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Getting young, having fun on Samui
Koh Samui enjoys a reputation as the supreme tropical paradise.
Here's the perfect place to drop out - lots of sun, sand and
seafood, nothing more stressful than the sound of the surf
and nothing more strenuous than breaking into a curried crab
claw. But there's more to it than that. Samui, together with
neighbouring islands like Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, has evolved
into a modern 'Fountain of Youth' - a place to renew body
and spirit, offering a whole variety of paths to regeneration.
"'Heaven on earth."
"An unforgettable experience."
"A magic setting."
"Those are just a few typical testimonials selected from
the guest book at Tamarind Springs, near Lamai Beach. Tamarind
Springs is among the more extraordinary of Koh Samui's rapidly
proliferating 'spas'.
Natural springs, especially hot springs, have long been considered
places of healing. Originally, Spa was the name of a Belgian
resort town, and the term came to refer to any spring or resort
where people went to 'take the waters', enjoying the benefits
of thermal or mineral water used for drinking and bathing.
"But I think the expression 'spa' is misused at the moment,"
says Shelley Poplak, of Tamarind Springs. "And I don't like
it. It sounds too clinical. In fact, I don't think of Tamarind
Springs as a true medical spa.
"It's really a place to indulge yourself - to treat your
body to something that's both tonic and relaxing and, in the
process, realize a moment of utter peace." Ms.Poplak stops
to reflect. She doesn't want to sound too ditzy, she says.
She wants to get it right. "We help our customers to find
that stillness at the core - that moment of silence between
breathing in and breathing out. That moment when a wave has
washed up on the beach but hasn't started to recede yet? I
don't have one word for it, but in essence, that's what I
believe we are about - allowing people the space in which
to experience a moment like that. Some don't find it, of course,
but I think many go away with an awakening of some kind."
A place like Tamarind Springs offers beautifully designed,
airy and open spaces in utter harmony with the natural setting,
a hillside coconut grove facing the sea. The herbal sauna
and cooling pool are nestled among gigantic granite boulders
sculpted by the elements. The reception area, massage sala,
and restaurant-to-be are constructed of coconut wood and thatch,
the craftsmanship of the highest caliber down to the finest
details, are furnished with traditional Thai antique furniture.
Everything has been designed to break down the barriers between
interiors and their natural surroundings. The masseuses are
all expertly trained and experienced. But even if you merely
drop in to enjoy a chat in splendid surroundings over some
cake and herbal tea, you'll go away refreshed and relaxed.
(The carrot cake with cream cheese icing has in itself been
known to induce spiritual episodes.)"
"Another trend is providing full retreats, where residents
enjoy the benefits of the spa, have the opportunity to practice
a variety of meditation and other techniques, from yoga to
tai chi, and get to eat well while living comfortably in superb
tropical settings. ...Tamarind Springs has recently merged
with Tamarind Hill to become Tamarind Retreat, and now offers
a variety of distinctive houses on the hillside adjoining
the spa for short-term rent or long-term lease.
"'We plan to consolidate the marriage of the two and create
a real retreat, " says Ms. Poplak. "This isn't just a day
event, but something that gives our customers the time and
leisure to integrate a really unique experience."
Collin Piprell
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