In Montana, the pioneers of glamping launch an even posher getaway

If you want to escape into the woods, but not into a spartan tent in the backcountry, a new retreat in western Montana promises an elevated outdoor experience year-round: the Green O is the latest concept from the founders of the nearby Resort at Paws Up, considered the pioneers of glamping.

Located near Missoula in the mountains of Blackfoot River Valley — just on the edge of Paws Up’s 37,000 acres of private land — the Green O gets its name from the rancher who owned the property back in 1915. Today, the remote woodland site offers a luxury stay, with 12 Scandinavian-inspired accommodations called “hauses” (from $2,534).

Choose from four designs, each boasting floor-to-ceiling windows to bring you closer to nature. The two-storey Tree Hauses are 15 feet above ground to overlook the wilderness and include a relaxing ground-level hot tub. Round Hauses are characterized by curved lines, a two-sided fireplace and an open-air rooftop perfect for stargazing. In Green Hauses, the rooftop is a lush garden atrium, while Light Hauses feature large skylights over the bedrooms.

Right in the heart of the Green O is the Social Haus, the retreat’s free-standing restaurant and lounge. The seasonal menu is ever changing and makes use of local, sometimes foraged ingredients, like cherries, wild camomile and Douglas fir tips. The culinary team also specializes in live-fire cooking, done in the open kitchen at the centre of the restaurant.

Guests can access more than 50 different activities on the grounds, including those offered at the Resort at Paws Up. In fact, each haus comes with use of a personal Lexus so you can explore the vast acres at your leisure. Sign up for sunset horseback rides and equestrian classes (including “horse whispering”), hot air balloon rides or even ATV tours.

Of course, there are also wellness-themed spa treatments on offer, either in your haus or at the retreat’s Spa Town, which you’ll find in a centralized collection of tents. Try couples massages, mineral mud wraps or meditative forest bathing. Whether you favour doing everything or nothing in nature, you’ll find it here.

The Star understands the restrictions on travel during the coronavirus pandemic. But like you, we dream of travelling again, and we’re publishing this story with future trips in mind.