The Library Samui hotel review

Tucked along Koh Samui’s eastern coastline, The Library Samui is an exquisite haven for travellers seeking minimalism, opulence and seclusion.

Traveller: Cathy Wagstaff and Helene Taylor
Room: Two-Bedroom Secret Pool Villa
Address: 14/1 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, 84320, Thailand
Date: October, 2023
Price range: from $345
Best for: A sleek hideaway on Koh Samui’s popular Chaweng Beach

Location

Perched upon Koh Samui’s Chaweng Beach, The Library is a unique beachfront hotel comprising 46 studios, suites and pool villas spread over 12,800 square meters of land. It’s a minimalist retreat with plenty of space to read, roam, and reflect.

Within a short walk, you can find

The vibrancy of Chaweng Beach with its beachside bars and restaurants. The artisan shopping at Fisherman’s Village and Big Buddha Temple are within a short drive.

Read: Luxury travel guide to Koh Samui

A walk down a pathway leads to the secret villa door © The Library Samui

Claim to fame

Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an air of exclusivity as you step into a world where modern style meets tropical tranquillity. The villa’s design is a testament to contemporary sophistication, blending minimalist architecture with luxe amenities across 26 studios and 20 private spaces, the latter known as the Secret Chapters.

The showstopper

All the villas are stunning. However, The Writer is the crowning jewel, an opulent pool villa spanning 359 square metres. Characterised by an elegant yet restrained interior design, The Writer is a tranquil oasis with direct beach access, a private cocktail bar, a pool lounge and an outdoor cinema. The upper terrace affords guests spectacular ocean vistas, while a personal library facilitates quiet contemplation and reading time.

The showstopper: The Writer © The Library Samui

The room

We stayed in a Two-Bedroom Secret Pool Villa – with the ‘secret’ part instant on arrival. A walk down a pathway leads to the villa door, yet as they are the same sleek material as the walls, it’s disguised and hidden, so you don’t instantly recognise this as the doorway to your slice of Samui heaven.

Once inside, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows invite natural light to dance across the sleek interiors, creating a union between the inside and the lush surroundings.

The two bedrooms are masterfully appointed. Crisp linens on plush triple king-size beds, pop culture-inspired furnishings, and splashes of colour offset the alabaster-white interiors. The en-suite bathrooms are a sanctuary unto themselves, featuring rain showers and lavish soaking tubs that are incredibly inviting. The pièce de résistance is the 10-meter-long private pool area cocooned within the villa’s walls surrounded by verdant foliage. The villa also features a private gym with a treadmill machine and body weights.

Read: Signature guide to Thailand’s Trat Province

Two-Bedroom Secret Pool Villa © The Library Samui

Beyond the rooms

Beyond the villa’s confines, The Page, The Library’s signature Thai fusion restaurant, serves homey cuisine crafted from the freshest local ingredients and flavourful tapas with some of the island’s best cocktails. Enjoy downtime at the resort’s beachfront library (The Lib) or dip in the Red Pool, an infinity pool overlooking the sea with its mosaic tiles of orange, yellow, and red.

Dish to dine for

Breakfast in bed on the beach with a signature “Breakfast Culture” is the best way to start the day. It is one of the reasons I love to stay at this resort. Snuggle up on a crisp white mattress and enjoy the first light of the day – or later if you prefer a lie-in – while enjoying a plentiful array of fresh fruits, brewed coffee, and eggs to order.

Staying in

Pop into The Lib, with its curated collection of over 1400 books and an array of movies and music CDs, that you can take back and enjoy in your villa. If feeling more energised, grab a workout at The Fit for a quick aerobic or a full-scale weights session.

The Lib | The Page © The Library Samui

Stepping out

Beyond The Library Samui’s luxurious confines, Koh Samui beckons with a tapestry of experiences. Explore the vibrant Fisherman’s Village for cultural immersion and artisanal finds. Embark on a yacht excursion to the pristine Ang Thong Marine Park, a haven for snorkelling and kayaking amidst limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Discover the island’s spiritual side at the Big Buddha temple or indulge in gastronomic delights at local night markets. Adrenaline-pumping activities like zip-lining are also nearby.

The family factor

Ideal for family vacations, the two-bedroom villas offer the exclusivity of a private home with spacious comfort for hosting a group of friends or a family. With a 10-meter-long private swimming pool and equally roomy triple king-size beds, these villas also feature a dining area with a pantry and full-size fridge.

Before booking

Stay four nights and enjoy as much as 33% off standard rates. Breakfast included. Stays of 5 nights or more in the low session also receive 33% off standard rates, plus include daily breakfast, one-time Tea by the Sea for two, and roundtrip Samui Airport transfers.

Insiders’ tips

The dedicated villa staff can attend to your every whim, from arranging bespoke experiences on the island to catering to private dinners, yoga classes, and spa treatments.