Big Sky, big pleasures

FOR many of us, the wellness massage called a River Runs Through It should be performed by Brad Pitt. But because he’s currently involved with baby Shiloh’s diapers, guests at Montana’s Resort at Paws Up will have to settle for a staff therapist.

There’s not much settling otherwise at the Western-luxe resort, which opened last summer. Paws Up doesn’t have a permanent spa building yet, but no matter. Its Spa Town is a collection of tents in a meadow just a short walk (or golf cart ride) from guest rooms. The complex has tents for reception, changing and bathing plus six large treatment tents, each appointed with rustic-elegant decor. Guests can keep flaps closed for privacy or open them up to the scent of ponderosa pines.

Let’s face it: Fly fishing can make shoulders ache, and trail rides can make those inner thighs burn. Guests can recover with the Mountain Man Escape Package, which includes a deep-tissue massage, a facial designed to soothe razor burn and the Cowboy Classic Scalp Treatment. And then, of course, there’s a River Runs Through It, a body treatment designed to “regain a sense of harmony, reverence and balance.” Even without Brad Pitt.

Sarah Belk King

*

The Resort at Paws Up, 40060 Paws Up Road, Greenough, Mont.; (406) 244-5200, www.pawsup.com. Body treatments, $140-$400. Facial, $80. Spa Town open only through September.