I don’t like to look down on fellow holidaymakers – but while living the high life in a treehouse, I had no choice.

And being the object of incredulous and enviable looks from passers-by below is all part and parcel of the experience when staying in one of the new treehouses at Center Parcs’ Sherwood Forest village in Nottinghamshire.

We had stayed before in the comfortable basic villas most popular for these short breaks, but now we were raised to the height of luxury in an amazing holiday home in the trees.

The open-plan living area on the lower level boasted a plasma TV, mounted above the fireplace where logs crackled cheerfully, a Blu Ray player, wi-fi and iPod docks, leather chairs, kitchen space with dishwasher, microwave, fridge-freezer and wine cooler, the ‘snug’ day bed area and the eight-place dining table.

With three en-suite double bedrooms on this level, each with their own balcony, there were no quarrels over who was getting the best – they were all equally well-equipped.

A spiral staircase, twisting round an imitation tree, led the way to our master bedroom on the upper level. Or we could use the steps from our balcony which led down to the hot tub and sauna.

Most exciting for our boys was the games den, another timber building connected to the main treehouse by a walkway. This boasted a pool table, bar area with fridge, board games and another giant TV. It’s a perfect haven for teenagers wanting a break from their parents and vice-versa.

At this luxury end of the Center Parcs experience, you’re pampered from start to finish.

All this doesn’t come cheap, but the houses sleep eight comfortably and are designed to attract families or groups of friends happy to share the cost.

To anyone concerned about the environmental cost of this forest refinement, it’s stressed that sustainable certified timber is used, there are lake-source heat pumps, and water recycling. Oh, and the hot tub is energy-efficient.

Although almost part of the forest (you look out though full-length glass doors on squirrels and birds in the trees), you are cocooned from the rest of the holiday village. Apart from all those walkers passing by who can’t resist the temptation to stand and stare, of course.

It’s tempting to stay put by the fire, chill out with a book in the snug, or wallow in the hot tub, but there’s so much to do at Center Parcs.

There’s everything from table tennis to scuba, badminton to belly dancing. You can tackle the indoor climbing wall, or splash about in the subtropical swimming paradise with its rapids and flumes.

For a more relaxing experience, simply take a cycle ride through the woods, or chill out with a session in the Aqua Sana.

We ate out at the American-themed diner Huck’s and the Pancake House, but best of all our meals was a tasty Indian feast delivered to the treehouse and shared round the dining table with friends.

There’s no doubt that luxury is seductive. These treehouses would be the ideal retreat for groups of friends, or families, celebrating a special occasion in style.

Perhaps the moment which best summed up our treehouse stay was as we relaxed in the steaming hot tub, (unbreakable) glass of champagne in hand, looking up at the trees silhouetted against the winter night sky. Top that.

Travel Facts:

Nigel Williams stayed at Center Parcs at Sherwood Forest, where three-night short breaks in a treehouse for a maximum of eight guests start at £2,249.

For reservations, call 0844 8267723 and for more details, visit centerparcs.co.uk.