong Yee of China, who was mortally wounded when the Colombian gunboat Bogotá fired shells on Panama City.
1918 – Armistice Ending World War I The armistice ending World War I was signed in Compiègne, France, marking the end of one of history’s deadliest conflicts.
1957 – Sputnik 2 Launched The Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2, carrying Laika, a female Siberian Husky, becoming the second spacecraft to carry a living animal and heightening Cold War tensions.
1900 – First U.S. Auto Show The first-ever U.S. Auto Show opened at New York’s Madison Square Garden, showcasing 160 vehicles. Interestingly, consumers of the time favored steam- and battery-powered vehicles over noisy internal combustion engines.
1992 – Bill Clinton Elected President Democrat Bill Clinton was elected as the 42nd President of the United States, defeating incumbent President George H.W. Bush.
Scientific and Technological Breakthroughs
- 1817 – The first steam-powered ferry service began operation between New York and Hoboken, New Jersey
- 1935 – Chemistry Nobel Prize awarded to Frédéric Joliot and Irène Joliot-Curie for synthesizing new isotopes
- 1977 – Tandy Corporation released the TRS-80 Model I, one of the first mass-produced personal computers
- 1992 – IBM Simon, the first smartphone, was unveiled at COMDEX
- 2004 – European Space Agency successfully landed the Rosetta spacecraft’s Philae probe on comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko
Cultural and Entertainment Events
- 1928 – Disney’s “Steamboat Willie,” featuring Mickey Mouse, premiered in New York City
- 1954 – The original “Godzilla” film, directed by Ishirō Honda, was released in Japan
- 1956 – “The Nat King Cole Show” premiered on NBC, making television history as the first national TV show hosted by an African American
- 1986 – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical “The Phantom of the Opera” had its world premiere in London’s West End
- 2017 – Taylor Swift released her sixth studio album “Reputation,” which became the year’s best-selling album in the United States
Political Milestones
- 1868 – Ulysses S. Grant elected as 18th President of the United States
- 1970 – Salvador Allende became President of Chile, the first democratically elected Marxist leader in Latin America
- 1979 – The Greensboro Massacre occurred when Ku Klux Klansmen and neo-Nazis killed five members of the Communist Workers Party during a “Death to the Klan” rally in North Carolina
Notable Births (November 3)
Historical Figures:
- 1794 – William Cullen Bryant, American poet and journalist
- 1801 – Karl Baedeker, German publisher known for travel guidebooks
- 1900 – André Malraux, French novelist and art historian
Entertainment:
- 1918 – Bob Feller, legendary American baseball pitcher
- 1921 – Charles Bronson, American actor known for “The Magnificent Seven” and “Death Wish”
- 1949 – Anna Wintour, British-American journalist and Vogue editor-in-chief
- 1954 – Adam Ant, English singer and musician
- 1957 – Dolph Lundgren, Swedish actor and martial artist (“Rocky IV”)
- 1987 – Colin Kaepernick, NFL quarterback known for his social justice activism
- 1995 – Kendall Jenner, American model and television personality
Notable Deaths (November 3)
Scientists and Intellectuals:
- 1879 – James Clerk Maxwell, Scottish physicist and mathematician who formulated the theory of electromagnetic radiation
- 1950 – George Bernard Shaw, Irish playwright, critic, and Nobel Prize winner
- 1979 – Dennis Gabor, Hungarian-British physicist and Nobel laureate, inventor of holography
Artists and Cultural Figures:
- 1466 – Donatello, Italian Renaissance sculptor and artist
- 1755 – Montesquieu, French political philosopher
- 2014 – Acker Bilk, English clarinetist and composer
Fun Facts for November 3
- November 3rd is celebrated as Sandwich Day in honor of John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who is credited with inventing the sandwich
- This date has been particularly significant for independence movements – besides Panama in 1903, Dominica gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1978
- The Washington Monument was completed in 1884
- NASA successfully launched TIROS-1, the first weather satellite, in 1960
Parts of this story were converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Montana
Big Sky Joins New York City, Palm Beach, Taos, Houston and Many US Cities in Tiding a New Wave of Luxury Hotels Turbocharging American Travel and Hospitality Industry – Travel And Tour World
Published on
November 3, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
Big Sky, Montana, is joining a prestigious list of cities such as New York City, Palm Beach, Taos, and Houston, all of which are paving the way for a brand-new wave of luxury hotels in US Hospitality industry. This surge of new hotels is set to turbocharge the American travel industry, transforming how tourists experience the U.S. From the bustling streets of New York to the serene landscapes of Big Sky, these cities are embracing this exciting shift.
The opening of these luxury hotels in key locations is not just changing the US tourism landscape but also revitalizing the hospitality industry. As each city introduces its own blend of opulence, the hotel industry is being pushed to new heights. These developments promise to attract travelers from around the world, eager to experience the next chapter in luxury travel. Keep reading to explore how these new hotels are set to redefine American travel!
The US hotel industry is about to experience a thrilling transformation. The new wave of luxury hotels opening across America in 2025 and 2026 is going to change the entire landscape of the US tourism market. With incredible new developments, cutting-edge design, and world-class facilities, these hotels are setting the stage for a tourism boom. If you’re a fan of new hotels, the hospitality industry will soon have some jaw-dropping choices to offer, all catering to the evolving tastes and demands of modern travelers.
In this report, we’ll take you through the exciting new luxury hotels opening in the US in 2025 and 2026. We’ll also explore how these upcoming establishments will reshape the US tourism sector, impacting everything from travel industry trends to hospitality standards. So buckle up—this is going to be a thrilling ride through the future of US hotels!
City
Hotel / Brand
Year
Key notes
New York City, NY
Waldorf Astoria New York (renovation)
2025
Iconic Midtown property after major restoration.
Big Sky, Montana
One&Only Moonlight Basin
2025
U.S. debut of the One&Only brand in a resort setting.
Palm Beach, Florida
The Vineta Hotel (Oetker Collection)
2025
Luxury conversion/re‑opening of historic property.
Houston, Texas
Hotel Saint Augustine
2025
Boutique luxury opening in Montrose neighbourhood.
Taos, New Mexico
Hotel Willa
2025
Mountain‑destination luxury hotel.
Boulder, Colorado
Limelight Boulder
2025
250‑room luxury lifestyle hotel opening fall 2025.
Jacksonville, Florida
Four Seasons Hotel & Private Residences Jacksonville
2026
New flagship luxury hotel plus residences. (Four Seasons)
Washington, D.C.
Four Seasons Private Residences Washington, D.C.
2026
Luxury urban living concept in Georgetown area. (Four Seasons)
Las Vegas, Nevada
The Vanderpump Hotel
2026
Boutique luxury hotel renovation of existing property on the Strip.
Seattle, Washington
The Langham, Seattle
2026 (projected)
High‑rise luxury hotel project, though subject to delay.
The US Hotel Industry: A Glimpse into the Future of Hospitality and Tourism
In the coming years, the US tourism industry is going to soar to new heights, thanks in large part to an explosion of luxury hotels opening across the country. These new hotels are not just places to stay; they are full-fledged experiences designed to captivate travelers from around the globe. From state-of-the-art amenities to stunning architectural designs, these hotels are setting new standards for the hospitality industry.
Across major cities like New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Houston, the future of luxury travel looks brighter than ever. These new hotels are creating jobs, boosting tourism, and reshaping the entire travel industry. The hotel industry is about to get a makeover like never before, with a focus on ultra-luxury, sustainability, and unrivaled guest experiences.
New York City’s Iconic Waldorf Astoria: A Historic Hotel Reborn in 2025
New York City’s Waldorf Astoria is one of the most iconic hotels in the world, and it’s about to undergo a jaw-dropping transformation. Slated for a grand reopening in 2025, this legendary hotel is getting a complete renovation, breathing new life into its historic walls. The newly reimagined Waldorf will offer 375 luxurious guestrooms, expansive spa services, and unrivaled views of the Manhattan skyline.
As one of the most awaited new hotels opening in the US, the revamped Waldorf Astoria will be the crown jewel of US hotels. This will be a game-changer for the hotel industry as it combines its historic elegance with modern opulence. It’s not just a hotel; it’s a symbol of New York’s timeless glamour, ready to take the US tourism market by storm.
One&Only Moonlight Basin in Montana: A Mountain Retreat Like No Other
Luxury meets adventure in Big Sky, Montana, with the highly anticipated opening of One&Only Moonlight Basin in 2025. This resort will be the US tourism industry’s latest gem, combining rugged mountain landscapes with world-class luxury. The One&Only brand, known for its exclusive and top-tier offerings, is making its U.S. debut at this breathtaking location.
This ultra-luxurious resort will feature top-notch amenities, including an 18-hole golf course, an indulgent spa, and gourmet dining experiences. Guests will be able to unwind in the lap of luxury while immersing themselves in the beauty of Montana’s wilderness. One&Only Moonlight Basin is a dream come true for those looking to combine relaxation with an adrenaline-filled vacation, marking a massive shift in the hospitality industry.
The Vineta Hotel in Palm Beach: Oetker Collection’s Magnificent New Addition
Palm Beach, Florida, is about to get a new superstar in its luxury hotel scene with the opening of The Vineta Hotel in early 2025. This exclusive addition to the Oetker Collection promises to elevate the US tourism landscape to new heights. The Vineta Hotel is set to offer sophisticated elegance with a modern twist, blending classic luxury with contemporary design.
Expect oceanfront views, impeccable service, and unparalleled facilities, making this one of the most sought-after luxury hotels in the country. The Vineta will attract the elite from around the world, positioning Palm Beach as a top destination in the US hotel scene. Its arrival is sure to cause waves in the hotel industry, redefining what a luxury vacation looks like in Florida.
Four Seasons Hotel Jacksonville: A New Era of Luxury Living in Florida
In 2026, Four Seasons is set to open its highly anticipated hotel and private residences in Jacksonville, Florida. This exciting development will bring a new era of luxury to the city, with 5-star amenities, stunning architecture, and a range of exclusive private residences. Jacksonville, long considered a hidden gem in the US tourism sector, is now poised to become a major player in the luxury travel market.
Four Seasons’ entry into the Jacksonville market is a clear indication that the hospitality industry is turning its attention to cities that were once overshadowed by bigger, more established destinations. This new hotel will bring world-class luxury to Jacksonville, providing a fresh option for those seeking an elevated travel experience.
Las Vegas: The Vanderpump Hotel Set to Take Over the Strip in 2026
Las Vegas is no stranger to big names and extravagant hotels, but in 2026, it will welcome a brand-new addition—the Vanderpump Hotel. This boutique hotel is set to be a luxury playground for those looking for a one-of-a-kind experience on the Las Vegas Strip. Designed by the famous Lisa Vanderpump, this hotel will be an oasis of elegance, with top-tier dining, opulent suites, and a nightlife experience that rivals anything currently available.
The Vanderpump Hotel will undoubtedly shake up the US hotel market, attracting visitors from across the globe who want to be part of a new luxury experience in Las Vegas. Its opening will mark a significant shift in the hotel industry as it caters to a growing demand for high-end, boutique hotel experiences.
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore in Santa Barbara: A Grand Reopening in 2026
The historic Biltmore Santa Barbara, part of the Four Seasons portfolio, is undergoing a grand renovation and is set to reopen in 2026. This iconic resort, nestled along California’s stunning coast, will re-emerge as one of the most luxurious destinations in the world. The Biltmore has long been a favorite among celebrities and high-profile guests, and its revival promises to make it an even more attractive destination for discerning travelers.
The reopening of Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore will have a massive impact on the US tourism market, as it reintroduces a landmark property with all the modern luxuries travelers expect. The hospitality industry will undoubtedly feel the ripple effect of this rejuvenated gem.
The Future of US Hotels: Game-Changing Developments on the Horizon
As we move into 2025 and 2026, the US hotel industry will continue to evolve with these spectacular new additions. These hotels are not just about offering a place to sleep—they’re creating experiences that will shape the future of US tourism. With a focus on luxury, design, and unforgettable experiences, these hotels are setting new benchmarks for what it means to travel in style.
The hospitality industry in the US is undergoing a renaissance, and these new hotels are leading the charge. Whether you’re looking for a mountain retreat, a beachside paradise, or an urban luxury experience, the US hotel industry will have something to offer in the coming years.
The travel industry has never been more exciting, and the luxury hotels opening in 2025 and 2026 are going to change the way we think about travel. From the Waldorf Astoria to One&Only Moonlight Basin, these new hotels are the future of US tourism—and they’re waiting for you.
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