They say, “Less is more.” And when it comes to the ‘no expenses spared’ minimalist resort – The Library – and its integral restaurant – The Page – this is certainly true.

Samui, in general, and Chaweng, in particular, is jam-packed with lovely Thai-style restaurants, complete with their elaborate décor and ornate surroundings. So it comes as something of a visual relief when you visit somewhere that has lots of wide-open spaces, clean lines and just a few colours. But there’s nothing missing here. In fact, there really is a whole lot more.

Approach The Library via Chaweng Beach Road (next to the Is Spa, just 100 metres south of Tropical Murphy’s), and you’ll spot a cute white mannequin sitting reading a book. The resort’s subtle entrance pathway is to the left of this, so go down here and within 20 metres you’ll arrive at the reception, appropriately named ‘Contents’. And it’s at this point that you’ll fall in love with the concept as a whole.

Smart white buildings, neatly-cut green lawns with more white mannequins, floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a beautiful 20x12 metre red-tiled swimming pool all play their respective parts in creating a stylish, classy-yet-relaxed environment. And The Page restaurant sits proudly on an expansive 50-metre beachfront overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

Choose to sit either in the 20-seater air-conditioned or open-air sections of the attractive restaurant building itself (good if it’s raining), or take advantage of the unique location properly and have a table on the huge deck/terrace which spans the entire frontage. And on the deck you have a further choice between sitting at regular tables and chairs, or on massive comfy cushions alongside low tables (great for the true romantics amongst you!).

What with the table-candle-lamps, floodlit old trees, orange lanterns, and the lights from The Library’s library sending its illumination across the swimming pool, there’s plenty of light to see what you’re eating without feeling you’re in the spotlight yourself.

But not everything’s minimalist here. You’ll be pleased to hear that the food portions are plentiful. And, not only that, but they’re also absolutely delicious. The Page specialises in both Thai and international cuisine, with separate menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner. And, although small, they contain a wide selection of various dishes to suit all tastes.

“… and if ever there was a page that needed
bookmarking, then this is it.”

The Yellow-fin Tuna Tartare is a recommendable international starter, whilst the Thod Man Kung (prawn cake) is its Thai counterpart. Main course dishes include a stunning Blackened Lamb Cutlet with grilled peppers and sweet potato mash, and a Salmon Steak in Pesto Sauce, which just melts in your mouth, that’s served with roast potato and grilled vegetables. And as for the Thai dishes, well the Tom Kha Gai (chicken coconut cream soup) is one of the very best you’ll find on Samui, and the Sautéed Crabmeat with Curry would be hard to beat.

And there’s more than just ice-creams for dessert in this restaurant. Do try the Apple Crumble with custard. There’s enough for two in each portion, but, what the hell, you’re on holiday aren’t you?

Wine aficionados are well catered for, too, with a fine selection of New and Old World wines just there for your choosing in the walk-in wine cellar. It all sounds more maximalist than minimalist with what’s on offer here, doesn’t it?

And a word must be said about the unique washrooms here, too. Not only are they beautiful, but there’s also a hidden feature in them, and it would be worth visiting The Library just to discover what it is – because I’m not going to tell you!

If ever there was a page that needed bookmarking, then this is it. Because The Page is definitely one of those novel places where you want to see what’s in the next chapter, too.