Orion Treehouses – Our Project

Our Project

Orion is a sanctuary where nature and comfort harmoniously merge, offering a unique and sustainable luxury experience. Here, guests are invited to reconnect with the environment, embrace simplicity, and contribute to a greener future.

Twenty years of blending comfort and nature

The Beginnings

Diane Van den Berge’s journey has been one of contrasts—between the opulence of luxury resorts and the raw simplicity of life in harmony with nature. Over time, she refined her understanding of what truly matters: the authenticity of an experience and our deep connection with the world, both human and non-human.

 

Some dreams take root in childhood. Diane was enchanted by tales of Winnetou, Robinson Crusoe, and Tom Sawyer, by the magic of hideouts—where adventure and freedom reigned. The treetops have always been a refuge, not just for birds and wild creatures, but for dreamers seeking to escape the noise of the world below.

 

Nearly twenty years ago, a serendipitous discovery of Nelson’s Treehouses reignited that wonder. These treetop sanctuaries, blending nature with comfort, embodied a new kind of luxury—one that liberates, soothes, and deepens our bond with the living world. A world where humans are not separate from nature, but part of it.

 

That realization led her to Saint-Paul de Vence, where she laid the first planks of what would become Orion—one of France’s first treetop lodgings, long before “unusual accommodations” became a trend. More than an invitation to slow down, Orion is a promise of comfort where luxury and simplicity intertwine. It is a call to rediscover our place in the grand web of life and to experience a world where elegance, nature, and adventure exist in perfect harmony.

Our Vision of Sustainable Luxury

At Orion, luxury is redefined through authentic experiences and a deep connection with nature. Far from artifice and stress, we have created a peaceful sanctuary where treetop cabins, a chlorine-free natural pool, and carefully curated details strike the perfect balance between comfort and serenity.

 

It is also an invitation to discover a different Côte d’Azur—wilder, more preserved, and yet largely unknown—through the rich offerings of the hinterland, from artisanal craftsmanship to scenic excursions.

 

Here, children rediscover the joy of exploration, experiencing the natural world with a sense of freedom that has become rare, while adults reconnect with themselves and their surroundings.

 

More than just a getaway, Orion is a timeless escape—where elegance and simplicity converge to reveal luxury in its purest, most essential form.

An Ever Greener Orion

Orion is a living, evolving project—one that seeks not only to regenerate its environment but to nurture a deeper harmony between people and nature. Enriched by the past and shaped by the curiosity and exchange of ideas with its guests, Orion’s vision now extends beyond its treetop retreats. It aspires to foster an engaged and responsible community, where knowledge and experiences are shared in service of nature’s preservation.

 

By welcoming children to explore this sanctuary, Diane hopes to inspire a future where even the smallest actions contribute to a greener, more connected world.

 

At the heart of this vision is Colibri Forest, an ambitious land restoration project dedicated to rewilding and biodiversity. Here, life is returning—trees stretch skyward, the undergrowth flourishes, and the quiet hum of nature speaks of renewal. Through reforestation and conservation efforts, Orion demonstrates that every action, however small, plays a role in protecting our planet.

 

Guests who wish to take part are always welcome to lend a hand, becoming part of this shared journey toward a more sustainable and harmonious future.

Our Environmental Commitments

The Ecological Pool: A Swimming Experience with a Positive Environmental Impact

Orion’s ecological pool is a self-sustaining oasis, where water is purified naturally—without chemicals—through a filtration system of plants, stones, gravel, and sand. Unlike conventional pools, this approach prevents eye and skin irritation while preserving water quality and fostering local biodiversity.

 

More than just a place to swim, the pool is a thriving ecosystem. In spring, the first frog songs echo across the water, while in summer, dragonflies perform their mesmerizing dance. A small waterfall and fountain ensure continuous oxygenation, keeping the water clear and vibrant as it evolves with the rhythm of the seasons.

 

Nestled among our treetop cabins and a welcoming communal space, Orion’s pool is the heart of our sanctuary. A terrace overlooking the water features a large shared table, inviting guests to gather over coffee, an apéritif, or a casual dinner. It is a place for both solitude and connection, where nature and well-being exist in perfect harmony.

 

By embracing this sustainable alternative to traditional pools, Orion offers not just a healthier swimming experience but a deeper way to connect with the living world. To learn more about the benefits of ecological pools, we invite you to explore the resources provided by the International Organization for Natural Bathing Waters (https://iob-ev.com/en/).

Welcome to Colibri Forest

A Place of Renewal, Resilience, and Regeneration

Once neglected, this land is already coming back to life. The soil is rich, birds call from the treetops, and during June nights, fireflies flicker like tiny beacons in the dark. Yet, this is only the beginning. With time and care, Colibri Forest will flourish even more, growing into a thriving sanctuary teeming with life.

 

The name Colibri Forest is inspired by an ancient tale: when a great wildfire swept through the land, the animals fled in despair—except for the tiny hummingbird, the colibri. Tirelessly, it flew back and forth, carrying droplets of water in its beak. When asked why, the colibri simply replied, “I’m doing my part.”

 

This story reminds us that even the smallest efforts matter in restoring our planet. Here in Colibri Forest, every tree planted, every species encouraged, and every mindful step taken strengthens the balance of this evolving ecosystem.

 

Our approach is rooted in syntropic forestry, an innovative method that accelerates natural succession and enhances biodiversity. Inspired by the work of Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, we plant diverse native species in close proximity, mimicking nature’s own processes.

 

Though the land is already full of promise, with thriving soil and returning wildlife, we know that in the seasons to come, the forest will grow denser, the canopy will shelter more life, and the air will hum with an even richer symphony of nature.