IN CONVERSATION WITH MONTANA BROWN

interview by JANA LETONJA

Montana Rose Brown has evolved far beyond her breakout moment on ‘Love Island UK’, becoming a dynamic force in hospitality, wellness, and modern motherhood. As co-founder of Saltmoore, a luxury wellness-led hotel on the North Yorkshire coast, she has helped transform a 19th-century estate into one of the UK’s most celebrated new destinations, recently named Best Beach Hotel in the UK and awarded Two MICHELIN Keys in the 2025 hotel selection. Alongside her entrepreneurial rise, she openly shares her journey as a mother of two, using her platform to discuss postpartum realities, balance, and body image. With a growing presence on red carpets, brand partnerships, and hosting gigs from the MTV Awards in LA to Paramount+ UK, Montana continues to redefine what it means to be a multifaceted modern creator. 

What sparked the idea for Saltmoore, and at what point did you realize you wanted to step into hospitality in such a meaningful way? 

It was very much my partner’s venture initially and then as soon as I saw the hotel, I knew it had incredible potential. It was right by the sea. It felt like an escape away from busy modern-day life, somewhere for people to switch off and appreciate the small beauties of nature whilst immersing themselves in wellness. 

Saltmoore blends modern luxury with wellness. How did you approach shaping a space that feels both indulgent and restorative? 

I wanted something that was luxury but not snooty or stuffy. I hate dress codes and having to dress up when I am supposed to be feeling relaxed. I wanted it to feel like a home away from home and I think we nailed that. Another way we have created indulgence is through the food. The food is truly incredible and, again, it's elevated, tasty and a there’s a big focus on farm to fork, yet, it’s not small portions or fancy food, it's something everyone can enjoy.  

You were deeply involved in the interior design and renovation. What design choices were most important to your vision? 

For us, it was important to take design from the local landscape, so a lot of the colours we have used for the rooms and specifically the suites are inspired by local gorse flowers (yellow) and heather (purple). We worked with an incredible independent designer Sapin Studios that ran the interiors and she shared our vision of making the rooms unique, warm and relaxing. A big thing for interiors was making it family friendly, having each room different to the next focusing on the smaller details and using local suppliers where possible. I remember going to a farm off a beaten track to meet a local Yorkshireman who had guard geese to greet me. I squeezed myself through what felt like a dark dungeon with no lights and rain coming through the ceiling to find some of the most incredible pieces that are now scattered round the hotel. 

From spa treatments to outdoor experiences, what element of Saltmoore feels most uniquely “you”? 

I love our Lounge Bar because of its dark earthy green colours, the fire is always roaring and there’s great drinks and snacks in circulation with lots of board games. A room that’s always busy with people laughing, guests joining tables with other guests and that’s what I love, people connecting with each other and being away from their phones. 

Saltmoore has already earned major accolades, including Two MICHELIN Keys. How has that recognition impacted your goals for the hotel? 

I was honestly flabbergasted, but I have to say the team we have running the show up there are nothing short of fabulous. They work incredibly hard and have had a lot of difficult moments going through the very intense renovations. I think this has just made us realise how much potential we have and there aren’t really any other hotels like ours in the North that really embody wellness paired with food that tastes as good as ours.

Your career has taken so many forms, from reality TV to business, wellness, and presenting. What thread connects all these chapters for you? 

I am at heart a true people person. I love meeting new people, and I love connecting with them. That’s something that really gives me purpose and makes me feel inspired. I think I have learnt so much on this journey and a big part of it is also gratitude. I wouldn’t be where I am without people giving me incredible opportunities. I also have to say that I have met some incredibly strong and powerful females throughout my career and I always felt inspired seeing other women succeed and get to the top. 

Looking back at your early days on ‘Love Island UK’, what do you think your younger self would say about where you are now? 

I think younger me would be shocked. As soon as I left the show, I was incredibly anxious and insecure about who I was, who I wanted to be, and was so driven to be similar to other people because I wasn’t confident enough to be myself. I think younger me would also be proud. I‘ve really found my feet and give myself a lot more grace. 

How do you balance being both a public figure and a serious entrepreneur, especially in industries that value credibility and long-term vision? 

I would have to challenge the term “serious entrepreneur”. My partner is the brains behind the project and I have the joy of doing all the fun things like partnerships, marketing and branding. It’s actually been a bit of a blessing having a following and doing a project like this as I’m glad more people get to witness what we have created and enjoy.  

As someone who champions wellness, what practices or rituals have become non-negotiable for you? 

I am big into my gym workouts these days. After having two babies, I have turned to fitness and it has really helped my mental wellbeing alongside having a 20-step sleep routine. Magnesium balm on my heels before bed, ashwagandha, chamomile teas, sleep sprays, sleep tonics, eye mask, night time skin care, Dyson air purifier, no phone an hour before bed, bath with my favourite Ilapothecary products and of course red light.

You’ve become a candid voice on postpartum body image and mental health. What conversations do you wish more women felt safe to have? 

To be honest, we need to talk all things normal - periods, post-partum periods, vaginas, bums, balding, the fact your feet grow during pregnancy. I don’t think I can afford to get pregnant again, I’m already a size 7. No one talks about it at all, so it all comes as a shock.

What has motherhood taught you about leadership, patience, or creativity in your professional life? 

Motherhood truly will bring out your worst traits and your best traits. I feel confident in the fact that I never get angry. I’m sure that might change, but I have realised that I am always very calm and always try to lead with empathy and validation which is something that I think is a huge skill professionally too. The better people feel about their relationship with you, the more they will want to do for you. It’s all about balance and getting the best out of people, and that ultimately is down to connection. 

As Saltmoore grows, do you see yourself expanding further into hospitality or wellness ventures? 

I think I can whole heartedly say, never again.

What chapter do you hope comes next in your personal and professional journey? 

I am really feeling ready to work and get back out there doing more presenting. I was working a lot in the US and I have always loved America for work. The possibilities seem completely endless and they really champion their talent over there from reality TV.

TEAM CREDITS:

photography PIP BOURDILLON
styling JULIA SOKELE 
hair ANDREW DYLAN 
makeup VALERIA FERREIRA