Here are eight tree houses around the world that accept paying guests:
Treehotel Sweden
Stylish treehouses suddenly seem to be en vogue all over the world but Sweden’s Treehotel, opened in July last year, leads the way for dramatic design. It comprises six architect-designed treehouses in a forest outside Harads, a small town in northern Sweden. Each is unique – one covered with mirrors to reflect the forest around it, for example, another decked with branches to resemble a bird’s nest.
Treehouses sleeping two from SKr3,500 (£313) per night, including breakfast; www.treehotel.se
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Castle Cottage, England
In a sweet chestnut tree on the edge of a peaceful wood near Fittleworth in West Sussex, this cabin is smart and spacious. The double bed is set between protruding tree branches, the shower room has a glass ceiling, and there is a large balcony with swing seats.
From £140 per night including breakfast; www.castlecottage.info
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Inkaterra Canopy Treehouse, Peru
Guests climb a series of rope walkways to reach this luxurious treehouse, 90ft above the Amazonian rainforest near Puerto Maldonado. It opened in August 2010, sleeps two and comes with a “treehouse butler” to serve dinner and drinks on your lofty perch. The real attraction, though, is the chance to watch birds and other fauna from a privileged vantage point.
From $600 for two half-board, including airport transfers; www.inkaterra.com
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Costa Rica Treehouse, Costa Rica
Just 150m from the beach on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, this treehouse sleeps up to six. It is made of wood from fallen trees and the bathroom is built around the trunk of a 100 year Sangrillo tree. There’s air conditioning and the lounge has a hammock and rocking chairs.
From $300 per night for two people, including breakfast; www.costaricatreehouse.com
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Sanctuary Sussi and Chuma, Zambia
Enjoy views over the Zambezi from one of 12 luxury, air-conditioned tree houses built into the canopy of ebony trees and connected by stilted wooden walkways. The houses are in the heart of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, with abundant game viewing and Victoria Falls nearby. If you’d rather just relax, there’s also a swimming pool to lounge by.
From $2,165 per house (which sleeps up to four) per night, including meals and activities; www.sanctuaryretreats.com
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Cedar Creek Treehouse, US
Perched 50ft up a 200-year-old Western Red Cedar near Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State, this treehouse comes with fabulous forest and mountain views. It is “off-the-grid”, powered by solar panels, and you can spend your days trout fishing and swimming. In a nearby fir tree is an observation platform 100ft high, perfect for bird watching.
From $300 for two per night, $50 per extra person, maximum five; www.cedarcreektreehouse.com