The world’s most spectacular treehouses

No matter how old you are, spending the night high up in the trees is a thrilling prospect. And with nature holidays becoming ever more popular, we’ve put together a list of eight jaw-dropping treehouses from around the world to add to your travel wish list. From luxury stays with candlelit jacuzzis to simple constructions in the wilderness with nothing but a mosquito net between you and the starry sky, you’ll find more than enough paradisiacal retreats to hide away in.

Treehotel is a modern abode hanging high from the leafy canopies of Sweden’s Harads woodland. A cross between contemporary architecture and whimsical fun, this is the perfect place to cosy up amid the trees – while also being just 50 kilometres from the Arctic Circle.

Conceived by entrepreneur Kent Lindvall, Treehotel comprises four forest dwellings, each custom-designed by various architects. Choose to stay in the reflective Mirrorcube, the camouflaged Bird’s Nest, the wooden Cabin, or the otherworldly UFO. These eco-friendly stays also have a sauna, hot tub and swimming pool at your disposal.

Situated in the dramatic hinterlands of South Africa’s Garden Route National Park is Tsala Treetop Lodge, a relaxing private paradise to return to after spending the day exploring the park’s rugged coastlines, ancient lakes and evergreen forests.

This idyllic treetop retreat is great for couples looking for a romantic getaway with lashings of comfort and ambience. Relax with a glass of champagne in your private infinity pool as the sun sinks beyond a horizon of verdant mountains.

Sabi Sand Game Reserve is one of the top places in the world to see the ‘Big Five’ (the lion, elephant, Cape buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros). Safaris are plentiful here, with daily excursions whizzing tourists along dirt roads as nature’s top predators wander freely in the distance. To spend the night in the centre of the action, look no further than Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve.

Sitting high above the South African bushveld, this impressive property boasts private decks with swimming pools overlooking the game reserve. Airy guest rooms are enveloped by towering trees, providing plenty of privacy. Nighttime lets you catch a glimpse of nocturnal animals coming right up to the property’s perimeters. And stargazing here is something else.

Thailand is a whirlwind experience contrasting between bustling cities, sublime beaches and tranquil forests. No visit to the country is complete without plunging into the heart of its tropical wilderness – and Chiang Rai is perfect for just that. It’s Thailand’s northernmost major city, and beyond it lies the remote jungle of Laos and Myanmar.

Elevate your adventure at Chiang Rai with a stay at Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle-SHA Extra Plus. Don’t let the word ‘tent’ throw you off; here, mahogany four-poster beds and open-air bathtubs look out onto dreamlike vistas of clay-coloured, whirlpool-filled rivers, tropical jungle and misty mountains. This is as indulgent a treehouse experience as you'll find.

Live your best Robinson Crusoe life at the Tree House Lodge in Costa Rica. This airy wooden structure seemingly melts into the jungle backdrop, making it a luxurious haven. While the lodge’s common areas open up to capture the natural breeze, the private bungalows are completely air-conditioned, furnished with canopy beds and every creature comfort you could desire.

After a long day of soaking in the outdoor hot tub, following an instructor-led yoga class or simply lounging around in your hammock, it’s time to hit the beach. That isn’t much of a problem with the majestic blue surf of the Caribbean just a minute’s walk away.

Make like a wood elf and escape to a fantastical dwelling in the dense forests of Huilo Huilo in Chile. Tucked away in this protected bio reserve is the Huilo Huilo Nothofagus Hotel & Spa – a sky-high sanctuary built around an ancient oak tree. Childhood imagination meets world-class luxury here, with cerulean pools that wind around shrubbery, plush sun loungers and a full array of spa treatments available to guests. Venture off the beaten path and explore the thick forest beyond; Huilo Huilo is home to hot springs and volcanoes, and there’s a seven-storey waterfall just beyond your tree-shrouded hideaway.

Peru’s Treehouse Lodge allows you to get a taste of the Earth’s most important rainforest, the Amazon, without giving up a shred of comfort. Steeped in luxury and an untamed atmosphere, this treehouse hotel is a feast for the senses. See wildlife flit above and below you as you traverse the canopy bridge towards your private lodge, hidden above the treeline. Wake up to the sound of birdsong, scuttling geckos and curious monkeys at your window – there's very little between you and nature here. And the service is unmatched, with a free airport shuttle, a fully stocked bar and guided boat excursions allowing you to take in the breathtaking Ucayali River.