Experiencing luxury treehouses and exquisite cuisine in Montana: My visit to The Green O

A scenic 40-minute drive from Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) along the rushing Blackfoot River leads you to two stunning resorts nestled in the serene forests of Greenough, Montana. This property is part of a family-owned bison and cattle ranch, set against a breathtaking 37,000 acres of pristine wilderness, home to both the family-friendly Resort at Paws Up and its more understated counterpart, The Green O.

At the end of a secluded private drive, just past a code-protected, lantern-lit iron gate, The Green O presents itself as one of the most exclusive retreats in the western United States. When the gates swung open to welcome me earlier this spring, I felt as though I had stepped, cowgirl boots first, into an episode of "Succession."

Yet, despite its stylishly austere entrance, marked by the hotel's iconic O-shape, The Green O is brimming with warm staff (the kind who know your name before you even arrive), inviting fireplaces, cozy corners, and an ambiance that blends hygge with the Wild West—a delightful mix in my opinion. Listed among the finest adults-only all-inclusive hotels worldwide, the resort attracts affluent honeymooners, off-duty professionals, and adventurous elites eager to trade their formal wear for Levi's and escape the fast-paced city life for relaxed luxury, Montana-style.

Upon my arrival at The Green O this spring, I was completely enchanted by the exceptional service, exquisitely prepared multicourse meals, and the stylish, Scandinavian-inspired accommodations—my own being a two-story treehouse nestled among the pines. For those who love to immerse themselves in nature while enjoying a touch of refined luxury, a visit to this unique corner of Big Sky Country is a must.

What exactly is The Green O?

The Green O is an all-inclusive, adults-only resort located in Greenough, adjacent to its family-friendly sister property, The Resort at Paws Up, which also offers all-inclusive amenities. This land, once exclusively inhabited by the Blackfeet Nation, the Nez Perce Tribe, and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation, was originally acquired around 1915 by rancher Paul Greenough, who raised sheep branded with large green O's, giving the resort its emblem and name. The current owners purchased the land in the 1990s, expanding it to encompass 37,000 acres of both deeded and leased Montana land.

With 12 uniquely designed "hauses," primarily crafted in-house (or in-haus, if you prefer) by Dave Lipson, Laurence Lipson, and Pieter De Liagre Bohl, The Green O caters specifically to couples. Each haus is thoughtfully designed to provide a cozy, intimate atmosphere for two.

Nightly rates cover all meals along with a daily selection of wine, beer, and cocktails, round-trip airport transfers, the use of luxury Lexus SUVs throughout your stay, and a $500 credit per accommodation that can be applied to any on-site activities and excursions.

Guests at The Green O enjoy complete access to The Resort at Paws Up, including its restaurants, facilities, and activity center; however, those staying at Paws Up are not permitted to enter The Green O area of the property.

How to make a reservation at The Green O

To arrange a stay at The Green O, the most effective method is to book directly through the hotel’s website, as it is not currently affiliated with any points or loyalty programs or credit card offerings like American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts. Rates typically range around $4,000 per night, though they can dip to about $3,000 during off-peak times (I noticed prices as low as $2,892 for January 2025).

While this price point is certainly at the higher end for an all-inclusive resort in the U.S., it’s important to acknowledge the exceptional quality of inclusions (multicourse dinners crafted by a James Beard-nominated chef, premium liquors, and luxury transportation).

Please note that a minimum stay of three nights is required from June to September, while a two-night minimum is necessary from October to May. (Exclusions may apply for events, packages, and holidays.)

The setting

As previously mentioned, the location is arguably one of the most appealing aspects of visiting The Green O. It’s not often you find yourself immersed in the serene countryside of the American West, and the opportunity to explore thousands of acres of unspoiled Big Sky Country is truly remarkable.

The Green O is undoubtedly the kind of resort that encourages guests to fully immerse themselves in the property; it’s rare for visitors to venture back to Missoula mid-stay. With a wide array of activities available—such as horseback riding, hiking, clay pigeon shooting, and ATV adventures—alongside cozy accommodations, exquisite dining, and vast expanses of wilderness to explore, there’s little reason to leave.

The accommodations are truly unique

The Green O features 12 Scandinavian-style hauses, divided into four categories: Tree Haus, Round Haus, Green Haus, and Light Haus. Each boasts a distinct yet equally stunning design that harmonizes with the natural woodland setting, incorporating abundant natural light, sleek lines, captivating curves, and beautiful wood-paneled floors. All accommodations come equipped with deep soaking tubs indoors and hot tubs outdoors, perfect for enjoying the night sky.

I had the fortune of staying in one of the Tree Haus suites, which rise 23 feet above the ground, nestled among the trees, providing 1,030 square feet of space. From the gravel parking area (where I parked my personal Lexus, naturally), I made my way up a wooden and pebbled staircase to the haus. Despite being able to spot some of the other hauses, they were spaced far enough apart to maintain a sense of privacy.

Upon entering at the glass-enclosed ground level, there was a designated spot for leaving shoes, along with walking sticks and snowshoes.

I climbed a stunning spiral staircase crafted from iron and wood, which gracefully ascended through the heart of the two-story structure—a true work of art in itself.

The first floor featured a living area adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered breathtaking views of the lush forest surrounding it. Overlooking the porch and the trees beyond, there was a workspace equipped with all the essentials for getting some work done.

In the heart of the room, there were two plush, oversized chaise lounges positioned to take in the view, complete with a Samsung Frame TV for those who wish to enjoy a film after stargazing.

A modern, remote-controlled glass fireplace was elegantly placed beside double doors that opened up to an outdoor living space, featuring additional seating, a stunning handcrafted wooden table, and a swing chair.

Back inside, just beyond the spiral staircase, there was a cozy kitchen area equipped with a counter seating arrangement, a sink, a built-in drawer refrigerator stocked with San Pellegrino seltzers, a matching drawer-style freezer, a countertop Nespresso machine complete with pods, complimentary red wine, an array of tasty local snacks, and two reusable water bottles for guests to use.

Beyond the kitchen, I found what I deemed the highlight of the first floor: a bathroom I would happily pay rent to inhabit for the rest of my days.

This oasis included a deep soaking tub encased in elegant black tiles, warm hardwood flooring adorned with cozy faux-lambskin rugs, dual vanities with plenty of drawer space, Le Labo amenities, a full shower, a separate toilet area, and convenient access to a washer and dryer. The breathtaking view of the surrounding trees was the perfect finishing touch.

You can fall asleep nestled among the trees

I discovered the bedroom perched at the top of the second spiral staircase. Surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows, it felt as though I were truly suspended among the majestic pines.

This space was all about those hygge vibes. It boasted a snug four-poster king bed adorned with luxuriously soft gray linen sheets and ultra-fluffy pillows, including a comforting hybrid of a weighted blanket and a pillow.

A second woodstove was positioned by the far window, alongside a compact washroom equipped with a toilet and sink, and a spacious storage closet complete with hangers, a safe, and shelving. Two large glass doors opened to a small patio that offered a stunning view of the surrounding forest, furnished with modern woven chairs and a coffee table — perfect for savoring morning coffee and pastries.

Nestling into those linen sheets at night, with the woodstove glowing and a refreshing breeze flowing in through the double doors, was pure bliss. And before drifting off to sleep, I suggest stepping outside to admire the tree haus beautifully illuminated.

Personal hot tubs provide the perfect setting for stargazing

My favorite way to conclude the evening was by slipping into my personal hot tub just outside the tree haus, a glass of wine in hand as I gazed up at the stars above.

I appreciated the thoughtful addition of a small post for hanging a bathrobe and towel. Montana truly lived up to its reputation as Big Sky Country — each night felt like a mesmerizing celestial performance.

Dining at The Green O is truly a unique experience.

Claiming that the food alone justifies a trip to The Green O is no exaggeration. James Beard-nominated chef Brandon Cunningham crafts exquisite eight-course dinners using locally sourced ingredients as well as seasonal delights from afar, such as morels shipped from Washington or shellfish flown in from the Pacific Northwest. Each dish is prepared with care and creativity, transforming comfort food into haute cuisine.

Cunningham oversees the Social Haus, a striking Scandinavian-style structure that serves as the primary gathering place for guests to eat, drink, and relax by a glass-enclosed roaring fireplace. The space embodies the same nature-centric aesthetic as the hauses, with three sides featuring expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that provide stunning views of the pines and surrounding hauses, complemented by wood-themed decor and furnishings.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are naturally included in the nightly rate at The Green O. Dinner is a refined affair with elegant presentations and a multi-course format; however, guests are welcome to arrive in denim and cowboy boots if they choose (dressing up is also encouraged!) — the focus is on what makes guests feel most at ease.

During my visit, the spring weather was pleasantly warm, allowing me to dine several times on the deck by the fire. For cooler evenings, the indoor fireplace offers a cozy setting, and sitting at the bar to watch chefs craft meals in the open-air kitchen adds an element of excitement.

The dinner menu is updated each night — for every course, a server or even one of the chefs will come to the table to share the inspiration behind the dish. Cocktails, select wines, beers, and spirits are included in the all-inclusive offerings.

On my first night, I savored halibut paired with seasonal ramps, hamachi, and wild onion; a delightful mix of celeriac and morels; exquisite salmon; duck served over pureed parsnip; yuzu with berries; and a delightful dessert of pineapple and ginger. My top wine choice was the 2022 Rombauer Chardonnay, which complemented the seafood-centric menu perfectly.

For lunch, my standout dish was the rich tenderloin accompanied by beans and squash — a perfect match for a refreshing blood orange mocktail.

Breakfast featured delightful dishes such as potatoes drizzled with a spicy romesco sauce, an elegant twist on cereal made with pâte à choux and white chocolate ganache, and buttermilk steak served with eggs.

Activities

While it's perfectly fine to spend your entire stay at The Green O nestled by the fire in fresh linen sheets and enjoying leisurely meals at the Social Haus, there are countless opportunities to venture outdoors and truly immerse yourself in a Montana ranch experience. From cattle drives and shooting sports to fly-fishing and horseback rides through breathtaking landscapes, the expansive 37,000-acre grounds of The Green O and The Resort at Paws Up present an array of Western-themed activities.

The nightly rate at The Green O includes a $500 credit to indulge in these various activities, and I highly recommend making the most of at least one or two.

Head over to the Wilderness Outpost at Paws Up, where a friendly team will help you choose the activity that excites you. Don't miss the chance to browse the shop for cowboy hats, locally crafted jewelry, clothing, and Western-themed souvenirs.

Experience a guided ATV tour through winding trails alongside rushing rivers and fields of grazing bison, join in a full cattle drive, or enjoy a tranquil trail ride to meet the local horses on the property.

Reasons The Green O May Not Suit Everyone

There are a few factors that might make this unique property less appealing to some travelers:

• The location is quite secluded, meaning that once you arrive, you’re likely to remain on-site for the entirety of your visit (though there’s certainly plenty to do to keep you entertained for a while). Those seeking a lively nightlife might find The Green O too tranquil and isolated compared to the busier atmosphere in nearby Missoula.
• The Green O comes with a steep price tag, making it unaffordable for many; if you’re on a tight vacation budget, you might want to consider other options.
• Families traveling together should look into The Resort at Paws Up instead, as The Green O is primarily designed for adults and honeymooners.
• Unfortunately, The Green O does not provide accessibility options.

Accessibility

Regrettably, The Green O falls short in terms of accessibility. There is only one haus that is advertised as wheelchair accessible, and the property lacks features for guests with visual or hearing impairments. The resort's website does not include an accessibility section, and upon inquiry, we found out that it’s not a very accessible property overall.

However, just down the road at The Resort at Paws Up, guests requiring accessibility can find more suitable options, including two accommodations compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and wheelchair access throughout most facilities.

Checking Out

As someone who thrives in a remote, nature-centric environment — while relishing the comfort of a cozy fireside bed at night — The Green O felt like the perfect retreat. Those who enjoy exploring the great outdoors and appreciate luxurious, design-oriented accommodations along with the charm of the Western U.S. will truly value their stay here.

While it certainly comes with a hefty price tag, the combination of cozy, intimate lodgings and exceptional cuisine makes The Green O a worthwhile choice for those eager to splurge on an all-inclusive, adults-only retreat in this price bracket.