Vancouverites looking for a refreshing escape without venturing too far or breaking the bank have a unique option on Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Island.
While tree houses aren't a novel concept, this accommodation offers three spherical ones that you won't find anywhere else.
Located in the rainforest on Qualicum Beach, the Free Spirit Spheres offer guests a chance to feel at one with nature, as they dangle serenely from the lush canopy overhead.
The secluded rentals are ideal for artists, writers, and musicians looking for a creative studio space, but they are also wonderful holiday spots for couples and solo travellers. You'll stay cozy inside these glamping spaces and there is a variety of restaurants and eateries in the area, too.
It will take Vancouverites approximately four hours to reach the accommodation, which includes a one-and-a-half to two-hour BC Ferries ride from either Horseshoe Bay (North Vancouver) to Departure Bay (downtown Nanaimo); or from Tsawwassen (south of Vancouver) to Duke Point (South Nanaimo). Find full directions with and plan ahead for peak travel times.
Free Spirit Spheres getaway from Vancouver
You can choose between three spheres: Eryn, Melody or Luna.
Eryn, crafted of Sitka Spruce, has a five-window configuration. As such, you'll be able to take in a great deal of that soft, dappled light that filters in through the trees overhead. Despite being 10 feet in diameter, Eryn sleeps three and has a small sink, refrigerator, counter space, a settee, cupboards with dishes, filtered water and all the fixings for making tea and coffee. The third bed is a "loft bed" that has a weight limit of 165 pounds, however.
Melody is a vibrant yellow, fibre-glass sphere with an adorable bird mural on her side. She comes with the same amenities as Eryn, but also has an elegant black walnut interior as well as a spacious open living concept. This accommodation is ideal for one or two people.
Finally, Luna is considered the "newest and arguably most luxurious sphere." She has the same amenities as the other accommodations, and also has, "an electric composting toilet outhouse at the base of the sphere, and your private three-piece bathroom with running water is located within 50 metres of Luna at the central bathhouse facility."
This season, the website notes that "Luna will be nestled in an artificial grove of yellow cedar logs towards the back of the property, with a spiral staircase up to an access platform, and views into a grove of cedar and maple trees, and the pond."
All three of the houses have access to the central bathhouse facility.
