When you think of Montana, you may think of rustic ski lodges, not an intimate cabin of luxury accommodations in which the staff knows you and your family by name. While I was initially intimidated by planning our first cold weather destination vacation, waking up to stunning views and planning our entire itinerary from start to finish took away all reservations.
Our stay at Sage Lodge completely changed our trip to the American West. It was an unforgettable and unique experience, which included luxurious accommodations, the best food I have ever had, and a luxury chauffeured safari tour with black car service in Yellowstone National Park.
Courtesy of Sage Lodge
Sage Lodge Opened just before the pandemic began in 2020, it has since become the ultimate Montana luxury ranch resort, a one-stop destination for travelers who want the ease of an all-inclusive adventure in the American West and There is nothing missing in between.
When we reached Paradise Valley I immediately understood the name. When you arrive, you can tell you’re in for something special as you’re greeted by the iconic view of Emigrant Mountain from the lodge’s two-story courtyard, where you can check in, dine or Can rest.
This resort challenges you to explore and enjoy. From s’mores kits to the fire pit to the long list of resort amenities and rental gear, there are incentives everywhere. We never felt like we had to become backcountry experts as the staff was ready to help at every turn. With only 50 guest rooms, it was clear that our experience would be different and more intimate than any other luxury resort we had ever stayed at.
I believe this is Montana’s best kept secret. Here is my full review of Sage Lodge.
Sage Lodge
- With only 50 rooms, this boutique hotel offers an intimate experience – the staff knows your name and your needs.
- From on-site activities to excursions, the lodge’s team schedules daily activities, and there’s no need to book with a third party, perfect for first-time Montana travelers.
- A rustic lodge-like property with a modern twist made the resort luxurious and comfortable.
- Unlike other resort destinations, dining at the resort offers a true glimpse of local cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients and regionally specific menus.
Courtesy of Sage Lodge
rooms
Sage Lodge is a boutique hotel featuring 50 guest rooms in the main lodge, as well as a ranch house ideal for large family gatherings and group trips. The rooms are luxurious and comfortable, which is exactly what one would expect from a western lodge.
Guest rooms range from 400 to nearly 700 square feet, sleeping approximately four guests comfortably. Bathrooms are spacious and spa-like, with walk-in showers and a soaking tub perfect for soaking or relaxing after a day of adventures. Each room has a gas fireplace, ideal for staying warm on cool Montana nights, and walk-out patios or windows with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. No matter what room style you choose, there’s no wrong answer.
Free-standing ranch homes make this property an ideal multi-generational getaway or group travel paradise. They offer all the comforts and luxuries of the main lodge guest rooms, with more space and amenities, such as private rooms and bathrooms for up to 16 guests. Additionally, they have fully equipped kitchens and common areas for family entertaining.
Courtesy of Sage Lodge
Food and Drink
Dining at Sage Lodge is part of the experience. Two on-site restaurants serve rustic Montana fare, as well as in-room and to-go dining services.
Ingredients are sourced locally where possible, and the best steak I ever had was at The Grill, a casual steakhouse. The meat is house-made and comes from local farms, vegetables are grown in the garden, and local beers are served on tap.
The Fireside Room is located in the main lodge atrium. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, and the chef has designed a menu that offers comfort food for any taste bud or preference.
Courtesy of Sage Lodge
Activities and Experiences
The activities and experiences at Sage Lodge are true selling points for first-time Montana travelers. The resort has an incredible tour coordination team that provides guests with a printed calendar of daily on-site activities.
On-site activities vary depending on the season and range from fly fishing classes to wine tasting and on-site guided hiking trails to luxury guided tours of nearby Yellowstone National Park in private SUV black car service with a private tour guide. Safari tour is also included. First-time visitors to Montana may feel overwhelmed by the experience of visiting a cold weather destination for the holidays and may need help deciding what activities are right for them, especially when accompanying children. Are travelling. However, the Sage Lodge team takes your interests into consideration when planning your itinerary. Many iconic Montana outdoor activities are offered right on the property, allowing guests to feel immersed in the mountain lifestyle without leaving the comfort of their resort.
For a relaxing day on the property, there are many “at your leisure” activities, such as board games, nighttime stargazing, crafts, and more.
Courtesy of Sage Lodge
spa
Despite outdoor activity being such a big part of the Montana experience, relaxation and rejuvenation are one of the top priorities at Sage Lodge. The Spa at Sage Lodge is located on prime ranch property with modern amenities and iconic mountain views. The natural setting invites peace and tranquility, providing you with a truly transformative experience regardless of your spa package or service. The same “local” mentality is applied throughout the resort, with spa packages like the Yellowstone River Rock Massage Therapy using locally sourced stones during treatments.
They offer unique spa packages you can’t find anywhere else, featuring wellness services tailored to your specific needs, ranging from full-day experiences to energy wellness packages for the mind, body and spirit. Guests of the property can take advantage of the spa at a discounted rate by booking a Spa Pass to access the lounge, sauna and soaking areas.
family friendly offering
Sage Lodge not only welcomes children but also celebrates them with offerings tailored to their interests.
Offering on-site experiences suitable for all ages with most over 30s, the Sage Lodge Junior Rangers program encourages kids to explore and try new things. The complimentary guidebook and challenges allow kids to earn Junior Ranger badges for the activities they complete. The adventure calendar printed daily will have dates and times for scheduled activities, allowing you to plan your event in advance to participate with your family.
One of the best on-site activities that we took advantage of as a family was the painting class. For an additional fee, families can use the mountain scenery for inspiration to learn painting techniques from a local artist.
Your resort fee includes family-friendly activities: snowshoeing, mountain trivia, crafting, biking, and more.
Courtesy of Sage Lodge
Accessibility and Stability
Sage Lodge offers several ADA-compliant rooms that vary in size and configuration. All accessible rooms include roll-in showers, accessible toilets, grab bars, sinks and more. All public spaces and rooms provide braille and tactile signage, and common areas accommodate wheelchair access. The intimacy of this resort helps cater to travelers with accessibility needs. The staff is very helpful and happy to cater to any needs or requests expressed at the time of booking or check-in.
Place
The lodge is located in Paradise Valley, Montana, a rural location about an hour from Bozeman International Airport. It is necessary to rent a vehicle for the one-hour drive, but with beautiful views of beautiful Montana, this quick drive will make you fall in love with the state instantly. If driving in the snow concerns you, booking a shuttle with one of the lodge’s preferred partners may be a better option. Booking this service in advance is as simple as calling the concierge.
Although there are no local activities within walking distance of the ranch other than offerings on the property, it is also easy to get to the local Yellowstone National Park. Booking your own private or group safari tour with the Sage Lodge team or renting a car and paying for a National Park Pass are great options.
How to get the most value from your stay
The offers and deals at this hotel are always changing, but package deals often include spa discounts or a champagne breakfast. Plus, if you’re a spontaneous traveller, your flexibility is rewarded with discounts of up to 20 percent.
American Express cardholders also enjoy special rates and benefits. As members of the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts collection, the hotel offers Platinum cardholders a $100 on-site credit toward experiences, dining or spa, plus a free room upgrade upon arrival.
Finally, be sure to capture memories. This lodge is prestigious, and your stay should be documented. For a fee, on-site photography is available to capture your experience at the property. Avail this service as a memento to preserve the memory of your experience for years to come.
