Buzzwords like ‘glamping’, ‘eco retreats’ and ‘biophilic design’ dominate today’s travel market – but before everything green was ‘in’, there were treehouses. From Swiss Family Robinson-style passion projects to hippie houses, hand-built treehouses have always sparked a sense of childlike joy.
Now, there’s a new surge in stunning treetop hotels, thanks to big brands and hosts hoping to make a night among the trees a luxurious experience. They’re ditching the broken stairs and wobbly platforms for all the bells and whistles — like high-speed Internet, heated floors and copper bathtubs.
“Treehouses are like magical time machines and they can transport you back to simpler times like childhood,” Bolt Farm Treehouse founder Seth Bolt told The Post.
Located in the Sequatchie Valley of Whitwell, Tenn., Bolt Farm opened in 2021 and was the culmination of Bolt’s childhood dream of owning a treehouse.
“I always wanted a tree house as a kid, but from humble beginnings, it wasn’t in the cards for us,” Bolt said. He added that his father, who is a builder by trade, helped him build the first treehouse by hand and, together with his wife Tori, the treesort is expanding to include 11 more treehouses as well as an on-site spa called Wellness. Haven, complete with outdoor pools and unobstructed views over three states later this year.
“We poured a lot of purpose into each treehouse, filling them with timeless treasures and simple pleasures that help you disconnect from the busy world: a record player, vintage board games, therapeutic coloring books for adults, showers outdoors and a pizza oven. Little things that bring out your inner child,” Bolt said.
From Whitwell Valley to the peaks of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Primland by Auberge Resorts jumped on the treehouse trend with the opening of two new Mountain Top Treehouses this year.
Perched above the mouth of the Dan River, the resort spans 12,000 acres, where black bears roam freely and the treehouses are connected via wooden footbridges and built into trees with stunning views courtesy of stunning Appalachia views.
“We are excited to offer our guests an elevated experience inspired by Virginia’s rich heritage,” said Will Rentschler, general manager of Primland. “Paying homage to the beauty and culture of our region, these captivating designs and locally-rooted culinary experiences allow us to continue to offer unparalleled luxury among the Southern Appalachian Mountains.”