From Dog-Sledding to Tasting Menus, The Green O Needs to Be on Your Bucket List
Some couples escape to tropical islands, charming European towns and oversized resorts, but many people don’t realize that the ultimate romantic vacation is found in the northwestern United States—Montana, to be exact.
While known for four gorgeous seasons, cattle ranches, vast wildlife and sweet huckleberries, Montana’s best-kept secret is an adults-only, luxury boutique resort called the green o. And while some hotels have incredible activities, decadent cuisine, top-notch service or unique luxury accommodations, the green o has it all.
Situated on a 37,000-acre ranch in the town of Greenough and sister property to The Resort at Paws Up, the green o is made up of 12 secluded haus accommodations along with the Social Haus. From the Tree Haus (a three-story home that sits 23 feet up in the air) to the Green Haus (featuring a skylight above the bed to fall asleep to the stars), the architecture of each private sanctuary is simply next level. The elevated and unique design aspects match the surrounding scenery while providing an intimate retreat.
Each haus has a private outdoor hot tub, and the homes are spaced far enough apart to give you an undisturbed, secluded feel to add to the romantic vibe. While some of the details should be kept as a surprise, it’s hard not to share that there’s a morning coffee and pastry delivery, Bluetooth speakers throughout each home, heated toilet seats and electric Lexus vehicles available for you to drive around the property.
The resort is open year-round; the summer boasts a multitude of adventures and activities, but visiting during the winter is truly a best-kept secret. While the property can host a total of 24 guests, it’s rarely fully booked at wintertime. Waking up to snow falling outside the floor-to-ceiling windows with the cozy fire flickering in the foreground feels like a real-life daydream as you begin each day. A quick snowy walk takes you to The Social Haus, the property’s restaurant, as well as the main hub to head out for activities or chat with the staff.
Days at the green o are filled with food, activities, relaxation and more food. Breakfast includes a delectable tea menu, a scrumptious chamomile-yogurt panna cotta with fresh honeycomb and sourdough French toast with huckleberry jam. And even though you might still be full, don’t skip out on lunch. Indulge in chips and dip (aka, sour cream and onion potato chips with creme fraiche and caviar), the smash burger made with house-ground Wagyu beef and crispy Vietnamese crepes.
When you aren’t dining at the Social Haus or relaxing in your own haus, you can opt for dog-sledding in the forest with Alaskan huskies (some of which participate in the Iditarod), snow-mobiling to the Blackfoot River (where you might catch a glimpse of a deer family and bald eagles guarding their nests), clay shooting, riding Moon Bikes or enjoying a comfortable sleigh ride. The guides for each activity are passionate and committed, eager to share their knowledge and showcase the splendor of nature.
The star of the show is dinner each night. It came as a surprise that the chefs at the Social Haus prepare a nine-course tasting menu—catered to any dietary restrictions and with the option for a drink pairing—every night. Led by Executive Chef Brandon Cunningham, each dish is an innovative, imaginative creation with thoughtfully curated ingredients. The menu is presented with two-word names for each dish. “Wagyu and Brassicas” included hot rocks from the Blackfoot River for guests to cook their meat paired with lettuce wraps and homemade bao buns, “Filet o’ Fish” was a superior take on the McDonald’s fish sandwich, and “Butter & Scotch” for dessert included homemade butterscotch with hazelnuts and chunks of light chocolate cake served in a wine glass. I even heard through the grapevine that someone once stayed at the green o for two weeks and never received the same dish twice. Choose between sitting at the bar to watch each chef carefully prepare each dish as you mingle with other guests or cozy up in a booth around the circular fireplace.
Three nights was the perfect amount of time (although four would have also been delightful) to get the full experience of this special place. It’s one of those destinations you’d come back to more than once, whether it be during a different season or to share the experience with loved ones. And with four distinct seasons, you can get the ultimate replay value, having new experiences (and different style hauses to stay in) depending on the time of year.
the green o
4069 Backcountry Road
Greenough, MT 59823
888.209.3085
@thegreenomontana
Taylor is a graduate from the University of Southern California with a degree in journalism. She is our Los Angeles and Orange County editor. You can find her dining at a new restaurant, in the ocean or planning her next adventure. Say hello!
