Many hotel groups offer on-property dining but not many can boast true gourmet experiences.

However Spicers Tamarind Retreat and Spa in Queensland's Sunshine Coast hinterland boasts all that and more, with its onsite restaurant The Tamarind not only offering award-winning Asian cuisine, but its guests the chance to learn how to cook its innovative dishes like a pro.

Since taking on the reins of head chef at The Tamarind three years ago, Daniel Jarrett has been spicing things up at the restaurant by putting his own touches to classic Thai dishes while still respecting the fresh flavours and using local produce. 

The result? A style he calls "modern Asian" and which has seen The Tamarind scoop numerous awards, from Best Modern Asian Restaurant on the Sunshine Coast at the 2012 Savour Australia Restaurant & Catering Awards, to achieving a much sought-after Chef Hat in the 2013 Queensland Good Food Guide, 2013 Australian Good Food Guide and 2012 Queensland Good Food Guide.

"When I first came to The Tamarind I had just returned from China and Malaysia. I saw and learned a lot and realised I could combine subtle influences into The Tamarind's Thai style offerings," Daniel says.

"My aim is to embrace flavours, philosophies and the unique culinary cultures of Asia, while using locally raised ingredients whenever possible and supporting sustainability here in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

"Asian cuisine is a mastery of spices and a careful balance of flavours, and at The Tamarind we're always looking for new and exciting ways to combine sweet, sour and spicy flavours into dishes that melt in your mouth."

Menu items can include honey roasted deboned quail stuffed with pork and house-made kimchi, wilted baby spinach, sesame, pear, herbs and Ssam sauce for entrée. 

For mains, the menu can feature seared Moreton Bay bug tails with chestnut noodles, choy sum, black beans, braised shiitake, pork crackle, Asian broth and a crispy ginger, chilli and garlic relish; or pan fried barramundi with slow braised oxtail wonton dumpling, sweet and sour sauce, lime, chilli and coconut.

Desserts at The Tamarind are just as innovative. They can include a delicious medley featuring sweet yam pudding, coconut ice cream and coconut lime tart; and coconut and white chocolate crème brulee with spiced lychee, and coconut lime sorbet. 

Then there's the mouth-watering spiced Valrhona chocolate torte with pistachio sponge, chocolate oil and jasmine ice cream.

Whatever the dish, The Tamarind's ever-changing menu and perfectly matched wines make it a true gourmet destination for both in-house guests and the general public alike.

Set in a tranquil outdoor pavilion designed to make the most of Spicers Tamarind Retreat and Spa's peaceful rainforest location in Maleny, The Tamarind offers a two and three course a la carte and five course specialty banquets.

In keeping with its commitment to using locally grown produce, the restaurant uses fresh herbs grown from its onsite herb garden including Vietnamese basil, coriander, galangal and bay leaves. 

Daniel and his team can also regularly be found picking something from one of the property's fruit orchids including Tahitian limes, finger limes and lemons. 

The purpose-built Tamarind Cooking School has also become the go-to place for budding cooks to hone their skills in Asian cuisine and learn all of its secrets - direct from one of Queensland's best chefs.

Participants learn the intricate structure of the Thai palate and distinctive cooking and ingredient differences between Thailand's north and south with the Taste of Thailand cooking class. 

A Tour of Thailand package featuring three classes for the price of two is also available and teaches participants everything there is to know about Thai cuisine, including how to dish up popular street-style food.

"These intimate classes of up to 12 offer the chance to learn everything you ever wanted to know about delicious Thai cuisine, from where to find the right ingredients to creating the perfect menu," Daniel says.

"Our goal is to teach Thai cuisine in a simple, approachable way, enabling participants to recreate delicious Thai dishes at home to impress their family and friends.

 "Each person creates five dishes and also receives some of my secret recipes and notes. But perhaps the best bit is being able to devour your own creations at the end of the class, all with a nice glass of wine in hand!"

Participants also receive a take-home The Tamarind branded apron.

Spicers Tamarind Retreat and Spa also offers a purpose-built day spa, Spa Anise for both guests and visitors.

The spa offers four beautifully appointed treatment rooms, relaxation lounge, hydrotherapy room, diverse spa treatments and tailored spa cuisine.

Here, perhaps after cooking up a storm at The Tamarind Cooking School, guests and visitors can indulge in a range of exclusive treatments like the Lush Lemongrass and Citrus infused salt scrub and Coconut and Mango Butter massage.

"Spa Anise is a total experience like no other. We have created a peaceful sanctuary which offers complete wellness experiences which are individually tailored to our guests' needs, from a professional spa exclusive facial to a specifically designed remedial massage focussing on improving movement and decreasing pain and comfort," Spicers Tamarind Retreat and Spa general manager David Assef says.

"Spicers Tamarind Retreat and Spa is so much more than just a place to sleep. 

"With the fantastic dining of The Tamarind, Daniel's hugely popular cooking classes and Spa Anise, Spicers Tamarind Retreat and Spa offers both guests and members of the public alike a unique getaway unlike any other."

For media enquiries contact Brenton Gibbs Tel +61 (0)419 828 440; brenton@crookgroup.com.au