'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.