MICHELIN Guide Awards

Michelin Keys, when the hotel is a tree house: the “ lodges in the woods” in the guidebook

by:
Elisa Erriu
|
copertina hotel case albero

From Mexican jungles to Japanese maple forests, each ecosystem has its own “tree house” with premium amenities and luxury hospitality. All hotels immersed in nature.

The hotels

When one thinks of spending time immersed in nature, among lush forests and pristine landscapes, the mind flies to fairy-tale images, with hotels that manage to blend perfectly with their surroundings. Some of the best examples in the world, selected by MICHELIN inspectors and described on the site of the same name, represent real gems in the panorama of eco-chic hospitality, where nature becomes the undisputed protagonist. With facilities that harmoniously adapt to the vegetation and local ecosystems, these hotels offer unique experiences where guests can feel totally in tune with their host land. Realizing the dream of sleeping in an enchanting “tree house.” The Loire Valley Lodge, for example, breaks away from the stereotypical French chateau in the Loire Valley by offering an aerial model of stay. Here, guests are accommodated in suites that stand on stilts, literally bringing them down to forest level. Spacious terraces and private spas offer an intimate space where the boundary between indoors and outdoors dissolves, leaving only the pleasure of feeling part of nature.

Loire Valley Lodge
 

In the heart of the Mexican jungle, half an hour from Zihuatanejo, Playa Viva is a dream retreat. Here tree houses are not just a nostalgic attraction for grown children, but true works of design, suspended between fantasy and reality. The feeling of being immersed in a pristine forest is amplified by luxurious details, which transform this resort into a magical place.

Playa Viva
 

The iconic San Pietro in Positano, on the other hand, does not lean on trees, but clings firmly to the Italian cliffs. Each room seems to embrace the sea, offering views that take your breath away. The scent of lemon trees and terraced gardens that wind throughout the property give a feeling of peace and beauty, perfectly nestled between rock and vegetation.

San Pietro di Positano
 

In Phuket, the Keemala elevates the treehouse concept to dizzying levels of luxury. The villas and cottages, hidden among the rainforest trees, feature private pools that seem to float in the greenery. The structure embraces the surrounding nature with a disarming elegance, making each guest feel like part of a secret, enchanted world.

keemala phuket thailand conde nast traveller 7feb17 pr
 

On the other side of the world, in the Alaskan wilderness, Stillpoint Lodge offers a luxurious interpretation of wilderness tourism. Nestled among fir and birch trees, this lodge is perfect for those who want to discover the wilderness without sacrificing exclusive comforts. Here, log cabins blend in with the landscape, allowing you to enjoy whale sightings and forest walks without losing sight of understated luxury.

Stillpoint Lodge
 

Thailand is in the spotlight again with Soneva Kiri on the island of Koh Kood, where “Treepod Dining ” makes a fine showing. Imagine yourself enjoying culinary delights suspended in bamboo pods among the rainforest tree canopies. The service, of course, has no shortage of surprises, with waiters arriving via zip line for an experience that borders on the surreal.

Soneva Kiri
 

In Spain, the ultramodern Vivood Landscape Hotel in Guadalest enchants with glass cabins that open onto breathtaking views of hills and mountains. Here, rooms not only converse with nature but also amplify its beauty, transforming each stay into a meditative and contemplative experience.

Vivood Landscape Hotel a Guadalest
 

Dating back to 1874, Ochiairo, located in Japan's Izu Mountains, is a classic spa ryokan. A two-hour drive from Tokyo, however, it is wonderfully rural, situated between converging rivers, and offers bicycle tours of the area's beautiful maple forests.

Ochiairo
 

Boca de Agua, also in Mexico, also takes this statement quite literally: raising its rooms on stilts to immerse itself in the jungle. Bacalar has been touted as an emerging destination for years now. And Boca de Agua further proves this reputation.

boca de agua
 

On the opposite side of the world, the Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge in Canada, known for its appearance on the reality show Alone, transforms Vancouver Island forest into a glamping paradise. The canvas rooms, set in 600 acres of wilderness, are a perfect balance of adventure and luxury.

Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge in Canada
 

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