As a child, you wanted a tree house. You’d spend hot summer nights at your lucky friend’s house, climbing makeshift ladders to play in a wonderland under the stars. That dream doesn’t have to die. As an adult, you can release your inner child at tree house hotels around the world. Some are located on luxurious animal preserves. Others are nestled in lush forests with nary a city light in sight. Here are five of the best on five continents.
Treehouse Point, Washington
On the banks of the Raging River, 30 miles from Seattle, lies Treehouse Point. The brainchild of Peter and Judy Nelson, Treehouse Point offers six unique tree houses for guests looking for romance and tranquility (no children under 13 allowed). Each house boasts hardwood floors, hand-hewn beds and views of the forest and stars. Guests share bathrooms at the ground level. The Nelsons will help facilitate hiking trips and other tours.
Bangkok Treehouse, Bangkok, Thailand
Inspired by Walden Pond, Bangkok Treehouse is an eco-friendly oasis in this teeming metropolis. Guests have a choice of three tree-top accommodations, all unique and some rustic. “The View with the Room” boasts bamboo floors, mangrove trees and is situated 23 feet in the air. The night sky is your canopy. Guests have access to private outdoor showers as well as a freshwater pool. Don’t be surprised to spy a lizard in your room. Mosquito netting keeps the pesky pests away at night.
Lion Sands Game Reserve, Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa
If you’re headed on safari but want a unique lodging experience, Lion Sands Game Reserve at Sabi Sand Game Reserve offers the Chalkley Treehouse. Named after the founder of the Reserve, the Chalkley is situated in a Leadwood tree and is outfitted with a double-bed, mosquito netting, lanterns and a water basin. It’s a rustic as you can get without truly being on your own. Hyenas and other wild animals may keep you company but the velvet African sky will bring you peace of mind.
Ariau Towers, Manaus, Brazil
Brazil was one of the first countries to get in on the tree house hotel act and Ariau Towers in Manaus remains one of the top hotels in the country. Inspired by Jacques Cousteau, the expansive property was built in 1987 on the banks of the Rio Negro. The eco-friendly hotel has a large number of tree houses to choose from. Elevated nearly 40 above the ground, the houses feature private balconies, hardwood floors, queen beds and full bathrooms. Myriad activities are nearby, from the Adolpho Ducke Botanical Gardens to the Lago Januari Ecological Park.
Treehotel, Harads, Sweden
The funkiest of all tree house hotels is the Treehotel in Harads, Sweden. The Swedes know design and Britta and Kent Lindvall had a clean aesthetic in mind when they built their hotel on the Lule River in Northern Sweden. Each of the six houses are unique and modern in design, with bespoke furniture, lighting and linens. The Cabin feels as if you’re in a high-tech train cabin. The Mirrorcube reflects the landscape at all angles. The UFO is just that, a mecca for sci-fi nerds everywhere. Guests have access to a tree house sauna as well. Head here in the depths of winter, when the spectacular northern lights are on display.
