The Vibe: A calm slice of minimalism on hyperactive shores.

The Area: Chaweng Beach. There’s certainly plenty to do but the neighbourhood is not going to be to everyone’s taste.

The DNA: A themed resort can be a tricky act to pull off, but The Library, which opened on a patch of sun-kissed beach in Koh Samui in 2007, earns applause for the consistency of the slick design of its 46 studios and suites. Two new pool villas have just been added to the resort’s inventory, and though each is distinctly different in mood, both cleave closely to the central bibliographic conceit. The Library’s most-talked about feature is its polarizing blood-red swimming pool.

Suite-Me-Up: The Writer suite is a 359m2 pleasure dome that’s anchored by a 8.5m saltwater pool and beach frontage. After check-in, there is little reason to ever step out of the villa to explore the rest of the resort, so contained is the menu of in-room facilities, not least an outdoor, pool-side cinema, private gym and, since we’re already in the realm of excess, an 3,35m wide bed. The 280m2 Editor pool suite channels the louche romanticism of a bookish Ming-era mandarin on a Wong Kar Wai set. Which explains the palette of Chinoiserie-lite furniture and high beveled mirrors, dramatic red sheer drapes, a capacious outdoor sala and private dining area and, of course, a reading room.

Seen: archilovers, Wallpaper*

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 46 rooms & suites (67-359m2) (689-3,863 sq ft) • hotel opened: 2007 • architecture & interior design: Kamoltham Company Limited ✅ free on-site parking • no pets allowed • 24-hour front desk