"KOH-SA-'MI'-LIKE!!"

We were a little skeptical about our short trip to Koh Samui. We'd never been there and ever since our Bali honeymoon, we had sworn off all beach-type holidays. But we were assured a weekend of pure leisure, good massages and good seafood...and in reality... it was everything, and more.

We stayed at 'The Library', a concept hotel one part of the 'Design Hotels' group that also brought the Majestic to Singapore. Developed to maintain an ironic, but so successfully achieved, balance between the serenity of a green ecosystem and the sheer essence of designer zen living.

As the name suggests, a little library stocked with books and DVDs is available for you to browse or take back to your suite throughout the stay.

The apartments cut off from the buzzling streets of haggling masseurs and restaurant-owners, are luxuriously lined in 2 neat rows of upper and lower floor blocks of 2 suites. Each lining a wood-panelled walkway leading to the gorgeous view of the sea and golden sandy beach.

The view was picturesque, and unique in it's own right. The concept of a red-mosaic tile swimming pool added such colorful contrast to the perfect calm of blue. The red beach umbrellas and sunning sofas assert the picture of peace and quiet, the perfect achievement of solitude and luxurious time frozen so one can read, sleep or just bake.

The suites were even more breath-taking... Named after pages, we got the last of the suites, named the book mark. A 'page-marker' indeed.

The room was fully equipped with a 42-inch flat screen tv, a DVD recorder, a Mac with free internet access 24-hourly, a big size tub with jacuzzi and a walk-in wardrobe.

On the outside, each room suite has it's own study and relaxation patio, separated with floor-to-ceiling glass door that double up as a window to the beautiful views of a bright sunny afternoon.

For fear that guests don't get the concept, that this place was designed to induce reading and more reading, the compound is cheekily scattered with little white persons in various poses with the key essentials of a book.

Truly a concept hotel, the emphasis on relaxation and the need to break away from reality with a good rest and a good tan and a good book is assuredly emphasised and I believe this is mission accomplished..