Dining Highlights: Sky Lodge Recently Opened and Forthcoming Concept by Akira Back
Enveloped by fragrant pines and glistening peaks, One&Only’s first resort and Private Homes in the United States One&Only Moonlight Basin, Montana, USA in Big Sky, Montana, is set to welcome guests from 18 November 2025 and is now accepting reservations. Offering guests a sneak peek into the resort’s future offering, the ultra-luxury brand’s first alpine resort unveiled its brand-new ski lodge, One&Only Sky Lodge, on 20 December 2024.
Guarded by evergreen forests and snow-drenched peaks, One&Only Moonlight Basin is a place always in season. Located in the untamed wilderness of Montana and surrounded by vast and treasured mountain ranges, the resort is a short drive from Yellowstone National Park. The Moonlight Basin property spans over 8,000 acres and the One&Only resort is situated inside the community on 240 acres.
“One&Only has set soaring standards in ultra-luxury hospitality – unlocking each destination with integrity, innovation and individuality. We are thrilled to extend this legacy to our first property in the United States with One&Only Moonlight Basin, an unexpected contemporary architectural marvel in the breathtaking landscapes of Montana,” says Philippe Zuber, Chief Executive Officer, Kerzner International. “Deeply embedded in the wilderness of the American West, our first alpine resort offers unrivalled access to the pristine ski slopes, hiking trails and outdoor adventures, creating an exceptional year-round escape for our guests.”
Serge Ditesheim, the resort’s General Manager, will be at the helm of the opening, following the successful launch of One&Only Mandarina in Mexico. He brings over two decades of international hospitality experience to the role.
Ski and Snowboard Access in Style at One&Only Sky Lodge
As of December 2024, as a prelude to the resort’s opening in 2025, One&Only Sky Lodge has been offering guests a first-hand experience of the brand’s signature hospitality and will be open to the community and visitors alike. The space is home to The Landing, a new restaurant and bar concept offering locally sourced and seasonal meals, accessible via the One&Only Gondola and by car.
Sky Lodge also features a retail space and alpine equipment centre providing anything visitors may need for a day on the slopes, from outerwear to accessories like goggles, gloves, helmets, and more. Complimentary ski and snowboard valet and day lockers are available for guests. The latest high-performance skis and snowboards from industry leaders like Atomic Skis and Salomon Sports will be available and the tune shop at Sky Lodge features the Wintersteiger Jupiter, a fully automated service system for skis and snowboards, with an onsite team that can breathe new life into any alpine equipment.
The brand new One&Only Gondola beautifully blends with the backdrop. Heated and conveniently located steps from the Landing restaurant, the One&Only Gondola offers direct mountain access to the Madison Base area of Big Sky Resort. New this season, the Madison Base now boasts the Madison 8, an eight-seat, state-of-the-art D-line chairlift, effectively doubling the uphill capacity while reducing ride time for swift and comfortable ski access to over 5,800 skiable acres.
Distinguished Dining
Adding to Kerzner’s global repertoire of Michelin-starred and celebrity chefs, One&Only Moonlight Basin is pleased to announce that it has partnered with culinary global leader and former professional snowboarder Chef Akira Back who will open his namesake Akira Back branded restaurant serving modern Japanese cuisine at the resort next winter.
Rejoicing in dining as a feast for the senses, Chef Back, born in South Korea and raised in Aspen, Colorado, spent seven years on the pro snowboarding circuit and participating in extreme sports before pursuing a culinary career full time. Innovating the gastronomic scene for over 20 years with his bold interpretations of global cuisine – Chef Back will bring his personal sense of adventure and creativity to Big Sky. With 30 locations across the globe, this opening will be Chef Back’s first restaurant in an alpine destination, embracing his passion to provide unique food and beverage experiences that leaves his diners emotionally connected with aspects of his dishes, personality, and life.
The resort will be home to six bars and restaurants, including the Akira Back restaurant, which will bring a melting pot of culture and flavour to Montana.
Thoughtful Designer Spaces
Designed by internationally renowned architects Olson Kundig, whose work is characterized by its sensitive integration into its natural surroundings and context, One&Only Moonlight Basin is home to a collection of guest rooms, suites, cabins, and an exclusive community of One&Only Private Homes nestled across the secluded grounds. The resort is designed to feel simultaneously connected to and protected from the dramatic landscape, featuring local art, welcoming textiles, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The resort’s cathartic design narrative continues with the exclusive collection of One&Only Private Homes, with a limited number still available for purchase. These expansive residences, also designed by Olson Kundig, provide the perfect juxtaposition of a modern respite, reflecting a mountain way of life. Homeowners can access a coveted network of privileges at the resort and across the One&Only resorts globally.
Always in Season
Located an hour from Yellowstone National Park and within the heart of a 3-million-acre national forest, One&Only Moonlight Basin is the perfect year-round haven for thrill seekers and those looking to disconnect at a secluded resort. In the summer months, adventurers can enjoy the peaceful surroundings through an array of activities, from hiking to fly fishing, kayaking to playing golf, and mountain biking. Once the snow begins to fall, winter guests can partake in skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, Nordic skiing, fat tyre biking, or opt to après-ski at one of the resort’s dining options.
“We are thrilled to announce that One&Only Moonlight Basin is now accepting reservations, inviting guests to experience a new era of hospitality in the heart of the Montana Rockies,” says Mark Kirby, President, One&Only. “Our first alpine resort seamlessly blends refined hospitality with the untamed beauty of nature, offering an unparalleled escape for adventurers and luxury seekers alike. We look forward to welcoming our first guests this November to this truly extraordinary destination.”
Open all year round from 18 November 2025, One&Only Moonlight Basin will also feature a state-of-the-art fitness centre and restorative spa for those looking to unwind against the Big Sky’s soaring mountain ranges.