A guide to the world's treehouse hotels

(courtesy of Tsala Treetop Lodge)

Treehouses are all the rage in architecture right now but might prove complicated for everyday life. How about a treehouse getaway, however? Here are the best locations from Costa Rica to China.

US: Treehouse Point - This hotel, not far away from Seattle, is run by Pete Nelson, who also teaches the craft of treehouse building, and his wife Judy, a chef. The Treehouse Point can be booked for anything from weddings to business receptions and workshops.

6922 Preston-Fall City Road SE
Issaquah, WA 9802Z
http://www.treehousepoint.com

Costa Rica: Tree Houses Hotel - Located in the Costa Rican rain forest, the three treehouses that make up this bed-and-breakfast hotel are surrounded by a wildlife refuge, waterfalls as well as artificial swimming pools.

Santa Clara
San Carlos, Costa Rica
http://www.treehouseshotelcostarica.com

South Africa: Tsala Treetop Lodge - This luxury version (Tsala belongs to the prestigious Relais & Chateaux group) features fireplaces in its secluded treehouse suites.

Harkerville, Plettenberg Bay
6600, South Africa?
http://www.hunterhotels.com/tsalatreetoplodge

Brazil: Ariau Amazon Towers Hotel - What is unique about this large treetop lodge is that is features panoramic views of the Brazilian jungle.

Avenida Leonardo Malcher, 699
Manaus - AM, 69010-170, Brazil?
http://www.ariauamazontowers.com

India: Tranquil - The resort's traditional treehouse rests on three trees but comes with all modern amenities including satellite TV, a fridge, and ventilation.

Kuppamudi Coffee Estate
Kolagappara, Wayanad, India?
http://tranquilresort.com

China: Sanya Nanshan Treehouse - The least luxurious of the bunch, this treehouse does have electricity but no hot water. The latter might not be needed, however, as this 'hotel' is located just by the beach on tamarind trees in a sand dune.

Hainan Island, China
http://www.treehousesofhawaii.com/nanshan.html