Luxury Treehouses and Fabulous Cuisine in the Montana Wilderness: My Stay at Green O

A 40-minute drive from Missoula Montana Airport (MSO), along the Blackfoot River, are one and two stunning hotels located in the quiet woods of Greenough, Montana. As part of a family-owned bison and farm animal ranch, 37,000 acres of pristine mountainfront wilderness provide the backdrop for the two-hotel property, which is home to the Paws Up family hotel and its sober sister hotel, La O Verde.

Located at the end of a private driveway, just past a code-protected iron gate flanked by a lantern, The Green O looks like one of the most exclusive hideaways in the western United States. STATES UNIDOS. De done, when the doors opened to let the car through. When I arrived earlier this spring, I felt like I had been thrown cowgirl boots for the first time in an episode of “Succession. “

But despite the cold austerity of its entrance, which is in the hotel’s signature O-shape, The Green O is a place filled with cheerful staff members (the kind who know their calling before they arrive), crackling fireplaces, cozy corners and a different vibe. It can only be described as a mix of hygiene and wild west (a winning combination, in my opinion). Featured on our list of the most productive adults-only all-inclusive hotels in the world, the assets attract wealthy people. Honeymooners, laid-back businessmen and wealthy adventurers trade in their pants for Levi’s and abandon the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan life for relaxed Montana-style luxury.

When I arrived at Green O this spring, I was swept away (and sitting in the trees) by the impeccable service, carefully crafted multi-course dinners, and elegant Scandinavian-style rooms; Mine was a two-story tree house built into the pine. trees. Those who love to be immersed in the great outdoors, with a healthy dose of elegant luxury, should book a vacation in this special corner of Big Sky Country.

The Green O is an adults-only all-inclusive hotel in Greenough that is next door to its aforementioned sister property, The Resort at Paws Up, which is also family-friendly and all-inclusive. Located on land once inhabited only by members of the Blackfoot Nation, the Nez Perce Tribe, and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation, the acreage purchased around 1915 through a rancher named Paul Greenough, who ranched flocks of sheep which he marked with giant green O’s (rightly so), hence the emblem and call of the season. The land was last purchased in the 1990s through the existing owners, who expanded it to 37,000 acres of deeded and leased land in Montana.

Featuring 12 “houses” of different styles, most commonly designed in-house (in-house, so to speak) through Dave Lipson, Laurence Lipson, and Pieter De Liagre Bohl, The Green O is aimed at couples. Each house was specifically created to accommodate two other people in the warmest environment.

Nightly rates include all meals as well as a variety of wines, beers and cocktails, round-trip airport transfers, use of Lexus luxury SUVs during your stay, and $500 credits consistent with lodging implemented toward any activity at the place. and excursions.

Visitors to Green O can visit the Resort at Paws Up (the restaurants, amenities, and activity center); however, visitors staying at Paws Up are not allowed to enter from the Green O aspect of the property.

The most productive way to plan a stay at The Green O is to book directly through the hotel’s website, as the assets are not currently part of an issues or loyalty program or a credit card program like American Express Fine Hotels Resorts. Rates tend to hover around $4,000 at night, but can be closer to $3,000 at night, during off-peak hours (I’ve noticed rates as low as $2,892 by January 2025).

While this is in fact the highest point of a maximum daily fee for all-inclusive assets in the U. S. , it is not possible to see the U. S. In the U. S. , the quality of the inclusions (nightly multi-course meals from a James Beard-nominated chef, premium alcoholic beverages, and luxury transportation) is worth noting.

Please note that a minimum stay of three nights is required from June to September and a minimum stay of two nights from October to May. (This would possibly exclude events, packages, and holidays. )

As mentioned above, location is perhaps one of the biggest draws to a Green O vacation. It’s not every day that you find yourself in the heart of the pastoral countryside of the American West and have the opportunity to traverse thousands of uninterrupted landscapes. The acre landscapes of Big Sky Country are pretty special.

The Green O is definitely the type of hotel you go to with the goal of staying at the property; consumers don’t leave halfway back to Missoula, for example. With a wonderful array of activities (horseback riding and hiking, clay pigeon shooting and ATV tours, to name a few), comfortable accommodations, delicious food, and many more acres of wilderness to explore, there is no real explanation as to why you should leave.

There are 12 Scandinavian style houses in Green O, with 4 categories: Tree Haus, Round Haus, Green Haus and Light Haus. Each has a different but equally striking design that reflects the surroundings of the grassy wooded area, bringing the outdoors in through bright spaces, white lines, inviting curves and striking wood-paneled floors. All hotels have a deep soaking tub inside and a hot tub outside, ideal for stargazing at night.

I was lucky enough to stay in one of the Tree Haus suites, which rise to 23 feet tall, suspended among the trees and offer 1,030 square feet of space. From the gravel parking lot (where I parked my private Lexus, of course), I climbed a series of wooden and pebble steps up to the house. Although I could see some of the other houses, they were far enough away from mine to make me feel deprived.

Inside, on the glass floor, there is a small area to leave your shoes, as well as poles and rackets.

I climbed a beautiful iron and spiral staircase that passed through the center of the two-story design: an art painting in itself.

The first floor is the living room with floor-to-ceiling windows almost around the room, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding forest. Overlooking the porch and trees beyond, there is a work area with everything one could want to do some painting.

In the middle of the room were a pair of sumptuous armchair-style upholstered chairs facing the view (with a Samsung Frame TV, for those who need to watch a movie after stargazing).

A sublime glass-enclosed fireplace with remote control sat on one side of the double doors, revealing a living space, with more seating, a beautiful hand-carved wooden table and a swing-style chair.

Back in the look, on the other side of the spiral staircase, is a small kitchen domain with a counter-style seating area, sink, integrated drawer-style refrigerator with San Pelligrino seltzers, and the same drawer-style freezer, a Nespresso machine on the countertop with capsules. , complimentary red wine and a collection of delicious local snacks, plus two reusable water bottles for visitors to keep.

Beyond the kitchen, what I considered the jewel of the first floor: a bathroom in which I would gladly pay rent to live for the rest of my life.

It included a deep bathroom surrounded by elegant black tiles, hardwood floors with comfortable lambskin rugs, a double vanity with plenty of drawers, Le Labo products, a full shower, a set of separate toilets, and a dryer for easy use. access to laundry room. Of course, the panoramic view of the trees is the icing on the cake.

I discovered the room on the most sensible spiral staircase of the moment. With floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides of the room, I felt like I was absolutely suspended in the middle of the towering pine trees.

Hygge vibes were the name of the game in this space. The room included a comfortable king-size four-poster bed with softer-than-soft gray linen sheets and incredibly plush pillows, adding a weighted blanket-pillow hybrid that I found to be very comforting. .

A second wood stove was placed in front of the rear window, and there was a small utility room with a toilet and sink, plus a giant garage cabinet with hangers and shelves. Two giant glass doors opened onto a small patio with views of the surrounding forest (with elegant woven chairs and a coffee table, ideal for enjoying morning coffee and pastries).

Sinking into the linen sheets at night, with the wood stove burning and a cool breeze coming through the double doors, blissful. And speaking of sleeping, before going to bed, I suggest you go out to see the treehouse all lit up. .

My favorite way to end the night is to soak in my private hot tub, located just outside the treehouse, with a glass of wine in hand and my head tilted toward the stars.

I appreciated the added touch of a small pole where you can simply hang a bathrobe and towel. And Montana, in fact, lived up to its nickname of Big Sky Country: every night was like witnessing a heavenly spectacle.

To say that the food alone is worth it when booking a vacation to Green O is definitely not an understatement. James Beard-nominated chef Brandon Cunningham is known for his eight-course dinners featuring locally sourced ingredients and ingredients from elsewhere (think: seasonal morels shipped from Washington state or seafood imported from the Pacific Northwest). Each dish is prepared with passion and intentionality; Find vintage prepared food enhanced in haute cuisine style.

Cunningham runs Social Haus, another striking Scandinavian-style architectural feature of the property. This is the main area where visitors gather to dine, drink and relax around a glass-enclosed fireplace. The area itself reflects the same nature-oriented characteristic as the houses; Three sides of the building feature floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal views of pine trees and houses, with wood-focused decor and furniture that reflects the surrounding forest.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner, of course, are included in the price per night at Green O. Dinner is a subtle affair in the sense that the presentation and plating are as sublime as possible; However, visitors are welcome to wear jeans and cowboy boots if they choose (dressing up is stylish too!) – it’s whatever visitors feel most comfortable in. easy.

During my stay, the weather was warm enough for spring, so I ate several times outdoors on the terrace, through the fire. Sitting by the indoor fireplace is great for cooler evenings and sitting at the bar, watching the chefs prepare the food. In the outdoor kitchen it is also an exciting experience.

The dinner menu is adapted both for the evening and for each dish, a waiter (or even one of the chefs) will approach the table to find the inspiration behind the dish. Cocktails, chosen based on wines, beers and spirits, are also part of the all-inclusive program.

On my first night, I enjoyed halibut with seasonal ramps, hamachi, and wild onions; a delicious blend of celery root and morels; sumptuous salmon; duck prepared with parsnip puree; yuzu with red fruits; and a delicious pineapple and ginger dessert. My favorite wine on the menu, the Rombauer Chardonnay 2022, suitable for a seafood menu.

For lunch, my favorite dish was the rich filet mignon made with beans and squash, which paired well with a blood orange mocktail.

Breakfast included menu items such as potatoes with highly spiced romesco sauce, a cereal set including choux cake and white chocolate ganache, and buttermilk steak with eggs.

While it’s perfectly appropriate to spend the duration of your stay at Green O by the fireplace with new linen linens and enjoy quiet meals at Social Haus, there are plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy some true ranch delight in Montana. From raising farm animals to hunting, fly fishing, and horseback riding through stunning landscapes, the 37,000-acre assets that make up The Green O and The Resort at Paws Up offer a wealth of Western-inspired activities.

Green O’s nightly rate includes $500 credits for those other activities, and I greatly appreciate the merit of at least one or two.

Head to the Wilderness Outpost in Paws Up and a team of staff will help you get started with the activity that’s right for you. Don’t look for outpost gifts (think: cowboy hats, locally made jewelry, Western-inspired clothing). and souvenirs).

Take a guided ATV tour along winding trails along the rushing river and pastures of grazing bison, immerse yourself in a comprehensive livestock hauling experience, or meet the local horses with a relaxing ride around the property.

There are a few reasons why these special assets may not appeal to each and every traveler:

Unfortunately, one domain where The Green O doesn’t shine is in the accessibility department. There is only one house advertised as wheelchair available and there are no parts on the assets in particular for other visually or hearing impaired people. We don’t have an accessibility section and upon contacting The Green O, we learned that it’s just not a very available asset.

Just down the street at the Resort at Paws Up, visitors with a desire for accessibility can have more options, adding two hotels that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and maximum facility wheelchair accessibility.

Because I’m the type of user who’s in a secluded, outdoor-oriented environment, knowing that I can lounge on a sumptuous bed by the fireplace at the end of the night, The Green O seemed right for me. as a tonic in complex form. Those who spend their time wandering and venturing outdoors and have an affinity for luxurious, avant-garde hotels, as well as the charm of the western United States, will stay here.

While the value is very high, between the comfortable, intimate hotels and inspiring cuisine, The Green O is worth it for those who spend quite a bit of money on an adults-only all-inclusive getaway in this price range.

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