My Maleny Escape: good vibes, big laughs & seriously good food

I hit a bit of a wall recently—caught in the grind, letting life pass by on autopilot. So, I decided to hit pause and take my own advice: book the damn trip. I packed the car and took off for a few days in Maleny. Just me, the hinterland, and the kind of stillness you don’t realise you’re craving until it hits. I checked into Spicers Tamarind Retreat and honestly, it was next-level.

Planning your trip?
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Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
SIM Cards: Simify

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Think: luxury treehouse vibes, rainforest surrounds, and an atmosphere so chilled you forget what day it is. The kind of place where you breathe deeper without even realising it. Three days there, and I felt more like myself than I had in weeks.

Book Spicers Tamarind Retreat here.

Spa robes > real clothes

First stop—ditch the jeans, grab the robe. Spa Anise was calling. I’ve done a few day spas in my time, but this one? Easily one of the best. The massage, petite facial, and foot scrub combo hit the reset button hard. Every movement felt considered. No rush, no generic routine—just genuine care and attention to detail.

Post-treatment, I floated out, sipping herbal tea and feeling like I’d left all the stress back in Brisbane. Then came a little pop of champagne and a glow-up session with Issada Cosmetics. By the time I walked out, I felt brand new—relaxed, fresh, and ready to enjoy it all.

A dinner to remember

Dinner that night was at The Tamarind restaurant, right there at the retreat—and honestly, one of the best meals I’ve had. Modern Asian cuisine, two Chef Hats, and dishes that were as beautiful as they were delicious. The dessert? A velvety Valrhona chocolate torte with salted caramel, chilli chocolate ice cream, lychee and raspberry chilli jam. Unbelievable.

What made the trip special

I’ve travelled a lot over the years, but this trip was a reminder of how powerful it is to slow down. No packed itinerary, no pressure. Just me, good food, nature, and quiet. It was a reset I didn’t know I needed.

Best things to do in Maleny

Visit the Eumundi Markets
Just 50 minutes from Maleny, the Eumundi Markets markets are packed with fresh produce, epic cronuts, handmade jewellery, crystals, and clothes. Easy to lose hours wandering, chatting with stallholders, and patting friendly dogs.

Buy too much fudge
Strolling through Maleny’s main street is like stepping into a slower pace of life. The must-stop? Sweets On Maple. Old-school charm, free fudge samples, and every kind of lolly imaginable. You won’t leave empty-handed.

Cheese, please
Maleny Cheese is a no-brainer. Tastings include cheddar, feta, soft cheeses—and even camel curd and buffalo dips. Don’t knock it till you try it. Highly likely you’ll walk out with an armful of cheese.

Just drive
One of the simplest joys of the trip was cruising through the hinterland. Singing badly to ‘90s hits, pointing out dream houses, pulling over for fruit stalls and lookouts. That pure road trip magic.

Actually relax
Whether it’s curling up with a book, toasting marshmallows, or sitting with a cuppa listening to the birds—Maleny invites you to slow all the way down. No rush. No noise. Just real rest.

Why Maleny?

Because it strips away the noise and gives you space to breathe. It’s wholesome, peaceful and full of character. Every part of the day has its own rhythm—slow breakfast, meandering afternoons, unforgettable dinners. And it’s the kind of place that puts a smile on your face for no reason other than being there.

Book Spicers Tamarind Retreat here.

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