Naturally Secluded

The Green O Credit Stuart Thurlkill

The drive from Missoula is a quick one, winding along the sparkling Blackfoot River and through Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine forest. Here lies The Green O, the ultra-luxe, all-inclusive, adults-only section of The Resort at Paws Up. (Think of a resort within a resort.) Guests can expect a low-key yet elevated relaxing weekend in the wild. This is not a trip where anyone will need “a vacation from their vacation.” This is a true retreat, designed with the perfect blend of wellness and indulgence and set in the shockingly beautiful backdrop of Big Sky Country. 

Though it’s primed for contemplative serenity and a lovely ladies’ or couples’ getaway, there’s so much to be excited about right now at the Green O. The much-lauded boutique property is currently making waves for a surprising reason. Executive Chef Brandon Cunningham was recently short-listed for a James Beard Foundation Award, aka the Oscars of the restaurant world. As the only Montana chef to ever make it to the finals, he’s transformed a quiet, densely timbered pocket in the western reaches of the state into a five-star, gourmet destination. 

That’s not the only thing noteworthy about the hotel. The Green O impresses right away, as the rooms are actually housed in standalone cottages for the ultimate secluded escape.  Dahlia Swerdloff, travel advisor with Fora Travel, explains, “Each room, called a Haus, is its own unique private dwelling, sophisticated, luxurious and cozy. They are full of light and windows, allowing for a real connection to the outdoors.” It’s an exclusive enclave with only 12 design-forward accommodations on site. [They’re] each spread out so you feel private, but not necessarily alone in the wilderness,” adds Swerdloff. 

With four types of Hauses, there’s something to satisfy every traveler. The two-story Tree Hauses, four total, perch more than 20 feet above the ground and feature two balconies each. Four cozy, curvy Round Hauses rise among swaying pines, and one show-stopping Light Haus resembles a glass pavilion. Finally, there are three Green Hauses, studio-like in layout and tucked into the hillside with more windows than walls. “I stayed in a Green Haus and fell asleep under the stars with the huge glass skylight over my bed,” Swerdloff says. “From my bed, when I awoke, I watched a family of deer passing by my porch through the floor-to-ceiling windows looking into the wilderness.”

Each style of Haus boasts some common themes, with sleek, contemporary lines, reclaimed wood finishes, homey fireplaces (both indoors and out), and private hot tubs. All are designed to bring the outdoors in and blend seamlessly into their forested surrounds with their embrace of dark, rich colorways and natural materials. 

For a look inside one specific room, let’s visit Round Haus 1, a dreamy 918-square foot abode, with sweeping, woodsy views from the expansive living quarters and the circular bedroom. An indoor/outdoor fireplace sweetens the deal, making for a cozy reading station both inside and out. Perhaps the most striking design choice is the wet room-style bathroom, with a massive soaking tub, double showers, separate water closet and huge vanity with double sinks. The complimentary Dyson hairdryer and ring light mirror are nice luxury touches, too. In the sumptuously appointed living room, textured blankets and a plethora of pillows make for an inviting roost. A kitchenette includes a freezer stocked with homemade ice cream sandwiches in flavors like strawberry rhubarb and chocolate peanut butter, a decadent addition. 

From the Hauses, it’s a short trek to the Social Haus, the eatery and hub of The Green O. “It is here where the creative culinary design of Chef Brandon Cunningham is shared by the lucky guests in each Haus. Dinner consists of eight courses, all focused on local ingredients, foraged when possible,” shares travel pro Swerdloff. Even when dining there multiple evenings in a row, visitors won’t ever repeat a dish; the culinary team is hyper aware of guests’ movements and dining plans, so the bespoke menu is planned accordingly. Expect playful, elevated local fare like crudité served in a teeny garden pot, mussels with green garlic, fried cabbage tostones, and Wagyu heated on Montana river rocks. Everything is beautifully plated and served by an attentive but not overbearing staff. 

The in-room breakfast spread at The Green O is delightful, too. Each morning, a large Yeti cooler is delivered, stocked with guests’ preferred coffee concoctions and house-made pastries. A dine-in menu screams seasonality, with choices like huckleberry pancakes and breakfast sandwiches with meat from the ranch. Pro tip: craft your own avocado toast by ordering the avocado and aleppo with the sourdough bread; it’s divine. Alternatively, guests can opt to eat at the Social Haus, where hearty eggs-in-a-basket or inventive cereal bars (eclairs topped with freeze dried berries, cacao nibs, edible flowers and ruby chocolate glaze) await. The space is actually open all day, offering homemade takeaway pizzas for a more casual dining option, or fancy snacks and beverages for a bite in. “It was hard to resist a midday snack of homemade chips and caviar dip or fresh cut truffle fries with a hand-crafted cocktail,” explains Swerdloff. “Or, the main village at Paws up is only about a mile away depending on your path, and there you will find Pomp, Trough and Tank, a few of the restaurants on Paws Up that are also available to you as a guest at Green O,” the travel advisor adds. Another thoughtful perk of The Green O is the use of complimentary Lexus SUVs during your stay. This allows for easy movement between the property and the larger Resort at Paws Up, making those additional dining options attractive and simple to access. 

In addition to its celebrated culinary program, The Green O offers a mix of typical outdoorsy activities and some super-creative endeavors. Alongside a traditional horse program at Montana’s largest private equestrian center, there’s an aerial adventure park, shooting club and expansive kids club, just some of the 70 activities on offer. On the quirkier side, guests can experience cow croquet (which was invented on property), skijoring (horse-pulled skiing), and so much more. Swerdloff says, “Each season offers many new activities, whether you are fly fishing in the summer, roasting marshmallows over a fire after a winter hike or seeing some of the 8,000-acre property on an ATV in any season.” 

Perhaps the most iconic way to while the day away on the resort’s 37,000 acres is a visit to Spa Town. Featured in “150 Spas You Need to Visit Before You Die” by Devorah Lev-Tov, this dreamy spa is the luxury glamping take on a traditional spa. Elevated, tented wooden platforms, with expansive views of the fields and rolling hills beyond, serve as treatment rooms. A greenhouse-esque glass enclosure makes for a stunning yoga studio and group class space. There, consider enjoying a private morning sound bath, a relaxing and meditative way to start any day on property. For a beautiful weekend in the Montana wilderness, it’s clear The Green O is well worth the trip. 

Thegreeno.com

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