Image courtesy of the Green O
There's something to be said for nature escapes that perfectly combine rustic and luxury living. The Green O, a breathtaking resort on the southern edge of a 37,000-acre Montana ranch, does just that.
The Green O is the adults-only sister property of The Resort at Paws Up. (Both are situated on the sprawling Paws Up Ranch.) And although they both certainly merit a visit, the Green O is truly unmatched — and perfect for couples.
With beautiful accommodations, exceptional cuisine, a spa and myriad outdoor activities, the Green O makes for a supremely special nature retreat. Read on to discover why I love the Green O.
The Green O redefines what a hotel room can be
Image courtesy of the Green O
The Green O excels at taking your favorite childhood memories (like playing in tree houses) and giving them a luxury spin. Here, guests stay in one of the 12 Haus accommodations that dot the tranquil resort expanse. And while not every Haus can technically be called a tree house, they're all ultra-cozy, ultra-chic, ultra-private and look as though they belong in Architectural Digest.
Take the Tree Haus, for instance, a 1,030-square-foot marvel perched 23 feet in the air. You'll access the primary bedroom via a spiral staircase, where floor-to-ceiling windows allow you to really take in the views. You won't want to leave your retreat amid the trees — except to descend to the ground, where a steaming private hot tub awaits.
For something super modern, opt for the Green Haus, a slant-roofed woodland "bunker" that has forever altered how I think about bunkers. Enormous windows, a sweeping skylight and an indoor-outdoor design make this contemporary cabin ideal for those who love being in nature.
Stargazers will delight in the Light Haus, where a glass-walled "bump-out" allows for unobstructed views of the night sky (no light pollution here). For those who enjoy being, quite literally, surrounded by nature, Round Haus, with its curved design and floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic wilderness views, will not disappoint.
At the Green O, every meal is a home run
Image courtesy of the Green O
You'll likely come for the luxe Haus accommodations, and stay for the food. All meals are served in the Social Haus, a handsome space with giant windows, custom lighting (so romantic) and beautiful Shou Sugi Ban wood.
In typical Green O fashion, a cheeky playfulness is imbued into every dish. Fish sticks, cereal, waffles and other childhood favorites get a five-star gourmet spin. Start the day with a hearty breakfast, with expertly prepared sweet and savory options. Lunch brings a meticulously sourced selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, tacos and other nourishing fare.
But the tour de force is the nightly eight-course tasting menu, prepared in the Social Haus' open kitchen. The amount of food is perfect and allows you to taste several different flavors of Montana's natural bounty. And there are no repeats: every night is a completely new experience.
There are unique activities for everyone to enjoy
Image courtesy of the Green O
Whatever type of traveler you are — wellness enthusiast, outdoorsman, equestrian, adrenaline-seeker — the Green O has something you will want to do (even if that means chilling in your Haus with a good book).
In the colder months, there's ice skating, tubing, horse-drawn sleigh rides (with hot chocolate, of course), cross-country skiing and more. During the warmer months, choose from hiking, navigating a high-ropes course, rappelling, mountain-bike riding, fly-fishing...the list goes on.
But whatever you do, you must visit Spa Town, a collection of tents that serve as the Green O's open-air spa. (In the winter, the spa relocates to the cozy Saddle Club equestrian center.) Massages, organic facials and other holistic treatments are all available here. And if you don't want to leave the comfort of your Haus (I don't blame you), you don't have to: in-Haus treatments are also available, and highly encouraged.
In between massages, take a yoga class, try a barre class or maintain your own routine at the Huff-and-Puff Fitness Center, equipped with everything (ellipticals, free weights, stationary bikes, treadmills) you need. Whatever your vibe, the Green O has you covered.
Fora Perks:
$300 activity credit.
Complimentary bottle of wine.
Breakfast daily.
Extended check-in/out whenever possible.