Travel Tuesday ~ World's Best Treehouse Hotels ~

This came across my work e-mail the other day and I thought it was just so fascinating. All of the information below is taken from Travel & Leisure magazine, a fun magazine to browse through. I think this would be so much fun to do someday. The article said that at the Tranquil resort in India, which is a coffee and vanilla plantation on 400 acres of rainforest that the chances are high that guests will find themselves surprised by howler monkeys(don't even think about asking me what a howler monkey is)who dance on the roof at night and have even surprised guests by coming into bathrooms unannounced. They could have at least knocked on the door. LOL
I just thought this was such a unique thing and this is one that I would do. I know this is a long post but I thought it was so much fun I couldn't pick and choose just a few. Hope you enjoy!



Tsala Treetop Lodge

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Why It’s Unique: Overlooking the Tsitsikamma Forest, the architecturally stunning stone-and-glass lodge has 10 secluded treehouse suites, each with floor-to-ceiling bedroom windows, log fireplace in the living room, private deck, and infinity-edge pool.
Access: Wooden walkways.
What to Do: During the day, explore South Africa’s Garden Route, which winds along the botanically rich Western Cape, or relax on the beaches at nearby Plettenberg Bay.




Sanya Nanshan Treehouse

Hainan Island, China

Why It’s Unique: Built into a stand of tamarind trees, the “Big Beach in the Sky” treehouse sleeps four in rustic accommodations steps away from the blue waters of the South China Sea. While the treehouse does have electricity, guests will have to walk 35 feet to a hot shower.
Access: Rope-and-plank suspension bridge.
What to Do: Visit the botanical gardens and temples of the adjacent 5,000-acre Nanshan Buddhism Cultural Theme Park, which includes a 354-foot statue of the Buddha Guanyin.

The Aviary ~ Lenox Massachusetts

Why It’s Unique: Located on 22 acres of parkland designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the two-story Aviary treehouse in the Berkshire Mountains features limestone wet room with an antique soaking tub, circular stairs leading to the second-floor sleeping quarters, and a Bang & Olufsen entertainment system.
Access: Ground-floor entrance.
What to Do: Sample the season’s bounty in Wheatleigh’s elegant Dining Room restaurant, or poke around the historic area’s local galleries, antique shops, and museums.

Tranquil Resort ~ Wayanad, Kerala, India

Why It’s Unique: Located in southern India on a private 400-acre estate complete with a working coffee and vanilla plantation, in the Kerala rainforest, the resort has a main lodge with eight well-appointed rooms. The 500-square-foot treehouse, built from coffee wood and equipped with a king-size bed, has a full bath, veranda, and the trunk of a flowering Royal Poinciana growing through the bedroom.
Access: Ascending stairs, rope bridge, and “water lift.”
What to Do: Relax by the pool, try a traditional ayurvedic massage, or take a tour of the working coffee and vanilla plantation.

Tree House Lodge ~ Limon, Costa Rica

Why It’s Unique: The 10-acre beachfront property, located in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast, features a sustainably built treehouse made from fallen trees, with solar heating, two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a shower built around the crooks and roots of a massive 100-year-old Sangrillo tree.
Access: Hanging steel bridge.
What to Do: Snorkel or kayak off the nearby Punta Uva Beach

Ariau Towers Hotel ~ Brazilian Amazon


Why It’s Unique: Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel, one of the largest commercial treehouse hotels in the world, is located 35 miles from the Amazon gateway city of Manaus. Accommodations include the President Lula “Tarzan House,” built at canopy level with its own private balcony, plunge pool, and Jacuzzi.
Access: Stairwells and wooden catwalks (which stretch for 10 miles and are flanked by incredible flora and fauna).
What to Do: Don’t miss the two 150-foot-high observation towers for clear views into the awe-inspiring jungle.

Cedar Creek Treehouse ~ Ashford, Washington

Why It’s Unique: Tucked 50 feet up in the air in a centuries-old cedar and bordering Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the Cedar Creek Treehouse is outfitted with a sleeping loft, kitchen, and glass-enclosed observation room with indoor hammock.
Access: Winding stairwell.
What to Do: Take in even greater views from the recently added observatory—100 feet up a nearby fir tree—which looks out on majestic Mount Rainier. Or, drive 10 minutes for a day hike in stunning Mount Rainier National Park.

Hichchonbrook Island Wilderness Lodge ~ Hichchonbrook Island, Australia

Why It’s Unique: Hinchinbrook, a 96-acre national park with lush rainforests, rugged mountains, and coarse sandy beaches, has just one option for accommodations: the Wilderness Lodge, a secluded hideaway with 15 roomy timber treehouses, each with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, small kitchen, private balcony and bath, and easy beachfront access.
Access: Winding timber boardwalks.
What to Do: Explore one of the island’s 11 secluded beaches, and in the evening relax at the Wilderness Lodge bar.

Maravu Plantation ~ Matei, Fiji

Why It’s Unique: Maravu, which sits on Fiji’s 168-square-mile Taveuni Island, features a treehouse built in an ancient rain tree with sweeping views of the turquoise-tinged South Pacific, as well as interior comforts like leather and palm-wood furniture and an outdoor courtyard with an open-air shower and a Jacuzzi pool.
Access: Rising staircase.
What to Do: Relax at the resort’s spa with a massage or a hydrating coconut scrub, or explore nearby Bouma National Heritage Park’s pristine rainforest and 65-foot waterfalls.

Playa Via ~ Juluchuca, Mexico

Why It’s Unique: Located north of Acapulco on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, eco-friendly Playa Viva is scheduled to open in November 2008. Three treehouse casitas will be completely built with sustainable materials; each will have a bedroom and full porch for dining and lounging, and the master development plan calls for a beach club, lounge, and 40-room boutique hotel, plus solar-generated electricity and hot water.
Access: Series of stairs, ramps, and bridges.
What to Do: Tour the resort’s 200 acres, 80 percent of which is a private nature preserve.