Ever wondered what it’s like to watch a sunset from the point of view of a parrot? Take to the top of these 10 scenic tree house hotels and reconnect with Mother Nature.
1. Treehotel – Harads, Sweden
Safe to say, no other accommodation in the world blends in with its surroundings quite as convincingly as the architectural tree rooms in this remote spot in Swedish Lapland.
In fact, one of the rooms is so well camouflaged that you just might miss it if you have one too many drinks at the adjoining Britta’s Pensionat which serves up daily meals in an authentic 1950’s setting. It’s called The Mirrorcube and its four walls are made of mirrored glass that reflects the unspoiled nature that surrounds it – from the snow-clad trees in the winter to the shimmering surface of the Lule River in the summertime.
At Treehotel, pristine Scandinavian, eco-conscious design comes together with the serenity of the encircling forest in perfect unison. It’s not exactly cheap, but it’s an ideal destination for silent contemplation and stress-expulsion.
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2. Playa Viva – Juluchuca, Mexico
Whether you’re an adrenalin-seeking surfer, a yoga-lover, a toddler or a turtle, the tree house at Playa Viva in the Mexican state of Guerrero is a place you want to visit before you kick the bucket.
Dunked into a bunch of palm trees and raised 6 feet above the ground, this luxurious, ocean-side cabin of sorts boasts an unbeatable, totally unobstructed view of the sea and of the sun’s travel across the sky.
Recharge your soul with a yoga class, a massage or a meal made of ingredients grown on the hotel grounds. Go hiking, scuba diving or deep-sea fishing. Do everything or do nothing at all. Staying at Playa Viva is all about finding peace within and reaching a state of Zen.
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3. Tree House Lodge – Punta Uva, Costa Rica
With twining branches protruding from the floor, exotic flowers growing wild, and a sloped wooden suspension bridge leading up to it, the Tree House Lodge in Costa Rica strongly resembles the fairy-tale-like, grown-up free getaway you fantasize about living in as a kid.
Valuing authenticity over material excess, The Tree House Lodge exudes a quiet luxury and encourages you to decompress and appreciate the simple things in life. Like the beautiful Punta Uva beach right in front of the lodge and the shoals of exotic fishes hiding under the surface of the deep blue sea.
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4. Tsala Treetop Lodge – Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Had Tarzan had a taste for the finer things in life he would no doubt have checked himself and Jane into the lavish Tsala Treetop Lodge overlooking the breathtakingly beautiful Plettenberg Bay.
Situated in the heart of the Garden Route, Tsala is not only one of the world’s most scenic hideouts – it’s also the perfect destination for a couple looking to be properly pampered; for an opportunity to splash around all day in tempered infinity pools, get simultaneous massages and cuddle up in front of an outdoor fireplace at night for some late-night smooching under the starry South African sky.
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5. Tongabezi Lodge – Livingstone, Zambia
Too much is only just about enough at the extraordinarily luxurious and hospitable Tongabezi Lodge whose secluded tree house allows guests to become one with the stunning Livingstone surroundings without ever setting foot outside their residential oasis.
At Tongabezi, they cater to your every need, and the staff will do just about anything to please you – except maybe take you swimming along the thundering Victoria Falls – but that’s for your own safety’s sake.
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6. Tranquil Resort – Sultan Bathery, India
Located in southern India on a private 400-acre estate, buried deep in the Kerala rainforest, you’ll find Serenetree and Tranquilitree; two very idyllic and spacious tree houses with two very apt names.
At a height of 45 feet from the ground level, the elaborate coffee wood constructions bring you close to all kinds of birds and furry fellas living in the treetops, and a spectacular view of the grounds.
Relax by the pool, try a traditional Ayurvedic massage, or take a tour of the adjoining coffee and vanilla plantation. You might need some peace and quiet after a night’s worth of loud monkey-screeching interrupting your sleep.
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7. Kadir’s Top Tree Houses – Olympos, Turkey
Looking as if it were taken straight out of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, Kadir’s Top Tree Houses in Olympos immediately install a kind of childish enthusiasm in its visitors, no matter how old or cynical.
Offering a wide variety of outdoor activities, such as fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling, the forestry Olympos district is an ideal destination for adventurous travellers. In addition to a wealth of wooden bungalows, the site features five single bedrooms that are built around a real tree trunk, and everywhere the walls are adorned with hand painted patterns and wheels made out of carved wood.
With room enough for more than a hundred kindred spirits travelling on the cheap, Kadir’s Top Tree Houses might get a little crowded at times. Luckily, they have not one but two bars you can retreat to.
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8. Winvian – Litchfield Hills, Connecticut, USA
If the bug-ridden mangrove jungle and its tropical climate isn’t for you but you love the idea of a tree house holiday, don’t fret. The US is also swarming with cosy tree houses that let you escape the bustle of everyday life – and one of its finest is this romantic resort cottage in Connecticut.
Stay in and soak in the jacuzzi or go out and explore the 113 acres of colourful New England forest. At the Winvian-lodge you can be as active or as lazy as you like. No strangers are around to judge you.
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9. Hotel Costa Verde – Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
For a view that will make you feel like you’re flying – or make you desperate for a sickbag – book yourself into Hotel Costa Verde’s extraordinary Fuselage Treehouse in Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio National Park, where a vintage Boeing 727 has been turned into a swanky holiday residence, hovering 15 metres above ground.
From cockpit to tail, the repurposed old plane has been covered in shiny wood panelling, and the wings are flanked by two spacious balconies that let you get up close and personal with the wildlife residing in the surrounding grove of lush Cecropia trees.
Whether you want to become chummy with a sloth or simply enjoy the mesmerising view of the Pacific Ocean within the confines of the cockpit-cum-observation deck, The Fuselage Treehouse will leave you feeling high on life.
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10. Bangkok Tree House – Phra Pradaeng, Thailand
If you don’t mind spending the night with creepy-crawlies, you will love Bangkok Tree House and its architectural “nests” inspired by the beautiful insects that make the area’s eco-system so fascinating.
For people who wish to escape the concrete jungle and re-connect with the real deal, there is no better place than the eco-conscious two-level tree-huts in picturesque Phra Pradaeng.
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