Location: High in the trees of Swedish Lapland's Boreal forest, about an hour's drive from the nearest airport, Lulea.
Why to go: For a magical experience, truly like no other.
What's the story: The Tree Hotel offers a completely unique experience of luxury and contemporary design. Each of the five 'floating rooms' are suspended high in the trees offering truly stunning views of the Lulea valley and surrounding forests; watch out for moose and reindeer trekking through the forest camp. Designed by world renowned architects, the five rooms (a few more are on the way) each have intriguing names such as 'UFO', 'Bird Nest' and 'Blue Cone' (which ironically, is red!) - a Tree Top Conference Centre is also due to open in autumn 2012.
The rooms: EL online was delighted to stay in the Mirror Cube room, designed by Swedish architects Tham and Videgård, which is camouflaged by its mirror walls and reflective surfaces (it is protected with an infrared shield only visible to birds). The rope bridge up to the room is an adventure in itself, so bring a rucksack rather than a trolley dolly - this is adventure luxury. The room inside is boxed with birch plywood equipped with double bed, bathroom and stylish Scandinavian furniture. There is a loft-style ladder inside which leads up to the roof terrace for even more spectacular views.
Eating and drinking: The Tree Hotel may offer the latest in contemporary design, but being in the remote countryside means there isn't anywhere to cook. The option is Britta's Pensionat hostel, where guests first check-in before their forest adventure. Britta's couldn't be more opposite in experience. A cosy mix of 1950's nostalgia and home cooked delights, we loved the moose meatballs and lingonberry jam. Warm and friendly, this is the perfect accompaniment to the hotel and EL online was made to feel like family.
Out and about: The sauna situated in the trees is the perfect way to detox or warm up, depending on the time of year you visit. Alternatively, nearby Storklinten offers a ski and snowmobiling adventure centre. Take a tour through the forests by snowmobile to meet the native Sami people who will talk you through their way of life with the reindeer and show you some of their ancient crafts and invite you to lunch in their tepee. In the summer kayaking and salmon fishing on the Lulea River is a must.
What's the crowd: This place couldn't be further from crowded. Your lucky to spot another person, which makes the experience even more special.
When to go: EL online experienced The Tree Hotel in snowy midwinter with temperatures at minus 40 (which was extreme even for the Swedes, a mild minus 15 is more average for February), so layers of winter clothes and ski attire is a must. This time of year offers the best chance to see the magical Northern Lights, and being perched in the treetops, you're in a prime spot if they decide to dance their merry dance. Summer on the other hand will bring you 28 degrees, and if you go in the month of June the sun is unlikely to set at all. Either season, nothing can prepare you for waking up in the most tranquil, beautiful and magical setting that is the Tree Hotel.
Prices at The Tree Hotel start at approximately £300 per night. Flights to Lulea take approx 4.5 hours from London Heathrow. Fly SAS prices starting at £199 return. For the Storklinten Sami Camp, trip prices are £125 per person for a three-hour tour including reindeer sleigh ride and hot lunch. Simply Sweden can arrange a tailor made packagefor you. Visit simplysweden.co.uk or call 0845 8900 300.
