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'Permission' to relax
For the discerning traveler with a 'true' love
of nature, Tamarind Retreat is paradise, says Andrew Hirasanboom.
People who come to Samui want to just relax.
Their fantasy is tropical island, the beach and doing nothing."
The programme is small, herbal saunas in the
one-of-a-kind steam room and traditional Thai massage in the
outdoor sala are the main draws, and the stunning facilities
and setting makes for an unforgettable experience.
The sauna, for example, is built between two
huge boulders, next to a small outdoor plunge pool. It has
been described as a "dragon's cave", in appearance
as well as sound. The "breathing" sound, which was
in fact not intended (the result of steam bubbling through
pools of water), is in fact soothing and distracting in a
good way. Guests are allowed to spend as long as they like
alternating between rests in the herbal sweatbox and dips
in the refreshing cool pool.
A short walk up a stone-laid path is the high-ceilinged
massage sala, which affords a view of the landscaped gardens
below. Sound here too plays an important part of the experience,
with new age music mingling with cool palm-rustling breezes
and occasional moans of delight.
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