This post is all about Free Spirit Spheres – one of the most unique accommodations on Vancouver Island.
Imagine staying somewhere so unique that it becomes the highlight of your vacation—the first thing you can’t wait to talk about when people ask, “How was your trip?” Usually, you’d talk about what you saw or ate, but you wouldn’t give much information about your lodging. Accommodations typically don’t feel like part of your vacation. They feel like a necessity. They’re a crash pad. But here at Travel The Unexpected, we highlight unique accommodations that aren’t just part of your vacation; they are your vacation. Today, we’re highlighting one of the most unique places to stay in Vancouver: Free Spirit Spheres!
What is Free Spirit Spheres?
Introducing Free Spirit Spheres! This is one of the most unique accommodations on Vancouver Island! It’s a treehouse hotel—but with a twist. Rather than the look of a traditional wooden treehouse, you’re staying in handcrafted orbs suspended among the trees.
Each sphere is a masterpiece, designed and built by the passionate owner, Tom Chudleigh, and his team. They are the only ones who build these spherical treehouses. And they don’t come together overnight—each one takes approximately three years to finish. These aren’t just treehouses; they’re works of art that blend craftsmanship, engineering, nature, and a connection to the spiritual realm to give you an unforgettable experience.
Why Spheres?
The design of Free Spirit Spheres isn’t just aesthetically pleasing. The rounded shape connects the ceiling, walls, and floor. This spherical shape enhances the sense of oneness and connectivity with nature by symbolizing the interconnectedness between us and the forest.
Unlike traditional treehouses, the spheres are built off-site and then carefully placed among the trees. This minimizes the impact on the forest.
The Spheres: A Look Inside
If you’re wondering what to expect upon stepping foot inside the spheres, we’ve got you covered. Inside the spheres, you’ll find all linens, including bedding, towels, and robes. All of the spheres are electrically heated and come with filtered water, coffee, and tea. They also all have a speaker system that can be connected to your personal devices. There is a composting toilet outside of each sphere, as well as a heated bathhouse with a toilet, sink, and shower.
Who Should Stay Here?
Free Spirit Spheres is designed for people looking to reconnect to nature, unplug, and find peace in a fast-paced world. The owner/creator, Tom Chudleigh, envisioned these spheres not just as unique accommodations but as a one-of-a-kind spiritual experience. Those who stay at Free Spirit Spheres find that the experience gives them a deeper connection with nature and themselves.
Free Spirit Spheres is also one of the most romantic places to stay on Vancouver Island. How often do we truly get to spend uninterrupted, quality time with the person we love? And how often do we get to share such an original experience together? You’re sure to leave here feeling more intimately connected!
Even if staying here feels a little out of your comfort zone, we highly recommend you try it! It’s more in line with glamping than traditional camping, and the elevation allows you to spy on nature below without fear of getting too close. You don’t need to sacrifice modern comforts to immerse yourself in nature. Staying here is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
What To Pack
Unlike traditional accommodations, if you forget something at home it’s not likely to be supplied to you. This is considered glamping, so while you’ll have comfort, you won’t have the luxury of a concierge or store nearby. We recommend you pack the items below just in case!
- Hygiene products: These include a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and body wash. Though you’re not camping and have access to a shower, you’re in the middle of a forest where access to these items may be limited.
- Food & Drinks: You’ll receive a complimentary snack upon your arrival. There is also a “Cook House” on site where you’ll find a small kitchen and barbecue area shared by all guests. That being said, it’s still a good idea to bring water and non-perishable food.
- Entertainment: You’ll be grateful to unplug here and truly soak up the nature and energy around you. But you might also enjoy playing a game late at night with your partner. Cards, board games, books, and a journal are just a few suggestions for what to pack in your bag to help pass the time.
- Warm layers & comfortable clothing: Temperatures can drop at night even on the warmest days. Pack extra layers to keep warm at night. You’ll also want to bring supportive shoes such as sturdy sneakers or hiking boots to explore the nearby trails.
- Flashlight: You’ll want a flashlight to help you navigate at night. Though most of us have a flashlight on our phones, it doesn’t hurt to bring a backup!
Getting To The Spheres
The best way to get to Free Spirit Spheres is by taking a ferry, car, or bus to Nanaimo, Vancouver Island. From there, you’ll embark on a 45-minute scenic drive to Qualicum Bay, where you’ll find these magical spheres nestled in the forest.
If you’re not already on Vancouver Island, you can fly into Nanaimo Airport or take a BC Ferries ride from Horseshoe Bay in Vancouver.
How To Book & What To Expect
Navigate to Free Spirit Sphere’s website. Here, you can check availability for your dates of stay and select the sphere that best suits your needs. We recommend booking a two-night stay to truly maximize the experience without being away from civilization for too long.
Pricing
Luna Sphere: This sphere starts at $395 CDN.
Melody Sphere: This sphere starts at $375 CDN.
Eryn Sphere: This sphere starts at $355 CDN.
How Many People Can The Spheres Accommodate?
Most spheres are designed to fit two people, but the Eryn sphere can accommodate three guests for an additional fee.
Is There Wi-Fi or Cell Service?
There is Wi-Fi on site, but it can be a bit spotty. We recommend downloading anything you may need to access, including files (especially those pertaining to your stay), e-books, movies/shows, etc. Remember that this is a place that encourages a connection to nature and a disconnection from technology.
To all you free spirits out there, we can’t recommend this one-of-a-kind experience enough. This isn’t just one of the most unique places to stay on Vancouver Island. It’s one of the most unique places in the world! What makes it the most special is the love that Tom Chudleigh has poured into it and the impact it has on every guest who has the chance to stay here.
Other Unique Experiences In Canada
Parc Omega: If you’re headed to Quebec, we recommend checking out Parc Omega. This safari park allows you to get up close and personal with wild animals in their natural habitat. Here, you’re bound to find bison, wolves, bears, elk, and foxes. You can even feed deer by hand. The highlight of Parc Omega is its wolf observatory. You can enjoy a cocktail reception while observing a wolf pack. There’s also the option to camp or glamp here to extend your stay and interact even more with the animals and with nature.
Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel: Ever wondered what it would be like to spend a night in jail? You can find out by staying at this former 1862 prison. Enjoy free jail tours, organized activities, and daily breakfast.
We hope you enjoyed learning all about Free Spirit Spheres Canada, an unusual treehouse hotel on Vancouver Island. Looking for other unique hotel stays around the world? Check out our blog post on 20 unique accommodations. You can also click here to access our free resource of unique accommodations, activities, and restaurants, no matter where your travels take you.
