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First entering the spotlight on Love Island UK<\/em> in 2017, Montana Rose Brown has evolved into far more than a reality star. Now a hospitality entrepreneur, wellness advocate and voice for modern motherhood, Brown is the cofounder of Saltmoore, a luxury, wellness-led retreat on the North Yorkshire coast\u2014a self-care haven that has quickly become one of the UK\u2019s most buzzed-about hotel openings. Recently named Best Beach Hotel in the UK by The Times<\/em> and The Sunday Times<\/em> (2025) and awarded two MICHELIN Keys in the 2025 hotel selection, the reimagined 19th-century estate blends modern coastal design with holistic spa treatments, destination dining and immersive outdoor experiences. From the interiors to the wellness programming, the mom of two has been \u201chands-on in shaping every detail,\u201d making the property a true extension of her lifestyle philosophy.<\/p>\n Ahead, we chatted with Brown about body image after reality TV, building Saltmoore from the ground up and redefining balance as a working mom of two.<\/p>\n \u201cI was so young when I went on the show. I had just left university, so I was very naive\u2026 but, of course, thought I was very mature at the time. But I think it forced me to be comfortable with myself very young. I went through a year of getting all of this work done to my face because I really felt insecure, and I wanted to look like others. I struggled being in an industry that is very centered around appearance, initially, but I think it\u2019s now made me very resilient to life, and I feel like there\u2019s nothing I can\u2019t deal with when it comes to the entertainment world.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was pregnant at the time with my first child. I remember arriving there for the first time and feeling so at peace and calm. I hadn\u2019t felt that feeling of stillness in such a long time. I wanted that to be how people felt when they stayed there, as it\u2019s such a special place, so close to the sea, and you feel very secluded.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA big part of Saltmoore is the people that work there\u2014they\u2019re so warm, welcoming and have that Yorkshire charm that people don\u2019t have down south. It was important to me that we used local businesses for one-off furniture pieces for each room, as that\u2019s what makes it feel like home. We bought so much from this one spot\u2014it was so stripped back, the roof was leaking, furniture stacked all on top of each other in the pitch-black. It was from a Whitby local named Timmy who had guard geese on his farm\u2014just the nicest gentleman who was so talented at finding unique, one-off pieces. Those pieces are scattered around the hotel, and they make it feel homey.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe want people to explore the different facilities, but also immerse themselves in the surrounding nature. Being present whilst being at the beach or walking round the grounds, having a digital detox is what I would want for anyone coming to Saltmoore to come away feeling really grounded and revitalized mentally.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSelf-care is putting myself first sometimes. Moving my body is a must; exercise is a really important part of my life, so I try to work out every day. My bedtime routine is quite extensive to ensure I have me time, reading a book, switching off, taking my supplements and red light therapy.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDefinitely. It\u2019s so hard to find your identity after having babies. I didn\u2019t realize how much of my worth was wrapped up in my appearance. Your body completely transforms, and I have learnt to have so much respect for my body through pregnancy and postpartum.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor me, it\u2019s bathtime before bed, with Ilapothecary products. The brand is rooted in homeopathy and herbology, so their magnesium bath salts have so many potent ingredients that ground me. I light my Vyrao candles as they\u2019re nontoxic and use all-natural fragrance, too. No lights on and I just feel completely reset.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think work-life balance can happen when you\u2019re at the top of your game, and you\u2019ve achieved a lot of what you\u2019d set out to do earlier in life. Nothing comes easy, so if you want success, you\u2019ve got to really graft as someone else is after it, too! Having children has forced me to find more balance, as I have to be home most of the time, which I actually love. I just hope my kids continue to have midday naps for the foreseeable future!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWake up, walk to the beach and jump in the sea, followed by Saltmoore house for the full Saltmoore breakfast, walk through the grounds focusing on breathwork and mindfulness. Then, HYROX training in the gym, shower, spa, sauna, swim and read my book. I\u2019m into parenting books at the moment. Then a long lunch in the spa cafe, where they have healthier lunches on offer alongside bone broths. I would then go for another walk along the beach into Sandsend town and get a hot chocolate. Walk back up to Saltmoore to go back to the room, have a long bath, read a bit more and get ready for dinner in the Brasserie for a gorgeous meal curated by our amazing chef, Adam Maddock.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nYou first entered the public eye on\u00a0Love Island<\/em>. Looking back, how do you think that experience shaped who you are today?<\/h2>\n
Saltmoore feels deeply personal. What was the starting point for the project before it became a business?<\/h2>\n
You were hands-on in every detail of Saltmoore. Is there one element that best reflects your personal vision?<\/h2>\n
Wellness can feel intimidating. How did you want Saltmoore to approach self-care differently?<\/h2>\n
As a mother of two, what does self-care realistically look like for you now?<\/h2>\n
You\u2019ve been open about postpartum life and body image. Has motherhood changed your relationship with beauty? <\/h2>\n
Are there any beauty or wellness rituals you return to when life feels particularly overwhelming?<\/h2>\n
Do you believe true work\u2013life balance exists, or has your definition of success shifted? <\/h2>\n
If you could design a perfect day at Saltmoore for yourself, what would it look like from morning to night?<\/h2>\n