Orion Treehouses

Orion Treehouses: A Serene Escape in the Heart of the French Riviera

Orion Treehouses, a Michelin Key Selected property nestled in the tranquil valley of Saint-Paul de Vence, offers a unique and enchanting escape that consistently garners high praise from guests seeking a blend of nature, luxury, and tranquility. It is lauded as an "arboreal B&B eco-escape" and a "magical accommodation" that provides a refreshing alternative to conventional hotels.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Orion Treehouses is overwhelmingly positive, with guests describing it as a "hidden paradise" and an "unforgettable experience." It is celebrated for its distinctive concept, peaceful ambiance, and commitment to eco-friendly practices, creating a "wellness bubble" in a lush garden setting.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently adore the unique treehouse concept itself, offering a childhood dream brought to life with luxurious comforts. The ecological swimming pool, filtered naturally by plants and stones, is a major draw, providing a refreshing and serene spot amidst dragonflies. The tranquil, biodiverse garden, coupled with the sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves, creates an ideal environment for relaxation. Its eco-friendly initiatives, such as chemical-free cleaning and a vegetarian/vegan breakfast, are also highly appreciated. The proximity to the medieval village of Saint-Paul de Vence, offering cultural exploration, is another key highlight. Amenities like a barrel sauna and available yoga and massage sessions further enhance the experience.

3. Room Quality

The four individually crafted treehouses, named after "Jungle Book" characters (Bagheera, Shere Khan, King Louie & Mowgli, and Colonel Hathi), are solid structures made of red cedar, blending seamlessly with nature. Guests climb to their accommodations via outer wooden staircases. Inside, the rooms are light-filled and lined with natural wood, offering a "homely" yet luxurious feel. They feature huge double beds with plump pillows and French linen, private bathrooms with showers (one with a lavish teak tub), and large terraces that provide garden views and often stunning panoramas of Saint-Paul de Vence and its ramparts. Some also boast romantic four-poster beds draped with mosquito nets. Each treehouse is equipped with a "glamping" kitchen, including a refrigerator, electric kettle, and kitchenware, allowing guests a degree of autonomy. While comfortable, some guests note that there isn't much space for large suitcases, so packing carefully is advised.

4. Dining Experience

Breakfast, which is included in the stay, is a highlight. It features fresh, organic, and vegetarian options, often including watermelon smoothies, fruit salads, a special granola recipe, yogurts, croissants, and coffee. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. This delicious spread is served on a terrace overlooking the natural swimming pool, or individually delivered to treehouses when it rains. While Orion Treehouses does not have a full-service restaurant, the "glamping" kitchens in each treehouse allow guests to prepare their own meals. The owners also provide ingredients for the first breakfast and offer recommendations for excellent local restaurants in Saint-Paul de Vence and nearby areas, such as La Brouette, Le Tilleul, and La Colombe d'Or.

5. Service & Staff

The hospitality at Orion Treehouses receives consistent praise. Owners, Aina (and previously Diane), are frequently described as welcoming, charming, and attentive to their guests' needs. The team is multilingual, speaking French, English, German, and Dutch, which enhances the guest experience. Guests appreciate the personal touch and the dedication of the hosts to ensuring a comfortable and memorable stay.

6. Location & Accessibility

Orion Treehouses is ideally situated in a quiet and natural setting in the valley of Saint-Paul de Vence, offering magnificent views of the medieval village. It's a short walk or hike uphill to the village itself, where guests can explore historic sites, museums (like the Chagall museum), and renowned restaurants. The property is also conveniently located for exploring the French Riviera, being just 15 minutes by car from the Mediterranean coast (with beaches like Cagnes-sur-Mer and Antibes) and 30 minutes from Nice. Nice Côte d'Azur Airport is approximately 6.8 miles away. Public transport is accessible, with connections to Cagnes-sur-Mer. Free private parking is available on-site, though it is limited to one car per cabin.

7. Value & Pricing

Orion Treehouses is considered a luxurious and unique experience, reflected in its pricing. Rates generally start from €200-€245 per night for two, with seasonal variations and minimum stay requirements. For instance, a 3-night stay in the summer might be around €795, while the Michelin Guide mentions rates beginning at €245 per night with a 7-night minimum stay for arrivals on Saturdays. Shorter minimum stays (2 nights) may be available during autumn on specific arrival days. While the cost is higher than a standard hotel, guests generally feel it is worthwhile for the distinctive, tranquil, and high-quality experience offered.

8. Common Complaints

While overall feedback is highly positive, some recurring points of note for guests include:

• Minimum Stay Requirements: The property often has a minimum stay requirement, which can range from 2 nights in autumn to 7 nights in summer, depending on the season and specific arrival days. This might limit flexibility for some travelers.
• Unheated Pool: The ecological swimming pool, while beautiful, is not heated.
• Limited Luggage Space: Some treehouses have limited interior space, which can be a consideration for guests with large suitcases.
• Pets: Pets are generally not allowed, with some exceptions and associated fees.
• No On-site Restaurant: While breakfast is provided and kitchens are available, the absence of a full-service restaurant on-site might be a minor inconvenience for those who prefer not to cook or venture out for every meal.

Sources

1. greentraveller.co.uk
2. letsgomylove.com
3. tablethotels.com
4. michelin.com
5. hotels-insolites.com
6. saint-pauldevence.com
7. thehotelguru.com
8. hotels.com
9. booking.com