Are you planning a trip to the Smoky Mountains and looking for unique and luxurious accommodation? Have you ever considered sleeping in a treehouse? The Sanctuary Treehouse Resort in Sevierville, Tennessee, is the perfect retreat for a romantic weekend getaway or family adventure. Situated in the heart of the Smokies, this treehouse resort offers stunning views of the mountains and a truly unforgettable experience.
My husband and I visited Tennessee in June. We spent a night in the Air Fort One Treehouse at the Sanctuary Treehouse Resort. We fell in love with the place and can’t wait to return. Let me tell you about the resort and the treehouse we stayed in.
The Resort
The Sanctuary Treehouse Resort is a unique, luxurious accommodation nestled in the Smoky Mountains, about a 10-minute drive from downtown Sevierville and about 17 minutes from Pigeon Forge.
It is the world’s first interactive treehouse resort and sits on 40 acres of rural land with panoramic views of two championship golf courses — the Smoky Mountains and the Little Pigeon River.
The resort is new and they currently have seven treehouses. They are expanding and will be adding additional treehouses and other amenities — such as a pool, hot springs, and an office — and will be moving over the next couple of years. They plan to have over 120 treehouses by 2026.
The Smoky Mountains are known for their beauty and serenity, and this treehouse resort is the perfect place to experience both. But the real magic of the Sanctuary Treehouse Resort comes from the unique experience of staying in a treehouse. With views of the trees and mountains around you, you’ll feel like you’re in your own private oasis. The peaceful atmosphere is perfect for reconnecting with nature and finding calm in a hectic world.
The Treehouses
When you enter the resort, treehouses are on both sides of the road. They look similar on the outside, but inside, each is uniquely decorated. Each treehouse has a name that the décor corresponds with. For example, the Tarzan and Jane treehouses are decorated with a jungle theme.
There is a flight of steps to enter the treehouse, where you’ll find a kitchenette, cozy sleeping quarters complete with a king bed, and an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower.
Indoor Amenities
The treehouses feature stunning wood finishes, an LED fireplace, and breathtaking views. You’ll find all the amenities to make your stay comfortable, including high-speed internet, a flat-screen TV, and a mini-split AC system with heat.
Each treehouse features a walk-in shower, a Jack Daniels barrel sink base with a leaf-shaped sink, and a private toilet room with one of my favorite features — a heated toilet seat and LED bowl light. (This was an unexpectedly pleasant surprise!)
Sliding glass doors make it easy to step out onto the deck and take in the stunning views. Some treehouses have forest views, while others view the golf courses with the Smoky Mountains in the background. You might even catch a glimpse of some of the area’s wildlife.
Outdoor Features
The deck has a counter with stools overlooking the golf course or other areas. There is also a Weber gas grill for barbecuing. An outdoor fireplace with wood is provided as well as two Adirondack chairs by the fireplace for cozy evenings.
There are lots of fun features included in each treehouse. The decks have an escape hatch with a secret ladder and many have a 20-foot slide from the deck down to the ground level.
Under the treehouse is a patio with a table, stools, several swings, and even a second flat-screen TV. Drinks can be transported from the treehouse down to the patio using a bucket pulley outside the front door or via the drink chute. You drop the drink into the tube beside the sink, push a lever, and it comes out of the chute on the patio.
Air Fort One
We stayed in the Air Fort One treehouse. It had an Air Force theme with flag pillows and an Air Force uniform above the head of the bed. Patriotic décor and a wooden Air Force emblem decorated the walls.
We had a comfy king bed with a hidden queen roll-out underneath, plus bunk beds on the side of the room. Six people could easily spend the night, although one person must be agile to get to the top bunk.
There was a pulley to pull up the lower bunk and a table dropped down with benches hidden under the bed.
What Made It Special
When I walked into the treehouse, there was a scent of an earthy mixture of forest and flowers throughout the treehouse. At first, I thought they must have just been cleaned and sprayed. But when we left and returned after dinner, the scent was still there when we entered. It was a very relaxing scent that immediately made any stress seem to disappear.
Lighting up the outdoor fireplace and enjoying a glass of wine while surrounded by the sounds of nature was a heavenly end to a busy day. It was very peaceful.
And then, when I crawled into the comfortable, king-sized bed and looked at the ceiling, I noticed it looked like the sky. A blue light with white glittering stars covered the ceiling. It turned on automatically and was the perfect sleeping-under-the-stars effect for our treehouse stay.
The owners’ mission was to “create an interactive experience for guests within the treehouses by providing amenities that allow you to play and have fun, just like you would in your treehouses growing up.” I think they have nailed it perfectly!
Other Treehouses
I previously mentioned the Tarzan and Jane treehouses that are jungle-themed. They are twin treehouses connected by a drawbridge and there are also two slides, side by side, for slide races and other fun.
While I thought the Air Fort One was luxurious, the Honey Hole Treehouse — decorated with a honey bee theme — is true luxury with an indoor copper slipper bathtub, an outdoor custom-built trough tub on the patio with privacy curtains, and an outdoor swinging daybed. It is a luxurious treehouse custom-built for romance with your honey.
Other treehouse names are Tree-mendous Fun, Squirrels Gone Wild, and Chasing Fireflies.
They were building several other treehouses when we were there and I’m anxious to learn
what theme is used in each.
FAQ’s
Are Dogs Permitted?
Up to two non-aggressive dogs are permitted in select treehouses, with an extra fee and additional conditions.
Is There A Minimum Night Requirement?
The Sanctuary Treehouse Resort requires a two-night minimum for reservations.
Are Trees Hurt In The Building Process?
No, while the treehouses are built among the trees and many “tree features” have been added for an authentic experience, real trees are not used to support the treehouses.
City building codes do not permit commercial structures to be built in trees. It is an issue of safety and would affect the tree’s growth and lifespan. Sanctuary Treehouse Resort is not disturbing the woodlands or displacing animals.
If you’re looking for a luxurious escape to the Smoky Mountains, the Sanctuary Treehouse Resort is the perfect destination. You can spend your days exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, hiking, and adventuring, and return to your cozy and lavish treehouse to unwind in style.
There is nothing like waking up to the sounds of nature and enjoying coffee, tea, or OJ on the deck while taking in the breathtaking scenery. Whether you desire to have a relaxing vacation or embark on an adventure, the Sanctuary Treehouse Resort is the perfect destination.