The Resort at Paws Up

Imagine if those visions of Wild West movies you used to watch included butlers, chefs and masseurs. And if, after a day in the saddle or ﬂy ﬁshing on the Blackfoot River with your family, you enjoyed time in the spa then tucked yourself up at night under a cosy blanket with hot chocolate and marshmallows to lull you to sleep. Well, you don’t have to imagine. In this corner of Montana, the life of a cowboy and cowgirl comes with all the pampering you can handle.

Should we describe it as chicly rustic or rustically chic? On a ranch spread over 37,000 acres of pristine Montana countryside, you can luxuriate in your own personal space while spending quality time with extended family and friends. The thing that really stands out at Paws Up is the personalised service from their dedicated team. Whatever you want is no problem, and all delivered with a smile. It’s a luxury wilderness experience that’s very well suited to big groups – this would make one awesome three-generational holiday, where everyone gets their own time and space, coming together for special dinners or family experiences, all under that enormous Big Sky.

"Kids are definitely not forgotten with their own programme of daily activities if they’d prefer to spend time with a real cowboy than mum and dad."

Things to do

Saddle up for a true western trail riding adventure, or try your luck ﬁshing on the river. Relax in the spa or with some yoga then go canoeing, hiking, white water rafting, mountain biking or hot air ballooning and explore an abandoned ghost town. In the evening make friends round the camp ﬁre while chef grills steaks at a chuck-wagon cook out.

Sleeping

To just use the word “tent” would be rather underselling the upmarket safari-style units here that really are at the top end of the glamping experience. They’re all supplied with electricity, of course, and are en suite with plenty of mod cons, not to mention twice-daily housekeeping service. The tents are located in diﬀerent areas throughout the ranch – River Camp is one of my favourites. There are cosy log cabins too if you’d prefer one of those.

Food and drink

One thing is for sure at Paws Up – no one is going hungry! You can really mix things up, enjoying a simple burger around a crackling camp ﬁre in the evening or enjoy gourmet food conjured up in the Pomp restaurant where you might dine on mahi mahi or bison tenderloin. Trough oﬀers more homely fare such as chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast and grilled-cheese sandwiches for lunch. Children will love the open-air chuck wagon dinners for a real taste of the old west.

What stands out

It’s the huge range of activities you can do here, mixed with top quality accommodation and really high standards of service. Paws Up is at the top of its game, thanks largely to the staﬀ who are friendly, motivated and genuinely seem to love sharing this ridiculously-picturesque corner of the American West with guests.

Best for

Paws Up caters to everyone. In school holidays, you’ll ﬁnd plenty of families here as well as multi-generational groups, but you could have a cosy couple getaway here too.

The Verdict

We really recommend this for anyone looking for a wholesome all-American adventure. Regardless of your age and size of the group you’re travelling with, Paws Up is big enough to entertain everyone. Teenagers love the freedom and adventurous activities, and parents can get stuck in outdoor life, with wraparound care from the Paws Up team. There’s even a handy app to organise the family, so you can head off fishing or riding, knowing that your children are being looked after in their own bespoke program. For those who crave the outdoors, this all-natural holiday is a great family bonding experience.

Have questions? Our knowledgeable team of experts are on-hand to take your call or if you prefer by Zoom. Talk to us about your holiday dreams or challenge us with your travel conundrums.

Get in touch

Keep Browsing

Enjoy reading our colourful collection of travel blogs, insider journeys and first-person insights. Our articles are designed to fuel your wanderlust. Feeling inspired? Give us a call and our experts can start planning your next travel experience.

Insight

Southern Africa or East Africa?

Africa is a huge continent of dizzying contrast. Allow Head of Africa Ben Oxley-Brown guide you through the options for Southern and East Africa.

Africa

Booking with Bailey Robinson means access to the finest travel experiences. When planning your holiday we do all the hard work – in-depth research and meticulous organisation. You can be confident in the individual care for your holiday from your dedicated and experienced Personal Travel Designer and Concierge.