Transitioning from the French elegance of Clovelly to the rainforest tranquility of Spicers Tamarind Retreat in Maleny is like stepping into a peaceful, secluded corner of Southeast Asia. This retreat is perfectly set against a lush backdrop, complete with a flowing creek and waterfall, creating an immediate sense of calm. While Tamarind has built its reputation on romantic luxury and acclaimed dining, its layout—centered around private, free-standing pavilions—makes it an exceptionally appealing choice for parents seeking private space and quiet wellness opportunities while traveling with an infant. Hidden down a quiet road, we have actually been down here before, but never entered the hotel and were excited to see what it had to offer.
Location of Spicers Tamarind Retreat
Spicers Tamarind Retreat is nestled in the foothills of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, near the artisan town of Maleny, QLD. It is located approximately 90 minutes from Brisbane and 35 minutes from Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY). The location is distinctly rainforest-focused, with lush tropical foliage dominating the view, a stark contrast to the manicured lawns of its sister property. The retreat’s immediate surroundings include private walking trails leading to a natural rainfed waterfall, emphasizing immersion in nature and quiet exploration—ideal for low-impact strolls with a baby carrier. The famous Gardner’s Falls is on the same road and its a 1-minute drive to falls.
Rooms at Spicers Tamarind Retreat
The accommodation consists of beautifully designed, luxurious standalone villas and pavilions, ensuring maximum privacy and seclusion. These rooms are modern and spacious, featuring details like double spa baths, fireplaces, and private decks overlooking the rainforest. Crucially for infant travel, the standalone nature of the rooms minimizes noise transfer from neighbors. Many of the villas are self-contained and accessed at ground level, which simplifies management with prams and gear. We found the luxury Villas and Spa Villas, with their generous space and privacy, to be the most practical choice, allowing us to maintain our infant’s routine without feeling constrained. Our villa did not have a spa, but we had a kitchen and a huge living area that was so comfortable. The two separate areas made it so easy to put kids to sleep and still have a leisure area.
Food at Spicers Tamarind Retreat
The culinary heart of the retreat is The Tamarind, a restaurant acclaimed for its contemporary Asian cuisine, particularly Thai influences. This is a dramatic departure from the European fare at other Spicers properties. The restaurant focuses on fresh, local ingredients fused with authentic Asian flavors. As with all Spicers retreats, a gourmet à la carte breakfast is included daily. Every meal felt like an event, and in particular, we had several long breakfasts together with the quality and size of the meals. They were also very accommodating of the young boy and his dietary needs as well.
A major feature of Tamarind is the Spicers Tamarind Cooking School, which runs classes focusing on various Asian cuisines. While attending a full class might be challenging with a baby, the existence of the school highlights the retreat’s passion for gastronomy. For dinner, The Tamarind offers both intimate dining and, importantly, the flexibility of enjoying high-quality, Asian-inspired cuisine through in-room dining services, which is often preferable when dining schedules are dictated by an infant.
Facilities at Spicers Tamarind Retreat
Tamarind is designed as a complete relaxation sanctuary. Its wellness offering is headlined by the second location of Spa Anise, where services like deep-tissue and prenatal massages are available. The outdoor facilities include a pool and relaxation areas perfectly integrated into the dense greenery. The property’s defining facility, however, is its direct access to nature, with walking trails leading to the Kondalilla Falls National Park and the local rainfed waterfall.
Critically, the retreat provides babysitting/child services on request. This essential amenity allows parents the peace of mind needed to fully experience the spa, attend a specialized cooking class, or enjoy an uninterrupted dinner at The Tamarind, transforming the trip from a simple stay into a true restorative break.
An experience that is a must-try is the picnic. We decided to have ours at the pool and it is such a buffet. They come with sandwiches, meat and cheese plus a whole lo of baked desserts that are way too good.
What is Around Spicers Tamarind Retreat
The Maleny area offers superb family-friendly options that leverage the stunning natural surroundings:
- Gardners Falls: A short, easy walk leads to this popular spot, perfect for a gentle outing.
- Maleny Botanic Gardens & Bird World: Offering expansive, easily navigable gardens and the option to hire a buggy, it provides a safe and beautiful outdoor environment for a family stroll.
- Maleny Dairies: An excellent, engaging stop where families can see farm animals and purchase fresh local produce.
- Maleny Town Centre: Offers quaint cafes, art shops, and artisan food producers like Maleny Food Co. for light, pram-friendly stops.
Our Personal Overall Experience of Spicers Tamarind Retreat
Spicers Tamarind Retreat provides a nature-focused luxury experience that stands on its own. The combination of secluded, spacious pavilions, unique Asian-fusion dining, and crucial services like on-demand babysitting makes it an outstanding choice for parents who value privacy and a distinct culinary theme. The lush environment is deeply calming, allowing for a genuine mental reset. One of favorite parts of the trip was sitting by the fire with the baby enjoying the evening.
Promotions at Spicers Tamarind Retreat
Like the other Spicers properties, Tamarind offers tailored packages:
- Babymoon Bliss Package: A customized offer including spa treatments and amenities, perfect for pre- or post-baby travel planning.
- Dinner, Bed & Breakfast: A popular choice that bundles accommodation with The Tamarind’s signature Asian dining experience and daily breakfast.
- Pooch Package: For those traveling with a dog (or considering it), as some villas are pet-friendly.
- Summer Escape: Seasonal deal that is available now until Jan 12, 2026 – contact them for more details
