Escape from reality
TUCKED away by Gardners Falls in Maleny is a little slice of Thailand.
If you walk along the snaking, tree-lined pathways past hidden pavilions you might catch the scent of chilli and coconut, or fresh lime and coriander wafting from the restaurant.
Despite being only minutes from Maleny's town centre, when you visit Spicers Tamarind it is easy to believe you are miles away from everything. And maybe this is why so many locals still don't know it is there.
I was lucky enough to spend a weekend at the picturesque 18-acre property where Thai style meets Australian bushland with my husband on our recent honeymoon.
Between soaking in our private cedar hot tub on the balcony of our pavilion and sipping martinis, or the Tamarind's signature cocktail The Chilli Hero made with Malibu, chilli, ginger, lemon and lime at the bar, we enjoyed a Thai cooking school and treatments at the Spa Anise.
On our first night, we were treated to a five course degustation menu with everything from pork belly to oysters, Moreton Bay Bug and dumplings. .
The second day we joined Josh, our knowledgeable cooking school instructor, and four others to "whip up" a five-course Thai inspired banquet before sitting down with our new-found friends to taste test our creations with a glass of white wine.
The spa was calling, and after a hydro pool experience and an hour massage, we were feeling very relaxed and ready for a night in the pavilion with a barbecue basket and (another) bottle of wine.
Feeling a little more adventurous the next morning we took a five minute stroll to Gardners Falls, a great way to finish off a weekend in our own backyard.
Visit spicersgroup.com.au.
