3 of the world’s best luxury treehouse hotels

Remember the sheer joy of hiding out in a treehouse as a child, surrounded by leafy branches and sky? You can share that wonderful feeling with your significant other or your family, yet with the convenience of creature comforts and even a jacuzzi or pool, at these luxury hotels with treehouses. Since these are unique accommodations and in high demand, I recommend reserving well in advance. 1. Tree House Villa, Shangri-La Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives Whether you’re on a couple’s trip, or a family vacation with an older kid (the resort states that they should be 12 years and older due to the open terrace) the Shangri-La Villingili’s Tree House Villa would be an amazing base for your visit to the Maldives. It offers 2486 square feet (231 square meters) of total space, including its expansive outdoor terrace with private infinity pool. While this is a one bedroom villa, an older child can sleep in the separate living room.  Enjoy an outdoor shower, dual his and hers vanities, and beautiful ocean views from your terrace and infinity pool. There’s also twice daily housekeeping, a pillow menu, Nespresso machine, and tea pot so you can enjoy your morning coffee or tea with an unbeatable view. 2. Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur The Post Ranch Inn is a favorite for couples celebrating a honeymoon or anniversary, as an adults-only hotel (guests must be 18 or older) with a peaceful and romantic location atop the cliffs of Big Sur, and just 39 unique rooms, with ocean or mountain views. The Tree Houses are especially private, built on stilts 9 feet off the ground, triangular in shape, with a King size bed, skylight to see the stars, window seat, and cozy fireplace. A daily gourmet breakfast for two is included the rate, as are guided nature hikes, garden tours, daily yoga, and facilities such as the beautiful infinity pool. A tip: make dining reservations for the Sierra Mar, the Post Ranch Inn’s restaurant, well in advance, since it’s popular even with diners not staying at the resort. For dinner, choose between a four-course prix fixe and a six-course tasting menu. Savor the creative cuisine, but give the overpriced cocktails a miss. 3. Chewton Glen, Hampshire, UK Chewton Glen is a superb weekend getaway for those based in London and environs, or lovely as part of a longer visit to the UK for overseas guests. Based in the New Forest, activities include visiting the nearby villages of Beaulieu, Lyndhurst, Burley and Lymington, going horseback riding or cycling, or staying on property to enjoy tennis, croquet, archery, falconry, and an outdoor pool in season. Or wander over to the beach at Highcliffe-on-Sea. A highlight for many couples and families are the Treehouses, ranging from the Treehouse Studio Suite, perfect for a couple, to the Treehouse Loft Suite for families with kids that can manage the ladder to the loft. The Treehouses are perched 35 feet above the ground, and feature underfloor heating (perfect for chilly autumn and winter evenings), a kitchenette, walk-in shower and free standing bath with forest views, and a jacuzzi on the outdoor terrace. It’s also possible to bring your dog for a nominal fee if staying in one of the treehouses (although not in the hotel’s regular rooms) so Chewton Glen is truly for the entire family. There’s even a Treehouse Room Service menu if you fancy a romantic dinner in your treehouse, with tempting choices such as Duck Confit cassoulet, Thai Style Lobster Curry with coconut rice, and gourmet pizzas, as you’d expect for a Relais & Chateaux property. If you’ve stayed at any of these luxury hotel tree houses, what was your experience? Hilary Stockton is the CEO at TravelSort. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.