If her career was mapped “passport stamps,” Montana Brown’s journey would read like a series of unexpected destinations. Known to many from television, Brown has since built a multifaceted career as a hospitality entrepreneur, wellness advocate, and modern voice on motherhood, continually evolving her professional identity with intention and curiosity.
Her most recent and defining chapter is Saltmoore, the North Yorkshire coastal retreat she co-founded with her partner. Set between the rugged moors and the North Sea, the property blends wellness-led hospitality with a deeply personal sense of place — shaped by local landscape, thoughtful interiors, and a focus on human connection at every touchpoint. With accolades including Two MICHELIN Keys and recognition as one of the UK’s leading new hotels, Saltmoore has quickly established itself as a destination rooted in both vision and atmosphere.
In Schön!’s Passport series, Brown reflects on the defining “stamps” that have marked her path, the inspirations behind Saltmoore, the destinations that have influenced her vision, and more.
Many people know you from television, but your career has evolved far beyond that. When did you realize your passport was heading toward entrepreneurship and hospitality?
I actually worked at a hotel in Ras al Khaimah in the Middle East during my placement year at university, so I always had a love and admiration for people who worked in hospitality, as it’s relentless. I think from then on, I have always had a lot of respect for the people who ensure hotels run well. My partner came home very excited about this project, so I was the last to know I was heading towards entrepreneurship and hospitality.
Saltmoore feels like a destination in its own right. If Saltmoore had its own passport stamp, what would it say about the spirit of the place?
It’s definitely wild, the moors, the sea and the nature.
You co-founded Saltmoore with Mark O’Connor. What was the first moment you both looked at the property and thought, this could become something special?
It was actually my partner who visited for a day with his dad and business partner. They got a fish and chips in the bay, loved the community, and they put an offer in! That was how quick it was, so I didn’t have much choice. However, as soon as I went to visit, it hit me what Mark was talking about. It’s like nowhere I’ve ever been. The people are so warm and charming. The views are expansive and breathtaking.
The hotel sits on the North Yorkshire coast — a landscape with its own energy. What did that setting teach you about designing a wellness-led experience?
We wanted to tap into the natural environment and incorporate that into the colours of the hotel. All of the rooms are inspired by local Yorkshire flowers such as Gorse and Heather, so we have a lot of yellows and purples, which is unusual, but it feels extremely homey when you’re there.
You were deeply involved in everything from interiors to wellness programming. Which part of building Saltmoore felt most personal to you?
I made sure a lot of the rooms have bathtubs. I know it sounds simple, but that is something that really allows me to switch off. The Nest Suite is by far my favourite because it has a huge silver BC Designs Bath (aka, a bath of dreams) and I could sit in there for hours. It’s so tranquil. I also thought it was really important to have the rooms feel like home, so we have lots of photo frames, random bowls, chairs and antiques, so really give the rooms a lived-in feel.
Saltmoore has already earned two MICHELIN Keys and been named Best Beach Hotel in the UK by The Times & The Sunday Times. What did that recognition feel like so early in the journey?
It was such an honour and a complete testament to the team that is running the show up there. We have an incredible leadership team that is managing a very big team, and they do it so well. They take everything in their stride, and it’s a big job to have the hotel running smoothly. We also have a fantastic Executive Chef, Adam Maddock, so the food is to die for!
If your passport told the design story behind Saltmoore, which hotels or destinations around the world would appear as inspiration stamps?
Our hotel is country and coastal, so I would say the only design stories are from the British Countryside and landscapes in the North.
Are there specific coastal destinations — perhaps in the Mediterranean or elsewhere — that influenced the atmosphere and pace you wanted to create at Saltmoore?
I don’t think you can get this kind of landscape anywhere else in Europe. It is very unique, being between the Yorkshire Moors and the rough Ocean.
When you travel, what kinds of places leave the biggest impression on you, and how have those experiences shaped your vision for Saltmoore?
I always really enjoy the little details. It’s the dimmed lights when you come back from dinner; if a member of the team remembers what coffee you had the day before, it’s all about the employees and people for me.
Your passport now includes motherhood as one of its most important chapters. How has becoming a mother reshaped the way you approach ambition and balance?
With my son, I took a lot more time out, and it took me about 4 months to leave the house. It took me a lot longer to adjust, and I really didn’t have the headspace to think about work with the sleep deprivation. I felt I was in survival mode. Then, after my second birth to my daughter, I felt a bigger pull to get back to work quicker. I think because I really wanted to feel like myself. I want my children to see me working, that’s really important to me. I am at home a lot, but I have made a lot more space for work opportunities too, as it’s important for me to feel good too.
Between running a hotel, hosting red carpets, and raising two children, how do you create moments of stillness for yourself?
I recently saw an energy healer who taught me the skill and insight into tapping. I have been trying it for about a week and it’s incredible how quickly it works. I take 3 minutes in the morning to do my tapping. Also, since suffering from insomnia, I read for an hour before bed, and it really helps me wind down.
Are there hotels, retreats, or destinations around the world that inspired your vision for Saltmoore?
We had gone to visit Heckfield and The Newt, which we both felt had a warm and homely feeling. We wanted to have the same feeling but a bit more relaxed. We also took inspiration from Beaverbrook. I am a huge fan of what they have done with their interiors, and we have a similar layout with cabins/accommodation surrounding the main hotel.
And if the next chapter of your passport were stamped tomorrow — whether in hospitality, wellness, or something entirely new — where would it take you?
I am really passionate about health and wellness. Since becoming a mum, I have been looking into biohacking and aligning myself with brands associated with it. I would love to do more in the children’s wellness and health space, as I don’t think people are speaking about it enough, and the foods we’re giving our children.
Book your stay at Saltmoore at saltmoore.co.uk.
saltmoore photography. Claire Menary
portrait photography. Pip Bourdillon
fashion. Julia Sokele
hair. Andrew Dylan
make up. Valeria Ferreira
interview. Kelsey Barnes
