Five deluxe treehouses for grown-ups

Why do we travel? One might argue that we do so to leave our comfort zones and try something new; to learn and emulate a different culture, its food and customs.

If that's the case, often it's where we choose to sleep that will have the biggest impact. After all, it's where you'll call 'home', even if it's only for a night.

That's why many savvy travellers are taking to the trees, where sky-high tree house hotels, lodges and bed-and-breakfasts are becoming de rigueur for open-minded adventurers looking for a one-of-a-kind experience.

But make no mistake; while there are plenty of amazing Swiss Family Robinson-type tree houses made from tree trunks and vine rope, they're not all rustic.

Many talented architects have turned the concept on its head, adding plush amenities and materials with contemporary design flair. No matter what your style preference is, you're guaranteed to never forget your trip.

Here are five tree houses worth the climb.

1. Hapuku Lodge, Kaikoura, New Zealand

 

 

This sprawling property features exquisitely designed tree houses on a vast deer farm.

 

Owner Tony Wilson and his family are passionate about architecture, so much so that Tony's daughter, Julia, will become the fifth-generation Wilson architect next year. The vertical batten exterior is New Zealand redwood over Canadian cedar. The siding is copper.

The owners went to extra lengths to ensure a quiet and cozy stay. Soundproof windows keep the stag roar out during mating season, while thick padding under the carpets reduces foot noise. 

All the beds have custom-made mattresses. The furniture is made by hand from North American hardwoods. 

Photos courtesy of Hapuku Lodge.

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2. Treehotel, Sweden

 

Deep in a Swedish forest, some of Scandinavia's most talented architects have created game-changing, uniquely designed and themed tree house hotels. 

 

The Bird's Nest room is just what its name implies; chaotic and complex interlocking tree branches mimic a bird's nest on the outside but the interior is a wood-clad modern hotel suite with small porthole windows.

 

Photos by Peter Lundstrom, WDO.

3. Tree Houses Hotel, Costa Rica

 

This bed-and-breakfast is located on 3 hectares surrounded by a 28-hectare wildlife refuge with a waterfall, swimming pools and a winding river. 

The property is touted as a 'bird watcher's paradise and wildlife lover's dream.' Guests regularly catch sight of sloths, monkeys, toucans, armadillos, hummingbirds, parrots and motmots. The tree houses are air conditioned and have heated showers and refrigerators. 

Photo courtesy of Tree Houses Hotel Costa Rica.

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4. Reserva Amazonica, Peru

 

In the Peruvian southeastern Amazon, 27 metres above the forest floor, sits this rustic tree house. 

Guests can go for a stroll without ever setting foot on the ground via a series of bridges that connect half a dozen trees and platforms. 

Photos courtesy of Inkaterra.

5. Tsala Treetop Lodge, South Africa

 

Nestled in the boughs of an indigenous African forest, the houses of Tsala Treetop Lodge are far from your typical tree house design.

Guests enjoy a large lounge area with a fireplace and an expansive private deck with an infinity pool.

Photos courtesy of Hunter Hotels.

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This article originally appeared on Houzz.