Eight Stunning Tree House Hotels

This unique luxury resort in St. Lucia is made up of 32 one- and two-bedroom villas, each carefully carved into the surrounding hillside overlooking the island’s iconic twin Pitons. Resembling open-air tree houses, Ladera’s 32 suites were the first to introduce the “missing fourth wall” concept to St. Lucia. They often have private plunge pools and are a main draw, as are the spectacular views and lush grounds. The resort also features some fabulous amenities, such as an infinity lagoon pool, a gorgeous open-air restaurant and bar, a (tiny) open-air fitness center, and a lovely spa with black water soaking baths.

BaanBooLoo, in Chiang Mai, is certainly unique. This charming and rustic guesthouse, hidden away behind a temple in the heart of the old city, is part of a family home, and the amiable owners strive to recreate the traditional Thai guesthouse feel of old, with plenty of local charm. The six rooms are basic for a boutique hotel, with open-air or tree house-style designs, but they do provide nice touches like large outdoor bathtubs and plenty of mosquito netting. There is no proper restaurant, but guests are always invited to cook and eat with the family to experience true Thai hospitality. 

Arenas del Mar is proof that staying at an eco-resort doesn't mean roughing it: Its 38 contemporary rooms are among the nicest in Manuel Antonio, its restaurant is excellent, and its public spaces embody rustic luxury. The property's lush rainforest, two beautiful, white-sand beaches on-site -- a rarity in the area -- and diverse wildlife allow guests to truly connect with the nature that the resort's design so painstakingly preserved. Opt for one of the suites on the third floor for a true tree house experience; its deck includes a private hot tub.

Romantic? Undoubtedly. Unique? Absolutely. Expensive? For sure. Through an innovative, open fourth wall, each of Jade's 29 enormous suites overlooks the sea from its chromatherapy-lit whirlpool tub, canopied bed, and private infinity pool. They're elevated about 100 feet above the base of the mountain, offering incredible views of the Pitons rising out of the Caribbean Sea. Getting to Jade Mountain can be tedious, even nauseating, but its organic cuisine, doting service, unwavering silence (no TVs, radios, or children), and extraordinary design make the long journey worthwhile.

There's a lot to like about Buena Vista Luxury Villas: The beautiful, sprawling 33-acre grounds, a great on-site beach and beach bar, and big rooms -- to name just a few. The rooms are located in bungalow-style villas that dot the property, and come with comfortable beds, casual, contemporary decor (think wood, wicker, and bold color accents), and great views. The most luxurious tree house-style villas have a 450-square-foot wraparound terrace with panoramic views, a hot tub and a dining table that seats six.

With an intimate collection of 17 cottages (22 rooms), Tensing Pen is where guests come to unplug -- no TVs, phones, or radios in the rooms -- and enjoy the breathtaking cliffs of Negril's west end. The pool, spa, and restaurant aren't huge, but there are ample spots to relax on hammocks or in comfy lounge chairs. While each room has either a balcony or terrace, and is uniquely decorated, The Pillars rooms are built to resemble tree houses and thus are perched high above the ground. 

Spread over 60 acres, Hidden Pond features 36 suite-like bungalows and two-bedroom cottages. While each have their own personality, they are all bright, homey, and sophisticated, characterized by pops of color and lodge-like touches (such as stone fireplaces adorned with antlers, and lamps made from tree branches). For a tree house experience, you'll have to book a treatment in one of the three spa rooms. They're eight feet above the ground and are connected by walkways through the trees. Free yoga classes are held at the organic farm (where guests may also pick fresh flowers and veggies) and the outdoor bar and grill sits on a "sand bar" with chairs circled around fire pits. 

The 21-room GoldenEye is hands down Jamaica's hippest and most luxurious resort. It's also one of the island's most historic, as the former home of Ian Fleming, and the hideaway at which the author scribed all 14 of his James Bond novels. Today, the property, which reopened in 2010 after an extensive $50 million renovation, includes stunning cottages and villas overlooking a private beach and lagoon, as well as two happening restaurants, two pools, a tree house spa, and an extensive roster of on-site activities. The rates might cause some to flinch, but those who can afford it will find little cause for complaint.