As a child, a tree house was for exclusive club meetings, stashing candy and getting away from the rest of the world. Now that you’re an adult, tree houses are luxury retreats—the perfect escapes with the right blend of nature and upscale living. These feats of modern engineering are more than scraps of leftover lumber from the shed. The astounding accommodations take your love of the outdoors and traveling in your private jet to new heights with unparalleled views and a range of fabulous amenities that prove that grownups know how to have fun.
Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses | Kaikoura, New Zealand
Perched 30 feet above the ground, at treetop level, Hapuku Lodge & Tree Houses overlook the Pacific Ocean and Kaikoura mountains. Each tree house is built with native wood and designed to exist harmoniously with its surroundings. Linger over a delectable breakfast as you watch whales, sea lions and dolphins in the water, as well as deer wandering the grounds. Hapuku’s sustainable practices include the use of solar energy and sourcing food from area fishermen, farmers and rangers. Thanks to its ongoing efforts to restore the natural habitat, the accommodation earned a Green Globe Benchmark status, a prestigious global tourism environmental certification.
Chewton Glen Private Treehouse | Hampshire, England
Set on 130 acres of rolling gardens, Chewton Glen is a stunning manor that combines classic elegance with stylish modern touches. When its owners decided to expand the hotel, they broke the mold by building upscale tree houses on stilts to give guests an ecological outlook without compromising the comforts they enjoy. The Private Treehouse sleeps up to eight guests and features a large outdoor terrace with daybeds and seating, wood-burning stove, outdoor hot tub, heated floors and a marble bathroom with bespoke details.
Sanctuary Sussi and Chuma | Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia, Africa
Nestled among a canopy of ebony and jackalberry trees, Sanctuary Sussi and Chuma is a collection of 12 upscale tree houses connected by stilted wooden walkways. Its remote location within a wildlife sanctuary puts you less than eight miles from Victoria Falls. It is also the only lodge in the area that offers guided walking safaris. The tree houses offer impressive views of the Zambezi’s white waters from private decks. Amenities include plunge pools, dedicated staff and a private chef. To get to the sanctuary, fly your chartered jet to the Livingstone Airport, which is 20 miles away by car.
Kanopi House | Blue Lagoon, Portland, Jamaica
Situated in a private sandy cove, among vine-laden canopies with 100-foot-tall banyan trees, Kanopi House tree houses in Jamaica’s Blue Lagoon overlook the Caribbean and its untouched coral reefs. The environmentally low-impact accommodations blend West Indian styles with colonial touches for the epitome of island elegance. The 1,200-square-foot Sweet Wood tree house is the closest to the lagoon. The most private tree house is Almond Tree, making it perfect for a romantic getaway.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge | Lake Manyara National Park, Tanzania, Africa
Located in a secluded ancient mahogany forest, Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is the only permanent luxury lodge in the national park. The 10 stilted tree houses give you a panoramic view of the spectacular surroundings, which include a variety of wildlife in natural habitats. Keep your eyes peeled for tree-climbing lions, tiny deer, and pink flamingos in the alkaline lake. Soak in a bubble bath while enjoying views of the lush forest from large picture windows. Then enjoy a meal from the interactive, open kitchen in the dining boma surrounded by gnarled wood.