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Feel like going out on a limb for your next holiday? Why not get amongst the trees, with a stay at a tree-house hotel? Here is our list of some of the best, from the very best in luxury accommodation, to the basic tree huts, for those truly looking to get back to nature.
Tsala Treetop Lodge – South Africa – The Tsala Treetop Lodge, set amongst the depths of the Tsitsikamma Forest in South Africa, offers the ultimate luxury treetop hotel experience. The Lodge is an architectural marvel in so many ways, none more so than the imposing stone-masonry entrance, capturing the spirit and warmth of Africa, with the earth-rich colours and handcrafted fittings. The Tsala Treetop Lodge offers both suite and villa-style rooms, choice of either a suite or villa, each one nestled high amongst the canopy of the trees, and offering complete privacy. Floor to ceiling windows will bring nature right to your doorstep. Stretching out amongst the forest, suspended in the air, retreat to your private deck for an alfresco dining experience with a difference, relax in your very own infinity pool, blending seamlessly into the surroundings.
Ariau Amazon Towers – Brazil – The Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel is akin to the Hilton or Four Seasons of the treetop hotels. Although it’s the largest treetop hotel in the world, the focus remains firmly on the protection of the jungle surroundings. The Ariau Amazon Towers offers amazing views at every twist and turn. You’ll see the Amazon in a way that can’t be experienced anywhere else, as this is the only hotel that sits at the level of the trees in the jungle. Take a walk through the Amazon, suspended in the air, on more than 16km of access stairways, bridges and catwalks, snaking through the lush green vegetation. If that’s not enough, venture to the top of one of the two 45 metre-high observation towers, and gaze over the tops of the trees and waters below, stretching as far as the eye can see.
Bokeo Nature Reserve – Laos – This one is for the adventure traveller, who are looking for a truly unique travel experience. Stay in one of the basic treehouses in the Bokeo Nature Reserve as part of the Gibbon Experience in Laos. The two-night tour is an opportunity to see the rare black-cheeked crested gibbons. They inhabit this area in abundant numbers, but are so seldom seen in other parts, that they were once feared to be extinct. As part of the Gibbon Experience, you’ll also get to strap on a harness and whiz through the trees of the jungle via a zip-line cable. The jungle will be all yours to explore, as the Gibbon Experience offers exclusive access to the Bokeo Nature Reserve. Best of all, the funds from the Gibbon Experience are re-invested by the local community, to protect the rainforest.
Tree House Lodge, Limon – Costa Rica – The Tree House Lodge in Limon, Costa Rica, is where the jungle meets the sea, at an absolute beachfront location on the southern Caribbean coast. There’s a choice of a beach house, tree house or garden house. At the Tree House Lodge, it’s all about eco-friendliness and sustainability, which is reflected through the Lodge’s many quirky features, including a solar-heated shower constructed amongst the roots of a huge, hundreds-of-years-old tree. Take advantage of the prime location and enjoy some of the many activities on offer in the surrounding area. Wander through the thick forest of the nearby Cahuita National Park, or catch a wave amongst the blue waters of the palm-fringed beach. Or you may choose to simply relax at the Tree House Lodge, and unwind with a yoga session. You’ll feel even better about enjoying your holiday in Limon, as any tour arrangements or reservations made through the Tree House Lodge include a contribution to the preservation of the endangered green iguana, through the Green Iguana Foundation.
Sanya Nanshan Treehouse – Hainan Island, China – China’s premium treehouse experience is perfect for those seeking a secluded, isolated and peaceful break. The Sanya Nanshan treehouse sleeps just four people, and is only accessible through a suspension bridge. This treehouse is really exactly that – weaving intricately within the roots and branches of a huge tamarind tree. Up amongst the leaves, enjoy views over the South China Sea. Clamber down to ground level, and stroll through the neighbouring botanical gardens of the Nanshan Buddhism Cultural Theme Park. It covers a huge area of more than 5,000 acres, and one of the many highlights is an imposing statue of the Buddha Guanyin, standing more than 107 metres tall.
Baumhaus Hotel – Gorlitz, Germany – The Baumhaus Hotel is a great option for those travelling with children, as it’s both very family-friendly, and designed in a wacky, cartoon-like style that the kids will just love. The 5 two-storey treehouses in this recreational park feature brightly coloured walls, uneven windows, and no straight walls. Even the beds are an odd shape! Perhaps the most unusual feature of these treehouses are the showers – while completely private, they feature a metal grid floor, allowing a view to the ground directly below. The whimsical and out-there style runs throughout the Baumbaus Hotel, as each treehouse features a different theme, based on the stories and myths of the trolls and fairies of the surrounding area. A stay at the Baumbaus Hotel is definitely a unique, and unforgettable experience for the whole family.
Grand Treehouse Resort – Arkansas, United States – The Grand Treehouse Resort offers the perfect blend of a quiet, natural retreat, and a luxury hotel complete with all the creature comforts. The treehouses are nestled deep in the forest, close to nearby Eureka Springs, which are only accessible through an eco-friendly trolley. The Grand Treehouse Resort features a choice of treehouse accommodation, including a Swiss Chalet, complete with an outdoor shower, and the imposing Royal Oak and Big Pine treehouses, which are much like stately homes – just on huge stilts, high amongst the canopy of trees. Each treehouse features a state-of-the-art entertainment system, and intricate stained-glass windows. Once you’ve had enough of the indoors, relax with a soak in the outdoor Jacuzzi tub, and take in the surrounding wilderness.
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TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
