As kids, many of us had or dreamt of having a tree house – a fairytale-like hideout where we could establish a clandestine clubhouse to play games, scale giant trees or sleep among the canopy. For those seeking to reminisce their childhood dreams, today’s architects and designers are looking further afield from traditional wooden cabin tree house concepts to elevated sanctuaries with multiple floors or even glass and mirror elements.
To help fuel your wanderlust, here’s some of the most breathtaking tree trop experiences in the Maldives – in no particular order.
Nest by Niyama Maldives
Dine high at this multi-level 98-seat treehouse restaurant that unfurls as a labyrinth of wooden walkways to the private perch in the tree tops, where birds sing and the tree leaves dance in an ecstatic shimmy. Guests arrive via a short trek from their luxury villas into the heart of the jungle, and ascend a double-helix staircase and step through the canopy along bridges flanked by bamboo rails. The dining pods are nestled amongst the dense foliage elevated six meters high, immersed in jungle greenery and thatched huts. Multiple seating areas for families and private dining are offered as well as areas conducive to Asian cooking methods of Chinese hot pot, Thai cuisine, Teppanyaki and Korean BBQ, each with some of the most innovative chefs from around the world. The restaurant is open for dinner only from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm and welcomes guests for its savage-chic fine dining experience with a smart-casual dress code.
Fresh in the Garden at Soneva Fushi
Encompassed by a banana plantation, the elevated Fresh in the Garden restaurant at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives is an edible landscape and sustainable infrastructure complementing an extensive organic mandala vegetable garden, a mushroom hut and laboratory. The resort’s own herb and vegetable garden supplies amazing ingredients for the fresh kitchen all year round. Guests can reach the restaurant located on the northwestern part of the island by a short bicycle or buggy ride from their accommodation and cross a swinging bridge. The central open kitchen of the restaurant without walls provide front-row seats to catch the action, whether it is under cover or beneath the starry night sky, the aromas of the herbs waft up from below with sublime panoramas stretching beyond.
Manta Ray Tree House at Joali
Inspired by the enormous Manta Rays found in the shallow, balmy waters across the Maldives’, the Manta Ray Tree House at Joali features a wingspan of 15 meters and is perched 5 meters high amongst the treetop. Like a dark shadow passing among the lush palm trees, the tell-tale dark outline forms the appearance of a colossal manta gliding in the sky when viewed from the distant.
The architectural design of the Manta Ray Tree House is heavily influenced by traditional Maldivian craftsmanship incorporating timber floors, traditional thatched roofs and sustainable materials. Guests access the tree house via its 50-meter tail, the suspended walkway leads into the body of the manta ray. With a seating capacity for 10 guests, dining at the Manta Ray Tree House is an otherworldly experience while the red fireball dips below the horizon, as the blue waters transform its colors, blending with the hues of the sky.
Skyhouse with Bubble at Amilla Fushi
It doesn’t get much more scenic than a Skyhouse suspended 12 meters up between a canopy of lush palms and the vast Maldivian skies. The serene treetop boasts its own private transparent Bubble, encircled by swaying palms. Decked out with custom-fitted wooden floors, a bespoke circular sun-bed, Bang & Olufsen sound-system and a telescope for stargazing in style.
There’s also serene living spaces; a private infinity pool cantilevered out among the treetops; and a spacious bathroom; one- or two-bedroom configurations, providing an ideal treetop hideaway for families and couples alike.
Ocean Tree House Villa at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa
Tucked away deep within the tropical foliage and perched high on stilts, the Ocean View Tree House Villas at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa offers the utmost privacy and romance, making it perfect for honeymooners or those who are looking for ultra-luxury. With expanse views of the Indian Ocean to awake to, these secluded hideaways come with their own infinity pool, separate living room and a exquisite bathroom with indoor and outdoor rain shower and dual-vanities. There’s also an oval bath tub positioned to take in the stunning scenery as the panoramic views unfold like a living canvas of the gentle rolling ocean.
Terra at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi
Perched above the horizon, Terra presents a picturesque treetop dining experience in private pods crafted from natural bamboo. Terra, as its name implies, means “to Earth or Land” in Latin. The tree-house is a series of platforms/nests/cocoons/dining-pods that are hidden within the dense bamboo forest and are strategically layered to optimize keyhole views for the guests. The signature venue has been sectioned into a series of platforms with vast island views, cat-walk entrance and semi-private dining cocoons. Chefs transform the finest ingredients to perfection in a curated tasting creation that are an act of alchemy.
Stepping-stones onto a reflection pond and a feature staircase lead the way up to the first platform where the resort guests are escorted to their private dining pod. A canopy of greenery crowns the central structure housing the toilet and dispense bar. One of the key aspects of this destination dining is the use of natural materials, not only was the bamboo used as a decorative skin but rather as an architectural and structural one, avoiding exposing any man-made elements.
Kaashi at JW Marriot Maldives Resort and Spa
Rustic and located in a quirky tree house with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, Kaashi is an unmissable venue situated on the southern tip of JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa. This Thai restaurant and rum bar is headed-up by Chef Daniel from Kiin Kiin in Copenhagen – the only Thai restaurant outside of Thailand to have a Michelin Star. Chef Daniel’s creations are made from scratch and are prepared to wow the resorts’ guests with dishes such as the restaurant’s must-try signature dish, oysters on ice with nahm jim and shallots. The restaurant is open every day from 11.00 am to 11:30 pm.
Zero Restaurant at Sun Island Resort
For those seeking the ultimate in healthy lifestyle and for environmental enthusiasts. With dining options on the ground for 20 guests to an exclusive gastronomic experience, only reachable by a hanging bridge on the treetop. The restaurant specializes in low calorie cooking with organic food and the culinary team helps its guests to pick their ingredients of choice from a variety of greens grown right at the restaurant’s garden. From several types of lettuce, herbs and fruits, and as Maldives is 99% sea, ZERO offers dishes cooked up with fresh seafood.
Now that you have seen a couple of retreats up in some of the most incredible tree houses scattered across the Maldives, it’s time to grab your significant other and escape to one of these romantic getaways. Make a trip out of it, because you anyway have Maldives on your bucket.
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