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New York Times
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
14 Million Books Later, Jim Butcher Thinks His Wizard Detective Needs a Hug
Three decades ago, Jim Butcher put pen to paper and invented a wildly popular fictional universe. At the time, he was just trying to finish his homework. Butcher, then a 25-year-old grad student at the University of Oklahoma, had days earlier turned in an unfinished novel for a writing class. The book was about a wisecracking Chicago gumshoe named Harry Dresden, a wizard whose miserable love life was occasionally interrupted by a grisly supernatural murder. Butcher's professor liked what she read. She told him to bring an outline for 'the rest of it' to their next session. 'She meant the rest of the novel,' Butcher recalled in an interview. 'The next week, I rolled in with an outline for a 20-book series.' On sketch pads and now-obsolete WordPerfect software, he planned out ways to put his poor hero through a gauntlet of indignities, poking his head out occasionally to watch Animal Planet with his son. Homemade posters in his cramped writing alcove cheered him on. ('The only way you fail is if you quit,' read one.) That outline would lead to 'The Dresden Files' series, which debuted with 'Storm Front' five years later, with heroes and villains from just about every mythology — and some Butcher made up. Over the last 25 years, the series has sold 14 million copies in the United States, according to his publisher. For all the wizardry, the real magic in the books is the way that vampires, werewolves and even a zombie T. Rex feel completely at home alongside mobsters, attack helicopters and a reference to Regina George, the Queen Bee of 'Mean Girls.' Ushering me into his rustic Colorado home, a cabinlike fortress he jokingly called his 'log castle,' Butcher, 53, resembles some of the wizards in his books, with a well-kept beard, long hair streaked with silver, a prominent brow and a piercing gaze underneath expressive eyebrows. Like those wizards, Butcher has some superstitions of his own, particularly when it comes to following the early outline that catapulted him from a graveyard shift I.T. geek to a best-selling author. Anne Sowards, his editor at Ace, said she has never seen it, and only one other person knows how the series will end. That secret plan has (mostly) guided Butcher's saga since 2000, almost as long as George R.R. Martin, the fantasy eminence who released 'A Game of Thrones' in 1996, has been publishing his. Over 17 volumes and dozens of short stories, Butcher has hammered his hero, a mouthy P.I. with a beat-up Volkswagen, into a supernatural heavyweight who can vanquish titans. Along the way, Butcher has become one of the world's leading authors of urban fantasy, a genre that blends the wondrous elements of magical realism, its more literary cousin, with the pulp and plotting of page-turners. This week, the publisher is announcing that 'Twelve Months,' the 18th book in the series, will be published in January, five years after the last installment. But there was a period where it seemed like he might not finish the series at all. In the final pages of his 2010 book, 'Changes,' Butcher had written his hero into a tight corner: shot through the chest, falling from a boat, sinking into the icy waters of Lake Michigan. Butcher was enthusiastically promoting the latest twist to fans, who alternated between glee and grief. Behind the scenes, however, he was suffering. 'I had just gotten to a point where I just didn't see any hope for the future,' Butcher said. 'Bear in mind, this is when 'The Dresden Files' was exploding.' Depression, which he had struggled with for much of his life, was deadening his days. His marriage was fraying. The charming raconteur, telling jokes to hundreds of fans on the science fiction and fantasy convention circuit, belied a man in crisis. So, he made a decision to end things. As the deadline for his next book loomed, Butcher took two bottles of pills that he'd been using to treat chronic migraines and braced for the worst. He recalled feeling terribly sick for 36 hours. But he survived. 'I am really lucky to be here,' Butcher said quietly, as his 7-year-old pit bull, Brutus — named for an earth spirit in one of his books — dozed next to him on the couch. Afterward, he thought about what his death might have done to his two sons, James (a novelist himself) and Dylan. He felt he needed to 'own up to the consequences of my choice, and what could have happened if I hadn't just been very fortunate.' The result was the next installment in the series, 'Ghost Story.' The book followed Harry Dresden's ghost as he tried to solve his own murder, observing the ripple effects of his death 'It's a Wonderful Life'-style. It was the first in the series that Butcher didn't plan out chapter by chapter ahead of time. Butcher hasn't opened up publicly about his mental health difficulties until recently, and he's still reluctant to discuss them. He has been divorced twice, separations that have taken a toll (though he is newly engaged). Sowards said that there was a period where she wasn't sure when she was going to get another book from him. 'We were able to be patient, and we supported him,' she said. For lunch, Butcher sears me a steak on the stovetop, not unlike the typical meal that McAnally, the taciturn bartender from his books, would serve up. As Butcher carefully glazes the meat with a heart-healthy balsamic, I suggest that talking to a reporter is probably not great for his blood pressure. 'I mean, I debated whether or not to do this interview,' Butcher said, after adding garlic powder. Stepping outside into the brisk, pine-scented air, he tells me that talking about his mental health was motivated, in part, by an interaction he had with a fan. At a book signing, he met a young man carrying a printout of writing advice Butcher had published on his LiveJournal. He autographed it and offered the fan encouragement about his own writing. Butcher thought little of it at the time. But afterward, he said, the fan got in touch to tell Butcher that he had been prepared to kill himself, and that the writer's words of support helped him decide to keep going. Since then, the two have struck up a friendship. 'I've talked to other young men who've had the same issues,' Butcher said. 'I say, 'You're feeling overwhelmed. You need to make your world a bit smaller for a while. Set out some reasonable goals for yourself, get up in the morning, get the bed made, get the kitchen cleaned up, make sure your house looks nice.'' Butcher is similarly forthcoming about the ups-and-downs in his career. In 2004, the Sci-Fi Channel announced it was making a series based on the first book of 'The Dresden Files,' produced by Nicolas Cage. Fans were elated by the prospect, even if there were some notable changes; Harry's trademark magical staff, for instance, was transformed into a hockey stick. Shortly before shooting, Butcher said, a new executive triggered a flurry of last-minute rewrites. ('They were filming it in Toronto, and he was going to be in charge of the project from L.A.,' Butcher said. 'So you can imagine how well that worked out.') The series was canceled after one season. The channel didn't even comp Butcher a set of the DVDs, he said. The experience did introduce his books to thousands of viewers, and changed Butcher's approach to Hollywood. He is negotiating to be a producer on a plan to turn three 'Dresden Files' books into a new series. The project, which has not yet been announced, would focus on Harry Dresden's war against the vampires who infected his girlfriend, Susan Rodriguez. He hopes to do some of the screenwriting. 'There's serious enough talks happening that I've had to share my tax I.D. number and so on,' Butcher said. 'But we'll see. I don't know if anything's going to happen or not.' Butcher is taking a more active role in his career, too. In 2022, he put out a Dresden Files novella through Audible, doing all the voices himself. But he has not turned his back on the traditional publishing industry, as have other fantasy authors with large followings, who are selling books directly to readers. 'I'm getting to make a really good living doing something that I really love,' he added. 'I don't need to be super rich. It seems like that might pose more problems than solutions.' During nearly six hours talking about Butcher's books, I have assiduously avoided asking how the 'Dresden Files' series will end. Does Butcher ever feel constrained by the blueprint he made for himself some 30 years ago? He demurs, but acknowledges that he has had to make changes along the way. Years ago, he reconsidered his approach to a villain after meeting a fan from the Navajo Nation. And he said he has 'tried to learn more as he's gone along' in response to criticism from readers who say his female characters lack complexity. His experiences will be reflected in 'Twelve Months,' the first 'Dresden Files' tale that wasn't in the original outline at all. Indeed, the novel is a significant departure for Butcher, whose books usually take place during one action-packed and miserable week in his P.I.'s life. This time, Dresden takes an entire year to come to grips with the emotional pain he's endured over the course of the series. 'I write at the end of this book that peace and happiness are the same thing,' Butcher said. 'Peace is happiness at rest, and happiness is peace in motion.' 'When I find myself working and writing and thinking, 'Hey, this chapter's going really well,' that is happiness, you know?' he added. 'And that happiness doesn't have to be perfect to be real.' If you are having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or go to for a list of additional resources.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Why do snakes shed their skin? Here's the science behind it
Image credits: iStock Snakes are probably one of the most enigmatic animals for humans who are equally scared and amazed by the slithering reptiles. Found in almost all regions on the planet, they possess abilities that leave many bewildered, such as eating up a prey whole or shedding their skin from time to time. All reptiles, such as lizards, turtles, geckos and snakes, shed their skin. However, while most of them do it in pieces or flakes, snakes are the only ones that shed their skin in a complete, single piece. But why do they do so, and what is the reason behind it? Let's find out! How do snakes shed their skin? Image credits: iStock Snakes shed their skin through a process known as ecdysis. The shedding varies with a snake's age, species and environment. The occurrence of the shedding can be as regular as once a month to a handful of times over the year, according to Animal Planet. Operation Sindoor 'Our job is to hit target, not to count body bags': Air Marshal Bharti on Op Sindoor Precautionary blackout imposed across parts of Rajasthan, Punjab 'Indian Navy was in position to strike Karachi': Vice Admiral on Operation Sindoor Younger snakes are known to shed more often than adults, as they are growing. According to Washington State University's Ask Dr. Universe, before a snake is about to shed their skin, they have certain signs that owners or keepers can look out for. These include their eyes becoming bluish or opaque, not eating frequently and becoming less active. Why do snakes shed their skin ? Image credits: iStock Unlike humans, whose skin grows and regenerates continuously, snakes have to shed their older skin entirely to be able to accommodate their growing bodies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AI guru Andrew Ng recommends: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around in 2025 Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo When snakes grow, their skin does not stretch. Thus, they develop a new layer of skin underneath the old one. When the time comes, they shed the older layer of the skin gradually and begin to reveal the new skin. While growth is the primary reason why snakes shed their skin, another reason for shedding could also be to remove any kind of bacteria or parasites that might have made a home on their skin, as per the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Additionally, shedding the older skin also allows them to heal from any minor injury and maintain the health of their skin. The new skin is more vibrant and brighter, thus keeping them healthy and helping them in camouflage. A very common sign that the shedding season might be here is when they start rubbing against a rock, tree or similar hard surface. They start rubbing a spot by their snout and gradually slip out of their old skin. While most snakes shed their skin on land, some can interestingly do it in water too. Essentially, shedding the old skin is a sign of a snake's growth in life and is healthy for them.
The Sun
29-04-2025
- The Sun
Shamed UK Tiger King's sick confession about dead cats stuffed in FREEZER as creepy life in hoarder hellhole revealed
AS a 'tame' 14st male puma ripped Terry Moore's foot off his leg, he thought he was a dead man. "I was losing so much blood. It took me ten minutes hitting it with a broom, I called my wife and she helped bash it on the head," the 78-year-old says. 18 18 18 18 "The cat freaked out. It is pure luck I had the phone and broom to hand, I wouldn't be here if the air ambulance hadn't come." The November 5 attack, which unfolded after a security door fell off the puma's hide as Moore entered its enclosure, forced doctors to amputate his right leg below the knee. The mauling was the culmination of a stranger-than-fiction downfall for the man dubbed ' Britain's Tiger King ', who at his height befriended showbiz heavyweights like Katy Perry and reached TV stardom. That occurred before a police raid at his Hertfordshire -based Cat Survival Trust uncovered a hellish compound of dilapidated enclosures filled with dying, emaciated and disease-ridden big cats living in squalor. Frozen carcasses of critically endangered animals were found in chest freezers and a vet hadn't visited in years. Moore was found guilty of multiple animal welfare offences at St Albans Crown Court in January and The Cat Survival Trust was closed down. The surviving 28 animals were rehomed or euthanised due to significant health issues. Moore, who is waiting to receive a prosthetic leg, was handed a £14,380 fine and banned from keeping animals for five years. Now living as an amputee in a static caravan whiling away his days immersed in conspiracy theories, he denies any wrongdoing. In an exclusive interview, the disgraced keeper doubles down on his widely discredited methods and makes a harrowing confession about the events that led to dead cats being found stuffed in his freezer. And our pictures reveal the extraordinary decline of his once-thriving sanctuary, which now lies abandoned and overgrown with weeds. Britain's 'Tiger King' Dr Terry Moore stars in Snow Leopards of Leafy London doc "It was a smear campaign, that's all it was", a delusional Moore told The Sun of the allegations against him. For 48 years, the wildlife nut wowed TV audiences on The Paul O'Grady Show, Daybreak and Animal Planet with his private collection of the world's rarest big cats. Starting with ocelots and elusive Scottish wild cats in his garden in Stevenage, he grew his operation and, in 1977, bought an unassuming 11.5-acre site just off the A1 in Codicote for £30,000. There, alongside wife Judith, he founded the Cat Survival Trust, a charity taking in cast-offs from British and European zoos with a dream of saving species on the brink of extinction. He said: "They were cats that would have been put down, old and aged cats, cats with long-term illnesses. "We did a lot of studies looking at population behaviour. I went around the world lecturing and attended conferences." Over the years Moore amassed "over 200" big cats, ranging from critically endangered snow leopards, which hail from the Himalayas, to jungle-dwelling jaguars and desert-native caracals. He invested millions into building the facility, which has dozens of enclosures. The site was not open to the public but those who paid membership fees were granted tours and photography days with the animals. Terrence Moore knew how endangered these species were, understood their vulnerability to exploitation and should have been there to protect them Detective Constable Beth Talbot But online reviews of the sanctuary revealed a raft of dangerous practices taking place, including a photo of two kids sticking their fingers through a cage to stroke a Snow Leopard. One review warned: "The place is a complete junkyard... If you love animals please don't come here, it's heartbreaking. "What also got me on edge was that the guide touched these animals through the bars, I did not feel safe here." While the trust made around £7,000 a year from photography days, it was the millions of pounds in donations and gifts in wills left by supporters that kept the site, which cost £5,000 a month to run, afloat. One person left £250,000 to the sanctuary. Moore was eventually found guilty on seven counts of using an endangered animal species for commercial gain without a licence. 18 18 18 18 18 He said: "We had no help from the Government, that's why we had to do the photo days, the visits. "It's what kept us going. We didn't do it to make a profit." Following intelligence received from the National Wildlife Crime Unit, officers from Hertfordshire Constabulary, accompanied by a vet, raided the site in July 2022. Inside, they discovered animals being treated with homeopathic remedies and others suffering from diseases which Moore had not sought any veterinary care for in years. The site, described by one rescuer as "a hoarder's paradise", appeared to be a twisted scientific experiment based on Moore's rejection of conventional medicine and preference for natural remedies. The place is a complete junkyard... If you love animals please don't come here, it's heartbreaking Online reviewer Evidence presented in court showed he failed to source much-needed medical help for some of the big cats he was responsible for, which were eventually put down. Blood-soaked food preparation areas were found to be lacking appropriate hygiene standards and the enclosures were deemed insecure. Harrowing confession Yet one of the most harrowing discoveries at the site was two chest freezers containing the carcasses of 26 big cats. In an extraordinary admission, Moore now says these creatures, which included a snow leopard, had died in the late 1970s and had been frozen for nearly 50 years. The police said he failed to seek an appropriate cremation option. He claimed: "We weren't allowed to sell the carcasses because of wildlife trade problems. "So all I could do was put them in the freezers. We had two freezers full of big cats." In an even darker revelation, Moore said he would euthanize the animals himself by placing them in a box before sealing a plastic bag over the top and filling it with carbon dioxide. This causes the animal to panic before suffocating to death. "Two minutes and they're dead", he says, chillingly, before ridiculing the conventional veterinary practice of a lethal injection. 18 18 18 Police said there were no records of animal deaths kept at the site, records which Moore claims were lost when his computer "went up in smoke". Moore was eventually found guilty of four counts of animal cruelty and using animals for commercial gain without a licence. The charges related to a wildcat named Hamish, a Bengal cat named Jasmine, a jungle cat named Lily and an unnamed caracal. He was cleared of eight counts, namely against two snow leopards, a jaguar, an Amur leopard, a Eurasian lynx kitten, a hybrid cat, geese, and a serval. Following Moore's conviction, a team of 20 rescuers, led by Cam Whitnall, of the Big Cat Sanctuary in Smarden, Kent, and James Cork, from its sister site Hertfordshire Zoo, worked round the clock for three months to rescue the big cats left behind at the sanctuary. Most were nursed back to health but Comet, a seriously rare Amur leopard, had to be euthanised along with Jags the jaguar, Eurasian lynxes Mrs Pudding and Sally and a serval called Evie. All that remains of the doomed sanctuary are rows upon rows of eerie, overgrown and collapsing enclosures with signs reading: 'KEEP AWAY - THEY BITE!'. 18 18 18 Where did the big cats come from? By Josh Saunders EXOTIC animals have been imported here since the days of the British empire, but their popularity boomed in the 1960s. It was "extremely fashionable" to own a big cat, but by 1976, the Government clamped down with the Dangerous Wild Animals Act. The law ensured the 'pets' had to be registered and provided with suitable living conditions. Many pets were surrendered to zoos and those that couldn't find a new home were put down. As a result, some owners released big cats into the wild - including Lew Fowley, who moved his pride of lions from Birmingham to the Moors and Malvern Hills. TV animal trainer Mary Chipperfield allegedly set several animals free into the Dartmoor wilderness. Abandoning animals in the countryside wasn't illegal due to a loophole, which was amended by 1981. As legislation tightened further over the decades, Rick Minter claims more big cats were released into the wild. Moore's downfall bears a haunting resemblance to the demise of Joe Exotic in the Netflix hit series Tiger King. While slamming Exotic as "an idiot" and "a total showman", he counts Carole Baskin - Joe's nemesis and the target of his murder-for-hire plot which landed him with a 21-year jail term - as a good friend and a "quite amazing" person. Disgraced Moore admits he misses his animals but has no interest in owning another big cat. He is currently re-wilding the dilapidated site despite claiming he has been offered £9million by housing developers. Reflecting on the ordeal, he said: "The animals weren't unhealthy. Yes, you could make every enclosure bigger. But did I get any help from the Government? "Did they pay anything towards the animals we took in from them, or from members of the public that might have released them into the wild? I had no help from them at all!" 18 18 18 Detective Constable Beth Talbot, from the North Herts Local Crime Unit, who led the investigation, said Moore's case was "complex and unique". She said: 'It is clear from the evidence that the Cat Survival Trust was poorly run. "Terrence Moore knew how endangered these species were, understood their vulnerability to exploitation and should have been there to protect them. "However, several animals at the site were in a sorry state and suffered at the hands of a man who should have looked after them. 'This case showed how Moore had a distaste for modern veterinary medicine and failed to hold accurate records of his animals, some of which face extinction in the wild. The sanctuary should have been a safe haven." Senior Crown Prosecutor in CPS Thames and Chiltern, Jan Muller, added: "Moore exploited some of the animals in his care, leaving them to suffer unnecessarily. 'Evidence showed him failing to source much-needed medical help for some of the big cats he was responsible for. "These animals were forced to live in squalor and Moore neglected them to such an extent that some died from illnesses that could have been treated."
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Robert Irwin joins Dancing with the Stars season 34 as first celebrity contestant
The ballroom is about to get wilder ans fans can't wait for it. Dancing with the Stars has officially announced its first celebrity contestant for the highly-anticipated Season 34 , and it's none other than Australian wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin . The exciting news was confirmed on Tuesday, April 22, during an event, where it was also revealed that the beloved dance competition show has been renewed for another season. While the full cast of celebrities and pro dancers will be unveiled at a later date, Robert's participation has already ignited major buzz online. At just 21 years old, Robert carries the powerful legacy of his late father, Steve Irwin, the legendary 'Crocodile Hunter' who passed away tragically in 2006. Since then, Robert, alongside his mother Terri Irwin and sister Bindi Irwin , has continued to work at the Australia Zoo, championing wildlife preservation. The family starred together in the Animal Planet series Crikey! It's the Irwins, further cementing their dedication to conservation. Robert isn't the first Irwin to hit the DWTS stage—his sister Bindi Irwin made history in 2015 when she won Season 21 alongside professional dancer Derek Hough. Now, all eyes are on Robert to see if he can bring home another mirrorball trophy to the Irwin family. The conservationist recently turned heads for a different reason when he went viral earlier this month for a bold campaign with Australian underwear brand Bonds, which is expanding into the U.S. In the photos, Robert posed in nothing but Bonds boxers—surrounded by snakes, spiders, and other venomous creatures. In an interview he said, 'We are all trying to continue an important legacy that my dad started. I've gotten to find my own individual ways of doing that, and sometimes that comes in the form of modeling Bonds!' With his charisma, passion, and love for animals, Robert Irwin is already a fan-favorite to watch on Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars. Stay tuned for the full cast reveal—it's bound to be a wild ride!
USA Today
12-03-2025
- USA Today
10 lofty treehouse resorts that give 'canopy bed' a whole new meaning
Elevate your stay for an unforgettable getaway Soak up the sounds of the river below at Treehouse Point in Washington — Photo courtesy of Claymore MacTarghan Advertisement Treehouses are getting a glow-up. From Texas to Thailand, you'll find treehouse resorts where you can unwind in nature's gentle embrace. These treehouse stays are a far cry from the patched-together clubhouses you remember from childhood; we're talking hot tubs, plush bedding, and Nespresso machines. To elevate your next getaway, here are 10 of our favorites. Treehouse Point, Issaquah, Washington If you've watched "Treehouse Masters" on Animal Planet, you know that Pete Nelson's native Pacific Northwest, with its towering conifers, is an ideal spot for a sky-high stay. Nelson's Treehouse Point is about 25 miles east of Seattle, Washington, along the Raging River. Choose from seven individually designed treehouses, from the bird-themed Nest to the Burl, built into a 200-foot-tall fir tree. Each of the adults-only hideaways (no guests younger than 16 years old) comes with music players, queen or king beds, Nespresso machines, and tea kettles. Come down from your perch to hike, bike, and raft in the area, then cozy up around the fireplace in the main lodge. Free Spirit Spheres, Vancouver Island, British Columbia Luna is cozy all year-round, with electric heat and two windows that open for a breeze — Photo courtesy of Wayne Buhr If you were hiking through Vancouver Island's lush rainforest and looked up at the right moment, you'd find three handcrafted spheres hanging as if by magic from the branches. Inspired by creativity and crafted to be at one with nature, Free Spirit Spheres' most recent addition is Luna, complete with a lounge-style seating area, a dining table, a double bed that lowers from the ceiling at bedtime, two opening windows, and electric heat. Take a spherical siesta, ever so gently swaying in the breeze, while firmly tethered to the surrounding giant trees. Chateaux dans les Arbres, Dordogne, France Designed to echo the architecture of a traditional French château, Chateaux dans les Arbres offers "castles in the trees." Live out your royal fantasies in miniature, watching as breakfast is lifted into the canopy via pulley while, dare we say, you soak in your hot tub, bubbling with joie de vivre? Families are welcome; the Milandes treehouse has a children's room with bunks, and you'll have access to the swimming pool in the summer months. Treehotel, Harads, Sweden Amenities vary in the unique 'treerooms,' from eco-showers to saunas and secret balconies — Photo courtesy of Treehotel It's all about embracing the Swedish Lapland's old-growth forests at Treehotel. Feel nature's gentle hug in your architecturally stunning "treeroom," set 13 to 20 feet off the ground. The massive Bird's Nest looks like the true home of an albatross, the Mirror Cube quite literally disappears into the hall of trees surrounding it (just wait until it reflects the northern lights!), and the LEGO-like Biosphere invites you to become one with the birds. Winvian, Morris, Connecticut For those who relish the finer things in life, how about a two-story treehouse with every creature comfort? Among Winvian's 13 unique cottages situated on 113 acres, you'll find an unforgettable treehouse escape with two gas fireplaces, a king-sized bed, a steam shower, a soaking tub, and a full bar. You might have a hard time remembering you're in a treehouse! Sleep on the first floor, lounge on the second floor. Plus, you're privy to all the perks of the resort, including a spa and seasonal outdoor pool. Tsala Treetop, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa Little tykes in Tsala Treehouse Lodge get special turn-downs and bedtime stories — Photo courtesy of Hunter Hotels Glimpse African birds and playful monkeys from your perch at Tsala Treetop Lodge in the heart of South Africa's Garden Route. Each private, elevated hideaway perfectly melds romance and adventure in an age-old indigenous forest. Each of the sophisticated, two-bedroom villas has a large lounge with a fireplace and dining area, a forest-facing private deck, and an infinity swimming pool. Constructed of stone, wood, and glass and peek-a-booing out of the forest canopy, the treehouse suites are complemented by exceptional service, making this entire upscale experience worthy of a bucket-list trip. The Hideout, Koh Yao Noi, Thailand Enjoy a sustainable stay in The Hideout's eco-friendly treehouse suites, built predominantly from local materials. Slip into your complimentary sarong and settle into 700 square feet of paradise, complete with a king-size bed and open-air bathroom. The goal is to be fully immersed in the Thai jungle here, so don't count on electricity, television, or Wi-Fi. Come down from your plush perch in the evening for farm-to-table Thai cuisine by candlelight. Treehouse Utopia, Utopia, Texas Make advance reservations for owner and chef Laurel Waters' seasonally inspired Saturday lunches and dinners — Photo courtesy of Treehouse Utopia Nothing says secret more than a treehouse property that doesn't even publish its address publicly. (It's about 80 miles west of San Antonio.) Treehouse Utopia is intentionally discreet, ensuring the most quiet and private stay as possible. Each treehouse features a sitting room, bedroom, full bathroom, and deck. The decor is influenced by the owner's time spent training as a chef in Paris, so you'll find French-inspired touches everywhere. From the Chapelle, which brings to mind a French countryside chapel, to the Bibliotheque, with its bookshelves, fireplace, and comfy seating, each "pied-à-tree" is an amazingly restful, fully immersive stay. TreeCasa Hotel and Resort, San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua Get a bird's-eye view of your jungle surroundings at TreeCasa Hotel and Resort on Nicaragua's Emerald Coast. The two-story Casa Arbol treehouse has room for up to four guests as well as a kitchenette, living area, wraparound deck, and not one, but two outdoor showers, where you can bathe surrounded by pink ceiba blossoms. Sleep soundly in air-conditioned comfort, stay connected with Wi-Fi, and take full advantage of the amenities at ground level, from yoga classes to a pool with a waterslide. Hapuka Lodge and Treehouses, Kaikoura, New Zealand You'll only want to leave these gorgeous treehouses for the included full breakfasts and three-course dinners — Photo courtesy of Benedichte Lassalle Wake up in your bedroom in the sky to impressive views of Kaikoura's dramatic mountains and the Pacific Ocean at the luxurious Hapuka Lodge and Treehouses. Each of the countryside lodge's five houses is uniquely designed, with three one-bedroom accommodations and two family houses. These more spacious houses have a primary bedroom in the upper branches, and a smaller kids' bedroom in the lower branches. Warm and inviting, each has a deep soaking tub, fireplace, and custom-made furniture.
