Five places to sleep in the trees

Enjoy a bird's eye view from these luxurious woodland retreats.

Vindoux, South Africa

Set on a family-run farm in the Western Cape, Vindoux's treehouses and cottages offer idyllic views of orchards, vineyards and the Saronsberg Mountains. The stilted houses feature rustic-chic furnishings – four-posters, fine linen and picture windows, as well as spa baths and balconies. A treetop restaurant serves grilled meats and salads, and there's a bush-top pub. After exploring neighbouring wineries or hiking trails, guests can relax in the pool or spa.

Vindoux Farm, Twee Jonge Gezellen Road, Tulbagh, Western Cape, South Africa (00 27 23 2300 635; vindoux. com). Treehouses from R750 (£53), including breakfast

Orion, France

In a forested valley overlooking the medieval village of St-Paul-de-Vence, each of these four chic, cedar-wood lodges is named after a Jungle Book character. Veiled by pines and oaks, they come with balconies and grown-up interiors: wooden bathtubs, snowy linen, tactile textiles and broadband. Outside there's a naturally purified pool, boules and a trampoline; the Côte d'Azur is a short drive away.

Orion, Impasse des Peupliers, Chemin du Malvan, St-Paul-de-Vence, Provence, France (orionbb.com). Treehouses from €700 for four nights, including breakfast. Open 20 March-21 December

The Canopy, Australia

Set on a riverbank in the rainforest of the Cairns Highlands, these houses come with a balcony, barbecue and hammock, so you can spy on the neighbours: tree kangaroos, possums and king parrots. Houses sleep between two and six, and have spa baths.

Canopy Treehouses, Hogan Road, Tarzali, Queensland, Australia (00 61 7 4096 5364; canopytreehouses.com.au). Treehouse from A$260 (£122), self-catered

Tree House Lodge, Costa Rica

This lodge is in a wildlife refuge on Costa Rica's southern-Caribbean coast, and comprises beach house, beach suite and tree house. The last is built around a 100-year-old sangrillo tree. Walkways twist between the foliage, where monkeys, sloths and racoons are often visible.

Tree House Lodge, Punta Uva, Limón, Costa Rica (00 506 2750 0706; costaricatreehouse.com). Treehouse from $300 (£214), room only

Kinlochlaich Treehouse, Scotland

Built around an oak tree, this octagonal cottage is more Hobbit than Ewok. It overlooks the Appin Hills, with a deck for summer days. Double bedroom, sitting room and bathroom radiate from the trunk, and a spiral staircase leads to a gallery where extra beds can be set up for children. The treehouse is in the grounds of the 18th-century Kinlochlaich House, with woodland walks, fruit and vegetable gardens and tennis courts.

Kinlochlaich House, Appin, Argyll, Scotland (01631 730342; treehousescotland.co.uk). Treehouse from £400 per week, self-catered