Architecture
Home in the Clouds: 11 Incredible Tree Houses for Adults
Why should kids have all the fun? These tree houses provide grown-ups with the perfect home away from home
Why do we travel? One might argue that we do so to leave our comfort zones and try something new; to learn and emulate a different culture, its food and customs. If that’s the case, often it’s where we choose to sleep that will have the biggest impact. After all, it’s where you’ll call ‘home’, even if it’s only for a night.
That’s why many savvy travellers are taking to the trees, where sky-high tree house hotels, lodges and bed-and-breakfasts are becoming de rigueur for open-minded adventurers looking for a one-of-a-kind experience.
But make no mistake; while there are plenty of amazing Swiss Family Robinson-type tree houses made from tree trunks and vine rope, they’re not all rustic. Many talented architects have turned the concept on its head, adding plush amenities and materials with contemporary design flair. No matter what your style preference is, you’re guaranteed to never forget your trip.
Here are 11 tree houses worth the climb.
That’s why many savvy travellers are taking to the trees, where sky-high tree house hotels, lodges and bed-and-breakfasts are becoming de rigueur for open-minded adventurers looking for a one-of-a-kind experience.
But make no mistake; while there are plenty of amazing Swiss Family Robinson-type tree houses made from tree trunks and vine rope, they’re not all rustic. Many talented architects have turned the concept on its head, adding plush amenities and materials with contemporary design flair. No matter what your style preference is, you’re guaranteed to never forget your trip.
Here are 11 tree houses worth the climb.
The owners went to extra lengths to ensure a quiet and cozy stay. Soundproof windows keep the stag roar out during mating season, while thick padding under the carpets reduces foot noise.
All the beds have custom-made mattresses. The furniture is made by hand from North American hardwoods.
Photos courtesy of Hapuku Lodge
All the beds have custom-made mattresses. The furniture is made by hand from North American hardwoods.
Photos courtesy of Hapuku Lodge
2. Treehotel, Sweden
Deep in a Swedish forest, some of Scandinavia’s most talented architects have created game-changing, uniquely designed and themed tree house hotels.
The Bird’s Nest room is just what its name implies; chaotic and complex interlocking tree branches mimic a bird’s nest on the outside…
Deep in a Swedish forest, some of Scandinavia’s most talented architects have created game-changing, uniquely designed and themed tree house hotels.
The Bird’s Nest room is just what its name implies; chaotic and complex interlocking tree branches mimic a bird’s nest on the outside…
3. Tree Houses Hotel, Costa Rica
This bed-and-breakfast is located on 3 hectares surrounded by a 28-hectare wildlife refuge with a waterfall, swimming pools and a winding river. The property is touted as a ‘bird watcher’s paradise and wildlife lover’s dream.’ Guests regularly catch sight of sloths, monkeys, toucans, armadillos, hummingbirds, parrots and motmots. The tree houses are air conditioned and have heated showers and refrigerators.
Photo courtesy of Tree Houses Hotel Costa Rica
This bed-and-breakfast is located on 3 hectares surrounded by a 28-hectare wildlife refuge with a waterfall, swimming pools and a winding river. The property is touted as a ‘bird watcher’s paradise and wildlife lover’s dream.’ Guests regularly catch sight of sloths, monkeys, toucans, armadillos, hummingbirds, parrots and motmots. The tree houses are air conditioned and have heated showers and refrigerators.
Photo courtesy of Tree Houses Hotel Costa Rica
4. Sanya Nanshan, South China Sea
These holiday rentals sit high in the tamarind trees along a sand dune on an isolated beach near a vast Buddhist and ecological theme park with temples, pagodas and botanical gardens.
Photo courtesy of Sanya Nanshan Treehouse Resort and Beach Club
These holiday rentals sit high in the tamarind trees along a sand dune on an isolated beach near a vast Buddhist and ecological theme park with temples, pagodas and botanical gardens.
Photo courtesy of Sanya Nanshan Treehouse Resort and Beach Club
5. Reserva Amazonica, Peru
In the Peruvian southeastern Amazon, 27 metres above the forest floor, sits this rustic tree house.
In the Peruvian southeastern Amazon, 27 metres above the forest floor, sits this rustic tree house.
6. Tree House Lodge, Costa Rica
Deep in the thick Costa Rican forest, an all-wood lodge sits high in the trees.
Deep in the thick Costa Rican forest, an all-wood lodge sits high in the trees.
7. Green Magic Nature Resort, Kerala
You’ll need to take a cane lift with a water counterweight up 35 metres to the tree tops to say goodnight in this bamboo hotel room, located on 12 hectares of tropical rain forest. How they manage to get a working ceramic-tiled bathroom with running water up there, we’ll never know.
Photo courtesy of Tourindia
You’ll need to take a cane lift with a water counterweight up 35 metres to the tree tops to say goodnight in this bamboo hotel room, located on 12 hectares of tropical rain forest. How they manage to get a working ceramic-tiled bathroom with running water up there, we’ll never know.
Photo courtesy of Tourindia
8. Tsala Treetop Lodge, South Africa
Nestled in the boughs of an indigenous African forest, the houses of Tsala Treetop Lodge are far from your typical tree house design. Guests enjoy a large lounge area with a fireplace and an expansive private deck with an infinity pool.
Nestled in the boughs of an indigenous African forest, the houses of Tsala Treetop Lodge are far from your typical tree house design. Guests enjoy a large lounge area with a fireplace and an expansive private deck with an infinity pool.
9. Vertical Horizons, Oregon
This cozy bed-and-breakfast is located near a redwood forest in southern Oregon. Guests have access to caves, the Pacific coast and more.
This cozy bed-and-breakfast is located near a redwood forest in southern Oregon. Guests have access to caves, the Pacific coast and more.
10. Treehouse Cottages, Arkansas
Originally from Miami, owners Terry and Patsy Miller moved to Eureka Springs in 1976. Fifteen years later, they established Treehouse Cottages. Terry custom designed and hand built each tree house; they’re suspended on wooden poles about 8 metres off the ground.
Originally from Miami, owners Terry and Patsy Miller moved to Eureka Springs in 1976. Fifteen years later, they established Treehouse Cottages. Terry custom designed and hand built each tree house; they’re suspended on wooden poles about 8 metres off the ground.
11. Hamanasi Adventure & Dive Resort, Belize
Take to the trees along the coast of Belize, where deluxe tree houses have wraparound porches, outdoor spas, kitchenettes and separate living rooms. The tree houses are made from all Belizean woods –mahogany, barba de holote, rosewood, Santa Maria and more – and most of the furniture is made on the property. Plus, you’re surrounded by the bird-rich forest and near the second-largest barrier reef in the world.
TELL US
Have you stayed in a tree house? We’d love to see a snapshot below.
MORE
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Take to the trees along the coast of Belize, where deluxe tree houses have wraparound porches, outdoor spas, kitchenettes and separate living rooms. The tree houses are made from all Belizean woods –mahogany, barba de holote, rosewood, Santa Maria and more – and most of the furniture is made on the property. Plus, you’re surrounded by the bird-rich forest and near the second-largest barrier reef in the world.
TELL US
Have you stayed in a tree house? We’d love to see a snapshot below.
MORE
Dream Spaces: Branch Out Into a Treehouse
Natural Elements: Designs That Embrace Nature’s Bounty
Shed Spruce Up: Inspiring Ideas for Garden Sheds
This sprawling property features exquisitely designed tree houses on a vast deer farm. Owner Tony Wilson and his family are passionate about architecture, so much so that Tony’s daughter, Julia, will become the fifth-generation Wilson architect next year.
The vertical batten exterior is New Zealand redwood over Canadian cedar. The siding is copper.