Earthly Escape: 7 Amazing Tree House Resorts

Did you dream as a little boy or girl about having your own tree house?  High up off the ground where only you and the birds, squirrels and monkeys could climb?  I always thought that one day I’d build that amazing tree house and escape up there whenever I needed a break.  Time seems to slipped away, no tree house for me, so booking a tree house seems like the next logical answer.  There are so many incredible options that maybe it’s better to book than build.

Here are my top picks for escaping the confines of earth and traveling high into the treetops:

Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California

You know how much I love the California coast, especially around Big Sur and Carmel.  The area has so much to offer that I could stay there for months and never run out of things to do.  Booking a tree house here could become an annual event.  One of the highest rated luxury resorts in the world sits high atop the dramatic coastline offering stunning mountain and ocean views.  Luckily for me the Post Ranch Inn also offers tree houses!  The houses are very rustic and luxurious at the same time.  They feature king size beds, wood-burning fireplaces and an indoor spa tub.  Sounds perfect to me!

Treehouse Point, Issaquah, Washington

Lately I’ve been in the mood to go to Washington.  Not really sure what causes it, but there is so much to do and see and it just feels like a good place to escape.  Only 30 minutes from Seattle, Treehouse Point sounds like a great place to try out a tree house.  There are several tree house cabins to choose from and there is a main lodge on the property as well.   The tree houses here are little more rustic in that they do not have bathrooms; all the tree houses share a private bath on the ground level.  You can also book a yoga session or massage in the privacy of your tree house.

Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses, New Zealand

Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses is located in a pretty isolated area of New Zealand’s South Island, about 10 minutes north of Kaikoura.   Each tree house has spectacular views of Kaikoura’s dramatic mountains and surf-washed Pacific coastline. The lodge is surrounded by a deer farm that includes an olive grove, fruit orchards and vineyard.  There are one bedroom and family tree houses that include seating area for the majestic views and extra-large king bed with couple’s spa and a rain fountain shower that opens directly onto your tree-top deck.  While it’s not cheap, it will likely be a once in a lifetime experience.

Aqua Wellness Resort, Playa Gigante, Nicaragua

You really get the feeling that tree houses might have been invented for this beautiful location.  The scenery on the private white sand beach along the Pacific coast of Nicaragua is home to the Aqua Wellness Resort.  The villas high up in the trees were constructed and decorated by local artisans and you can enjoy the sounds of the ocean and a light Pacific breeze from the ocean.  You can book an appointment at the spa, practice your yoga routine, hang out at the beach or check out the monkeys, birds, butterflies, ant eaters and deer who can be seen in the forest nearby.  The villas and accommodations are very comfortable and many have an infinity plunge pool and get this…air conditioning!

Kingston Tree House, Lion Sands Game Reserve, South Africa

The Lion Sands Game Reserve is a unique property that offers several luxurious tree houses in the heart of one the best safari areas in Africa.  There are numerous accommodations available and three different tree houses.  The Kingston tree house looks lovely to me and there’s also a more rustic choice named the Chalkey which seems more like a wildlife watching platform with a giant comfy bed.  The big attraction here is being right in the middle of hundreds of species of wildlife, staying in a luxurious tree house and access to your own private Range Rover for excursions.   It’s an unforgettable experience!

Tsala Treetop Lodge, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

It’s a long drive from Cape Town, but one of the most amazing places you will ever visit.  The suites are built into the treetops, ensuring everyone visiting has complete privacy.  There are a total of 10 suites constructed of stone, wood and glass.  Your suite is built to the highest standards of exclusive getaways, you’ll have your own fireplace, infinity pool, and private deck.  The bathrooms are stunning with a huge granite tube and indoor/outdoor showers.  The monkeys come out and play and are a sight to see and enjoy…it’s one of those places you’ll be happy you visited and will never forget.

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, Tambopata, Peru

This luxurious and rustic resort is the home to the Canopy Tree House.  At 90 feet in the air you can watch a splendid sunset, listen to the birds sing and call your personal butler on walkie-talkie.  At the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, you’ll find 35 thatched roof cabanas with screened porches and hammocks, warm water showers and refreshing ceiling fans.  You can book several different excursions including the treetop canopy bridge, hiking the many rainforest trails, and challenging jungle treks.  It is a cozy retreat and the cabins are lovely, clean and well appointed.  You’ll feel right at home in the heart of the jungle.  The natural soundtrack of the Amazon is hard to beat!

Have you ever booked a tree house?  Share your experience in the comments.

More from Samantha Brown:

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