Jamahkiri Spa and Resort on Koh Tao is a welcome landmark and retreat after what could be if you dared to attempt it an exhausting trek through hillside jungle.

However with the complementary shuttle from their booking office in Mae Haad destined to get you there, it is a heavenly sight on any day.

Situated on a rocky outcrop on one of the island's southern headlands, with the ocean below lapping onto the secluded beach of Rocky Bay, Jamahkiri beckons cool and inviting and offers some of the most spectacular sea views on the island.

Set amidst the rocks and luscious greenery of palms, papaya trees and aloe vera plants, it is also a wonderland of exploration into meditative massage rooms and steaming herbal baths.

Touted as the first luxurious spa resort on Koh Tao, it is certainly at the top of its class, with spa packages using the natural herbs and oils that grow in abundance in Thailand.

The popular Jamahkiri Package for only Bt1550 includes the steam room, a deep-cleansing facial massage, a 30 minute aloe vera body wrap and a traditional Thai massage, perfect for a day of self-indulgence or a unique birthday treat for a friend.

Also home to a gibbon sanctuary supported by Thailand's Forestry Commission, these cheeky little faces are a rare treat to come so close to. Rescued as babies, the gibbons monkey around in their pens, as curious to see me as I was to see them.

As well as live animals, there are two giant-sized gibbon statues overlooking the grounds, and almost gothic style lead benches with horses heads and feline faces, rather spooky ornamentations on this particularly stormy day.

In the lounge area next to the restaurant lie glossy art and culture magazines and modern language novels, and while the collective conscience whispers ‘quiet please', you could be forgiven if haunted by the mood music piped through the rooms.

And indeed, overhead there's a squally sky. The wind whips the sea while small craft buck at the waves. A yellow speck is revealed through the camera lens to be two people in a kayak, attempting to push forward or rather turn back, going nowhere instead, simply rocked to and fro.

As the weather clears the neighboring islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Ang Thong Marine Park can be seen.

Inside, the foyer and restaurant display a blend of interesting wall designs and eye-catching ornaments. A cabinet in the lounge area houses over 50 small figures, presumably Thai gods and spirits.

The total effect of Jamahkiri's design is classic and luxurious. The scarlet upholstery and dark wood finishings soften the dramatic effect of the stone sculptures, while the soft yellow lighting sets a mood of tranquility and repose.

The restaurant offers a select choice of mouth-watering Thai dishes and Western panini combinations. I order the tom kha gai, which proves to be just the remedy or the doze I'm trying not to fall into.

Wine can be purchased by the bottle and the cocktails are alcoholically refreshing, so it is little wonder that I'm starting to feel revitalized and I've not even been for a massage yet!

I continue my explorations, following a stone staircase down into a shower room with a terrace opening directly above the sea.

It is here where the magic begins.

Shedding your Sunday best you slip into something more comfortable a sarong, worn as you wish.

Outside, on the sala around the lily pond, masseuses prepare the herbal creams and oils they will use to treat you to hours of uninterrupted ambient pleasure.

There is an amazing selection of spa packages to try, and with the new pool and spa center under construction, Jamahkiri is set to be a little heaven on earth.

Ushered through a heavy wooden door into the steam room for twenty minutes of herbal steam therapy, you'll then be smothered in aloe vera cream for the 20 minute aloe wrap.

The abundant and cooling aloe is mashed and mixed with revitalizing cream to be absorbed into the skin.

Aloe vera is said to heal wounds and skin problems and is widely used as a treatment for superficial burns.

It is also thought to ease intestinal problems and help immunization. The facial massage is a traditional purifying and nourishing treatment for those dirty pores or wrinkled skin, as they say, ‘your face will love you'.

The final pleasure lies behind the imposing double doors next to the lily pond. Inside are eight private body massage rooms.

After selecting your choice of aromatic oil, settle down to be pampered with the ancient art of Thai massage and can be reassured of those expert hands smoothing away any aches and pains, increasing energy and flexibility.

The massage oil is made from virgin coconut oil, khun yai, which is thought to protect sunburn, restore moisture and relieve pain.

It is also believed to make naturally black hair blacker, and prevent split ends.

Jamahkiri believe that naturally grown herbs and oils are invaluable in treating a wide range of troubling conditions, their benefits having been realized through ancient observation and application.

Ancestral knowledge of these unique healing properties is highly venerated and should be shared as it comes from great wisdom and understanding.

After indulging in the Jamahkiri experience, there is no reason to doubt the wisdom in these beliefs and practices.

A day spent at Jamahkiri Spa and Resort is a total sensory experience in totally sensational surroundings, a must to provide the finishing touches to your Thai holiday.