First entering the spotlight on Love Island UK 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—a self-care haven that has quickly become one of the UK’s most buzzed-about hotel openings. Recently named Best Beach Hotel in the UK by The Times and The Sunday Times (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 “hands-on in shaping every detail,” making the property a true extension of her lifestyle philosophy.
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.
You first entered the public eye on Love Island. Looking back, how do you think that experience shaped who you are today?
"I was so young when I went on the show. I had just left university, so I was very naive… 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's now made me very resilient to life, and I feel like there's nothing I can't deal with when it comes to the entertainment world."
Saltmoore feels deeply personal. What was the starting point for the project before it became a business?
"I 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't felt that feeling of stillness in such a long time. I wanted that to be how people felt when they stayed there, as it's such a special place, so close to the sea, and you feel very secluded."
You were hands-on in every detail of Saltmoore. Is there one element that best reflects your personal vision?
"A big part of Saltmoore is the people that work there—they’re so warm, welcoming and have that Yorkshire charm that people don’t have down south. It was important to me that we used local businesses for one-off furniture pieces for each room, as that’s what makes it feel like home. We bought so much from this one spot—it 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—just 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."
Wellness can feel intimidating. How did you want Saltmoore to approach self-care differently?
"We 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."
As a mother of two, what does self-care realistically look like for you now?
"Self-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."
You’ve been open about postpartum life and body image. Has motherhood changed your relationship with beauty?
"Definitely. It’s so hard to find your identity after having babies. I didn’t 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."
Are there any beauty or wellness rituals you return to when life feels particularly overwhelming?
"For me, it’s 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’re nontoxic and use all-natural fragrance, too. No lights on and I just feel completely reset."
Do you believe true work–life balance exists, or has your definition of success shifted?
"I think work-life balance can happen when you’re at the top of your game, and you’ve achieved a lot of what you’d set out to do earlier in life. Nothing comes easy, so if you want success, you’ve 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!"
If you could design a perfect day at Saltmoore for yourself, what would it look like from morning to night?
"Wake 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’m 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."
