Out on a Limb

Tree houses foster imagination. At least they did when we were kids, running wild, taking us on out-of-this-world adventures without ever leaving the backyard. But why leave this in our childhoods? Good news is that there are a lot of tree houses out there, not only to bring back our inner child but to reconnect us with nature in a world dominated by technology. And they tend to be better for the planet than all those fancy resorts out there. On your next vacation, maybe you’ll consider staying in one of these houses in the trees, rooting yourself in nature, and finding yourself in the present moment. Your imagination will thank you. 

Teniqua Treetops | Sedgefield, South Africa

Features:

• Built on stilts, each tree house has its own deck perfect for bird-watching
• Surrounded by nature, located on the Garden Route between Knysna and Sedgefield
  

Sustainability:

• Built from sustainably farmed pine and gum trees, with all houses being on stilts to reduce impact
• Biodegradable laundry detergents; glass bottles instead of plastic  
• Water is drawn directly from the Karatara River and filtered without chemicals 
  

Things to do: 

• Explore the surrounding nature with a walk through the woods to swim at the natural gorge and rock pools
• Gaze at the stars upon nightfall
• Get your bird and wildlife watching in with a myriad of species native to the area 
  

The Canopy Treehouses & Wildlife Sanctuary | Queensland, Australia 

Features:

• Nestled in the rainforest, built on stilts to bring you into the canopy
• Located in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, surrounded by indigenous wildlife and protected forest 
  

Sustainability:

• Portion of proceeds head to community projects in the surrounding area focused on sustainability
• Positioned in a World Heritage Area, encouraging people to partake in ecotourism 
  

Things to do: 

• Explore surrounding waterfalls and lakes in the Atherton Tablelands
• Take a walk through the forest to spot native wildlife like birds, frogs, possums, and more
• Enjoy some local cuisine at the weekly local farmers market 
  

Tree House Lodge | Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica

Features:

• Located at the edge of a wildlife refuge
• Built around a 100-year-old Sangrillo tree
  

Sustainability:

• Implemented water saving programs throughout the property
• Solar panels
• Work directly with the Green Iguana Foundation, located right on the property 
  

Things to do: 

• Head to Punta Uva beach
• Stroll through the botanic gardens
• Explore Cahuita National Park + Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge 
  

Bambu Indah | Bali, Indonesia

Features:

• Created in harmony with nature, tree houses are on stilts to reduce footprint, surrounded by natural swimming pools
• Repurposed Javanese bridal homes, preserving culture and local traditions
  

Sustainability:

• Utilizing bamboo and natural practices for construction
• Zero-waste philosophy — composting, recycling, and regenerative farming practices
• Swimming pools are filtered by lava rock and fed by natural springs, meaning no chemicals 
  

Things to do: 

• Take a dip in one of the many surrounding natural springs
• Dine at one of the onsite farm-to-table restaurants offering fresh, local cuisine
• Enjoy a guided tour or hike through villages, rice farms, mountains, and more
  

Treebones Twig Hut | Big Sur, California

Photo by Alamy

Features:

• Literally made of twigs, hand-built by artist Jayson Fann
• Two stories, open to nature, with ocean views 
  

Sustainability:

• Made from natural twigs and branches, woven together, not impeding on the surrounding environment
• There is no electricity or wifi, you simply bring yourself and your camping gear into the tree house, encouraging deep connection with nature
• Inspired by the way Indigenous peoples used to live off the land, encouraging a leave-it-better-than-you-found-it mentality 
  

Things to do: 

• Explore Big Sur on foot or paddle through on kayaks
• Find your flow in daily morning yoga classes
• Get your feet wet and explore life on the Pacific Ocean by walking the beach or sitting back and taking in the view
  

Feature image from Unsplash