Posted on

Glamping on Australia’s Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Spicers Tamarind Retreat is an intimate getaway set near a rainforest waterfall in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland near Maleny. Thai style meets the tranquillity of the Australian bush for a stunningly unique retreat experience. This is the type of vacation destination where you can do as little or as much as you want.

The 18-acre property is situated next to Gardners Falls in a picturesque rainforest. Maleny is nestled in the gorgeous hills and countryside of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The nearby towns of Mapleton, Montville and Noosa complete the area and add to the list of activity options for the perfect unhurried vacation.

The villas are private and romantic with a chic modern style in true glamping spirit. Relax in your private cedar hot tub on the balcony of your villa. From the hot tub, you can hear the sounds of Gardners Falls and the abundant wildlife in the area – it’s pure zen. On chillier nights, cozy up in front of the wood-burning fireplace. The villas are the perfect resting spot inbetween adventures exploring the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Spicers Tamarind features 12 stand-alone villas for the ultimate in privacy and comfort. Five are 1-bedroom and the remaining seven are 2-bedroom units. The location is perfect for a romantic getaway.

tamarind-2bedvilla-bedroom - smaller imagePhoto: Spicers Tamarind

Spicers Tamarind Retreat’s restaurant, The Tamarind, brings a taste of Thailand to the foothills of Maleny. Savour the culinary skills of award-winning chefs at the restaurant. As a side note, there are cooking classes on site where you can learn the intricacies of Thai cuisine. The restaurant is an outdoor pavilion designed to capitalize on the peaceful location. The Tamarind specializes in innovative modern Asian cuisine. Every dish with its harmonious balance of Thai flavors of sweet, sour, and spicy will leave your mouth watering. Favorites include nee grob (three caramelized meats with crispy fried noodles), to a green curry of yellow tail kingfish with Thai apple eggplant, and a delicious dessert medley featuring sweet yam pudding, coconut ice cream and coconut lime tart. The Tamarind’s ever-changing menu and perfectly matched wines make this a true gourmet destination for both in-house guests and the general public alike.

Spicers Tamarind Retreat’s stunning rainforest location makes it easy to get lost in relaxation and nature. Explore the natural wonders of the local area on mountain bike, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the herb garden and orchard or just relax with a picnic by stunning Gardners Falls. For real adventure why not go bushwalking in Kondalilla Falls National Park and take a dip in the rock pool at the top of the Falls. Take a stroll along Obi Obi creek and nearby Gardners Falls. From lush walking trails, breathtaking waterfalls and charming local towns, to Spicers Tamarind Retreat’s very own day spa and cooking school, there’s plenty of pleasures to fill your day.

banner-poolPhoto: Spicers Tamarind

Spa Anise is open to both in-house guests and day visitors. Whether it’s a day of laughs, lunch and bubbly with friends, soaking in the hydrotherapy room or a few hours of therapeutic massages and foot rituals to freshen up your work team for the new year, Spa Anise Tamarind Retreat offers a unique and memorable spa experience, tailored to you. The spa overlooks the soft green rolling hills and rainforest of the Sunshine Coast hinterland and has four treatment rooms including double rooms for couples, a mineral infused spa, a foot therapy room, a steam room, rain shower and a tailored spa cuisine menu.

Just a short drive away, the quaint villages of Maleny and Montville are home to a range of quality fashion boutiques and gift shops, each offering a diverse range of affordable locally made products. Montville is fondly known as the creative heart of the Sunshine Coast. Spend the day wandering between art and craft galleries and soak up the best of uniquely rich cultural area.

Learn more about planning a trip to Spicers Tamarind.

Posted on

High Sierra Glamping

Glamping is often about choosing how much you want to “rough it” and how much you want things to be taken care of for you. Glampers headed for the Sequoia High Sierra Camp have two options for hiking into camp; a 3/4 or 12 mile trail hike to the camp. For those hiking the longer route it’s more challenging but the camp at the end eliminates the need to carry food and everything else. You can still enjoy the comforts of soft beds and hot showers.

Sequoia High Sierra Camp has 32 canvas tent cabins that provide comfort yet blend in naturally with the surrounding environment. Each tent is approximately 330 square feet and stands on a permanent platform. The best part is the artisan furniture, king size beds, and high-thread count sheets. Knowing this is what awaits you motivates you throughout the entire 12-mile hike.

DSC_0109

Now that sleeping arrangements are provided for, let’s talk food because being in the great outdoors definitely works up an appetite. Three robust meals are include at the camp. Breakfast is served buffet-style every morning with fresh fruit, vegetable frittatas, and the traditional bacon, eggs, and potatoes. For lunch, guests pack their own picnic of deli sandwiches. Gourmet California and Mediterranean-style dinner under a canvas-roofed pavilion is enhanced only by the stunning sunset views and good company of other travelers.

The camp’s main bathhouse has private shower stalls and flushing toilets. The soap, shampoo, and towels are all provided of course. Additionally there are bathrooms located throughout the camp and within close proximity to the tent cabins.

DSC_0416

As you would expect, the Sequoia High Sierra Camp has a deep committment to environmental preservation. The camp’s owner, Burr Hughes, is architect with a master’s degree in sustainable design. The camp is designed to blend in seemlessly with the environment. Most everything is made from renewable sources and the camp’s power comes from a low-emission generator.

tent-cabin-at-night

Sequoia High Sierra Camp’s natural surroundings provide innumerable options for adventure activities and restful leisure. Hiking trails nearby range from easy loops through meadows and more intense scenic mountainsides. Fisherman are encouraged to bring their own gear and enjoy the lakes and creeks that surround the camp. Bring along your nice camera because the majestic Sequoias and royal blue skies are waiting for you. At the end of the day don’t go to bed before star gazing. The night sky is dazzling in the absence of all the city lights. Horseback riding is also available through the Horse Corral Pack Station.

Learn more about the Sequoia High Sierra Camp.

Posted on

Glamping Among Mayan Ruins

La Lancha is a glamping destination a world away from the norm. The rainforest setting and nearby Mayan ruins of Tikal give La Lancha a unique and wonderful atmosphere. The pace of life slows down here – it’s an ideal destination where you can’t help but be present in the moment. Let the pace of life really slow down as you explore the Petén region. La Lancha is a charming 10-room lodge and rainforest casitas hidden away in the rainforest high above the shores of Lago Petén Itzá. La Lancha is part of the Coppola Resorts family of hotels and resorts. The lodge and rooms are decorated with art and furniture from Bali. Relax and slow down, La Lancha is a refuge from hectic life.

casita

The casitas give excellent views of the the lake and rainforest and feature a queen-size bed. You’ll want to take time to relax in the hammock on the covered deck, and maybe take an afternoon nap. Visits from friendly howler monkeys right up to the edge of the deck leave no question of the natural surroundings.

deck

Tikal is the epicenter of Mayan spirituality and the most striking visual sight while staying at La Lancha. Five monolithic temples rise above the jungle canopy. Buried deep in the rainforest are the ruins of more than 3,000 structures. It’s the small details like the moss clinging to the steps of ancient temples and plazas that make you feel like a true adventurer. The temples and ball courts tell the story of a rich and powerful empire and is considered an archaeological wonder of the Americas.

room

A short distance from La Lancha, the Lago Petén Itzá can be explored by boat. In the lakeside communities of San Jose, Santa Barbara, and Flores you can walk narrow cobblestone streets lined with shops featuring local arts and crafts. Other highlights include a museum with Mayan artifacts and a very prominent cathedral.

La Lancha features an open-air restaurant situated under the main lodge’s thatched roof. Enjoy a meal and the spectacular views of the rainforest and Lago Petén Itzá. The parakeets and other wildlife provide the background ambience. The menu includes authentic Guatemalan dishes like Chilaquiles and Suban Ik. The rooftop bar serves Guatemalan rum and Belize-brewed beer – it’s a great place to quench your thirst and take in the beautiful panoramic views.

Learn more about La Lancha.