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Some hotels take a while to get their footing, but some open with an undeniable buzz right from the start. In its latest global showcase, the Michelin Guide highlighted a handful of extraordinary new properties across Europe, Asia and the Americas that have managed to exceed expectations in their first months of operations. Out of countless high-profile launches worldwide, only five earned enough acclaim from inspectors to be named candidates for the prestigious "Opening of the Year" Award. Standing out as the sole U.S. nominee on this exclusive list is One&Only Moonlight Basin, a resort that is already redefining luxury in Big Sky, Montana.
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High in the northern Rockies, Big Sky has long been celebrated for its wild terrain, but One&Only’s arrival elevates the region into an entirely new realm of sophistication. While Montana has traditionally been defined by rustic alpine lodges, Moonlight Basin takes an opulent turn without losing touch with its dramatic surroundings. Designed by the Seattle-based architecture firm Olson Kundig, the resort’s low-lying structures blend seamlessly into the surrounding forest beneath mountain peaks. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls and timber-framed cabins keep the untamed landscape front and center, ensuring the jaw-dropping vistas remain the star of the stay.
The 240-acre property includes nearly 100 hectares of pristine mountain terrain and protected wilderness stretching all the way toward Yellowstone National Park, which is just an hour south. The area remains wild, so guests might spot grizzly bears wandering through the trees as they sip their morning coffee.
In the winter, skiers will enjoy a private heated gondola that connects the resort directly to Big Sky’s legendary ski runs. Outside of ski season, the resort offers everything from dog sledding and whitewater rafting to mountain golfing and quiet evenings around private fire pits under the stars.
Surpassing the immense pressure that often accompanies a major luxury debut, One&Only Moonlight Basin has quickly established itself as a pinnacle of Western hospitality. Whether this mountain retreat takes home the ultimate title will be revealed on September 18, 2026, when the Michelin Guide officially announces the winner alongside its newest Key distinctions.
The world’s best new hotels, according to the Michelin Guide:
- Airelles Palladio Venice, Venice, Italy
- Capella Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
- Villa Petrusse, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
- The Chancery Rosewood, London, UK
- One&Only Moonlight Basin, Big Sky, USA