When it comes to unique lodging options, sometimes a person just feels the need to get away from it all. The crowds, the constant motion, the blur of daily life... and even the ground. Right?
In the absolute most literal sense, what we mean by this is a treehouse getaway. High in the sky, away from the chaos of the ground below. Not everyone immediately realizes this is an option but indeed it is - and some of the most unique rentals can be found on Vancouver Island. These spherical shapes are so intricately unusual that they've been hailed as one of the most unique accommodations in the world, and this is why they're worth spending the night in.
One With Nature
These spherical treehouses are known as the Free Spirit Spheres, and, currently, there are three available for rent. These aren't just any typical treehouse rental, though - each one is diverse and entirely its own 'house,' featuring spherical details that set it apart from anything else in the world.
To start, these free-floating spheres have been designed to appear as though they're actually part of the woodland nature surrounding them. Each one is shaped like a tree nut or seed and is constructed with either cedar or spruce wood. Rather than the design contradicting its surroundings, these spheres fit in perfectly amongst the trees, hardly noticeable unless one was intentionally looking for them. The cables that connect the spheres to the tree canopy above echo that of spiderwebs, adding a surreal and magical effect to what's already an interesting sight to behold.
The creation of each sphere takes a page out of the book of sailboat construction; featuring perfectly curved walls with portholes for windows. Everything within the spheres has been carefully picked out and designed to feature foldable features, even down to the loft beds which are also slightly curved in order to fit each space. Reaching each orb is as simple as climbing the spiral staircase that leads up to its unusually curved front door which, in itself, is a thrilling and strange experience.
Luna
The Luna Sphere is the newest addition to the trio of spherical treehouses found in the woods on Vancouver Island. Measuring only about ten and a half feet in diameter, this sphere still manages to have room for five windows, a settee-style table, and a sitting area on one side. On the other, guests can find a small galley counter, sink, and bench seat. A hydraulic lift system is responsible for lowering the double-sized bed when it's time to sleep, which is otherwise tucked away and out of sight during the daytime.
- Amenities: Filtered water, electric heat, two windows that open, cupboards stocked with dishes, tea & coffee fixings, a speaker system, electric composting toilet.
- Location: Artificial yellow cedar grove with views of the pond, cedar, and maple trees.
- Price/Night: $374CDN/one night, $648CDN/two nights + $324CDN for each additional night.
*The most luxurious option; Luna offers access to a private three-piece bathroom 50 meters outside of the sphere at the central bathhouse.
Melody
The first of the trio was Melody, and this fiberglass sphere holds much more than meets the eye. However, the first thing that most guests notice about it is the pattern on the exterior of the sphere, which features birds in flight, leaving a trail of music notes behind them. The interior of Melody has been constructed with black walnut, with an open-concept living space in mind. Five windows plus a skylight allow plenty of natural light, along with a small sink, cupboards, and a set of dishes. Included in this interior space are benches and two foldable tables, along with a murphy bed that can comfortably fit two people.
- Amenities: Purified water, tea and coffee fixings, electric heat + thermostat, adjustable lighting, private electric composting outhouse, wired for 120V AC (perfect for those seeking a creative workspace), and built-in speakers.
- Location: Above a spiral staircase and across a short bridge in a tree grove.
- Price/Night: $354CDN/one night, $608CDN/two nights + $304CDN for each additional night.
Eryn
The Eryn Sphere is made entirely from spruce wood and has been handcrafted to give it a natural appearance. Similar to Luna, Eryn also features five windows with the addition of a skylight in this 10.5-foot space. Included in the design is a small sink and refrigerator, respectable counter space, a cupboard stocked with dishes, a settee, and a slightly undersized double bed with the addition of a smaller loft sleeping space (165lb weight limit).
- Amenities: Filtered water, fixings for coffee and tea, electric heat + thermostat, and a sound system.
- Location: At the end of an elevated walkway in a tree grove, then up a spiral staircase.
- Price/Night: $334CDN/one night, $568CDN/two nights + $284CDN for each additional night.