the 7 best treehouses around the world to live out your tarzan and jane fantasies
for many of our childhoods, treehouses were the stuff of fantasy - simple, handmade cabins in our backyards or fictional lodgings in the pages of enid blyton. today, these treehouses have grown up a little, morphing into sophisticated retreats of tessellated glass or bamboo. dizzying not just for their height but for the massive feat of human ingenuity they represent, each is a supersized take on these childhood fantasies. from slick scandi stays to eco jungle lodges, these are the best treehouses around the world for your next luxe escape.
image courtesy of backpacker diariez
treehotel, sweden
championing minimal, scandinavian design, sweden’s treehotel is a true architectural wonder. treehotel is not one, but 7 treehouses, each a fascinating take on the whimsical architectural form. spend the night inside a floating mirrored cube, a giant birds-nest, or a cabin fashioned in the shape of a ufo - each treehouse is not just a place to rest your head, but a true journey of the imagination. located in a tall pine forest and on the edge of the lule river, you’ll find yourself world’s away from home and dreaming of faraway lands.
playa viva, mexico
backing onto a private mile-long beach, each tube-shaped villa is crafted from bamboo, offering an open air experience of mexico’s tropical paradise. the retreat’s core principles emphasise clean energy, promoting biodiversity, and creating “transformational experiences” - all of which is obvious the moment you set foot on its grounds. whether it’s adventure or wellness you’re after (or both), the retreat caters to just about every whim or fancy, with onsite yoga classes, surfing lessons, tours of its regenerative farm, and even its own baby turtle sanctuary.
image courtesy playa viva
Green village, indonesia
nestled in thick jungle and peering over bali’s aayung river, green village is a trailblazer when it comes to sustainable living. far from the bali’s buzzy tourist centers, the collection of bamboo treehouses is a welcome escape from city life, sitting halfway between canggu and ubud. the sprawling complex features a range of luxe treehouses to choose from, as well as a communal pool, jewellery factory, and farm.
image courtesy of green village bali
Love cabins, australia
nestled in the blue mountains wilderness, love cabin’s treehouses offer a romantic escape for those shot by cupid’s bow. teetering above the forest floor on stilts, each unique cabin offers floor to ceiling windows, a fireplace, and spa for the ultimate cosy experience. just a short drive from sydney, love cabins offer the perfect escape for lovestruck citysiders.
image courtesy airbnb
the pinecone treehouse, california usa
the pinecone treehouse in california is probably the most conceptual hotel on our list. fashioned in the shape of a giant copper-toned pinecone, the treehouse is a hyperbolic rendering of its natural environment. visitors are ensconced in a hive-like surrounding of diamond-shaped glass panels that offer a 360-degree view of the outside world. the facilities themselves are simple so as not to detract from the beauty of the natural environment, with a cosy cabin, composting toilet, and shower.
image courtesy airbnb
bisate lodge, rwanda
perched on the edge of an eroded volcanic crater, rwanda’s bisate lodge marries a theatrical edge with sheer luxury. located in karisoke, the historic rainforest where primatologist dian fossey dedicated her life to saving mountain gorillas from extinction, each treehouse offers dramatic views of the verdant surroundings. each thatched villa features its own veranda, luxury bedroom and bathroom, and floor to ceiling windows. when you’re not relaxing in your private enclave, there’s much to explore in the surrounding parklands, from gorilla tracking to bird tours.
image courtesy of bisate lodge
hapuku lodge and treehouse, new zealand
tucked away on a deer breeding farm on new zealand’s south island, hapuku lodge is a contemporary take on the treehouse hotel. each treehouse is a little world unto-itself, sitting ten metres above the ground and nestled amongst a lush kiwi canopy. the lodgings are perfectly situated for daytime adventuring - with the famous whale-watching destination Mangamaunu bay just a kilometre away. a range of treehouses are on offer, from smaller cabins suited for couples to two bedroom treehouses suited for families.
image courtesy of hapuku lodge & treehouse