Go out on a limb at these new leafy-luxury treehouse resorts

Buzzwords like “glamping,” “eco retreats,” and “biophilic design” dominate today’s travel market — but before green everything was “in,” there were treehouse. From “Swiss Family Robinson”-style passion projects to hippie homes, hand-built treehouses have always sparked a sense of childlike joy.

Now, there’s fresh growth in the number of stunning treehouse hotels thanks to big brands and hospitality nabobs who hope to make a night in the trees a luxury experience. They’re ditching rickety ladders and shaky platforms for all the bells and whistles — like high-speed internet, heated floors and clawfoot copper tubs.

“Treehouses are like magical time machines, and they can transport you to simpler times like childhood,” the founder of Bolt Farm Treehouse, Seth Bolt told The Post.

Set 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 treehouse as a kid, but coming from humble beginnings, it wasn’t in the cards for us,” Bolt said. He added his father, who is a builder by trade, helped him construct the first treehouse by hand and, along with his wife Tori, the “treesort” is expanding to include 11 additional treehouses as well an on-site spa called the Wellness Haven, complete with outdoor pools and unobstructed views over three states later this year. 

 “We poured a lot of intentionality 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, outdoor showers and a pizza oven. Little things that bring out your inner child,” Bolt said. 

From the valley of Whitwell to the peaks of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Auberge Resorts’ Primland jumped on the treehouse trend with the opening of two new Mountain Top Tree Houses this year.

Perched above the Dan River Gorge, the resort stretches across 12,000 acres, where black bears roam freely, and the treehouses are connected via wooden footbridges and have been built into the trees featuring sprawling views courtesy of Appalachia’s striking vistas. 

“We are thrilled to offer our guests an elevated experience inspired by Virginia’s rich heritage,” Will Rentschler, general manager of Primland, said. “Paying homage to the beauty and culture of our region, these captivating designs and locally rooted culinary experiences allow us to continue offering unparalleled luxury among the Southern Appalachian Mountains.”