Tree-fic: Treehouse hotels around the world
By Delia Zamir | Sept 9, 2010
Consider 'branching' out on your next holiday trip - pick a treehouse to stay in!
Treehouses were previously associated as the secret hideout for kids and, as seen in the movies, the dwellings of choice for ewoks and elvens. But, recent trends have seen these arboreal structures transform into alternative accommodations of choice around the world for the adventurous traveler - one without a fear of heights, that is. These treehouse are mounted pretty high up to provide a scenic vantage view.These new treehouse hotels aren't your next-door-neighbour contraptions made of wood planks nailed together on an oak tree, too - these are sophisticated yet hardy structures, made out of unique building materials and feature all the amenities one needs for a comfortable - even luxurious - stay.
In the new age of expensive boutique resorts and carbon-copy 5-star hotels, it wouldn't be a bad idea at all to 'make like a tree and leave' to commune with nature in these unique hotel stays.
The Mirrorcube Treehotel - Sweden
The Mirrorcube is set in the pristine forests of Sweden and located just a mere few miles away from the Arctic Circle. This building is completely covered with mirrored walls and it reflects the surrounding forest to blend seamlessly into the environment (not to worry, bird-lovers - these cubes are given a film of special treatment to avoid accident-prone avians).
The Mirrorcube is made of prefabricated materials and mounted on to the trees by experienced trappers. To access the cube, one must climb up a ladder that runs straight from the ground into the heart of the unit.
Free Spirit Spheres - Canada
Free Spirit Spheres are suspended from tall trees, and uses a web of ropes as means of support. Made of cedar wood structure, the spheres come with comfortable amenities and even regulated heat and a basic kitchen. If guests are enthralled by their stay in this unique hotel up in the trees and enjoy the experience, they have the option to buy and build their own spheres for installation at the backyards trees of their own homes. A word of caution - guests who easily experience motion sickness should make plans to stay elsewhere. These spheres gently sway and undulate according to the wind currents!
The Costa Rica Treehouse Lodge - Costa Rica
The Costa Rica Treehouse Lodge is luxurious jungle living personified: each treehouse is fully equipped with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and even a private kitchen and air conditioning.
But, eco-warriors will be happy to know that the treehouse is built entirely with sustainable wood - all the hard wood used are obtained from naturally fallen trees. Furthermore no trees were felled on site, nor were any limbs and branches cropped - as seen from the pictures above, the treehouse is built to accomodate the natural wood structures of the tree it is mounted upon.
The decor and design of the interiors are natural themed with a laid-back tropical feel which is in keeping with the 'back to nature' concept.
Treetop chalets, Japamala Resort and Spa - Malaysia
Japamala Resort and Spa is a member of Relais & Châteaux (a global group of individually owned and operated luxury hotels and restaurants) and is the 'romantic' option for a couple's getaway high up in the trees overlooking the shores of the beach. This resort is located in the eastern island of Tioman. Japamala features a few types of accomodations which includes the treetop chalet, perched high above the trees and constructed entirely out of sustainable wood hand-crafted and tooled by local artisans. The treetop chalets are in extreme proximity to the island forests, therefore one will be beset by insect noises throughout the day and even perhaps visited by a nocturnal wild (yet harmless) animal or two at night - not so ideal for the faint-hearted, but perfect for nature lovers.
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