Correspondent Terry Blackburn, visited Koh Samui to check out the properties available for sale and the companies selling them. This is what he said about Tamarind Retreat's tropical villas:

If a holiday home on the east coast of Samui appeals more, then have a look at Tamarind Retreat. Located in the hills above Lamai Beach, Tamarind has initial plans to develop just 11 houses on its land at a cost of around 4,800,000 Baht each. Six have so far been completed (Editor's note, since then 9 have been completed, with the newest villa "Alta Vista" scheduled to be completed by August 2003). "There are many natural rock formations on the land," explains managing director Benjamas Pongchababnapa, "so our philosophy is to make our houses integral parts of the landscape. We want to break down the border between human habitation and the outside world. This is why we insist on having no air-con in any of our properties. We also use renewable resources wherever possible, such as hardwoods from sustainable forests and coconut wood."

Tamarind also offers a full rental service on the property when the owners are not in occupancy. Central to the development is a well-established spa offering a range of massage and beauty therapies as well as a sauna and an amazing natural plunge pool. This often proves to be a much-appreciated additional incentive for potential guests.