What Would You Dream, Sleeping in a Tree? Utila's Only Treehouse!
- Minimum stay:4-7 nights
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:No
Utila's only Treehouse was hand-crafted by Norwegian carpenter and artist John Arne Løken, to fulfill his dream of a harmonious and resplendent home in the vibrant nature of the tropical Bay Islands. There is no other place like it, on the island, in the world. Romantic, unique, and naturally beautiful.
The house boasts two floors aloft in a giant fig tree. First floor studio contains a full kitchen (oven, fridge, blender, coffee maker, pots, pans, all necessary dishes and silverware, etc.) and dining/living area plus queen bed surrounded by windows facing the eastern shore and sunrise.
The second floor is a full queen bedroom with skylight and stunning views through the glass-paned, easterly facing wall. Both floors have air-conditioners and fans, as well as custom-crafted louvered windows to catch the rich tropical breezes that only a house high in a tree can arrange.
There are three decks, meticulously designed around the fig tree to provide varying degrees of cool, leafy shade, each with its own generous view of rich green vegetation, perfectly set off by blue ocean and sky. From the top deck you can almost touch the whirling gulls, or Milky Way, depending on the time of day. Requisite hammocks provided, of course.
Complete bathroom with hot-water shower is located on the ground level, as well as a refreshing, private outdoor bucket shower on the first elevated deck.
The treehouse is the best of both worlds: extremely private (nestled in the nature of Stuart's Hill, hidden from view and away from the noise and bustle of town) and yet just a few minutes' walk to the commercial center. Two bicycles are provided for guests.
The house is situated on the side of Stuart's Hill, and a two-minute walk to the top rewards with its 360-degree view of the island. Surrounding the treehouse is an orchard of plantains, bananas, papayas, chiles picantes, starfruit, limes, guavas and nonis, all of which are there for our guests. Just outside of the property lies Utila's Iguana Station, a research center and tourist attraction where you can learn about Utila's endangered endemic iguanas along with myriad other creatures who also call the island home.
Laundry service and maid service are available.
All guests at The Treehouse receive a discount at www.floatutila.com
Ask about our special honeymoon packages!
Property Type
- 2 story
- House
- 450 sq. ft.
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Onsite Services
- Massage
- Private Chef
Suitability
- Pets Not Allowed
- Non Smoking Only
- Long-Term Renters Welcome
Bedrooms
- 1 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4, Beds for 4
- Bedroom 1
- 1 queen
- Top floor bedroom with skylight and ocean views.
- Bedroom 2
- 1 queen
- Corner bed area in large kitchen/living/studio floor.
Bathrooms
- 1.0 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 2
- outdoor shower
- Refreshing, private outdoor shower on first deck level.
- Bathroom 1
- toilet, shower
- Full bathroom with hot water shower on ground floor
Kitchen & Dining
- Dining
- Dishes & Utensils
- Coffee Maker
- Kitchen
- Refrigerator
- Stove
Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Linens Provided
- Towels Provided
Entertainment
- Games
Communications
- Telephone
Outdoor Features
- Lawn / Garden
- Balcony
- Bicycles
- Deck / Patio
Theme
- Adventure
- Spa
- Romantic
- Away From It All
Location & View
- Car Not Necessary
- Water View
Activities
- Botanical Garden
- ATM/Bank
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Snorkeling
- Sound/Bay Fishing
- Spelunking
- Kayaking
- Fitness Center
- Swimming
- Wind-Surfing
- Sailing
- Cycling
- Fishing
- Pier Fishing
- Hiking
- Scuba Diving Or Snorkeling
- Deepsea Fishing
- Groceries
- Massage Therapist
- Cinemas
- Restaurants
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Eco Tourism
- Walking
- Horseback Riding
- Medical Services
- Beachcombing
- Boating
- Shelling
- Scenic Drives
- Sight Seeing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Whale Watching
- Bird Watching
- Fly Fishing
Other Activities
Reviews
Write a review-
THE MOST AMAZING PLACE I'VE EVER STAYED!!
THE MOST AMAZING PLACE I'VE EVER STAYED!!
- Guest Gypsy
- Date of stay 03/30/13
- Review Submitted 04/09/13
It is worth coming to Utila just to have the pleasure of staying in this adorable treehouse! It is so beautiful and relaxing up there that I had a hard time leaving! John's carpentry skills are outstanding. The interior is well done, cosy and extremely comfortable. In fact the bed is so comfortable that I slept for almost 12 hours the first night! The kitchen is well equipped, internet and phone are available. You have a wide choice of lighting options and I particularly enjoyed the fairy lights spiraling around the tree at night, which give it quite a magical feel and allow you to climb up to the top deck to view the vast array of stars. The decks are spacious, have hammocks and provide fantastic views of the island, as well as being perfect for viewing the sunrise. There is even an outdoor shower on one of the decks! The location is extremely peaceful and private, surrounded by banana and papaya trees, from which you are encouraged to help yourself. It tends to stay cool up in the tree throughout the day and the tree house has numerous windows which allow the breeze to enter. Only a few minutes walk away is Stuart's hill which provides panoramic views of the Island and is a great place to watch the sunset. John and Amanda are amazing hosts. They are very friendly and will do everything they can to meet your every need. Floating at their float tank is also an experience not to be missed. Highly recommended all around.Recommended for: Tourists without a car, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.
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Unique experience
Unique experience
- Guest Janeth
- Date of stay 12/30/12
- Review Submitted 03/23/13
We had a great time, the house is just an amazing idea, walking around, having a glass of wine watching the sunset, and feeling like the tree is embracing you... it was perfect and of course the owners. If you are looking for an unique experience... Utila`s tree house is the place.Recommended for: Tourists without a car, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.
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This tree house is dreamy
This tree house is dreamy
- Guest Meredith
- Date of stay 02/24/13
- Review Submitted 03/18/13
The tree house is one of the most magical places I have ever had the honor to visit. It is quietly nestled amongst banana and papaya trees away from main street of Utila and felt like my own sweet hideaway. The first morning I woke up in the tree house and from my window, still in bed, I was overwhelmed by the lush landscape where I watched humming birds, iguanas, and butterflies go about their morning routine. The tree house is meticulously cared for by Amanda and John who are both so kind, thoughtful, and considerate to their guests. They provide two bicycles to use during my stay which was almost as fun as using the swing that hangs from a lower branch of the fig tree. One of my favorite things about my time here was the top deck hammock from which has incredible views of the jungle landscape and the ocean on the horizon...also it is a hammock and therefore superior to all other forms of furniture. After using the outdoor shower on the second level deck my friend asked me how it was and I said, "That was beyond a shower, it was an experience." Which can be said of my entire stay at the tree house, it was beyond a place to stay on vacation, it was a beautiful experience.Recommended for: Tourists without a car, girls getaway, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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One of a Kind Experience
One of a Kind Experience
- Guest Jen
- Date of stay 02/18/13
- Review Submitted 03/03/13
We were two young couples coming from Canada to Honduras for the first time, and we all fell in love with the treehouse. It's even more beautiful in person than in the pictures, and Amanda & John were amazing hosts. Everything you could possibly need is provided, including a prepaid cellphone, internet, bath and beach towels, dishes and cooking ware, bananas, air conditioning, hot water... the list goes on. We fit 4 comfortably, and enjoyed the gorgeous walk to the stores, restaurants and bars everyday. The views were breathtaking, and we were never bored, especially since Amanda helped us organize multiple great day activities. We also felt very safe in the treehouse, and enjoyed cooking ourselves meals in the full kitchen. Waking up to treetops every morning was a wonderful experience, and we hope to go back sometime soon.Recommended for: Tourists without a car, girls getaway, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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It's awesome vacationing in a tree...
It's awesome vacationing in a tree...
- Guest Liz M.
- Date of stay 02/14/13
- Review Submitted 02/24/13
Wow! This place is incredible. The craftsmanship in this beautiful treehouse is truly one of a kind. John and Amanda must have put so much time and energy into making this place feel like home. It comes with all the modern conveniences e.g. Hot water, air conditioning, comfortable bedding, coffee maker, fridge, etc. The property itself is beautiful, well manicured and a $3 cab from bars and restaurants. We thoroughly enjoyed the views from every level of this four story home, all offering something different, from the ocean views from the top deck to the plantains and lush landscaping on the bottom. I personally own a property management/ vacation rental company and I certainly learned a thing or two from them. They are the most gracious hosts I have ever encountered in all my travels. I would also like to recommend Float Utila. I had never heard of a sensory deprivation float and since being home have already booked one here in San Diego. Cheers to you John and Amanda for creating such a unique, memorable experience. We hope to visit again someday soon.Recommended for: Tourists without a car, age 55+, sightseeing, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.
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Idyllic in every way
Idyllic in every way
- Guest Worthydocs
- Date of stay 01/12/13
- Review Submitted 01/22/13
Don't think that sleeping in a tree = roughing it. John & Amanda have thought of everything, and we felt completely at home. We made great use of the bikes, enjoyed delicious coffee and lazy mornings in the hammocks, and we even entertained guests for a modest dinner party. The treehouse is surrounded by banana / plantain trees and the nearest neighbors are livestock grazing in the pasture below. There's a lovely ocean view from the treehouse and an even more stunning 360 view from the top of the hill just a short walk away. Convenient to town but completely apart. Idyllic in every way. We also recommend taking advantage of the opportunity to float!!!! Can't wait to return...Recommended for: Tourists without a car, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.
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Unique and memorable
Unique and memorable
- Guest pierreuw
- Date of stay 03/15/12
- Review Submitted 12/28/12
The place is incredible. The tree house is the nicest one I have ever visited. All the conveniences were there and working. The land hosting it is amazing as well, you can walk to the top of the hill with your cafe mug the morning and enjoy a 360 deg view of the island waking up. I would definitely recommend it to my friends.Recommended for: Tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
Rates
| Dates | Nightly | Wknd Night | Weekend | Weekly | Monthly * | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rate 4 night min stay |
$95 | $553 | $1848 | |||
| Semana Santa Mar 22 - Mar 31 7 night min stay |
$1050 | |||||
Additional information about rental rates
Deposit required to hold reservation
US $500 Security Required
Cancellation & Refund: 30 days written notice, $150 cancellation fee.
Additional Fees and Taxes:
For over two guests, each additional person is $15 extra per night. Maximum four guests.
Before paying contact the owner to confirm payment details.
Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.
Location
- Nearest Airport: Utila Airport at 1.5 Miles
- Nearest Ferry: Utila Princess at 0.5 Miles
- Nearest Beach: Chepes Beach at 0.5 Miles
Owner info
Year Purchased: 1997
About the owner: John Arne first came to Utila in 1997 while on a backpacking trip from Guatemala to Panama. One day, while on a walk, he came across Stuart's Hill and fell in love. He sought out the local owner, begged to buy the property, and never made it to neighboring Nicaragua, let alone Panama. In 2001 John Arne left Norway for good and has called Utila home ever since. He soon begun the process of creating the treehouse, his dream home on the rock, a loving vision. In 2006, a vacationing public radio producer from the USA named Amanda met a handsome Norwegian on his way out of his island house to buy paint thinner. A few months later she would sell all her belongings, quit her job, and move to Utila with nine boxes of books, a suitcase of clothes, and her faithful dog, Ella. There they would make a family, renovate a big yellow house, build the world's largest sensory deprivation room (Float Utila) and rent out a magical treehouse. Didn't see that coming. Now John Arne and his young family reside in said yellow house, but the treehouse will forever be a creation near and dear to him, something to share with those who are seeking an extraordinary experience.
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Photos
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House in a fig tree
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Top floor bedroom
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Studio bedroom floor with dining area and kitchen.
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View from the kitchen window
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Ahhh!
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Bedroom/kitchen area
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Refreshing outdoor bucket shower! (Hot water shower located in bathroom.)
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The beautiful fig tree
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This listing was first published here in 2012.
Date last modified - Tuesday, May 07, 2013
