Tag Archives: Thailand

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

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok

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We made a fleeting visit to Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. For our final night in the city we were comforted in the knowledge that we would be staying with this worldwide renowned chain whose standard is consistently excellent and no luxury amenity is spared. I have stayed in Four Seasons hotels around the world but never so far away from home. Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok upheld all my expectations.

From the moment the grubby taxi pulled into the driveway, I noticed an old Siamese charm about the Four Seasons Bangkok. From the doormen to hotel managers, there is a quiet politeness and understated charm to every aspect of this accommodation and in every staff member.

Reclining stone elephants mark the entrance, ornate Thai flowers decorate the large lobby and a detailed colourful mural brings life to the wall on the grand staircase leading to the second floor. The theme of the painting is the coronation of a King, which is fitting as we were staying on Coronation Day – a very important public holiday in Thailand. This is just one of many murals in the hotel; they are the work of some of Thailand’s most celebrated and accomplished painters.

Informed that we had been upgraded to a Four Seasons Executive Suite, we were whisked up to the members only Executive Club Lounge on the seventh floor. The speedy check-in was accompanied by fresh orange juice and early evening canapés.

Our impressively large suite was warm and welcoming – located on the fifth floor with a panoramic cityscape view from the window, dark and moody at night, bright and bustling in the morning. This suite comprises a big bedroom, spacious living room, powder room and bathroom. There is elegant décor throughout the rooms including teak furnishings, silk fabrics and authentic Thai artefacts. It was extremely comfortable and homely but also filled with intriguing detailing. I spent a while flicking through a magnificent book documenting the King of Thailand’s reign and the history of the monarchy.

We didn’t spend long in the luxurious suite but could enjoy its perks nonetheless; the softest sheets, the bounciest pillows, fragrant L’Occitane products and a giant bathtub. When morning came I woke heavy-hearted, sad to be leaving the Land of Smiles. We had the choice of breakfast location, either the Executive lounge or the main courtyard downstairs. We chose the larger communal area conscious that the food choice would be greater. Here many cuisines and breakfast traditions are represented. Knowing we wouldn’t be eating authentic Thai for a while we opted for the local red curry with chicken and fried rice with pork – absolutely delicious despite the odd time of day. An egg station makes guests hot dishes to their exact specifications and inside the pastry, fruit and yoghurt buffet was extensive.

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok provided the perfect home for our final night in Thailand. It felt very natural as a five star hotel in this hectic city, not contrived or over-modernised like many of its competitors, instead evoking a sense of place while providing the highest level of luxury.

More information and book here: www.fourseasons.com/bangkok

Maduzi Hotel, Bangkok

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Sneaking through the unassuming sliding gate of the Maduzi Hotel, I felt like I was being let into a secret.  The hotel is located in the hip and trendy Sukhumvit district, just a few steps away from Asok Skytrain Station and minutes from the café-bar scene of Thong Lo.

Just five years old, this design-focussed hotel is family run and continues to thrive in a city of big brands including Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Secret Retreats. The boutique property has 40 rooms spread across seven floors labelled M-A-D-U-Z-I, our double deluxe room M01 was on the top floor boasting great views of the city, looking east towards Sukhumvit Road.

The rooms have a cool vibe, we had a silver retro coffee machine, Bose sound system and innovative artwork to enjoy during our stay. The design is sharp and functional with arty Asian elements. A huge window wall provided natural daylight to flood into the room, which I particularly appreciated.

After testing the enormous bouncy bed, I discovered the concealed walk-in wardrobe and bathroom. The infinity jacuzzi bathtub was big and rectangular with an unusual tap, filling from the ceiling, it initially gave me quite a shock! Panpuri Thai Jasmine & Mint toiletries were fragrant and soothing.

After an afternoon exploring the neighbourhood, we were relieved to re-enter the calming environment of the Maduzi Hotel. The communal areas are relaxed and airy, with books and magazines to provide entertainment. The lobby bar offers every guest a welcoming drink, and is often occupied by locals and foreigners enjoying the atmosphere.

Chef Yuya at Maduzi is Japanese and his influence can be seen throughout the food options. For breakfast, an a la carte menu offers freshly cooked dishes such as soft and scrumptious waffles; continental and Japanese choices are also available.

Maduzi translates as ‘Please come and see’ and the sense of allure and excitement is evident throughout this characterful hotel.

More information and book here: www.maduzihotel.com