Indulging your inner child and spending a night or two sleeping in a treehouse hotel is not only incredibly cool, but it also almost always means spectacular views and real sense of getting back to nature. That said, don’t fear: just because you’re sleeping up in the canopy, doesn’t mean you have to compromise on luxury, as many of our favourite treehouses come complete with all the creature comforts you need for a dreamy night’s sleep, plus adventures from snowmobiling to safaris.
Treehotel – Swedish Lapland
The seven treehouses at Treehotel are all hidden amongst a dense pine forest in the heart of unspoilt Swedish Lapland. Each of the treehouses are totally different in design, and accommodation options include staying in the ‘Bird’s Nest’, which looks just as you’d imagine, the futuristic ‘UFO’ spaceship, and ‘Mirrorcube’, which is so well designed it could almost be an optical illusion. Inside these quirky constructions the rooms are simple, ensuring the focus remains on the surrounding scenery and the wealth of outdoor activities to be enjoyed from the hotel. These include seeing the Northern Lights (in season), dogsledding, horse riding, snowmobiling, kayaking or simply relaxing in the open-air hot tub.
Lion Sands – Sabi Sands, South Africa
Located within the world-renowned Sabi Sands Game Reserve, the three private Lion Sands treehouses are the epitome of luxury safari sleep-out. The open-air wooden structures are all built on stilts high above the bush, with fantastic views of the wildlife wandering below and the star-studded night skies above. Four-poster beds, scattered lanterns and dining tables with a view are a feature of all three treehouses, and couples can enjoy a romantic night complete with a gourmet dinner, wine and falling asleep to the sounds of the bush. In the morning (if you can drag yourself away) your guide will come and meet you for a private morning safari.
Shinta Mani Wild – Cambodia
Shinta Mani Wild is a fantastic addition to Cambodia’s luxury hotel offering and provides an opportunity for travellers to get off the beaten track and into the country’s lush, forested national parks. During a stay here, sleep in elegant tented treehouses which were designed by famously wacky architect Bill Bensley to protrude out from the treetops and overlook the river below. Like many of Bensley’s properties the tents are decorated in extravagant colonial style, with dark wood furniture, trunk-style explorer’s chests and bold, colourful patterns. When not enjoying the canopy views, go wildlife spotting with the expert rangers, zipline through the trees or enjoying a boat ride along the river.
Hapuku Lodge – Kaikoura, New Zealand
Found just north of the whale-watching hotspot Kaikoura, Hapuku Lodge + Treehouses offer five contemporary treehouses. With options for both couples and families the treehouses make great bases for those looking for a romantic break as well as those wanting to really wow the younger members of the family. The treehouses are all built of wood and glass, to help them blend into the surrounding native kanuka grove, and offer fantastic views out across to the Pacific Ocean – look closely and you might even spy a whale or two. Aside from the whales, other activities to be enjoyed include mountain biking, beach and bush walks, picnics, learning to surf, and experiencing authentic Maori culture.
Post Ranch Inn – Big Sur, USA
Head up the winding stairway to one of the treehouses at Post Ranch Inn and you’ll be right in the canopy of the towering redwood trees. Once inside, you’ll find a huge bathroom and spacious bedroom complete with cosy window seat, wood-burning fireplace and large skylight for stargazing from the comfort of your king-sized bed. For warmer nights, the treehouse’s private deck is the perfect place to sit and enjoy the forest’s tranquillity with a drink, or you might prefer to take in the coastal views from the main inn. During the day there are various complimentary activities, such as yoga, guided nature walks along the coastal clifftop and stargazing. There are also Lexus cars available to borrow for the day, free of charge.
