Tried: Tamarind Springs Forest Spa
Stepping into the lush, green realm of untouched nature, my aching body begins calling out for a strong but gentle pair of hands to soothe stressed muscles and send me to a new level of relaxation.
Once a tamarind orchard, Tamarind Springs Forest Spa is hidden on a forested hillside amid giant granite boulders, creating a serene and unique ambiance. The harmonious blend of nature and therapy is the brainchild of the spa’s German architect and co-founder, Detlef Dirksen.
Guests can select from a wide range of programmes based on their preferences and time available. The treatments utilise traditional Eastern and advanced Western methods, ranging from head massage, foot reflexology, facials and massages – classic oil, Thai yoga, Prakop, hot and cold stone – to manual lymphatic drainage.
We chose the four-hour “Beyond Therapy” treatment, beginning with a classic oil massage, followed by a Tibetan singing bowl session, and facial treatment with manual lymphatic drainage.
We are guided along natural stone steps to one of the many open-air salas, where a therapist and her treatment tools await. The massage begins with the Swedish kneading technique, soft yet strong enough to beckon total relaxation as a light jasmine scent fills the air.
As my muscles melt under the skilled therapist’s rhythmic strokes, my ears are caressed by the chatter of birds, and my mind drifts to serenity and peace.
Out of the blue, I hear a resonating hum from the Tibetan singing bowl placed below my waist. The sound grows gradually louder, reverberating in waves through my body.
I sink even deeper into bliss when the therapist delicately shifts to the facial massage and manual lymphatic drainage. As her fingers caress my cheeks, the sound of the singing bowl comes back to my ears, but lighter, like a voice carried on the breeze. These touches bring a strange feeling of warmth, like being held close in a mother’s embrace.
I end my day in the spa’s herbal steam room, a natural rock cave. Splash! A plunge into the rock pool in front of the cave reawakens my senses and makes my day!
Tamarind Springs Forest Spa
265/1 Thong Takian, Moo 4, Tambon Maret, Koh Samui, Surat Thani
+66 (0) 85 926 4626, +66 (0) 98 963 6449 www.tamarindsprings.com/en
Photos: Tamarind Springs Forest Spa
