Treehouses do bring with them a certain sense of nostalgia that is highly likely associated with memories of childhood. They might be seen as something that is a permanent fixture while growing up or something children continually asked from their parents to build and have it serve as a playground within the confines of their very own backyard.
However, it seems that these treehouses once reserved for children are now made more appealing to adult travelers as well. Though creating a hotel amidst the treetops isn't fairly new: ever since the mid-1980's, Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel in Brazil has been giving its guests the opportunity to discover the jungle canopy from the comforts of their rooms.
However, the idea has now flourished and today, they can be found all over the world. Treehouses were given the luxurious treatment and placed in locations offering humid weather and thus paved the way for these lavish treehouse hotels which offer great satisfaction for vacationing travelers. Nikki Ekstein for New Zealand Herald listed five tree-house hotels - all of them either new or developed recently where travelers can not only make their childhood fantasies come true, but also spend their adult vacation in someplace incredibly unique.
- Secret Bay in Dominica
The island offers four splendid hand-built villas which overlooks the water; not only are they beautiful, they are also incredibly earth-friendly too. According to Ekstein, "Little by little, the property - a pioneer in sustainable design and marine conservation - has expanded, keeping its footprint light and its wow factor high."
Recently, two duplex villas were added and these are placed hanging atop the forest canopy. Aside from having a "hammock sofa" on its deck, there is also a fully stocked kitchen, a private pool and an on-demand chef for you to enjoy. If that's not enough, visitors can also have the team arrange a one-man jazz concert to happen on their very own patio.
- Playa Viva in Juluchuca, Mexico
Playa Viva is a little eco-retreat found on the Pacific coast of Mexico, just 35 minutes south from Zijuatanejo. Quite recently, a cylindrical treehouse was opened up as a sort of experiment. Since the resort's endeavor is to have "less than zero" footprint, the use of creative architecture is needed. The place was such a hit thar owner David Leventhal as well as ArtisTree Homes, a Califonia-based crew chose to build another half dozen houses.
- Papaya Playa in Tulum, Mexico
Papaya Playa is already very popular enough in its hometown in Tulum, Mexico. It is known for being well designed with 85 casitas which feature a thatched roof. However, it seems that the hotel's treehouse, which is available for the holiday season and only the first with several more to follow, will be its most popular room yet.
Aside from recycled wood, the houses are also made of Zapote, a wood that is sourced locally. The inspiration for these houses came from ancient Mayan structures; which is the reason behind its sphere shape. It offers not only a gorgeous view of the Caribbean Sea as well as a meditation room, but also access to the hotel's kiteboarding school and spa which is just nearby.
- Acre in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico
Acre, which is found in San Jose del Cabo in Mexico, is pushing boundaries due to the opening of its treehouse hotel. Currently, it is composed of 12 "stick boxes" on stilts. While these houses may seem pretty compact or on the smaller side, they are however capable of meeting every traveler's needs: from queen sized beds to an outdoor shower which are secluded by palm trees.
- Hoshinoya in Bali, Indonesia
While Bali is pretty much a tourist destination all on its own, it seems that Hoshinoya is going to contribute significantly to its allure. Hoshinoya in Bali is just about to be opened to the public and it aims to be on top, quite literally.According to Ekstein, the resort is going to have "a series of seven postmodern, open-air 'cafés in the sky' that hover over Ubud's wild vegetation."
The rooms on the other hand, are found on the ground level and can be seen in front of a long lap pool. Great service can be expected from the team behind Hoshinoya, since it is run by Hoshino Resorts; a 102 year old company which is known for making exquisite ryokans all over Japan and operate based on the standard of intuitive hospitality or "omotenashi".
For other treehouse hotel recommendations, check out Damon Tabor's article for Travel + Leisure. Here he listed down about 15 of the coolest treehouse hotels all over the globe. For travelers who wish to experience a kind of travel which do away with the usual, then staying in one of these magnificent treehouse hotels is something you should give a shot in.
from Ephigenia Stamate: Amazing and Beautiful Tree House Hotels
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
