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7 Luxurious Treehouses And Jungle Resorts To Invigorate The Senses

Experience the appeal of the untamed while living amid nature and wildlife at the world’s most luxurious treehouses and jungle resorts on a vacation designed to soothe the senses.

By SATARUPA PAUL

Picture this… you wake up at the crack of dawn to the call of birds outside your window. As the jungle awakens, too, you step out onto your verandah and take in a lungful of the crisp morning air. Curious little creatures come by to inspect your breakfast, served by your private plunge pool overlooking swathes of dense green. The days are spent venturing into the unknown on expeditions to encounter the beasts and beauties of the forest. And when night falls, the inky sky is spangled with a million stars, and you fall asleep to the distant roar of a wild animal. Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? Live this dream by checking in at any of the world’s most luxurious treehouse or jungle resorts from our curated selection and experience a slice of life, on the wild side.

AZULIK, Tulum, Mexico

An aerial view of the lush forest surroundings of the creatively designed Azulik, Mexico.

Reconnection takes on new meaning in a place where nature, art, and ancestral wisdom coexist. A sanctuary located in the heart of the Mayan jungles of Tulum in Mexico, right by the Caribbean Sea, Azulik welcomes all who wish to find peace in a space blessed with mesmerising environs. Each of their 48 villas is built in harmony with its natural setting, with no electric light, AC, or television. However, gastronomic indulgences are aplenty here, whether at the treehouse dining space serving Mayan-Mexican haute cuisine, or as a medicinal alchemy experience curated by the chef, where the dynamic jungle comes to your table. Experiences extend from mystical jungle journeys to art and sculpture workshops and tribal gatherings to
honour nature.
Doubles from US$840/₹64,000 per night; azulik.com

SILKY OAKS LODGE, Queensland, Australia

A couple shares a romantic dinner overlooking the jungle at Silky Oaks Lodge, Australia.

Tropical North Queensland is a remarkable region where Australia’s celebrated Daintree Rainforest meets the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Great Barrier Reef. At an estimated 180 million years old, the Daintree is regarded as the world’s oldest living rainforest with a fascinating ecosystem, and serves as the home of the indigenous Kuku Yalanji people. Forty luxury treehouses of the Silky Oaks Lodge stand amidst the rainforest; made of local timber, they offer serene views of the rainforest and the Mossman River that flows through. The open-air restaurant and bar serve a menu of contemporary Australian cuisine with Asian influences. Bespoke experiences let you explore the destination at your own pace through hot-air ballooning, indigenous cultural walks, driving safaris, Great Barrier Reef dives, and more.
Doubles from US$375/₹28,400 per night; silkyoakslodge.com.au

ARCTIC TREEHOUSE HOTEL, Rovaniemi, Finland

Serene, snow-covered environs of the Arctic Treehouse Hotel, Finland.

Located within the Arctic Circle in the heart of Finnish Lapland, the Arctic Treehouse Hotel is a stunning blend of local Lappish traditions and modern Scandinavian design. In contrast to the meticulously designed interiors and nest-like cosiness of the suites and glasshouse cabins, each of which comes with their own private fireplace, sauna, and kitchenette, the panoramic views from the windows provide immersive spectacles of the Arctic forests and skies. Admire the Northern Lights and Midnight Sun right from the comfort of your bed! The on-site restaurant and bar serve an all-day menu prepared with local ingredients, whereas the private dining rooms are perfect for meetings, functions, and romantic dinners. Adventurous activities include Arctic explorations, snowmobile safaris, visits to reindeer farms, and Northern Lights tours.
Doubles from US$400/₹30,000 per night; arctictreehousehotel.com

THE OBEROI VANYAVILAS, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan

Luxurious tents dot the desert landscape at The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Rajasthan.

Inspired by the opulent caravans of royal families, the Oberoi Vanyavilas wildlife resort on the outskirts of the Ranthambore National Park offers luxury glamping accommodation. The all-day dining showcases authentic Rajasthani specialties in a regal setup with sparkling chandeliers and a fireplace. In the evenings, the courtyard comes alive with a bonfire and live folk music. A jungle safari in an Oberoi 4×4 with an in-house naturalist is the most popular activity here. You can also take a drive through colourful villages to go birdwatching at Surwal Lake, embark on a Chambal River safari by boat, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ranthambore Fort, learn traditional crafts such as block painting, take part in a cooking workshop, or rejuvenate at the spa with signature therapies.
Doubles from US$850/₹65,000 per night; oberoihotels.com

THE RITZ-CARLTON, Langkawi, Malaysia

Sandy shores, blue waters, and dense greenery at The Ritz-Carlton, Malaysia.

Set within a 10-million-year-old rainforest on the edge of the Andaman Sea, the Ritz-Carlton in the gorgeous archipelago of Langkawi, off the coast of northwestern Malaysia, ushers you into a world of natural splendours. Amenities here include elegant accommodation with rainforest views or luxury villas with private pools, three resort pools including a beachfront one, and the island’s only overwater spa. Three exquisite dining spaces serve Chinese, Malaysian, and Indian cuisines, while the Beach Grill does delicious seafood and cocktails. Whether you wish to hike through the dense rainforest in search of waterfalls, sunbathe at the famous Pantai Cenang Beach, go kayaking through mangroves, or ski along a volcanic lake, there is no dearth of adventures here.
Doubles from US$300/₹23,000 per night; ritzcarlton.com

PACUARE LODGE, Limon, Costa Rica

A private pool offers a mesmerising view of the rainforest at Pacuare Lodge, Costa Rica.

Set amidst tranquil rainforests on the banks of the scenic Pacuare River, this luxury eco-hotel offers a breathtaking backdrop to adventure, wellness, and romance. Simple yet sophisticated, the 20 secluded, spacious suites feature indigenous, Cabécar-inspired architecture and host large terraces and private spring-fed pools. The most stunning feature of the lodge, however, is the spectacular infinity pool framed by the lush rainforest. An array of nature and cultural activities are included in the all-inclusive rates here, such as white-water rafting, birdwatching, treks to hidden waterfalls, and hikes to local Cabécar ranchos—the thatched huts of Costa Rica’s largest indigenous group. The in-house Jawa Juu Spa offers healing treatments derived from ancient techniques and local ingredients. Here is indulgence at its best!
Doubles from US$1,120/₹85,000 per night; pacuarelodge.com

ANANTARA GOLDEN TRIANGLE ELEPHANT CAMP & RESORT, Chiang Rai, Thailand

Glass-domed Jungle Bubbles offer a fun viewing experience at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort, Thailand.

Perched on a ridge in northern Thailand, overlooking the border with Myanmar and Laos, the Anantara Golden Triangle immerses you in extraordinary experiences from the get-go. Cruise down the Mekong and arrive at the property in a traditional long-tail boat. Check into one of the 40 rooms or 15 suites, featuring Thai designs, amidst tranquil jungles. An award-winning elephant camp allows you to connect with the gentle giants in their natural habitat, from within quirky Jungle Bubbles that have outdoor decks and plunge pools. Go for daily walks into the forest with the elephants and their mahouts or watch them splash in the river and play in the mud. You can also uncover the unique cultures of the three countries with a river cruise, indulge in world cuisines at the many dining spaces, and master the art of
Thai cooking.
Doubles from US$1,040/₹79,000 per night; anantara.com

 

 

Related: Green Luxury