The Library

A design-conscious boutique hotel, The Library is situated on Hat Chaweng, one of Samui's prettiest beaches. The rooms and public spaces are housed in a series white cube-shaped buildings set on lushly landscaped grounds with lots of almond trees. The resort has the quiet and peaceful feel of a sanctuary, and with only 26 rooms, it's more intimate than neighboring properties. Along with that intimacy, a stunningly impeccable sharp contemporary design scheme leaves no room for fault.True to its name, The Library pays homage to books and the written word. The minimalist, glass-walled library has over 1,300 books, and white sculptures of people reading dot the property. The resort's signature feature is its scintillating red pool, created from the effect of its orange, yellow, and red mosaic towels. The red pool and white buildings contrast nicely with the turquoise sea and surrounding greenery. Despite its location in the center of bustling Chaweng, things here stay peaceful, and the vibe is exclusive. The resort draws well-heeled couples and tourists who are greeted with welcome drinks and cool towels. 

The beachfront Library is situated in a resort-heavy area in the middle of Chaweng Beach, a short walk from a big stretch of shops, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and cabaret shows. The Central Festival shopping complex is a five-minute drive, and Laem Din market is less than a five-minute walk. Featuring some of the best Muay Thai boxing in Koh Samui, Petchbuncha Boxing Stadium is a little over five minutes away on foot. The resort is a seven-minute drive from Wat Khao Hua Jook Buddhist temple, situated at the top of a hill with views of the east coast of Samui Island and the Gulf of Thailand. Wat Phra Yak Buddhist temple -- which showcases an enormous gold-painted Buddha statue (known as the Big Buddha) -- is a little over a 20-minute drive away. Guests can take an elephant trek to Samui's highest falls at Na Muang Safari Park, located around half an hour away by car. Samui International Airport is a 10-minute drive away.

The 26 non-smoking rooms at The Library have a cool, minimalist aesthetic, with stark-white walls, mostly black furniture, and white platform beds with cotton-rich sheets and pillow menus. Rooms have red, black, or white lacquer floors, and some have brown hardwood sections of flooring. Contemporary art is used to great effect, like the dramatic tree branches sparingly set about the walls of The Bookmark room that we saw -- and some rooms have atmospheric mood lighting. Arranged in 13 two-floor buildings, rooms range in size, but are generally spacious, quiet and clean, and get good natural light. Amenities include tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibars, safes, and iMacs (some rooms have two). All rooms also come with 43- or 55-inch flat-screen TVs (some rooms have one of each) with Blu-ray players. Some units have some combination of garden views, outdoor terraces with deck chairs and/or hot tubs, indoor or open-air living spaces, dining areas, full-sized bars, home theater systems, Bose stereos with speakers, wireless headsets, and snack bars with free snacks. Rooms with multiple bedrooms are also available.Bathrooms feature premium bath products and rainfall showers, and some also have bathtubs or jetted tubs. All bathrooms are clean, well-lit, and spacious, with decent counter space around the sink.

The Library is situated on Hat Chaweng, one of Samui's prettiest beaches. Water sports -- including stand-up paddleboarding, kite-boarding, surfing, and sailing -- can be arranged through the hotel. Next to the beach, the large Red Pool features is a visually dazzling spectacle that's created by orange, yellow, and deep red mosaic tiles. The Page restaurant serves Thai and international fusion cuisine created from organic and locally sourced ingredients. Guests can take breakfast on the beach or in their room, and lunch is overlooking the sea. Breakfast is included in room rates and is an all-you-can-eat buffet or a la carte affair with plenty of homemade items, fresh juices and jams. The restaurant's beach bar serves over 100 finely crafted cocktails, along with tapas and unusual snacks, and they host a happy hour on the beach and live jazz on select days.The hotel library offers over 1,300 books in a traditional library space, plus an outdoor reading area and an indoor gift shop. There's also a multimedia gallery with DVDs, CDs, and iMacs. With 270-degree sea views, the glass-enclosed fitness center has a a few cardio machines, free weights, and exercise balls. Parking and Wi-Fi are free, and wedding services are available on request.