6 treehouse hotels in the heart of nature
Aim high for your first post-pandemic holiday destination escape
Text: Anna A
In a post-pandemic world, experts are predicting that holiday destinations in the great outdoors will be the big travel trend after months of global lockdowns and closed borders. Offering plenty of space for social distancing, a feeling of freedom and bucket-loads of fresh air, treehouse hotels, lodges and resorts in nature offer the ideal antidote to the four walls of our homes that we’ve become so familiar with.
Studies have shown that spending time in nature can benefit both our general health and mental wellbeing. Getting outside can reduce mental overload and set the brain on a journey of restoration and recovery. Providing luxury, unconventional design and views we’re literally only dreaming of right now, here are some of our favourite treehouse hotels and lodges that whisk you into the heart of the wilderness.
Image Credit: Treehotel
Treehotel, Sweden
Live among the tall pine trees of Northern Sweden’s dense forests and gaze out upon the spectacular scenery from up high. As one of the most unique design-led hotels in the world, Treehotel offers a variety of different eco-conscious tree-houses in which you can lay your head. The perfect winter adventure, guests can witness the spectacular Northern Lights, sledging tours and walking. For summer visitors, the sledging tracks turn into mountain biking routes and hacks for horse riding.
Rates start from SGD 700 per night
Image Credit: Keemala
Keemala, Phuket
A hotel with a distinctive design, Keemala is nestled within Thailand’s lush woodlands that overlook Kamala Village and the Andaman Sea, on the west of the Phuket province. The resort boasts a holistic philosophy, offering guests healing spa rituals, wholesome homemade cuisine and an eco-friendly ethos as the hotel contributes to the local non-profit organisation Kamala Green Club. It also participates in the island’s monthly beach clean-up.
Rates start from SGD 600 per night
Image Credit: &Beyond
&Beyond Ngala Treehouse, South Africa
Immersed in the African wilderness, this four-level treehouse showcases views of the canopy above the Ngala Private Game Reserve. Thoughtfully designed and offering all home comforts, guests can literally sleep out under the stars thanks to a sleep-out platform under a retractable awning. Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy day or night-time private game drives in Kruger National Park, as well as bush walks and starlight picnics. As far as off-the-grid experiences go, this is a romantic and exclusive escape like no other.
Rates start from SGD 700 per night
Image Credit: Six Senses
Six Senses Hideaway Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam
Six Senses Hideaway Ninh Van Bay only accessible by boat from Cam Ranh Airport. But once you reach this stunning sheltered bay, the treehouse-style thatched villas will win you over. Try yoga and tai chi, head out for snorkelling and diving on Mun Island and hike the Bai Nho trail to the top of Heo mountain. While the hotel has a brilliant kids club, it’s also known for its romantic ambience brought on by sea-facing bath tubs, a Wine Cave and fine-dining restaurant on a cliffside.
Rates start from SGD 481 per night
Image Credit: The Ark
The Ark, Sri Lanka
A contemporary, elevated three-bedroom villa set amidst the rubber and cinnamon plantations and dense Sri Lankan jungle, this treehouse is a converted ‘watch-hut’ that was a refuge for the farmer in days gone by. Guests can spend their time exploring the nature trails in the 40-acre estate in Mathugama, enjoy endless bird watching or learn the ancient art of tea-picking and rubber tapping.
Rates start from SGD 400 per night
Image Credit: Wilderness Safaris
Bisate Lodge, Rwanda
Bisate Lodge is a rare and exclusive property, located in a natural amphitheatre of an eroded volcanic cone, right next to the famed Volcanoes National Park. Curated by Wilderness Safaris, the six suites are designed in a traditional Rwandan style with luxurious yet sustainable interior features. As well as gorilla treks, guests can also learn more about their community projects with partner the Tuzamurana Cooperative.
Rates start from SGD 1,700 excluding transfers and gorilla trekking permits
