Looking to branch out on your next stay? In the most beautiful forested areas around the world, hotel entrepreneurs are venturing into an area that was once purely the domain of young children: tree houses. These hotels are usually suspended high in the air and offer some breathtaking views while still being protected from the elements. Here are a few of the best...
Tree House Lodge, Limon, Costa Rica
Tree House Lodge
These beautiful private tree houses aren't hanging in the middle of a lush Costa Rican forest – they are located right by Punta Uva Beach. Visitors can access the tree houses on hanging steel bridges or via rope ladders. Punta Uva Beach is a private beach that belongs to the nearby resort, so visitors will not have to worry about others wandering into their tree house-based heaven. Each private tree house is sustainably built from fallen trees, houses two bedrooms, a kitchen and a solar power shower. The structures themselves are held up by the sturdy roots and limbs of 100-year old Sangrillo trees.
Tsala Treetop Lodge, Plenttenberg Bay, South Africa
Tsala Treetop Lodge
The Tsala Treetop Lodge is a piece of the modern nestled within the indigenous forests. The lodge is made of stone and glass and provides a magnificent example of how modern architecture can still be wondrous while also being sustainable. Outside the main lodge, the resort has 10 tree house suites that overlook the Tsitsikamma Forest. Each suite comes with floor to ceiling bedroom windows, a log fireplace in the living room, a private deck and a private infinity pool.
Hinchinbrook Island Resort, Hinchinbrook Island, Australia
Hinchinbrook Island in Australia is a national park complete with lush rainforests, rugged mountains and rough sandy beaches. For those looking to stay the night, there is only one option for accommodation. Hinchinbrook Resort consists of 15 roomy tree house bungalows. Each private suite comes with floor to ceiling glass windows, a small kitchen, private bathroom and a balcony, as well as easy beach front access. Though the rooms are spacious and sturdy, those with a fear of heights may find getting to the rooms a bit off-putting, as they are only accessible from thin, winding wooden boardwalks that are dangling high in the trees.
Treehotel, Harads, Sweden
Treehotel has taken a simple backyard staple and given it a futuristic makeover. This unique hotel lies outside of the small village of Harads and each of its five treetop suites are hoisted six metres above the ground. Each of the suites has its own unique look, and the designs have been inspired by everything from a bird's nest to a flying saucer. However, the most inventive suite is made out of mirrors that reflect the forest on all sides – making the suite practically invisible. Many visitors who stay at Treehotel are there to view the beautiful northern lights by dog sled or hike the Lule River Valley.
Japamala Resort, Tioman Island, Malaysia
Creativecommons.org/Larra Jungle Princess
The Japamala Resort on Tioman Island truly evokes feelings of living like Tarzan and Jane in the middle of the jungle. Its tree house suites are built with sustainable materials from the surrounding jungle and are so high they skim the canopy of the tropical jungle. With luxurious open air plunge pools, these suites offer a little slice of paradise. Visitors soon realize that the natural beauty is the biggest draw of Tioman Island. There is endless landscape to hike, secluded beaches to discover and countless cool mountain streams and waterfalls.
Aqua Wellness Resort, Playa Gigante, Nicaragua
The Aqua Wellness Resort calls itself a "tree house colony" rather than a tree house hotel. While some hotels house only a few tree house rooms, this resort has a whole slew of them just waiting for adventurous visitors. The suites can be up to three rooms large and each is decorated in a blend of contemporary and rustic styles that complements the surrounding landscape. The resort is literally right on the beach, but hoisted above it in the tree tops. The resort offers yoga on the beach, private surf lessons and jungle tours.
The Aviary, Lenox, Massachusetts
Who says tree houses are strictly for tropical paradises? The Aviary is located just outside of Lenox, Massachusetts, is a two story house has been hoisted up a sturdy tree. For those who want tree house accommodations without sacrificing luxury, it does not get any better than this. The interior can certainly make visitors forget that they are dangling metres in the air in a tree. This luxury establishment has a limestone wet room with antique soaking tub, circular stairs leading to the sleeping quarters on the second floor and a Bang and Olufsen entertainment system.
Chewton Glen, New Forest, England
The forests of New Forest were the hunting ground for nobles before they became the refuge for smugglers. However, today the woods of New Forest are home to the six private tree houses of Chewton Glen. This establishment prides itself upon allowing its guest to commune with nature without forsaking the luxury of a modern interior. Each of the private tree house suites come with picture windows, private terraces, outdoor hot tubs and day beds so visitors can get away from it all while still feeling like they are staying in luxury accommodations rather than roughing it in a tree house.
Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, Tambopata, Peru
Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica
Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica dangles 27 metres in the air and is definitely not appealing to those who are afraid of heights. The tree houses at Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica sit within the vibrant canopy of the Peruvian Amazon. The accommodations are carbon neutral, and a portion of the room rate going towards Peruvian conservation. The interiors provide daring mix of rustic luxe and tent-camp minimalism, that when put together create an immensely romantic atmosphere. The suites offer quite a few canopy walkways so that guests can explore the canopy at their leisure.