Tag Archives: island

The Surin Hotel, Phuket

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The Surin beach in Phuket is known for its pristine white sand and pale turquoise waters, a heavenly stretch of shoreline which the Surin Hotel can call its back garden! Ideally located on the west coast of the island and a member of the Design Hotels group, this accommodation is subtle and stylish, a blissfully tranquil place to enjoy an exotic holiday.

All of the 103 cottages and suites are discreetly situated amongst the lush green landscape, surrounded by coconut trees and vocal wildlife. With a renovation just three years ago, the décor feels fresh and contemporary. The property is removed from the major party areas in Phuket, though Catch Beach Club next door is popular. Guests can easily arrange excursions to nearby historic sites, we enjoyed visiting the local Chalong Bay distillery and Phuket old town.

At the end of a leafy road, the hotel feels very exclusive, a retreat to enjoy quiet luxury. We walked up and down a multitude of steps past swaying palm trees until we reached our little cabin. Despite modern touches the room is very traditionally Thai in design. Using warm brown and ochre shades, the interior has a comforting feel and encourages you to relax. The walls display ancient artefacts, fruit and snacks are prettily placed on the table and an array of magazines are ideal for beachside entertainment. The open plan room holds a plush sofa, small desk and a wonderfully soft big bed. Above the bed a triptych of oriental gold and brown artworks add artistic flair. Through to the wardrobe area, the Surin provides a full beach kit, straw sun hats, fans and convenient bag for towels. They have thought of everything you may need, so you can concentrate on your holiday. The bathroom is simply designed, with mirrored surfaces and nicely packaged toiletries, no bath but the powerful shower suffices for a refreshing spritz. Bathrobes are a fashionable pale grey and are a cooling thin cotton material.

For further indulgence guests can get a buggy to the petite Surin spa and really unwind with a vigorous tension relieving massage. Cool down with the delicious hibiscus flower iced welcome drink, choose from the selection of tropical flavoured oils, then lie down and let the experienced therapists melt your problems away.

When it comes to food at The Surin they follow the guest’s needs. For light lunches you can enjoy a bite by the beach while dinner can be enjoyed at the Beach Restaurant (though only open in high season) so we tried the fantastic Lomtalay Thai restaurant. Here they serve the finest traditional cuisine, every bite was exquisite. Using the highest quality ingredients each dish was fresh and vibrantly flavoured. I can particularly recommend the tender Lamb chops covered in spicy fragrant curry sauce and the moreish Morning glory in a light garlicky sauce.

At breakfast the hotel suddenly seems very full as guests gorge on the feast of food. A chef is cooking away at the egg station, whipping up fresh personalised dishes. Those who prefer a light breakfast can help themselves to tropical fruits and flaky buttery croissants.

When you have finished exploring the facilities, the sun drenched beach is waiting for you and it is this stunning view that will remain with you as a memory of the Surin long after you have left.

A double cottage at The Surin Phuket starts from £150 per room per night. For more information and reservations visit www.thesurinphuket.com  or call +66 76 621 580 2.

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