Tamarind Retreat
Asian-influenced rainforest sanctuary. Think dark timbers, open fireplaces, outdoor cedar soaking tubs, and the sound of a waterfall in the background. Quiet. Private. Designed for couples to actually switch off.
Book a villa closest to Gardners Falls for the best waterfall ambience — ask specifically when reserving
Why It Matters
The Tamarind restaurant is one of the Sunshine Coast region's most awarded Modern Asian dining destinations, holding Chef's Hat recognition in the Queensland Good Food Guide. Every villa has its own outdoor hot tub or spa. The property sits directly adjacent to Gardners Falls, accessible via a property boardwalk.
Spicers Tamarind Retreat sits on 18 acres of Sunshine Coast Hinterland rainforest, about 70 minutes from Brisbane Airport and 40 from the Sunshine Coast. The property is all private stand-alone villas — no hotel corridors, no lobby crowds — with an east-meets-west aesthetic that runs through everything from the cedar hot tubs on each deck to the Thai-forward menu at The Tamarind restaurant. It's a genuinely small, intimate retreat: 12 villas total, a serious award-winning restaurant, and a boardwalk that leads straight to Gardners Falls.
Where You'll Stay
8 room types available
Luxury Falls Villa
The closest villas to Gardners Falls — you can hear the water from your deck. Each is a stand-alone 40 sqm retreat with a king bedroom, separate lounge with wood-burning fireplace, and double shower. The outdoor cedar hot tub sits on your private verandah. Small but thoughtfully fitted: kitchenette, minibar, flat-screen TV, aircon, heated towel racks.
King · 40 sqmOne Bedroom Gardners Villa
At 53 sqm, the Gardners Villa is the larger one-bedroom option. Separate lounge with fireplace, a generous bathroom with both a separate spa bathtub and shower (plus a second bathroom with shower), outdoor deck with seating. Wheelchair accessible. Rainforest views through large windows, and a calm that makes it easy to lose track of the time completely.
King · 53 sqmOne Bedroom Luxury Forest Villa
Stand-alone villas in the rainforest with a separate lounge, open fireplace, and verandah with a king daybed. The ensuite has a full bathtub and shower. Very private — surrounded by trees on all sides.
KingOne Bedroom Orchard Villa
Faces the orchard rather than deep rainforest. Has a fireplace and cosy, rustic feel. More open setting than the forest villas. Good choice for guests who prefer a bit more light and views over the property grounds.
KingSpa Studio
Open-plan king bedroom with a balcony overlooking rainforest and its own outdoor cedar hot tub. Adjoins the conference room and cooking school building, so not quite as isolated as other villas — but it's the most visually dramatic room at the property, with floor-to-ceiling rainforest views.
KingTwo Bedroom Gardners Villa
Two-bedroom version of the popular Gardners Villa configuration. Two bathrooms, fireplace, private deck. Good for two couples or a family group wanting more space while still being in a secluded rainforest setting.
KingTwo Bedroom Luxury Forest Villa
Two bedrooms, two large bathrooms, open fireplace, and a private deck with daybed. Lounge area connects the two bedroom wings. Good for small groups or two couples traveling together. Rainforest views on all sides.
KingTwo Bedroom Orchard Villa
The only pet-friendly accommodation at the retreat. Self-contained with a full kitchen (not just a kitchenette), fireplace, and private verandah with outdoor setting. Designed as a home-away-from-home for families or groups — and the one villa where your dog is genuinely welcome.
KingThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Private guided adventure through the Sunshine Coast hinterland, covering rainforest, waterways, and wildlife.
Hands-on session learning to create two of The Tamarind's signature cocktails. Good for groups or couples wanting something interactive before dinner.
Private curated picnic arranged by the retreat team. Good for a low-key romantic afternoon on the property grounds.
Horse riding experiences arranged through the concierge in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Helicopter flight to K'gari (Fraser Island) with a private beach picnic. A splurge add-on for guests wanting a longer adventure day.
Scenic helicopter flights over the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Glass House Mountains. Arranged through concierge.
Oyster tasting experience available at the retreat. Check with reception for current scheduling.
On-property BBQ available for guests — useful on Monday/Tuesday evenings when The Tamarind is closed for dinner.
A property boardwalk leads directly to Gardners Falls — a short walk through the rainforest. Complimentary and available anytime. Most guests do it first thing in the morning.
Live jazz and relaxed lunch at The Tamarind on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. Open to non-guests. One of the more social events on the retreat calendar.
Annual two-day festival held on the 18-acre property grounds (August 2025). Five top regional Asian restaurants, live music, oyster bar, market stalls. Open to day visitors and overnight guests. Festival package includes accommodation.
Saturday cooking classes in a purpose-built school attached to The Tamarind. Covers Thai, French, Italian, and seasonal menus. You cook a three-course meal under a chef's guidance, eat it with matched wine, and take home a recipe book and apron.
Yoga sessions in the rainforest setting. Arrange through reception — subject to availability.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Wheelchair accessible throughout the grounds. One accessible villa available (Two Bedroom Gardners Villa).
High-speed wireless internet throughout the estate, including in-villa.
On-property BBQ facilities available for guests.
In-house bar and lounge offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
DVDs and board games available at reception.
Purpose-built Tamarind Cooking School on-site, running Saturday classes in Asian, French, Italian and seasonal cuisines.
Concierge team providing local recommendations, activity bookings, and personalised assistance.
Room service available for in-house guests.
Year-round outdoor swimming pool on the property grounds.
Communal outdoor fireplace on the property grounds.
Electric vehicle charging point available on property.
Complimentary parking directly at each villa. Valet parking also available.
Paid airport shuttle service available from Sunshine Coast Airport (approx. 40 min). Must be arranged in advance.
BUILD YOUR SPICERS TAMARIND RETREAT PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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