The Library
When you’re roaming the stacks of a library, there’s a relaxing lull and pace. The Library hotel in Koh Samui, Thailand, is no different. The 26-suite Chaweng beachfront hotel is a collection of small individual buildings strewn across the idyllic landscape. Designed by Tirawan Songsawat, the hotel is polished with a mix of clean minimal interiors and rich pops of color. Find your place at The Page restaurant with views of the sea or inside the hotel library with a collection of over 1,300 books. A dream of owner and Samui native Kasemtham Sornsong, the hotel was developed with the specific purpose of reading. As Sornsong has said, “When guests leave here, I want them to feel that they have just left a magical place full of stories.”
The Dean
In sometimes-sleepy Providence, Rhode Island, you’ll find that being called into the dean’s office isn’t quite the same as getting into trouble at school. From design studio ASH NYC, this $7.4 million historic restoration of a dilapidated building on 122 Fountain Street is the place for those who “enjoy a solid art history debate, a perfectly fluffed white duvet and a wee bit of karaoke.” The stylishly rehabilitated 52-room hotel in the city’s historic district features custom work from local artisans, as well as sophisticated finds from Europe. In addition to being a place to lay your head, The Dean also features Faust restaurant, Bolt Coffee, the Magdalenae Room and the Boombox karaoke bar.
Lloyd Hotel & Cultural Embassy
Across the Atlantic on the waterfront of old Amsterdam sits the Lloyd Hotel & Cultural Embassy. While a stern name might indicate a less than relaxing stay, the Lloyd is where the creative — both local and just passing through — go to get inspired. A little farther out than some of the chain hotels, this haven for quiet space features a lush terrace in the back and a multistoreyed mezzanine above the cafe restaurant. Wind up the steps to find a classically furnished library and exhibition space. Despite being the first hotel anywhere to offer rooms with one to five star ratings, the Lloyd discriminates against no one — a rather indicative stance in the famously open and tolerant Dutch society.
Fogo Island Inn
Head northeast along the coast far enough and you’ll eventually hit Fogo Island in Newfoundland’s archipelago. Amidst the island’s harsh but beautiful landscape it’s easy to spot the striking and sculptural Fogo Island Inn by architect Todd Saunders. The five star hotel offers an incredible blend of art, architecture and an homage to the local topography. With little in terms of metropolitan comforts in the surrounding areas, the Inn leaves guests wanting for nothing. With 29 rooms and a restaurant overlooking the rocky North Atlantic shore, staying indoors at a hotel has never felt so explorative. Along with four art studios nearby, the Fogo Island Inn is preserving and developing the community’s cultural transformation.
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Written by Sheila Lam
Headline photo of the Fogo Island Inn by Alex Fradkin
