These Magical Treehouse Hotels Will Make You Feel Like a (Pampered) Kid Again
There’s a special sort of magic that happens when you pluck a cozy suite from the confines of a building and nestle it in the broad branches of a tree.
Something about the closeness of nature and the seclusion awakens your adventurous side—you feel giddy and daring, just like you did when you were a kid scaling the old oak in your backyard.
Treehouse villas capture that excitement, subtract the splinters and leaky roofs, and dial the luxury WAY up for an experience that feels opulent and organic at the same time. No mismatched planks or loose nails to be found here—these modern treetop suites are meticulous design under a fairytale veneer.
Ready to feel like a kid again? Ditch the standard resort and let yourself be enchanted by one of these incredible treehouse hotels instead.
AZULIK TULUM
Mexico
An eco-conscious, adults-only sanctuary tucked between the jungle and the sea along Tulum’s dramatic coastline, Azulik looks more like a natural wonder than a hotel. Its treetop villas were designed for maximum zen and relaxation—that means no electric light, no television, no A/C, and (gasp!) no WiFi. It may sound extreme, but trust us, falling asleep by candlelight to the sound of crashing waves doesn’t ever get old.
Book a Sea or Sky villa for endless ocean views and take advantage of the many Mayan wellness treatments on offer during your stay. A few nights spent in your cozy canopy nest and you’ll leave feeling rested, refreshed, and more in tune with yourself than ever.
LION SANDS GAME RESERVE
South Africa
Kruger National Park is one of the largest national parks in Africa and serves as a backdrop to the Lion Sands Game Reserve, a collection of luxe lodges and villas set along the banks of the Sabie River.
The reserve is home to an astonishing array of wildlife, including Africa’s Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and Cape buffalo. Guests are treated to unparalleled views of the South African plains and intimate glimpses into the lives of the animals that live there.
“Lodge” might conjure up images of rustic cabins and rough living, but Lion Sands’ suits are anything but—picture large, airy rooms decorated in sleek neutrals, a ready-to-light fireplace, private infinity pool, and alfresco shower. The treehouses are equally luxurious but with a wilder flair, completely open to the carpet of stars overhead and to the soft animal sounds that break the night’s stillness below.
This is bucket list glamping at its finest.
CHÂTEAUX DANS LES ARBRES
France
Six majestic mini-châteaux float in the treetops of the Périgord, adorned with fairytale-inspired turrets, twinkling lanterns, and wide terraces overlooking the grounds of an ancient castle.
Steeped in the quintessential charm of the French countryside, the treehouses are simplistic but chic. You won’t want for creature comforts here—the beds are soft, the food is (naturally) superb, and each châteaux has its own private open-air hot tub.
Spend your mornings enjoying a lazy breakfast on the balcony (delivered in a wicker basket via a whimsical pully system), then meander down to the pool or explore the estate grounds. La grande vacance is all about indulgence, so soak up the pastoral views, enjoy the fresh air, and eat everything you can.
TREEHOTEL
Sweden
Built by seven renowned Scandinavian architects at the cusp of the Arctic Circle, the imaginative treetop cabins of Treehotel offer visitors an experience unlike any other.
As with most treehouse accommodations, the idea is to merge cushy living with the serenity of nature to relax and destress. Guests can choose from seven unique suites, including the 7th Room (working fireplace, chic decor, and a stargazing net for a terrace), the Bird’s Nest (a cozy room “for introspection rather than extroversion”), and our favorite, the Mirrorcube: a 4x4x4 box made entirely of mirrored glass that reflects and blends with the forest around it.
The Treehotel restaurant is as impressive as the treehouses themselves, serving up northern Swedish delicacies with a delicious creative twist. Everything on the seasonal menu, from the fresh-baked bread to the wild game and hand-picked berries, is locally sourced and selected for maximum freshness.
HAPUKU LODGE
New Zealand
Nestled more than 10 meters above the ground in the branches of a native Kanuka grove, Hapuku Lodge’s treehouses offer sweeping views of grazing deer, mountains, and distant ocean waves.
The suites are thoughtfully designed for rest and relaxation, kitted out with custom-made furniture, big windows, working fireplaces, and deep soaking tubs. The lodge itself is located on a deer farm along Kaikoura’s rugged coast, with the Seaward Mountain Range and Mangamaunu Bay just a short trek away, so there’s no shortage of outdoor activities to keep you busy (although we wouldn’t blame you if you holed up in your cozy room the whole trip instead).
When hunger finally motivates you to climb down from your bedroom in the sky, you’ll find top-notch local fare waiting for you below—along with a glass of wine or two.
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Courtnie is the founder & CEO of TravelBash. After years as an ambitious fundraiser, she took her passion for travel full-time. She has lived all over the U.S. and abroad and after planning her own destination wedding, she decided to help other couples plan their big day abroad too. She has written “Passport to Paradise: The Complete Destination Wedding Guide,” a top seller on Amazon. She has also been featured in Travel + Leisure, Destination I Do and The Washington Post. As a certified travel advisor, expert event planner and natural connector, she uses her powers to create VIP travel experiences.
