Spicers Tamarind Retreat

Great hot tub. Beautiful grounds and restaurant.

It was just an overnight stay, but wow. We arrived at Spicers, tired and a bit jaded from overpriced "fine dining" establishments on our holiday. Our cabin, surrounded by tropical vegetation was gorgeous and well set out. We were hungry, having been let down by another high priced "chef's hatted" establishment and we ordered two mains to be delivered to our cabin. OMG!! We rate them as the best meals of our trip. A crispy white fish and a Duck Green Curry with steamed crab (not what you'd immediately put together but stunning). These two served with rice and a generous complimentary bottle of Prosecco restored our faith. The service was low key but perfect and our meal was delivered and the tray taken away without fanfare. I had a chat with Ty this morning before our departure and he made sure that we'd had a great stay and gave me a jar of chilli oil to take away. Easily the winner on our brief trip. Next time we plan to try a cooking class.

Where to begin - the surroundings are exquisite, green lush gardens, villas dispersed in a way that maximises views of the landscape - everything about this place just makes your heart sing from the friendly staff, the wholesome food which left you feeling decadent spoilt with every morsel, the waterfall at the bottom is just a bonus to the lovely gardens. I didn't get to use the pool as I spent my time in the hot tub which was just what I needed, then washed with the luxurious leif body products, it was too warm to use the wood burner in my room though could smell others had enjoyed it before me. And at the end of the day, the bed was so comfortable that I just knocked out. All of this doesn't come cheap of ofcourse but can well understand the price.

At $ 800 per night, this has to be a special treat. And, I'm happy to report, it is. Spicers have got the concepts of luxury, relaxation and pampering down to a fine art. No detail is overlooked and it all happens in a non-pompous, casual manner. We stayed in Luxury Forest Villa #13, which is the furthest from reception and restaurant ; total peace and quiet, but still an easy stroll for a meal. It is a small house, with everything that you could possibly need, and of the best quality. The bed is divinely comfortable, the bath with amenities opulent. Late afternoon we were invited for some complimentary dumplings in the restaurant : 2 per person and you buy your own drinks. The grounds are well maintained, but have kept their-foresty look ; there is a 15 minute walk to "the falls", a small natural pool with waterfall (which was hardly running because of the lack of rain). You can choose to have your breakfast in the room or in the restaurant, and we decided for the latter. There is a complimentary continental (banana bread, small yoghurt and fruit) and you choose 1 main. Although delicious, I thought it was a fairly small offering and I could have done with a little more. Spicers is the perfect place to forget about problems and stress ; unwind and re-load the batteries. A very special treat.

The accommodation and grounds did not disappoint. Secluded villas with everything you need to relax and enjoy your stay. Staff are friendly and attentive. Our package included breakfast and 3 course dinner. Recommended.

Very nice and comfortable villa, beautiful surroundings, good asian food, very sweet and helpful staff +++ Highly recommended!

I went to Spicers Tamarind with a friend and stayed in the Luxury Forest Villa. The villa was really lovely. Set on beautiful lush grounds. Spacious with 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms including one of the bathrooms that opened up with bi fold doors to a lush garden in a courtyard with a large bath. It felt very luxurious. Not to mention the heated tiled floors. The living room had an open fire place which added to the charm, since the evenings get quite chilly in Maleny. The staff were all so welcoming and friendly, and nothing was too much trouble. In the morning we went to the restaurant for breakfast. We were greeted by a young man who opened the door as entered and again as we left. The breakfast was absolutely lovely. We were given a complimentary platter with banana bread, fruit and yogurt with muesli. We then ordered our hot breakfast. Again the service was excellent and the food was beautiful. I would not hesitate to return.

We only had one night at Spicers Tamarind Retreat but we enjoyed every moment from the complimentary prosecco, to the hot tub on the deck, the complimentary afternoon dumplings, the amazing dinner in the Tamarind Restaurant, and the walk to the waterfall in the morning. Our villa was clean and comfortable and the complimentary toiletries and teas were appreciated as well. Our only regret is that we were only able to be there for one night.

The retreat itself is nestled among nature. We stayed in the luxury falls villa. It is well appointed, albeit feels quite dated and needs a refurb. Bed is comfortable. Double shower. Small living area and kitchenette. Small fireplace. Has its own private outdoor spa, which we liked and used every day. The food in the restaurant is good, not excellent. The menu reads great, but we found the execution lacking on some dishes. Extensive wine list. The option to pre-order breakfast and have that delivered to the villa - was appreciated. With regard to the customer service, it was a bit patchy. Good in parts, lacking in others. For example, upon check-in, staff helped us get our luggage to our villa via golf cart - as you cannot park nearby. However, upon check-out, no such offer to take luggage from villa to vehicle. In the restaurant, wait staff seemed inexperienced and lacked attention to detail. We did the degustation, and waited around 45 minutes for the dessert. Totally unacceptable. Aiden, the restaurant manager - deserves special mention - as he was brilliant. We pre-purchased the bed, breakfast and dinner package, yet, had to pay additional for particular items, including kids meal ($25), cheese ($20 supplement) and sparkling water ($10). This was not explained at any stage. Overall, a nice place to stay, but various aspects could be improved. We enjoy staying at Spicers retreats, however, we are unlikely to return to Tamarind.