Unfolding on a vast site deep within Montana’s 3 million acre Gallatin National Forest, One&Only Moonlight is a full-service, alpine-style resort completely imagined by a renowned architect Tom Gooding (co-founder of globally recognized practice Olson Expert). Site-specific materials and subtle nods to local structural typologies help its many buildings blend together, all containing ultra-refined, monumental interiors. The strategy: “supporting the act of settling in nature”. The 92-key destination facilitates day trips—hikes, ski slopes, and the like—but then provides guests with an extensive suite of “protective, elemental and deeply grounded” amenities inside.
Nestled in this basin location and framed by majestic views of Big Sky’s Lone Peak, with the Spanish Peaks in the distance, the exquisitely crafted yet minimalist structures here offer the best of both worlds. Their dark metal rooflines, evoking a local rural vernacular, are anchored in place by locally sourced quarried stone and timber. This earthy palette is framed and sharpened with accents of steel, bronze and copper.
Arriving along forest roads, visitors first encounter a low suspended ceiling and a wooden column encased porte cochère. A focal point where everyone gathers before venturing out, the Main Lodge unfolds with a double-height lobby with a large-scale fireplace clad in rough-textured Montana Moss Rock and perforated steel. Softening the heaviness of this focal feature are carved oak wall panels, brass detailing, woven fabrics and leather furnishings. It’s a stylistic approach found throughout the rest of the resort. Dear Josephine Bar nods to Montana’s old past. The Wildwood restaurant on the lower level is accessed by a carved staircase that wraps around a floating bone sculpture.
Another common “base camp” area is the Sky Lodge. Perched on a knob, this facility serves as an après-ski hangout. Its fully glazed window walls create an almost seamless transition with the outside space. And yet, the exposed mechanics and steel trusses indicate a more industrial treatment. Saddle leather, wool, oak and blackened steel reappear as grounding finishes. The adjacent Outfitters area is fully stocked with lockers and a pro shop. Its denim carpeting evokes the area’s hard-fought labor heritage. The effect of moonlight on the waters of a mountain lake inspired the implementation of the Landing Restaurant and Bar. The overall look and feel is sophisticated: a modern interpretation of the typical old mountain lodge.
The Spa rises from its slope, almost like a ruin. Here, Moss Rock frames a breezeway that accesses the reception area. Soothing lichen grays and greens—slate floors, hand-troweled plaster, and sage porcelain tiles—frame the rest of the space. Wood-framed treatment rooms appear as openings along the stone corridors. Other amenities include the hidden Moonshack, where reclaimed barnwood plays with corrugated roofs and copper gutters. Once again, the design deftly combines time-worn and upgraded aesthetics.
Cabin-style accommodations — ranging from queen rooms to larger king suites — also frame panoramic views. Items that might be found on hikes are prominently topped with double-sided fireplaces, leather-trimmed headboards, and custom pouches. These may include horns, old skis or maps. There are also 19 individual residences located deeper in the forest as even more secluded cocoon-like retreats.
What: One&Only Moonlight basin
Where: Big Sky, Montana
How many: From $1,075 per night
Design drawings: A sprawling resort nestled deep in a Montana forest, framing sweeping mountain vistas with grand traditional structures and a sober earthy material palette of woods, metals and stones.
Make a reservation: One&Only Moonlight
Go on virtual vacation with more design destinations here.
Photo by Hufton + Crow and Charles Stemen.
