A Treetop Retreat in Guilleries Massif

When it comes to planning a holiday, it’s not often that the accommodation precedes the destination. The Cabanes als arbres however, is one exception to this rule. Perched high in the treetops of the Guilleries Massif, a mountain range in the north of Catalunya, the cabanes are a series of Eco tree houses nestled in the branches of the region’s leafy forest. Their idyllic location and treetop design make these tree houses the ultimate getaway, guaranteed to bring out just about anyone’s inner child. And at just an hour and a half outside the city, they really do make for the ultimate escape. 

Accessed by clambering across a wooden suspension bridge or scaling a ladder, each of the tree houses available to rent is designed to fit seamlessly into its surroundings. Holidaymakers can choose from 10 tree houses, all named after local Catalan birds and built entirely from natural, untreated wood. Inside, cozy double beds and scattered cushions make for a welcoming space, while Douglas fir-clad walls infuse the cabins with the smell of pine. Each tree house also has its own outdoor terrace complete with deckchairs, where guests can soak up the sounds of the wild. 

In keeping with its natural surroundings, Cabanes als arbres is committed to being as Eco-friendly as possible. Aside from the untreated wood used in construction, the tree houses rely on candlelight instead of electricity, and jugs of water take the place of traditional running water. Even the site’s swimming pool sticks to this commitment, cleaned by ultraviolet lamps as opposed to unnatural chemical products. 

While it may be a struggle to drag yourself away from the peace and quiet of your treetop refuge, there’s plenty to do in the county of La Selva too. Those looking for more adventure can opt to climb even higher into the canopies at La Selva de l’Aventura, a treetop park featuring rope ladders, aerial walkways, zip lines and more. The area also benefits from a series of walking and mountain biking routes traversing the local countryside. For a more leisurely excursion, the capital of La Selva, Santa Coloma de Farners, is home to an abundance of natural springs. The area’s oldest balneari (spa), at Hotel Balneari Termes Orion, is an elegant affair, steeped in history—the spa’s healing waters were even used to treat soldiers during the Peninsular War against Napoleon’s empire.

The tree houses at Cabanes als arbres book up months in advance, so if you're thinking about planning a trip to stay in this beautiful corner of Catalunya, make sure to plan early.

More information at cabanesalsarbres.com.

Published June 5, 2017, updated September 23, 2023.