world’s most spectacular treehouses

Treetop living is not just for children. These architect designed, nest like dwellings now found in forests across the world have become the ultimate sky high retreats from urban life. The allure is ancient. In his encyclopaedia Natural History (c. AD 77), Pliny the Elder recounts a tree so worthy to be deemed a marvel that the Roman statesman Licinius Mucianus once held a banquet in its branches. He even slept there, Pliny writes, receiving more delight from the agreeable sound of rain dropping through the foliage than gleaming marble, painted decorations or gilded panelling could have afforded. Since then, life among the leaves has repeatedly captured the imagination. Johann David Wyss’s The Swiss Family Robinson (1812) famously saw its shipwrecked family build a tree house on a desert island, while the Guingettes de Robinson arboreal dining experiences inspired by the novel emerged in 1848, drawing styl econscious Parisians up into thatched cabins high in the Trees.

1. Tree Tent by Tree Tents International Dalarna, Sweden (2016)
That tree tent at Tsetse Marcuse sounds absolutely magical! It’s fascinating how it blends into the natural environment, making it more of a "floating" experience rather than a traditional tree house. The choice of an aluminium and plywood frame wrapped in waterproof canvas gives it a modern yet organic aesthetic, allowing it to coexist with the trees without overpowering them. I love the idea behind it that it’s a customization space, letting people shape their own connection with nature, while being suspended amidst the trees for that immersive experience. Will em Terseness's quote really captures the essence of what makes being in nature feel transformation. It’s almost like you enter a different world when you're surrounded by trees, and the small shift of perspective can make everything feel fresher, quieter, and more alive. Being among trees is a reminder of the peace that nature brings, and that time slowing down feeling is something I think a lot of us yearn for in our modern, fast paced world.

2. Loma Mar Tree House by Jay Nelson Studio California, USA (2020)

Jay Nelson’s redwood tree house sounds like the purest expression of that idea handcrafted furniture, portholes, a periscope all the details of a child’s imagination made real. It’s telling that it quickly became the envy of adults. What begins as a children’s refuge so often turns into a shared space where grown-ups rediscover play, wonder, and a slower rhythm of life. The addition of a second room for the parents feels almost inevitable a quiet admission that the freedom children feel up there is something adults miss. The observation about “provisional independence” is especially insightful. Tree houses offer children a first taste of autonomy close enough to safety, yet removed from the ground rules of everyday life. That’s why they fit so naturally with the Scout movement they encourage self-reliance, imagination, and a respectful relationship with nature. And for adults, as the book suggests, a tree house becomes an echo of formative freedom. It’s a return to a time when space felt limitless, time felt elastic, and adventure was just a ladder climb away. Whether it’s a rope hammock swaying high above the forest floor or a simple wooden platform between branches, tree houses reconnect us with that original sense of possibility the feeling that the world is bigger, kinder, and full of quiet places where we can simply be.

3. Bjarke Ingels Group, BIG Harads, Sweden (2022)

The Biosphere at Tree hotel is striking not just because it appears to float in the forest canopy, but because it deliberately blurs the boundary between human shelter and wildlife habitat. By embedding 350 birdhouses into its glassy facade, the structure becomes part architecture, part ecosystem a living response to habitat loss rather than a passive observation of nature. The involvement of an ornithologist underscores that this isn’t symbolic green design, but something carefully considered and functional. What’s especially compelling is the contrast: while birds, bats and bees are actively invited in, human guests are hardly roughing it. A sauna and walk able rooftop ensure that comfort and playfulness remain central, reinforcing the idea that sustainability doesn’t require austerity. Instead, it suggests a future where design can be generous to people and to wildlife.

4. Tree house at Bambu Indah by Ibuku Bali, Indonesia (2021) 

In the rain forest of Bali's U bud District, surrounded by rice paddies, is a tree house shaped like a cluster of toadstools. The open air structure, including its walls and floors, is woven almost entirely from bamboo, the planet's fastest growing plant. Skewered by the banyan trees in which it is held, the basket like structure merges almost seamlessly into the jungle. The sharp angles of modern architecture have vanished, replaced by nature's gentle curves. The floors curl upward into sweeping walls, while the roof floats above the canopy, writes Seebeck, who describes it as a nest like space with no defined edges.

5. Tree house at Bambu Indah by Ibuku Bali, Indonesia (2021)

Hidden in the rain forest of Bali’s U bud District and encircled by emerald rice paddies, a tree house rises in the form of a cluster of toadstools. The open air structure its walls and floors woven almost entirely from bamboo, the fastest growing plant on Earth appears less built than grown. Skewered through the banyan trees that support it, the basket like form dissolves into the surrounding jungle. The sharp angles of modern architecture give way to nature’s soft curves. The floors curl upward into sweeping walls, while the roof floats above the canopy, writes Seebeck, describing the space as nest like, with no defined edges.

6. Woodnest by Helen & Hard Odda, Norway (2020 to 2023)

For some designers and daydreamers, the tree house is all about romance. Kjartan Arno wanted to propose to his girlfriend Sally, and resolved to build a tree house in which to do so. The simple 10 m high structure, accessed by a hair raising climb through its branches, became a vessel of happy memories, leading the couple to team up with architects Helen & Hard to create a more ambitious retreat: Wood nest. Hugging the narrow trunk of a pine tree so that it appears to stand on one leg and accessible this time by a bridge Wood nest sleeps four, and features a bath with breathtaking views of the Hard anger fjord.

7. The Trillium by Awakening Experiencias Yucatán, Mexico (2024)

Treetop living, however, need not forgo the occasional indulgence. The Trillium, for instance, comes complete with its own pool and Jacuzzi. Inspired by the three petaled flower from which it takes both name and form a traditional symbol of nature’s harmony the structure embodies balance as much as beauty. As Seebeck observes, it appears to have grown naturally from the landscape rather than being constructed. Handcrafted using traditional techniques, the Trillium incorporates local materials such as volcanic stone and chukum, a natural plaster made from Maya tree resin. Nature does not necessarily mean it’s untouched by humanity, says Awakening co founder Martin Woefuller in a video introducing the concept. It can be complemented by humanity, and we can integrate with nature in the best way possible.

 

Catherine Elizabeth Middleton

Name and Titles.

Birth Name: Catherine Elizabeth Middleton 

Preferred First Name: Catherine 

Current Official Title: Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales 

Surname for official/legal documents if needed: Mountbatten Windsor.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, born Catherine Middleton (Jan 9, 1982), is a beloved member of the British Royal Family, known for her focus on early childhood development, warm repeatability, and style, rising from a middle class background to marry Prince William in 2011, becoming Princess of Wales in 2022, and recently making a resilient public comeback after a cancer diagnosis in early 2024, following abdominal surgery.

Kate Middleton’s office shared a meaningful message about love and harmony just hours after Meghan Marple posted a light heated update of her own. The Prince and Princess of Wales’ official Instagram account released a short clip accompanied by a reflective message, stating Love at this time of year means you take a profound interest in other people. Highlighting the festive spirit, the future queen drew attention to communities across the UK that have come together for Together at Christmas carol services. The local events, supported by The Royal Foundation, celebrate love in all its forms while recognizing the power of unity and compassion. A statement accompanying the post said Each year, these services spread the Together at Christmas spirit across the UK, honoring local champions and celebrating the bonds, kindness, and love that bring communities together.

Bondi Beach Hero Hailed in Syrian Hometown After Mass Shooting

Ahmed al Ahmed, who risked his life by wresting a gun from an attacker during a deadly mass shooting in Australia, has become a source of pride in his hometown in Syria. His act is a source of pride for us and for Syria, said his uncle Mohammed, a 60 year old farmer, speaking from the town of Al Nayrab. Ahmed, a fruit seller and father of two, emigrated to Australia from Syria in 2007, Mohammed said. On Sunday, the 44 year old intervened during an attack on a gathering marking the start of Hanukkah, confronting the gunman and attempting to stop the violence. Fifteen people were killed in the attack. Ahmed was shot several times in the shoulder during the struggle but survived, later being hailed as a hero for his actions.

I suspected that it was my nephew, so I called his father, and he confirmed to me that Ahmed was the one who took the weapon, Mohammed said. Footage of the attack showed Ahmed ducking between parked cars as gunfire erupted before confronting one of the assailants and wrestling the gun from his hands. This incident caused a global sensation, Mohammed said. He is from Syria, and he is a Muslim, and he had no motivation for doing this other than heroism and bravery. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told national broadcaster ABC that the attack appeared to be motivated by Islamic State ideology. During a visit to Ahmed in hospital, Albanese praised his actions, saying his bravery is an inspiration for all Australians. An online fundraiser has since raised more than A 1.9 million (1.2 million) to help cover Ahmed’s medical expenses.

Brave

                 According to Mohammed, Ahmed left Al Nayrab for Australia in 2007, initially working in construction before opening a fruit and vegetable shop in Sydney. His parents travelled to Australia more than two months ago and were still there at the time of the attack. Back in Al Nayrab, a town that endured heavy bombardment during Syria’s war, Ahmed’s grandmother prayed for him in her modest home. May God be pleased with him and grant him success, she said. Al Nayrab lies in Idlib province, much of which fell out of the control of ruler Bashar al Assad early in the conflict. As residents now rebuild their homes following Assad’s ouster in 2024, Ahmed’s name was on everyone’s lips. His own home, however, stands abandoned, with no doors or windows and a roof still scarred by bombing.

 

Christmas tree made from fishing creels in Scotland

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Each winter, volunteers spend two days stacking the creels around a central wooden frame, creating a tapering tower that resembles a traditional Christmas tree. Once in place, the structure is wrapped in strings of multi coloured lights and topped with a glowing crab shaped decoration a playful nod to the village’s fishing heritage. The annual switch on has become a cherished community event. Locals gather on the harbourfront as the Stornoway ferry sounds its horn, signalling the moment the tree bursts into colour against the dark Highland sky. For many in Ullapool, the creel tree is more than a festive ornament it is a symbol of community spirit, maritime tradition and the creativity of a village proud of its roots.

What is it and where 

• The tree is located in the small coastal village Ullapool, in the Scottish Highlands. 
• Instead of a typical spruce or fir, the tree is built from around 340 fishing creels traditional loaf shaped pots used for catching shellfish like crabs and langoustines.

How the tradition began & how it’s built 

• The idea came about about ten years ago when locals were looking for ways to brighten up the dark nights of winter. The suggestion was to celebrate the village’s fishing heritage by using fishing creels instead of a conventional tree.
• Initially they borrowed old creels but later, with lottery funding, volunteers were able to purchase their own set of creels for the tree.
• Building the tree takes about two full days, with volunteers doing the stacking and harbor staff providing heavy lifting equipment. The creels are arranged around a central timber frame, anchored on a disc shaped base, with weights to keep the structure stable especially important given the windy coastal conditions. 
• Once constructed, they drape the entire assembly in festive, multi colored lights. On top sits a star but instead of a star, it’s a lit outline of a crab, a nod to the village’s shell fishing heritage.

It takes two full days to build with help from volunteers and the harbor provides us with lots of the equipment, said Gordon. The tree is constructed on a disc shaped base, with a timber frame running up through the center and heavy weights to keep everything secure vital in the often blustery Highland weather. We had a storm last week which caused a wee bit of damage, Gordon added. Once the frame is in place, the creels are stacked carefully around it before the entire structure is wrapped in multi colored Christmas lights. The final flourish is the star a glowing outline of a crab picked out in white lights, paying tribute to the village’s shell fishing traditions.

 

Diamond facials Dior and lipstick pendants

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Summary of the Passage Luxury brands are increasingly merging jewelry and beauty into single hybrid creations. Dior’s standout example At Chateau DE La Cole No ire, a Dior model wore a spectacular pendant designed by Victorville DE Castellated. Though it looked like a gem studded jewel, it opened with a click to reveal a hidden lipstick compartment a collaboration with Dior’s makeup creative director Peter Philips. Dior framed it as embodying the “obvious connections between jewelry and beauty.” Other brands experimenting: American jeweler Suzanne Kazan partnered with skincare brand Nature Bissau to create a luxury facial treatment using her rose cut diamonds, placed on facial Chandra points to promote relaxation. Priced at 600 to 796, it debuted exclusively at The Dorchester in London, with plans to expand. Overall, the passage highlights a rising luxury trend beauty products elevated through haste jewelry craftsmanship, creating novel, ultra premium experiences and objects.