Treehouses

No matter if it's clinging to a stooping tropical palm tree on the edge of a Thai island, poking above the canopies in the African jungles or straddling the fir forests and oaks of Scandinavia's hinterland, a tree house promises to be a stay to remember. Ranging from the rustic to the deluxe, these organic hotel options are a sure-fire way to trade in the cityscape for raw nature. You'll be bedding down in curious architectural creations that loft high above the forest floor, listening to the chirps of nocturnal creatures echoing through the boughs or enjoying the sway of ancient tree trunks as you drift off to sleep. Sounds cool, eh?

Luxury seekers shouldn't be put off by the name. These days, a tree house is rarely the ramshackle cabin in the canopy you think it could be. In fact, many of these sorts of accommodations specialise in romantic rooms and high luxury. Some command the full 5-star rating, garnered thanks to quirky design elements, plush interiors and unrivalled seclusion in nature. That's all bolstered by the presence of al fresco hot tubs and spas, by prime locations close to topical beachfronts and intriguing little breakfast spreads that'll have you munching on fresh pineapple or Swedish rostis in the shade of the woods.

In fact, Expedia has plenty in the way of classy woodland getaways on the menu. There's TreeHouse Villas on the off-the-beaten-track Thai isle of Ko Yao Noi. Spilling out of the protected jungle in the middle of breathtaking Phang Nga Bay, it's a place that's sure to capture your imagination. Honeymooners especially will love the private infinity pools, the natural rock spa and the bubbling hot tubs on the decks. Then comes the compelling, boutique accommodation at the Tree Hotel in Sweden. Each suite there channels a different artistic trend. There are UFO-themed boltholes and Cubist-Futurist pads, all clinging to the Scandinavian woods.

There are also tree houses to suit adventurous families. One can be found swaying in the exotic kos and high kurundus trees of central Sri Lanka. It's called – aptly – the Back of Beyond, a homage to its isolated location amid the forests that encircle ancient Sigiriya. Others are primed for eco-conscious travellers, like Australia's Kondalilla Eco Resort and its timber-framed rooms set above the lush, green Queensland rainforests.