HotelChatter

The Treehouse at Green Magic Resort in Vythiri, Kerala, India, looks like a pretty darn "wild" experience. It's an eco-lodge - the energy that runs the place is derived primarily from solar panels and cow dung. The main tree house clings to a 200-year old banyan tree. Water is drawn from the nearby mountain lake. Getting back to nature means forgoing the usual accoutrements; for example, forks and knives are probably available to slurp up the all-vegetarian fare they serve at mealtimes, but it's not mentioned in the website copy.  You're right in the canopy - for access to one of the tree houses, you use a water-operated lift, an "indigenous cane lift working by a unique counter weight of water."  Just don't look down.

A world away from Kerala is The Post Ranch Inn at Big Sur on California's Pacific Coast. This hotel boasts a treehouse with forest and mountain views, a skylight, window seat, a massive bed and fireplace.  Munchies and wine in the rooms are on the house, and Tripadvisor reviews mention privacy, tranquility, and incredible vistas. This is definitely a grown-up experience; the minimum age for guests is 18.  The rate is sky-high, too:  $845. per night, double occupancy.

Deep in the wilds of the Australian rain forest, you'll find Fur n' Feathers, five luxury treehouses in Queensland. This place looks like da bomb.  All the treehouses include hot tubs, bathrobes, verandas, fireplaces, bedlinens handprinted by Aboriginals, satellite TV, and wi fi. It's won a lot of awards, including "Best use of timber," "Best pole house" and outstanding "Unique accommodation."

But wait! There's more! Guest reviews mention a plethora of free extras: Pademelons, platypus, cassowarys, honey eaters, rifflebirds, tree kangaroos, bush turkeys, and king parrots. Whoa.  We don't even know what the heck most of those critters are.

More wilds await at the Ariau Towers, eight funky wooden circular structures connected by catwalks 30 feet over the ground,  built at canopy level.  But this isn't any Mickey Mouse operation - the place has two restaurants, four bars, two observation towers, two swimming pools, a convenience store, cyber café, and conference center big enough to hold 450 people. Among the 288 are some larger units with rather unusual names like Cosmic Suite (Bill Gates stayed in this one), Tarzan's House, and UFO Pad.  As you're in one of the most lush, vital and unusual regions on the planet, after a Jungle Walk and Canoe Ride you can go Piranha Fishing. Fun!

Finally, there's Kadir's Tree Houses in Turkey's Mediterranean Coast. It's apparently a favorite among backpackers and hostel crashers for its, well, unusual structures, layout, décor, and bargain-basement prices. It looks like it was built as a set for movies out of time (McCabe and Mrs. Miller? Hook? We can't decide.)  While the website lures us to "spend a night of comfort in our well appointed bungalows," Tripadvisor reviews complain of no air conditioning, no ATMs, lines for food, dingy rooms, all-night parties, and pick-pockets. We'll pass on this one.

Did we forget your favorite Treehouse Hotel? Send us your recommendations!

[Photo: Modisino]