Hotel Review: The Green O in Montana

On my last night at The Green O  in Greenough, Mont., I ordered a pizza from my private hot tub. 

It was entirely unnecessary as I'd just enjoyed a nine-course tasting menu mere minutes before, but I felt a journalistic obligation to try one after hearing other guests rave about them and watching pies pop out of the oven each night from the open kitchen. 

Plus, when would I have another chance to order a pizza for delivery to an outdoor hot tub in the snowy woods of Montana? 

Delicious Dining

I'm pleased to report that the signature Green O pizza, topped with butternut squash, roasted garlic cloves, local goat cheese and arugula, was worth every calorie. Executive chef Brandon Cunningham and his kitchen team present a completely new tasting menu each evening and nimbly accommodate any dietary restrictions or allergies. I asked for a vegan menu one night on a whim, just to test him, and Cunningham passed with flying colors — serving me mushroom XO sauce stir-fry in an adorable Chinese takeout container and substituting smoked celery root for venison in another dish for an equally hearty bite.

Social Haus is arguably one of the best new fine-dining restaurants in the country, and certainly the most exclusive. The restaurant is open only to guests of The Green O and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus late-night pizza delivery. All meals and drinks are included, and the cocktail list features an array of unique local spirits. It’s an easy spot to make new friends, too, despite most guests arriving in pairs.

I remembered Green O’s pastry chef, Krystle Swenson, for the desserts she served me five years prior at Crawford & Sons in Raleigh, N.C., and she ends each meal at The Green O on a memorable sweet note. Swenson also has an affinity for making small batches of ice cream from scratch in a Pacojet, and I was delighted to find homemade ice cream sandwiches in my kitchenette freezer.

Amenities at The Green O

There are only 12 standalone homes — called Hauses — at this adults-only hideaway in remote Montana, each with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, private outdoor hot tubs, soaking tubs and fireplaces. The minimalist Scandinavian-inspired design is otherworldly, and on a snowy winter day, I felt like I was inside a snowglobe.

I stayed in a Tree Haus, with a glass-enclosed spiral staircase and lofted foliage-level views; the Green Haus, meanwhile, features an oversize skylight above the king-size bed for stargazing. There are four different — but equally beautiful — designs to choose from, all within a short walk of the Social Haus restaurant and lounge.

My living room chairs were as comfortable as spa loungers, and I drifted right off to sleep one afternoon while tucked under a stretchable weighted blanket after an excellent in-haus massage. Who needs a spa when the spa comes to you? Even if clients don't book a spa treatment, sipping Nicolas Feuillatte brut Champagne from the bathtub is just as indulgent. 

The Green O is situated on the southern end of 37,000-acre Paws Up Ranch, [https://www.pawsup.com/]also home to The Resort at Paws Up, a family-friendly ranch known for glamping. Guests at The Green O have access to all the activities and amenities at Paws Up, but with the seclusion and serenity of being at an intimate resort-within-a-resort.  

RELATED: Cow Croquet Is an Actual Thing at The Resort at Paws Up

Outdoor Activities

There are countless outdoor adventures for visitors to try year-round, though nobody would blame them if they just want to relax in the comfort of their Haus. Horseback rides are always popular, and in winter, guests can go dog sledding or snowmobiling in a nearby ghost town. In summer months, there's fly-fishing, mountain biking and backcountry ATV tours. 

Dog sledding was a highlight for me. It was warm enough that I stood on the back and helped steer the whole way, leaning into the curves and getting whipped in the face a couple of times with tree branches. Many of my veteran sled dogs had competed in multiple Iditarod races, and I got to cuddle up with each after mushing. Our activity guides were young outdoor enthusiasts who view their work as play.

The Green O is also a wonderful choice for a romantic getaway that’s immersed in nature, but with every creature comfort. Winter is considered low season, but it’s an incredibly beautiful time to visit, and having less people around adds to the peaceful ambiance. There are plenty of activity options even if partners have divergent interests, and if a client needs to work while on vacation, the Wi-Fi access here is free and fast.

And when it's time to close the computer, a woodland wonderland awaits.

The Details
The Green O