Triple Creek Ranch, Montana

Location

Set on the southern slopes of Trapper Peak – the highest mountain in Western Montana’s Bitterroot Range – the ranch’s extensive acreage is a veritable outdoors playground. In spring, the valley’s meadows are alive with wildflowers and, come summer, sunny days are ideal for horseback rides, fishing and swimming. As the months slide into autumn, forests are dressed in dazzling colours before winter brings alpine skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. In between you’ll find everything from sapphire panning and horseshoeing to nature safaris, archery and hiking.

Accommodation

And, dotted throughout this picturesque scenery, there’s a full range of luxury log cabins. Mostly open plan, log post king beds look out onto burning fireplaces as guests can relax in a separate living area and freshen up with the en suite double vanity and steam shower. Outside, wrap-around decks feature private hot tubs set amid the gently whispering pine trees. Each cabin will have full use of a golf cart to explore the property while, in winter, staff chauffeur guests around in snow-appropriate vehicles. For larger groups, there’s everything from two and three-bedroom standalones to the vaulted and gabled ceilings of the impressive luxury ranch homes.

Dining

Just like the activities, all meals – including snacks and packed lunches – are included along with sommelier-paired house wines. Executive chef Jacob Leatherman uses only the freshest ingredients to craft daily-changing menus that reflect the seasons. A sample dinner might start with crayfish bisque before moving on to a smoked black cod salad and pan seared duck breast and ending in an espresso mousse of toasted chocolate cake, caramelised hazelnuts and blackberries. For lunch, perhaps enjoy a wagyu burger or grapefruit Brûlée Salad after starting the day with a hearty cooked breakfast or a salmon and asparagus frittata.

Facilities

If you’ve had your fill of ranch activities, perhaps lounge by the heated outdoor pool where, in summer, there’s a poolside gourmet barbecue. There’s also a tennis court, with equipment available to borrow, and a 24-hour fitness centre complete with cardio machines and free weights. In fact, two of the few things not included in the nightly tariff are the nearby golf course and an in-room massage service. The more unique facilities include the handcrafted wooden jigsaw puzzles of the rooftop lounge and the outdoor fire pit, the perfect setting for a nightcap or toasting marshmellows.