Branch Out!

In the words of E. M. Forster, ‘what is the good of stars and trees, sunrise and the wind, if they do not enter into our daily lives?’  While many tribes in Indonesia still use tree houses for practical survival reasons, most are reserved for the wish lists of children worldwide. 

In an age of growing environmental concerns and ever-adventurous holiday packages, tree houses have now become a realistic and viable holiday solution for audacious adults and children alike.  Adventurous travellers (aka not afraid of heights) can soar above the stale continental breakfasts and drably decorated rooms of conventional hotels, by reliving their childhood dreams in breathtakingly peaceful and truly unique lodgings.  With all this abysmal British weather, I thought I'd create a fantasy list of the best tree-house hotels where intrepid travellers can, literally, go out on a limb for their next jaunt.

Sweden, Treehotel

These guys know tree houses.  Born from the film, ‘The Tree Lover’ by Jonas Selberg Augustsén, Scandinavia’s leading architects were inspired to provide a low-impact, sophisticated haven from the stresses of everyday life; by situating their Treehotel with spectacular views of the Lule river.  Treehotel, located just fifty kilometers outside of the city of Luleå, offers five breathtakingly innovative and unique tree rooms; the combination of groundbreaking modernity juxtaposed with the peace and purity of unspoiled nature, is sensitively executed so that the Treehotel physically complements the natural setting of the site.  For example, The Bird’s Nest treeroom is formed of recycled fallen branches and is accessed through a remote-controlled retractable staircase.  Other treerooms, which are of differing size, include The Mirrorcube, a light-weight aluminum structure which reflects the natural surroundings back onto itself, The Cabin, The Blue Cone, the UFO and even a Tree Sauna.  This is my pick of the bunch for a truly unique, extremely sophisticated stay in the heart of nature.

Tree house for 2, from £320 per night. http://www.treehotel.se/, +46 (0)928 104 03

Costa Rica – The Tree House Lodge

Replace the sounds of car alarms and sirens with the peaceful humming of crickets and the singing of parrots.  The Tree House Lodge is located on the Punta Uva beach, in the province of Limón, where activities such as surfing, white water rafting and natural educational classes are available.  It was constructed solely using fallen trees and recycled materials and with solar powered electricity and locally sourced food and furnishings, this venture is dedicated to maintaining the environment and the community.  Supporting this treetop complex is probably the only place you can feel like you’re doing good deeds while doing absolutely nothing at all.

From £186 a night, http://www.costaricatreehouse.com/, +(506) 2750 0706      

India – Tree House Hideaway, Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh

Tree House Hideaway offers an absolute assault on the senses. Not only is the reception, bar and dining room open-air and filled with animal sounds, it also has a panoramic lookout point over the reservation’s highly populated watering hole.  The accommodation consists of five spacious tree houses adorned with vibrant tribal paintings, colourful fabrics and huge balconies with sensational views.  Open jeeps and experienced guides are on hand to provide tours around the reservation, which is home to the largest tiger population in India.

Treehouse for two, full board from £165, http://www.treehousehideaway.com/, +91 12442 22657

Mexico – Xinalani Retreat

For all the yoga bunnies out there, this one is for you.  This retreat centre is relaxation in a nutshell.  Set in a jungle overlooking pristine, white-sand beaches, Xinalani combines yoga facilities, healthy food and open-air accommodation.  This place is seriously dedicated to maintaining the environment by minimising their carbon footprint, encouraging eco tourism and avoiding land modification at all costs.

From £128 per person, per night. http://www.xinalaniretreat.com/, (+52) (322) 221 5918

Spain – Cabanes Als Arbres

Located just 52 miles from the heart of Spain’s cultural hub, Barcelona, Cabanes Als Arbres offers 10 fully furnished tree houses perched atop Douglas fir trees.  Hanging 10 metres above the forest floor, the site’s philosophy is to educate visitors about the environment, while providing comfortable accommodation in the heart of the forest’s natural ecosystem.  The Viletta home stay within the grounds provides more civilised amenities including a swimming pool, spa facilities and a bar.

Tree house for two including breakfast from £78, http://www.cabanesalsarbres.com/en, +(34) 625 411 409