25 Most Magical Treehouse Hotels in the World
Updated: May 16, 2023
Live out your childhood fantasies and take to the skies at one of these amazing (and very grown-up) treehouse hotels.
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An experience you’ll never forget
Many children dream of having a treehouse hideaway where they can play high up in the sky among the treetops. They want a secret place to think or read by themselves while listening to the birds chirping and feeling the rush of the wind as it blows through the leaves on the trees. While some of us may not have fulfilled that childhood dream back in the day, many hotels around the world will happily indulge in that fantasy now.
These 25 enchanting properties offer everything from opulent beachfront villas in remote tropical paradises to mini châteaux in the rolling French countryside. There are also rustic cabin-style treehouses hidden in a forest in the Pacific Northwest and properties in Europe where you can pretend you’re an alien and stay in a UFO. You can even sleep suspended in the air in a whimsical sphere in the woods. Whatever your fantasies are, you can fulfill them at one of these incredible treehouse hotels around the world. Book a stay at one of the U.S. destinations sometime soon, and put the more far-flung ones on your bucket list for 2021 or beyond, when life gets back to normal and travel restrictions around the globe begin to lift.
Matangi Private Island Resort, Fiji
This stunning adults-only luxury private island resort is situated on Horseshoe Bay. The privately-owned 250-acre island is home to pristine white sand beaches, crystal-clear blue and turquoise waters, and a tropical rainforest. The resort’s three 850-square-foot split-level Treehouse Bures are tucked away in this lush tropical paradise—and are also just steps away from the beach. Each treehouse is air-conditioned and features a king-size four-poster bed, an outdoor Jacuzzi, an outdoor lava-rock shower, a secluded veranda, a large sun deck, king-size daybed, and amenities such as Pure Fiji toiletries and freshly baked cookies. The all-inclusive rates also include three gourmet meals daily and other perks, like two snorkeling excursions per day. Check out these other gorgeous beaches with the clearest water in the world.
AndBeyond Ngala Treehouse, South Africa
This secluded four-level luxury treehouse stands at 39 feet in the air and is located three miles from the nearest lodge on the andBeyond Ngala Private Game Reserve. The new solar-powered accommodation, which opened in February 2020, features a rooftop deck with an outdoor lounge perfect for a romantic, alfresco dinner for two. There’s also an indoor bedroom, a full bathroom with an outdoor shower, and unobstructed views of Africa’s spectacular scenery.
Guests are escorted to the treehouse with everything they need for the evening. The Big Five (lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and Cape buffalo) wander freely through the 36,000 acres of wilderness reserve near the border of Kruger National Park, but a thorn boma fence surrounds the treehouse, and a dedicated attendant is just a phone call away. Enjoy cocktails and midnight snacks under the stars during this once-in-a-lifetime experience during your stay at either the andBeyond Tented Camp or Safari Lodge.
Primland, Virginia
Primland is picturesquely situated on 12,000 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains, approximately 69 miles south of Roanoke. The property’s three intimate Tree House cabins are nestled in the treetops on a mountainside and offer panoramic views of Kibler Valley and the North Carolina piedmont. The Barn Owl Tree House sits at 2,700 feet elevation and features a large private deck that’s perfect for stargazing. Cooper’s Hawk Tree House is perched at 1,300 feet between two mature trees, and its expansive deck overlooks the Roaring Creek and Dan River. And the Golden Eagle Tree House is located on one of the oldest and most majestic oak trees on the resort and was designed and constructed in France by renowned tree-house architectural firm La Cabane Perchée. Due to the architect’s unique design, no nails were used to secure this treehouse in place. Did you know that these 13 rare trees in America are considered national treasures?
The Island Hideout, Thailand
This electricity-free, off the grid, and sustainable jungle oasis is nestled in a lush tropical paradise in Southern Thailand. The Island Hideout’s four luxury open-air treetop suites were crafted by local artists using indigenous materials, and the owner and creator worked with a renowned Thai architect to minimize the environmental impact on the area. The first level of the treehouses has an open-air bathroom with a cool-water tub and rain shower. The main room upstairs is inviting, featuring a luxurious king-size bed covered by a mosquito net, dark wooden floors and furnishings, and stunning views of the jungle, bay, and surrounding islands.
At this one-of-a-kind romantic escape, guests can also enjoy outdoor adventures such as reef diving, cave trekking, and rock climbing. What’s more, the resort offers hands-on Thai cooking classes and classes on nature conservation and sustainability.
Winvian Farm, Connecticut
Plan a stay in the two-story secluded Treehouse Cottage at this 113-acre luxury getaway in Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills, approximately 84 miles from New York City. This treehouse is suspended 35 feet above the ground and features a king-size bedroom on the first floor with a gas fireplace, Jacuzzi, and steam shower. Upstairs, there’s a second fireplace to keep you cozy on chilly New England nights. There’s also a full bar and incredible treetop views of the forest. When you come down from the trees, dine at Winvian Farm’s seed-to-table restaurant, book a relaxing spa treatment, or spread out on the property to enjoy bocce ball, hot air ballooning, and horseback riding. Litchfield Hills also happens to be one of the best places to see New England fall foliage, so imagine just how amazing a stay at that time of the year would be!
Châteaux dans les Arbres, France
The bucolic French countryside is the perfect setting for six fairy-tale-like mini châteaux. Châteaux dans les Arbres translates to Castles in the Trees, and there are four castles in the trees and two that float at this magical 27-acre estate property in southwestern France. Owner Rémi Bercherel built these one-of-a-kind treehouses to resemble traditional French country houses, and they are all named after famous châteaux that are located nearby.
Hautefort, the largest, is housed in a 100-year-old oak and features a wooden footbridge that crosses a moat, three bedrooms (for up to six people), a living room, a hot tub, and a large terrace offering beautiful sunset views. Since it has a kitchen, breakfast is not included at Hautefort, but it is available when staying at the other mini châteaux. Upon request, the chef at a nearby restaurant, Etincelles, will prepare gourmet or bistro meals for you. The property also has an infinity pool for relaxing, and guests can explore the estate by bicycle or play ping-pong and pétanque.
Wilderness Safaris Bisate Lodge, Rwanda
For a truly amazing adventure, go gorilla trekking in Rwanda and stay in these en suite Forest Villas located right next to Volcanoes National Park. The six spacious treetop villas are located on a steep hillside that is an eroded volcanic cone. Each features a bedroom, reception area, fireplace, and stunning views of Mount Bisoke from a private deck. The inspiration for their exterior was the traditional Rwandan building design and beehive-shaped thatched structure of the King’s Palace at Nyanza. The interiors of these unique villas reflect the Rwandan lifestyle, with textiles in colors of the rainforests and vibrant markets in villages throughout the country.
While on your bucket-list African safari, follow in the footsteps of American researcher and conservationist Dian Fossey with a challenging hike to the ruins of her Karisoke Research Center and to see where she was laid to rest next to her favorite gorilla, Digit.
KA BRU Forest, Brazil
KA BRU Forest is a unique jungle villa nestled in the middle of the Atlantic Rainforest at the beautiful KA BRU Beach Boutique Hotel. The secluded luxury property is close to the village of Barra Grande, Bahia, and sits on the beachfront of Brazil’s third-largest bay, Camamu Bay. The property’s treehouse loft is ethically constructed with 60-year-old demolition woods, and it features a bedroom with an open-air rainforest shower, an open-air bathroom with two additional rainforest showers, a private yoga deck, pool, and other amenities. After days spent diving, surfing, river rafting, or whale watching, relax back at the villa to see spectacular sunsets over the rainforest. While you may need to wait a little while before traveling to this heavenly spot, you can enjoy these 25 amazing rainforest views right now.
Living-room treehouses, Wales
These six whimsical treehouses are nestled 35 feet high in the tree canopy in the heart of the Welsh mountains, a remote location that’s close to the ocean and the southern edge of Snowdonia National Park. Hand-built by craftspeople in the Dyfi Valley in West Wales, they are far from the outside world, surrounded by ancient woodlands, rivers, waterfalls, and streams. Each treehouse features a luxurious double bed and fold-down bunk beds, as well as a fully equipped kitchen. Eco-friendly and electricity-free, they all boast solar panels and have wood-burning stoves to keep you warm and heat the spring-water shower. We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention the wood-fired hot tubs.
During the day, take a walk through these mystical woodlands and valleys dotted with stone bridges and streams. And in the evening, experience what the Welsh call cwtch, or a feeling of home, as you sit by a cozy fire in a room lit by flickering tea lights and lanterns.
Bolt Farm Treehouse, South Carolina
These four eco-friendly, adults-only luxury treehouses are nestled in the majestic old oak trees on Wadmalaw Island. The 30-acre property is situated 17 miles southwest of Charleston and offers 2,500 feet of waterfront footage. Built by treehouse designer and musician Seth Bolt and his wife, Tori, each cottage has a distinct design. This couple was married in and even live in a treehouse! Perfect for a romantic getaway, the Honeymoon Treehouse is enchanting, with an outdoor movie theater and copper tub. The elegant Charleston Treehouse features a Juliet balcony and marble soaking tubs, while the humbler Living Room Treehouse offers panoramic waterfront views. Find out why Charleston made our list of hidden travel gems that are way cheaper in the offseason.
Acre, Mexico
Spend the night in this jungle oasis among the swaying palm trees in San Jose del Cabo’s foothills. The boutique property’s 12 thatched-walled treehouses sit perched high above the ground. They feature plush king-size beds with mosquito nets, a bathroom and outdoor shower, an outdoor terrace with a view, high-speed Internet, and a curated minibar. In the morning, listen to the birds chirping while enjoying a complimentary breakfast followed by morning yoga in the mango orchard. Then, as the sun sets after a day exploring the property or relaxing by the pool, indulge in Acre Mezcal, the property’s award-winning and sustainably produced small-batch mezcal.
Treehotel, Sweden
You can spend the night in a UFO or climb up through a hatch to rest in a bird’s nest at this unique treehouse resort in northern Sweden. Located in a pine forest in the small village of Harads, these modern treehouses offer spectacular views and a chance to experience unspoiled nature in the woods. Treehotel has seven very different options to sleep among the treetops. Its newest addition is The 7th Room, which features panoramic windows to watch the northern lights dance across the sky. The treehouse also affords views of the Lule River Valley, and the two bedrooms boast skylight windows. What’s more, there’s a temperature-controlled fireplace to keep you warm on snowy winter nights. Outside, be sure to peer through a netted floor, where you can see 33 feet below to the forest. Don’t miss these true stories from some of the most haunted forests in the world.
Post Ranch Inn, California
Set on a dramatic cliffside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Big Sur’s Post Ranch Inn is one of the most stunning places to stay on the California coast. For a romantic getaway among the redwoods, book one of the property’s seven triangular-shaped freestanding Tree Houses, which are elevated nine feet above the ground. Highlights of these adults-only (18 years and older) accommodations are a king-size bed with an organic mattress and linens, a cozy fireplace, a private deck with mountain views, and a skylight for nighttime stargazing. Other perks include daily breakfast, wireless Internet access, complementary activities such as yoga and guided nature hikes, access to the infinity pool, and a minibar with snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
Lion Sands Private Game Reserve, South Africa
The Lion Sands Private Game Reserve sits along the Sabie River and is surrounded by ancient trees within the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, a part of Kruger National Park. The property’s Chalkley Treehouse offers guests a private safari experience and a rare opportunity to spend a night under the stars in the African bush. The lavish treehouse is built around a majestic 500-year-old leadwood tree and located 10 minutes from the closest lodge, Lion Sands Ivory Lodge. This secure accommodation features a viewing deck for wildlife encounters and a large veranda, a bedroom with mosquito nets, and a separate washroom. Spend a romantic evening with a candlelit dinner for two and watch as the sun goes down in the African sky.
Keemala, Thailand
The seven Tree Pool Houses at this fairy-tale-like luxury resort in Phuket’s Kathu District were inspired by the pod-shaped structures designed by the We-ha (Sky) Clan. These were one of the four fictitious ancient clans of Phuket Island, and they were creators, architects, inventors, and healers who built their homes elevated from the ground. They believed that living closer to the sky ensured them a state of higher consciousness.
See if you can achieve the same at one of Keemala’s two-level spacious villas that appear to be suspended in the air and feature the lush rainforest as the backdrop. They each feature an upper-level master bedroom with an outdoor relaxation area, a lounge and dining area downstairs, a private pool, a bathroom with a monsoon shower, an outside shower, and resort and rainforest views. The interiors also have suspended furniture, as well as cocoon-like loungers and beds. The three other clans were the inspiration for the resort’s 16 Clay Pool Cottages, seven Tent Pool Villas, and eight Bird’s Nest Pool Villas.
Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, England
Sleep in the height of luxury at this quintessentially English country estate with a twist in Hampshire, approximately 92 miles southwest of London. Chewton Glen’s 14 Treehouse Suites are built at a 35-foot elevation in a secluded valley of the New Forest. They offer four categories of accommodations, ranging from a romantic studio for two to the newest and largest option, the Yews. This spacious treehouse can accommodate up to four adults and eight children. All of the treehouses feature floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views to the valley and beyond, outdoor hot tubs, a relaxing outdoor terrace with day beds, and luxurious interiors. You can even have curated dining experiences served in picnic hampers and brought to your treehouse door. When you’re not high in the sky, take a cooking class, book a signature spa treatment, or take a stroll down to see the Solent coastline, a strait along the English Channel.
Treehouse Utopia, Texas
Treehouse Utopia is a secluded getaway hidden in the Texas Hill Country River Region, about 83 miles northwest of San Antonio. The property’s four distinct treehouses are built in ancient bald cypress trees along the Sabinal River banks. Each beautifully furnished treehouse has a unique theme and personality, but all feature a bedroom, sitting room, full bathroom with tiled showers, sitting decks, heat, and air conditioning. Two of them also have clawfoot tubs—the Chapelle and their largest treehouse, the Chateaux.
The Laurel Tree, a restaurant by one of the owners (and a French-trained chef), Laurel Waters, offers a treetop dining experience atop a 450-year-old majestic oak tree for two to six people. It even has a Juliet deck, where you can sip a glass of wine before your dinner. People enjoyed their time in the restaurant treehouse so much that it inspired Waters to build Treehouse Utopia two years later. She partnered on the resort venture with the same renowned treehouse master who created the original restaurant treehouse, Pete Nelson.
Wollemi Love Cabins, Australia
The Secret Treehouse is one of the seven wilderness accommodations offered at this property located in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area of New South Wales, Australia. This open-floor-plan treehouse for two affords 360-degree views of the surrounding cliffs, canyons, mountains, and rainforest. Amenities include a queen-size bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, a fireplace, a kitchenette, a tub with a view, and a spa that offers an in-cabin massage outdoors. In 2016, this unique treetop cabin won the Airbnb Bélo Award, topping more than three million properties. During your getaway, book a few featured experiences, such as a glowworm or astronomy tour. You might even opt for an ancient Australian ritual and hop in an outdoor tub for a mud bath in the bush.
Nihi Sumba, Indonesia
This luxury resort is located on a remote island named Sumba in southeastern Indonesia and is a 50-minute flight from Bali. The property boasts that it’s the “edge of wildness,” where guests can “surf the world’s most coveted wave” and have a vacation with a purpose. As a philanthropic vehicle, Nihi Sumba supports community-based projects, such as supporting primary schools and providing lunch for more than 1,000 children five days a week.
The three-bedroom Mamole Tree House is nestled in the jungle and is comprised of three conjoined villas built around a tree’s trunk. Its first floor features an open-air living room, a bathroom, a private lounge area, a ping-pong table, and an infinity pool. The second floor has a circular master bedroom with a canopy bed and a bathroom encased in sliding glass doors and a balcony affording Indian Ocean views. There’s also an outdoor tent–style room for guests wishing to fall asleep to the waves crashing in the distance and wake up to birds chirping in the morning.
Dominican Treehouse Village, Dominican Republic
Escape to this dreamy resort nestled in a tropical valley and hidden away in the Dominican Republic’s Caribbean jungle. The individual treehouse cabins are connected by meandering jungle paths and rope bridges that also lead to pools and lagoons. The open-air design invites guests to relax and unwind with the soft ocean breezes and become immersed in the surrounding natural environment. The resort is all-inclusive and offers five types of accommodations. The three VIP suites boast the village’s best views and feature a larger floor plan with a king bed draped with a bug net, private hot water outdoor shower, and personal bathroom, electricity, and other amenities. The property also has a pool and yoga dome. What’s more, they offer packages that include an amazing zipline excursion through the mountains and over the jungle canopy’s treetops.
The Treehouse Cottages, Arkansas
The Treehouse Cottages have two locations in Eureka Springs, the most charming town in Arkansas. Three treehouses are located on a tree-canopied wooded hillside just a short distance from the historic downtown. There are also four cottages in “Hidden Forest,” where the cabins are nestled into a 35-acre pine forest. All of the treehouses feature vaulted ceilings with a large picture window, antiques, and Tiffany chandeliers, as well as a fireplace for chilly evenings in the mountains, Jacuzzis with a view, kitchenettes, and other amenities like homemade pumpkin bread upon arrival. The gift shop sells prints of the treehouses painted by local artists, so you can take one home to remember your getaway in the treetops in Arkansas’ Ozark Mountains.
Free Spirit Spheres, Canada
These three creative and quirky spherical fiberglass treehouses on Vancouver Island are like no other accommodation in the world. Suspended harmoniously in a coastal rainforest, approximately four hours from Vancouver, they offer a unique combination of luxury eco-tourism and glamping with a back-to-nature experience. Eryn, Melody, and Luna are each 10.5 feet in diameter and have five fish-eye windows, including a skylight, but their interior layouts are different. Luna boasts the newest and most luxurious design, with a spiral staircase leading to an access platform and forest and pond views. It sleeps up to two people, has a lounge-style sitting area, a fixed settee-style table, and a small galley and sink. The double-sized bed is on a hydraulic lift system, so it can be raised during the daytime. A composting toilet outhouse is located at the base of the sphere, and there’s also a private bathroom with running water at the central bathhouse facility.
TreeHouse Point, Washington
TreeHouse Point is an overnight retreat and private event center that’s located in a forest in Washington’s Snoqualmie Valley, approximately 30 minutes east of Seattle. The property has six treehouses perfect for a romantic or quiet getaway. There’s a central lodge where guests enjoy breakfast each morning, an event space, and two cedar-lined bathhouses. The treehouses come complete with all amenities you would expect at a hotel, and the lodge also offers complimentary board games, snacks, and Wi-Fi. The youngest treehouse, the Burl, was built in 2013. It’s referred to as the Honeymoon Suite, since so many newlyweds reserve it for their honeymoon. Close to the Raging River and 14 feet off the ground, it is built in a Douglas fir that’s more than 300 years old and 200 feet tall. The property also offers Tai Chi, yoga, hypnotherapy sessions, and massages. If you love being pampered on vacation, check out 11 of the most luxurious spas in the world.
Wa Ale, Myanmar
Wa Ale is an all-inclusive luxury retreat located in the remote area of the Lampi Marine National Park in the Myeik Archipelago. The untouched 5,000-acre island in the Andaman Sea sits 55 nautical miles from the mainland of Southern Myanmar. The property’s three charming Treetop Villas are enclosed in a canopy of trees, where you’ll enjoy warm ocean breezes. Each villa is constructed with reclaimed wood and features a king-size bed, en suite indoor bathroom with an outdoor shower, spacious balcony, and ocean views.
The pristine environment is an adventurer’s paradise, offering snorkeling to explore the caves and reefs, hiking, kayaking, and paddleboarding through rivers and mangrove forests. Through the Lampi Foundation, the owners support community programs and conservation projects on the island. One of these projects is the turtle hatchery, which creates a safe environment for the turtle species that nest on the island. Learn about these 13 exotic turtle species from around the world.
Out ‘n’ About Treehouse Treesort, Oregon
This homegrown and family-friendly resort sits on 36 acres of pastures and woods next to Siskiyou National Forest in southern Oregon. Here, you’ll find 17 one-of-a-kind treehouses to choose from that can accommodate between two to six “treemusketeers.” There’s even a cozy Yurtree for two. The Majistree sleeps up to six and is the tallest treehouse at 47 feet in the air—but it’s not for the faint of heart, with three flights of stairs and two suspension bridges, followed by another set of stairs to reach it.
The property’s owners also operate the Morgan Horse breeding ranch and stable, where you can go horseback riding. For the more adventurous, book an experience with Treehouse Ziplines. The company offers three different zipline tour options and a thrilling 55-foot pendulum Tarzan Swing. What’s more, guests receive a complimentary breakfast each morning before embarking on the day’s “activitrees.” For something closer to you, check out our list of the best weekend getaways in every state.
Originally Published: October 14, 2020
