Words: Patrick
I was one of those kids transfixed by tree houses. After months of berating my father he gave in and, what at the time seemed like at an acrophobic height, hammered in a few planks some 10-foot up a solid oak tree. And, despite failing to meet a single of the health and safety requirements it ought to, by Jove it was great. Kids would come from miles around to climb the rickety rungs and feel on top of the world, before being dragged away, screaming and shouting, by their begrudging parents.
The obsession then fell dormant, reappearing in my late-teens, whereupon I hatched a plan; a plan which was sure to catapult me into The Sunday Times Rich List. The ingenious idea was to build a collection of tree houses – slightly better cobbled together than my old man’s attempted fortress – and establish the next best thing in unorthodox lodging, where your only company was nature. I’ve harboured this notion, rather embarrassingly, until fairly recently.
Sadly, it turns out that I’ve been beaten to the finish line before even turning up for the start. Lo and behold, treetop lodges of sobering charm have blossomed in some of the most stunning and secluded regions of the planet, far surpassing even my wildest creativities. I, therefore, gracefully admit defeat, and instead turn your attention to our top 7 picks of the finest out there.
FINCA BELLAVISTA, COSTA RICA
, Whether you seek peace and quiet, or fancy awakening your inner child with the tree house webs and various activities, this beautiful getaway on Costa Rica is a tantalising choice., Finca Bellavista
TREE HOTEL, SWEDEN
, These unique and innovative tree rooms of contemporary design are positioned in the Swedish wilderness, with the Northern Lights a regular evening performer., Tree Hotel
BANGKOK TREE HOUSE, CHINA
, Their website openly admits that this may not be everyone’s cup of tea. And granted, the outdoor showers and lack of 21st century creature comforts may have you doubting, but there’s no way you can’t be lured in by their View with a Room., Bangkok Tree House
CHOLE MJINI, TANZANIA
, With seven individual tree houses to choose between, this is a fabulous African jungle retreat offering total seclusion and panoramic perfection., Chole Mjini
TREE HOUSE POINT, AMERICA
, If it’s tranquillity you’re after then look no further. These rustic houses are dainty, but huge in charm and appeal., Tree House Point
TONGABEZI, ZAMBIA
, Set against the basalt rock bed, among the branches of a riverine Ebony tree, Tongabezi’s Tree House spreads out over a sustainable pine deck that guarantees incredible views of the Zambezi River., Tongabezi
SANYA NANSHAN TREEHOUSE, CHINA
, A series of stunning houses in the canopies built atop and along a sand dune in beautiful old tamarind trees, isolated on a magnificent seemingly never ending beach., Sanya Nanshan Treehouse
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