T+L’s Hotel Review of One&Only Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana

The snowcapped mountains of Big Sky, Montana, have become synonymous with celebrity ski vacations, largely thanks to high-rolling property owners like Bill Gates and Tom Brady. That aura of elite luxury defines One&Only Moonlight Basin, the much-anticipated resort that opened at Big Sky in November—marking the brand’s debut in the United States and its first alpine retreat. 

Seclusion is a given. After a 10-minute drive through a gated forest of lodgepole pines, a valet struck a triangle iron bell to welcome me “home.” I was escorted to a leather club chair beside a dark steel fireplace and offered a warm towel and a huckleberry-flavored mocktail. An expansive wall of glass framed Lone Mountain, the iconic centerpiece of Big Sky. After being introduced to my host, Mason—every guest is paired with an on-call butler who handles reservations and logistics—I was whisked by ATV to my private cabin.   

Clad in glass and handsome blackened shiplap, the cabin has the low-slung lines of a midcentury modern house. Indeed, at nearly 1,000 square feet, it felt more like a private cottage than a hotel, with three fireplaces, a mudroom, a living and dining area, king-size bed, walk-in closet, oversized bathroom, and private deck.  No neighbors were visible through the floor-to-ceiling windows, just pine trees and mountain peaks. 

The resort has 19 such cabins, along with larger four- to six-bedroom homes, as well as 73 rooms and suites in the main lodges. The 240-acre property also includes a spacious wellness center, multiple pools and hot tubs, two lakes, a tennis court, and three restaurants.

While the One&Only is billed as a year-round playground, it shines brightest in the winter, which is when I visited.  After getting fitted for a snowboard at the Sky Lodge, I rode the resort’s private heated gondola to Big Sky, and spent the day exploring the vast, uncrowded terrain. When I got back, I couldn’t resist soaking in my stainless-steel hot tub. As the sun set over the Spanish Peaks, surrounded by nothing but snow-blanketed pines and fresh elk tracks, it was easy to see why the billionaires like it here.   

Here, my review of the One&Only Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana.  

The Rooms

One&Only Moonlight Basin offers a range of accommodations designed to feel more like private residences than hotel rooms. The most exclusive are 19 standalone cabins—with multiple fireplaces, private decks, hot tubs, spa-like bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the surrounding peaks. Larger four- to six-bedroom homes cater to families and groups, while the main lodges house 73 rooms and suites with the same refined modern-mountain aesthetic. Across all categories, interiors favor warm woods, leather, and wool, with thoughtful layouts that prioritize privacy, space, and uninterrupted views.

Food and Drink

The resort has three excellent restaurants. Akira Back, named after its chef (and a former professional snowboarder), is a modern Japanese steakhouse that serves flame-seared wagyu alongside signature sushi rolls and other creative dishes; the hyped-up tuna “pizza” lived up to the rave reviews. Wildwood has a “ranch-to-table” menu that highlights Montana ingredients such as grass-fed bison and steelhead trout. And The Landing specializes in American alpine cuisine, including a terrific chicken schnitzel large enough for two.

On the bar side, Dear Josephine offers a plush, velvety vibe and the best sunset views of Lone Mountain, while Moonshack feels likes a hidden speakeasy, tucked next to an observatory in a quiet corner of the resort, with a selection of rare Montana whiskeys and cigars. (The only way to get to Moonshack is on foot or by ATV.)

The Spa

The spa and wellness center is a destination in its own right—a  17,000-square-foot sanctuary designed for recovery and restoration in a high-altitude setting. The airy space includes eight treatment rooms, steam and sauna, an oxygen lounge, and a 58-foot indoor lap pool with retractable glass walls that open to an outdoor hot tub and cold plunge, all facing Lone Mountain. A 24-hour Technogym-equipped fitness center, movement studio, and yoga deck complement holistic treatments on offer. Three days of intense snowboarding seemed to melt away during my CBD oil–infused sports massage, followed by a short nap in the relaxation lounge.

Accessibility

The resort is equipped to welcome guests with disabilities, offering ADA-compliant rooms and accessible facilities including step-free access to key public spaces, elevators, and paved pathways and ramps. In-room features include roll-in showers and adaptive furniture, as well as a dedicated host who can offer tailored support.

How to Book

One&Only does not run a traditional points-based loyalty program. Booking through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Edit by Chase Travel—as well as select luxury travel advisors such as Virtuoso—can unlock special perks. 

Nightly rates at One&Only Moonlight Basin start at $1,500 a night.