Tag Archives: beach

The Library Hotel, Koh Samui

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After four busy, boiling hot days in Bangkok we flew to the popular southern island of Samui. The airport is tiny and it only takes a few minutes to find your luggage and wander out onto the streets. A suave, smartly dressed driver was waiting patiently, within seconds we were out of the heat and into the shiny, air-conditioned car.

The only design hotel on the island of Samui, The Library is a special place to stay with a focus on intelligent and thoughtful luxury. Located on the stiflingly touristy strip of Chaweng Beach on the east coast, it is the main reason to visit this area of Samui. It is certainly out of place, a refuge of calm and stylish luxury amongst the neon clothes stands and massage parlours.

The minimalist white structure is a stark contrast to the grubby smelly streets in the town. Everything inside is book themed… you enter the breezy ‘contents’ reception area and enjoy a refreshing clementine sorbet and cold flannel, while admiring the giant Design Hotels bible which sits open in the sunlight. The rooms/suites are known as ‘pages’ and are found neatly lining the central path. The bright turquoise sea at the end looks so idyllic it seems to be a mirage as you walk towards it, mesmerised. The property is home to 12 white figure sculptures, each is reading in a languorous position, they look like giant Plasticine creatures from a kids art programme and encourage guests to relax.

There are 13 suites (downstairs) and 13 studios (upstairs), we were in Page 22, a stark white studio with high ceiling, and low bed. Kitted out with slick Mac computer, coffee maker, minibar and enviable minimalist furniture, it is the ultimate pad. Soon the pristine white room was ruined as our bags of flip flops and summer clothes were strewn over every surface. There is a simple elegance to the features on offer, a large square lightbox can be switched on to illuminate the room in different hued glows. The bathroom is spacious and airy with a giant bath and power shower. Brightly coloured toiletries are found in generous containers on the wall.

The hotel is famous for its crimson pool, a startling contrast to the nearby shimmering blue sea. The rich blood-red Italian tiles are unusual and alluring, a genius choice to brighten the surroundings even more. Within the petite property guests can find a small gym and library holding numerous films and books to enjoy whilst staying. There is no spa but if requested treatments can be arranged.

Desperate for some time on the beach, we utilised every moment… snacks from the Page Restaurant can be ordered and eaten from your sandy spot. Gazing into the distance, chewing at a fragrant satay stick and gulping down a zingy lychee juice, I couldn’t think of a more heavenly setting. We spoke at length to the lovely Francis from the hotel about the history of the island, the Thai culture and how the Library Hotel’s unique personality works on the island of Samui.

Those who are happy to leave the seclusion of the hotel grounds can wander out to the touristy streets where the Library’s second, newer restaurant is to be found. Drink Gallery is a trendy, modern eatery and bar with a range of Asian and continental dishes and an exemplary cocktail list. I was extremely impressed by the high standard of service and masterful mixology. Of the food, the starters were particularly delicious – scrumptious little fried crab dumplings and sweet sticky duck strips with crunchy greenery. For dessert, the sweet, fluffy toast is unmissable. If you enjoy a cocktail try the Bourbon based fruity Vintage and the smooth and zingy Suave and Singular.

Breakfast can be served on the beach, a lovely wake up meal. Choose from a menu of eggs, waffles, fruit and pastries and sip your morning coffee while admiring the spectacular expanse of sea ahead of you.

The hotel is expanding to a new ‘chapter’ building on the neighbouring land; I feel there is scintillating sequel to come from this innovative and creative property very soon. The Library is the hippest hotel on the island of Samui, offering divine design, fun facilities and a pool you will remember forever.

More information and book here: www.thelibrary.co.th

Hot on the Highstreet Week 190

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The Christmas bonus is in the bank, the New Year festivities are over and it’s time to start that health kick and book a summer holiday… What better way to motivate you than the gorgeous, sexy, and terrifyingly skimpy heidi klein bikinis.

Last week my workmates complained as a smartly wrapped box was delivered to me at my desk. This immaculately presented present was from heidi klein, the stylish British designers who ensure you are holiday-ready all year round. The brand was launched in 2002 when Heidi Gosman and Penny Klein noticed how the British highstreet lacks holiday gear outside of the usual summer months. Their luxurious swim and beachwear offers women a fashionable, comfortable and flattering range all year round, so you can get the perfect holiday wardrobe whenever you choose to go away. And as the brand continues to flourish, the heidi klein collections continue to expand and soon menswear and children’s range will also be available.

Though every piece is beautiful, from flip flops to kaftans, it is the bikini sets which are perhaps the most desirable. Blissfully soft, stretchy and unusually comfortable, they are made from the finest fabrics to ensure the quality, shape and colour remains in top condition. Carefully and thoughtfully designed to flatter every curve and contour of the female body, I was amazed by the effects when I tried my lovely svelte black bikini on. With a girly bow at the front of the top and a folded over seam on the bottoms, I loved the detailing of the bikini. And though this design is no longer available the new 2014 collection is equally attractive, with some lovely bold bright designs to fall in love with.

So when January is good and done, reward yourself for all that exercise and lack of alcohol with a holiday abroad and a beautiful bikini  from heidi klein that will last you a lifetime.

heidi klein can be purchased online at www.heidiklein.com and in store at 257 Pavilion Road, Sloan Square, SW1X 0BP and 174 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RW in London and at various boutiques and department stores globally.

For more information go to www.heidiklein.com and become a friend at Facebook/heidiklein

Gallivant Hotel, Rye

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When travelling around Europe, experiencing different cultures and landscapes, it is easy to forget about the great British countryside. Whenever I spend a night away from London I like deep breaths of fresh air, a calmer pace of life and beautiful and uninterrupted views.

Just an hour’s train journey from the capital, the Gallivant Hotel provides the ideal weekend getaway. Getting off the busy train at Rye station, I felt instantly relaxed. The humble beach house hotel is located the dunes of Camber with five miles of golden sand to explore. The property is cosy, informal and quaint reflecting the English coastal setting. The staff were incredibly welcoming and made our check-in blissfully easy, taking us straight to our deck-side room.

Our room was charming and simple, decorated in white and muted blues. The distressed wooden furniture, book collection and vintage accessories made it a lovely, comforting home for the night. The ensuite white bathroom felt luxurious and inviting with a giant bath and Noble Isle toiletries. Aside from the supremely comfortable bed there was a small private deck where guests can enjoy a breath of fresh air.

Just steps away from our bedroom we enjoyed dinner and breakfast in the celebrated Gallivant restaurant. Clearly passionate about local produce, the chef uses predominantly ingredients sourced from within 30 miles of the hotel.

The freshness of the fish and meat brings a real vitality to the dishes at the Gallivant. Devilled crab with melted cheese was an indulgent and delicious starter, whilst roast Winchelsea salt marsh lamb, truffled green beans, garlic scented aubergine and buttery mash was a fine presentation and a wonderful combination of flavours.

For dessert I’d recommend Trevor’s Kent pear tarte tatin which was better even than the Parisian original. With an abundance of caramel sauce and strong vanilla flavoured homemade ice cream on the side, it was impossible to put the spoon down.

Breakfast is similarly delightful, with the sun shining through the surrounding windows it was an idyllic setting in which to enjoy a cup of coffee and a bacon sandwich.

If you find yourself at a loose end over the new year, the Gallivant has a wonderfully reasonable package to help you welcome in 2014 but really this beachside hotel would be a heavenly place to stay all year round.

More information and book here: thegallivanthotel.com