Amy Miles is a London-based editor who covers fashion, lifestyle and sustainability. Formerly motoring editor at Brummell magazine, she is partial to a motorcycle road trip and loves writing about her discoveries along the way. She has contributed to Inside Hook, Brummell, BEAU, Mr Porter and more.
The drive to Quinn’s Hot Springs in Paradise, Montana could in itself be a Secret Tip, such is its beauty, twisty roads (brilliant if you’re on a motorcycle, like I was), and rugged American landscape that makes every moment feel like you’re in a movie.
There are lots of natural hot springs in Montana – on the roadside and hidden down dirt tracks that only the locals know – but Quinn’s is an actual resort, and it is the best in the region. Opened in 1885, it’s popular with Montanans who head there for special occasions, as I’m told by those who’ve booked to stay over the Fourth of July weekend.
The resort is set in a quiet canyon bordered by rocky cliffsides, tall pine trees that make the sun glitter, a riverside lodge and a row of wood cabins, where I stayed. The rooms aren’t high luxury, but they are cosy and quaint (think wood panelling and classic motel-like setups) and have everything you need. Besides, when it’s so beautiful outside, there’s little reason to hole up in them during the summer.
The natural hot springs are flowed into seven pretty pools of different temperatures in a complex that is open until late, so you can enjoy the water (albeit with its naturally sulphurous smell, which you get used to) as the sun sets over the hills. The mineral-rich water is said to be detoxifying and rejuvenating, and it leaves your skin smooth. Cycling between the hot and cold plunge pools feels invigorating, too, but the surrounding views and nature are just as nourishing as the pools themselves.
When you’re finished bathing, there is also an excellent restaurant, Harwood House, where tiny hummingbirds flit around the entrance. Inside feels very Pacific Northwest (as does the adjoining tavern), with its log construction, giant fireplace and chunky pine tables. Bison is as common on Montanan menus as steak tartare is in Paris and, similarly, it’s not always done well. Not the case here at Harwood House.
The peppered bison tenderloin linguini is a table favourite, with locally sourced meat that has a rich flavour and is complemented by shrimp, gorgonzola cream and fennel. It’s a generous portion, as is the fried brussels sprout starter, sweetened with candied walnuts and delicious enough to make even the biggest sprout hater change allegiance.
Quinn’s may be a “secret” tip, but those in the know love it and return time and again, so much so that the place is often fully booked throughout summer, so if you’re heading out this way, be sure to secure a cabin online – or one of the lodge’s riverside rooms – beforehand.
Amy Miles is a London-based editor who covers fashion, lifestyle and sustainability.
