UCKED just away from the frenetic hum of Chaweng Beach road, is a near-flawless oasis, with inspired, contemporary design, its whimsical two-floor units resembling the early Macintosh computers, spaced evenly on either side of a wooden walkway leading to the sea. The Library Samui has elbowroom galore, refreshingly green gardens, and quirky fibreglass characters strewn about, casually reading books, all quietly drawing attention to the primary Library building, or The Lib, stocked with a variety of reading material. For its zany humour alone and the sheer sense of relief that this escape inspires, The Library would be among the best Koh Samui resorts. But there’s more.

Everything is set in a neat geometric formation, perfectly in place, and in dazzling, laundered white, save for the large seafront pool with its dark crimson brooding tiles that come alight at sunrise and sunset. It is an invitation to step into a Hitchcock thriller or a bohemian fantasy that makes the heart race.

The stylish beachside patio is timbered, breezy, and endless, offering alfresco dining at The Page and splendid views across the bay. Blood-red beach umbrellas offer bright counterpoint to all that burnished wood. There is none of that cram-it-all-in sense that one gets at so many other establishments. Here, less is more.

Studio rooms at a spacious 67sq m are beautifully minimalist. Large, crisp white beds with uncreased linen stretched tight are set on raised black or white plinths with startling red loungers, backed by large mood light panels. Guests can choose their own lighting colours. Expect a 42-inch flatscreen TV, wireless headphones, a black worktable, an iMac, free broadband, an iPod dock and a patio with louvred wood panels. The 76sq m Suites serve up a Jacuzzi and rain shower. The fitness centre will burn off excess calories. The Is Spa offers soothing massages, and The Lib serves up an array of gleaming iMacs. Work, play, or plan a Samui beach wedding. It’s all here.