Bangkok Tree House
Bangkok, Thailand
Opened since: February 2012
The buzz: This innovative Bangkok hotel is breathing new life into the sleepy Bang Krajao peninsula area (just a few kilometers downstream from the Chao Praya River).
The facilities: On the rooftop deck is Reflect restaurant, where you can order high tea sets while enjoying the waterfront and forest views. Guests can use the complimentary hotel bikes to explore the surrounding neighborhood.
The details: A cluster of three-story suites in untouched green surrounds, this structure boasts a clean-cut modern design and architecture that combines mineral and organic materials. Rates for the suites are B6,000 ($244).
Perfect for: A convenient retreat that’s just down river from busy Bangkok.
60 San Phawut Soi 23, Phra Pradaeng, Greater Bangkok, +66 2995-1150, www.bangkoktreehouse.com.
Naked Stables Private Reserve Tree Top Villas
Moganshan, China
Opened since October 2011
The buzz: Located in a nature reserve three hours outside Shanghai, it’s not the typical flashy China property but a super laid-back retreat in the hills of Moganshan.
The facilities: Expect a horse riding center, conference facilities, three swimming pools, restaurants and a spa.
The details: It’s all eco-friendly and back-to-nature here: accommodation in the 60-hectare resort is made up of treetop villas or earth huts made with sustainable materials. All treetop houses come with a full kitchen, private barbecue pit and outdoor hot tub. A two-bed treetop villa costs RMB5,800 ($1,146).
Perfect for: A secluded yet super luxe getaway.
No. 37 Shangxiazhuang Village, Paitou Town, Deqing County, +86 21 6431-8901, www.nakedretreats.cn.
Sanya Nanshan Treehouse
Sanya, China
Opened since: December 2000
The buzz: The Treehouses of Hawaii group is behind these four aerial lofts. They are set atop a sand dune—just a hop and skip from the beaches of the South China Sea—and surrounded by tamarind trees.
The facilities: There’s electricity and a small cafe onsite but no on-premise showers. Guests can order high-end Chinese vegetarian food from the Nanshan Buddhist Culture Zone Restaurant nearby.
The details: Find options to suit groups of all sizes. The Big Beach in the Sky tree house sleeps four, the Beach Club tree house and Guan Yin Spa tree house are designed for two, while the Hawaiian Hale Hotel tree house will accommodate 16-20 persons in seven separate spaces spanning three levels. Visit the Nanshan Buddhism Cultural Theme Park, which features a 108-meter statue of the Buddha Guanyin. Accommodation rates range from RMB220 ($43) for a room to RMB980 ($194) for the entire Beach in the Sky tree house.
Perfect for: A real rustic experience with virgin beaches and lush green surrounds.
Nanshan Rd., Runzhou, Sanya, Jiangsu, +18 0 8248-7241, www.treehousesofhawaii.com.
Tranquil Resort
Wayanad, India
Opened since: 2000 (tree houses added in 2006)
The buzz: Located in Southern India, this refurbished plantation—which originated in the late 1800s—is surrounded by coffee, tea and spice fields. The entire property is a homestay and includes a tree house and a larger tree villa resting on Gul Mohr trees.
The facilities: A pool, traditional ayurvedic massage, bird watching activities and tours of the working plantation are on offer. Communal Western and Indian meals are also served. Expect produce and coffee grown onsite as well as homemade breads and condiments.
The details: The 46 sq. meter tree house is built from coffee wood and features a king-size bed, veranda, and fab rainforest views. A more spacious option is the 100 sq. meter tree villa which has two bathrooms and two verandas on opposite sides of the house. Prices start at INR13,000 ($296) for the tree house and INR14,850 ($338) for the tree villa.
Perfect for: Local food lovers—the coffee and fresh meals are huge draws.
Kuppamudi Coffee Estate, Kolagappara Post Kolagappara Ambalavayal Rd., Kerala, +09 9 4758-8507, www.tranquilresort.com.
The Tree Top Lofts
Sentosa, Singapore
Opened since: July 2012
The buzz: The newest addition to RWS (they’re not even open to the public yet), these natural timber houses stand in stark contrast to the rest of the colorful man-made leisure center.
The facilities: Their butlers will drive you by buggy to any restaurant or attraction at RWS.
The details: Choose from two houses, Angsana and Tembusu, standing at seven and 12 meters tall respectively. Two to three people can stay comfortably in each. Both boast a double roof system to keep the interior cool. The living room, bedroom and bathroom of each house is 73 sq. meters in area, with 90 sq. meters of outdoor terrace space surrounding it. The rooms are airy too: ceilings are five to six meters high. The rate for each of the houses is $3,000++ a night.
Perfect for: Those who want to head to Sentosa but need to get away from the busy (and tacky) main entertainment stretch.
Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 6577-8888, www.rwsentosa.com
