Spending a few nights in a tree canopy where the only sounds are that of birds chirping and the wind whistling through the trees sounds dreamy, right?
A flurry of new accommodations around the country promise just that, with treehouse hotels built on platforms and suspended among the branches and leaves.
But these are not like the backyard treehouses most of us played in as kids. They come loaded with luxuries like soaking tubs, gourmet kitchens, fireplaces, and cozy reading nooks, all within smartly designed layouts.
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Kalahari Treehouse Adventures in Wisconsin
Designed by Tim Nelson, of Animal Planet’s “Treehouse Masters,” Kalahari Resorts has 12 treehouse accommodations along Lake Delton, and no two are exactly alike. And as a bonus, you still get access to Kalahari’s water park located 3 miles away. Also on property is Daylene’s Supper Club and its tiered deck above Lake Delton, which is a great spot to sip a craft cocktail.
Ranging from one to two and three bedrooms, each treehouse features a fully stocked kitchen and tons of windows. Some are perched above Lake Delton with others only a few hundred yards away. Outdoor amenities include a stargazing net, screened-in porch, outdoor shower, barbecue grill, fire pit, and Adirondack chairs.
Small groups might want to book two treehouses; there’s even one that comes with a tube slide to move between levels.
The Lodge at Primland, Auberge Collection in Virginia
From 2,700 feet above the Dan River Gorge, the treehouse accommodations at The Lodge at Primland, Auberge Collection oversee 12,000 wooded acres.
They span between 352 and 440 square feet, but don’t be fooled by their petite stature. French treehouse architectural firm La Cabane Perchee created these to accommodate up to two adults and each one has a king bed and an expansive deck that’s larger than the treehouse itself.
Though, it’s worth a splurge to book the Mountain Top Tree House, named for its location perched among peaks where you’ll also get to use an outdoor shower and hot tub on your private deck.
Whichever you book, continental breakfast is delivered right to your door, so you can relax in your pajamas and enjoy the view while sipping coffee or tea.
The Mohicans in Ohio
There are 10 uniquely designed treehouses at this whimsical property, which also includes cabins and homes. Though, find us in the former, which range from one-bedroom accommodations to a loft allowing up to four guests to spread out.
Each one is also wildly unique. Take the Airstream Treehouse, for example, which is particularly memorable and aptly named for the vintage Airstream trailer that’s hoisted 25 feet into the air onto a wooden platform and blended into the trees. It also boasts a steam shower and a covered porch.
Another coveted stay is the Little Red Treehouse, designed by Nelson of “Treehouse Masters” with help from a local Amish crew. This tiny house is painted with red features and includes luxuries like radiant-floor heating plus a wraparound deck to fully immerse within this treetop scene.
Post Ranch Inn in California
Since Post Ranch Inn opened in the 1990s, the luxury resort’s become famous for its cliffside accommodations that sit directly above Big Sur’s Pacific Ocean coastline. Though its Tree House room sitting atop the canopy line is perhaps lesser-known.
The triangular-shaped layout is perched among the trees, where you can enjoy the aerial view through a skylight from bed or when cozying up in the window seat.
A wood-burning fireplace, private deck, walk-in shower, and heated floors amp up the coziness along with access to resort activities. This includes outdoor meditation, guided forest walks and yoga, plus access to its infinity and lap pools. Rates include daily breakfast and you can also enjoy farm-to-table, wine-paired lunches and dinners at Sierra Mar.
Winvian Farm in Connecticut
At Winvian Farm, every accommodation is quirky-meets-elegant, whether it’s a retired 1968 helicopter with a soaking tub or a two-story luxury treehouse spread over 780 square feet. The latter comes with windows on each level, along with an open, loft-style layout that floods the space with natural light.
It also has a soaking tub, gas fireplace, and rainfall steam shower in the spa-like bath. Heated floors mean it won’t get too chilly while perched up in the trees, and the queen bed and queen sleeper sofa make it suitable for a small family.
To relax even more, treehouse guests can book a massage at The Spa at Winvian, or sign up for a private session or relax at a Tibetan sound bath.
The Shortcut
Small kids in tow? Kalahari Resorts is your best bet with its water park and treehouse with a bona fide slide connecting two floors.
Couples should choose Post Ranch Inn or Primland. Post Ranch's treehouse room has a skylight over the bed for pillow talk with a side of stargazing. Primland's Mountain Top Tree House has a private hot tub on its deck, 2,700 feet above a river gorge.
Go quirky with The Mohicans or Winvian. The Mohicans' Airstream Treehouse is a vintage trailer hoisted 25 feet into the branches. Winvian's treehouse is the tamer pick, but the property's other themed cabins include a room built into a retired 1968 helicopter and a horse stall-inspired cottage.
