At 5 a.m. on an ordinary day, you’ll find New York designer Robin Bell still enjoying a little well-deserved REM. On this chillier-than-normal morning, however, she’s wide awake--nestled next to a warm campfire and halfway through a hot cup of coffee.

In fact, here in western Montana, where Robin is visiting The Resort at Paws Up, 5 in the morning isn’t even considered early; it’s practically rush hour. The local herd of elk is already meandering across Highway 20 in search of breakfast, and guests at the resort are hopping out of bed, eager to start the day. Hiking and delectable spa treatments are calling.

It’s experiences like these that lured Robin to Montana from Manhattan, and why she’s up at the crack of dawn to start the day. That, and the fly-fishing.

Photography by Michal Venera
Written and produced by Jenny Bradley