The dreamiest tree-house hotels in the world

The dreamiest tree-house hotels in the world

Two sky-high, eco-friendly hotels in Queensland have taken out top spots in the Hotels.com ‘Loved by Guests Awards for 2017’, which revealed almost a 30 per cent increase in demand for tree-house hotels last year.

But it’s not just topical north Queensland with these leafy stays on offer. In fact, tree-top travel has skyrocketed, according to Hotels.com, which claims a third of global travellers dream of sleeping among the treetops

Ten hotels were crowned winners in the brand new Best for Treehouse Loved by Guests category, which was judged on the overall hotel experience and implementation of eco-friendly accommodation.

The data revealed that treetop luxury (33 per cent) proved more popular than sleeping in a spaceship (28 per cent), checking into a hotel made of gold (24 per cent) or bedding down in an ice hotel (23 per cent).

Hotels.com Marketing Manager for Australia and New Zealand, David Spasovic said the rise in demand for sky-high accommodation was testament to an increasingly adventurous and eco-friendly travel industry.

“Treetop luxury is proving an incredibly popular sought-after holiday, and Hotels.com is proud to play a part in delivering exciting accommodation that both conserves and restores the environment.”

“Even better that two of them are at our front doorstep for Aussies looking for a short-term trip!”

Check out the top 10 here:

1. Silky Oaks Lodge Mossman – Australia

Silly Oaks Lodge - Australia

Review rating: 4.8 out of 5 on Hotels.com

Imagine a rejuvenating spa experience in one of the world’s most ancient rainforests. The luxury treehouses have large verandas, perfect for appreciating the beauty of the rainforest canopy.

Located along the Mossman River, Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef, there are several opportunities to connect with our nature and history.

Enjoy a walk along the trails into the Daintree National Park, or test your hunting skills at nearby Cooya Beach collecting food and spear throwing with local Indigenous guides. Guests can also enjoy dinner in their open-sided treehouse restaurant.

Rooms from AU$437 per room per night.

2. Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa – Australia

Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa - Australia

Review rating: 4.6 out of 5 on Hotels.com

Escape civilisation to a place that’s truly relaxing. With its treehouse-style rooms, you can be at one with nature and experience the very essence of the ancient Daintree rainforest in North Queensland. Placed deep into the forest but easily accessible to nearby Port Douglas, you are guaranteed a range of activities to choose from.

The lodge is very active in environmental protection by installing solar panels for energy efficiency, self-sufficient water usage through rainwater catchments and all amenities have a form of eco or fair trade accreditation. Guests can also enjoy a spectacular dining experience from its stunning restaurant that hangs out over the rainforest lagoon.

Rooms from AU$350 per room per night.

3. Keemala – Thailand

Keemala - Thailand

Review rating: 4.6 out of 5 on Hotels.com

Fancy taking a dip on the edge of a cliff in your own 30 metre infinity pool? For Aussie couples looking for a relaxing, romantic getaway; this place is for you.  You can do just that at these gorgeous Bird’s Nest treehouses on stilts, located just 40 minutes from popular beach destination Phuket.

Keemala is an enchanting evergreen wonderland, and these unique villas feature giant monsoon showers and freestanding bathtubs that have amazing views over the rainforest.

Beach luxury, spa treatments, sunset cocktails and champagne picnics are also all on the menu at Keemala.

Rooms from AU$583 per room per night.

4. Tree Hotel – Sweden

Tree Hotel - Sweden

Review rating: 4.3 out of 5 on Hotels.com

Calling the adventurous! Instead of opening a hotel door, imagine climbing up to it! The Tree Hotel has upped the style stakes with its quirky, custom designed eco-treehouses.

Imagine sleeping amongst the tall pine trees in a Mirror Cube, a Bird’s Nest or a UFO! Both couple, family and eco-friendly, this hotel ticks all the boxes. Treehouses come complete with their own private giant hammock, so you can stargaze and seek out the Northern Lights.

Guests can relax in the tree sauna, enjoy some authentic homemade Swedish food or zip line over Swedish Lapland and the Lule River for some exclusive and spectacular views.

Rooms from AU$755 per room per night.

5. Azulik – Adults Eco-Resort & Maya Spa, Tulum – Mexico

Azulik - Mexico

Review rating: 4.3 out of 5 on Hotels.com

Feel right at home above the turquoise sea of Tulum, all from the privacy of your own villa at this luxurious beach hideaway. Azulik is a celeb spotting hotspot but its biggest draw is its stunning villas.

Luxurious and eco-aware, these wooden-crafted abodes feature spectacular water views and luxurious amenities that instrument self-sustainable systems for minimal usage of natural resources, prioritising protection of the surrounding eco-systems.

Guests can also enjoy fine dining and entertainment with a 12 course tasting menu at the Kin Toh restaurant that’s built 12 metres above the Mayan jungle, all while watching artistic performances. What more could you ask for?

Rooms from AU$351 per room per night.

6. Four Seasons Resort – Costa Rica

Four Seasons - Costa Rica

Review rating: 4.8 out of 5 on Hotels.com

This hillside oasis overlooks the golden beaches of the Peninsula Papagayo. This truly luxurious resort sits 320 feet above sea level and while not technically a treehouse, its beautiful suites sit nestled among the breathtaking jungle canopy.

In the 5 star suites guests can indulge in their own private plunge pool while sipping on cocktails and soaking up the sun. A unique experience where luxury meets community help comes alive here, as kids can enjoy an eco-camp adventure and adults or families can custom-create a volunteer experience that helps the community.

This support can vary from reading to local school children, donating school supplies to kids in need, painting a school or spending time with locals and inviting them to the resort to enjoy the amenities with you; guaranteed to be a very rewarding experience!

Rooms from AU$788 per room per night.

7. Tsala Treetop Lodge, Plettenberg Bay – South Africa

Tsala Treetop Lodge - South Africa

Review rating: 4.8 out of 5 on Hotels.com

High in the treetops, this hotel hideaway is set in the wilds of South Africa, in the heart of the Garden Route.

For a retreat with breathtaking views and a mystical charm, the treetop suites are pure luxury. They come complete with their own private spa bathrooms, fireplaces and even infinity pools.

In the surrounding areas you can find Jukani Wildlife Park, Robberg Nature Reserve, Knysna Elephant Park and Plettenberg Bay beach for those looking to venture out during the day.

The hotel also offers a unique dining experience from a special dining deck suspended above the forest floor, where you can enjoy a sumptuous breakfast or a lazy lunch whilst appreciating the age-old indigenous South African forest land.

Rooms from AU$358 per room per night.

8. Japamala Resort, Tioman Island – Malaysia

Japamala - Malaysia

Review rating: 4.5 out of 5 on Hotels.com

If you’re in need of a back-to-nature experience, then this is definitely the place to go. Tucked away on the lower terrain of the forest on Tioman Island, this hotel is only accessible by boat. Connecting walkways piece together these stunning tree houses, which offer incredible views of the South China Sea.

Fashionably rustic, Japamala is designed for guests who love to live amongst nature but still live in luxury.

Enjoy a soak in a hot tub in the trees, dine in a restaurant on stilts that sits 100 meters out to sea, leave your comfort zone and join a night dive to relish in Tioman’s vast array of stunning marine life, or set off through the jungle and trek to a neighbouring village for a unique cultural introduction.

Rooms from AU$482 per room per night.

9. Aqua Wellness Resort – Nicaragua

Aqua Wellness Resort - Nicaragua

Review rating: 4 out of 5 on Hotels.com

In the lush tropical setting on Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast, you’ll find yourself waking to the sound of crashing waves and tropical birds.

The tree house villas here feature plunge pools, outdoor Balinese showers and a private deck, perfect for watching the sun sink into the Pacific every night.

Feel comfortable and enjoy the luxury as the resort is incredibly eco-friendly, featuring an on-property nursery that aims to propagate trees that are essential to lives of the local wildlife after centuries of selective logging in the area.

This, along with regular monitoring and protection measures are taken in order to conserve the natural ecosystem, are implemented to increase the natural habitat and offset the resort’s carbon footprint.

Rooms from AU$315 per room per night.

10. Eureka Springs Treehouses – USA

Eureka Springs - USA

Review rating: 4.8 out of 5 on Hotels.com

If you’re looking for a secluded romantic getaway, this is the place to be. This resort is a hidden gem with quirky features and fun at every turn. The treehouses are held on cedar logs, enclosed by beautiful greenery. They are destination themed, so guests can stay in Venice, New York, Santa Fe and Paris style houses.

If treetop life isn’t for you then fear not as Eureka Springs also offers stays in fairytale castles, with hidden passages and Jacuzzi towers, and guests can even check in to enchanting hobbit caves that are like magical cocoons. You get the best of both worlds with numerous fun activities suitable for everyone.

Enjoy a zip line tour through the surrounding rich canopies or rent a canoe for a more peaceful exploration of the nearby river.

Rooms from AU$222 per room per night.

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