The Green O
"Why book? Montana is the ultimate playground for nature enthusiasts. But if you like coming home to an exclusive forest hideaway, dining like you’re in a hard-to-book restaurant, and enjoying the peace and quiet that comes from being in an exclusive adults-only property, The Green O has it all. Set the scene The Green O is a 35-minute scenic drive from the quaint Missoula Montana Airport, set on a vast 37,000-acre ranch in hilly western Montana. You’ll find West Coast couples wearing his-and-hers Aviator Nation plaid shirts, sipping cherry-infused craft cocktails on custom-made stools at the onyx bar. The mix includes 30-something Silicon Valley types and cozy power couples, while the vibe is all about disconnecting from digital without compromising on a carefully curated lifestyle. The backstory Laurence Lipson and his family traded in ranching in Colorado for this 37,000-acre parcel of Montana in 1996. They have since expanded it to include a working cattle and bison ranch, as well as two exclusive resorts including the Green O, which opened in June 2021. The name was inspired by the previous landowner, Paul Greenough, who was known for unusually branding his sheep with a green “o.” Paws Up was the owners’ first foray into hospitality, an experimental glamping concept replete with thoughtfully decorated tents boasting heated floors and a butler. That spawned a whole new segment in tourism, one that has since been replicated by other luxury hotel groups and this new adults-only resort. The rooms The spacious one-bedroom guest houses come in four different layouts, including the Tree Haus, a two-floor concept perched 23 feet in the air among the pine trees with a fireplace on both floors. All 12 of the accommodations are similar in size and feature floor-to-ceiling windows, though those who prefer the convenience of having their outdoor hot tub directly on their patio (as opposed to a few steps away from the structure) might prefer one of the other Haus styles. The vibe is Old West cabin meets Scandinavian penthouse, with wide-plank wood floors and a minibar stocked with homemade cocktails and caviar. Food and drink Food here is serious business: A nightly tasting menu is served at the guests-only Social Haus and adapted to your preferences. The talented team elevates star ingredients like sunchoke, lion’s mane mushrooms, or wagyu beef in an open kitchen overseen by executive Chef Brandon Cunningham. The rutabaga reuben and Vietnamese-inspired tacos are must-haves for lunch. Pizzas and french fries are made with the same creative attention to detail, as are the impeccably-mixed house cocktails. The spa In warmer months, it all happens at Spa Village—a collection of tents dedicated to hot stone massages, purifying mud wraps, and yoga classes. During winter, treatments take place in a repurposed, century-old equestrian house. The neighborhood/area Green O is tucked away in the densely timbered Blackfoot River Valley, an area that was historically occupied by Indigenous Americans who used the river as a transportation corridor. It’s believed that the Lewis and Clark Expedition traveled through here in 1806. Guests can access a variety of restaurants at sister property Paws Up and explore nearby parks. You’ll see plenty of wildlife around, including deer, elk, and possibly black bears. The service Green O is all-inclusive of food, wine, and chauffeured transportation to and from activities, and it is also a tip-free property. Courteous yet unstuffy, the knowledgeable staff will cater to your every need, from a thermos of customized tea for the road to scheduling your game of cow croquet. The nightly rate includes the use of a personal Lexus XU. Eco effort Haus accommodations were planned to minimize disruption to the treescape. There is a limit to the number of motorized vehicles allowed on site and minimal outdoor lighting. The resort is almost plastic-free: all tap water is filtered, toiletries are in large refillable containers, and even the handcrafted soaps are unwrapped. Anything left to mention? Don’t miss the hot air balloon rides, whitewater rafting, and clay pigeon shooting, plus dog sledding in winter months. Finally, in 100 words or less, what makes this hotel worthy of Hot List? The Green O offers a rare level of laid-back luxury in a unique, wild landscape. Its setting in Montana’s forest recalls simpler days when hunting and gathering was a way of life, yet it affords some of the world’s most evolved accommodations in terms of design, service, and cuisine. Out-of-the box activities round out this unforgettable experience." - Nadia Michel
