Refresh, rejuvenate and glow from the inside out this winter at four warm member hotels. On Thailand’s second largest island Koh Samui, The Library offers guests plenty of sun, sand and sea as well as beachfront breakfast at the first light of dawn on Chaweng beach.
While on the coast of the mainland, find privacy and verdant surroundings at Casa de la Flora in Khao Lak. Located in the hip fashion centre of Auckland, Hotel DeBrett creates a cocoon of culinary and cultural inspirations within the hotel and also provides guests access to New Zealand’s popular sporting activities.
In India, Alila Diwa Goa offers guests authentic Goan experiences in the form of food, activities and surroundings while serving up decadent pleasures for the soul.
The Library, Koh Samui, Thailand
Situated on 6,400 square meters of lush Thai greenery with endless sea views, The Library is known for its minimalist structure and well-preserved heritage property.
The resort sets up breakfast on white mattresses on the beach and also offers outdoor beds in the sea-facing suites, which serve as sun loungers to relax in.
The Library’s red-hot swimming pool and well-curated library of books and DVDs have earned a notable reputation among its visitors. For those looking to explore local cuisine, The Page Restaurant and Bar at the hotel is one of the best on the island.
The latest high-tech facilities among golden Buddhas and wooden shutters complete the offering in this quiet meditative nook.
Hotel DeBrett, Auckland, New Zealand
Minutes away from the buzz of Auckland’s hip fashion district with art galleries, theatres, museums and shops, Hotel DeBrett is every bit as stylish.
Custom-made carpet, pine-coloured floorboards, raw brick walls and a funky log fire provide the right touches of cosiness to this 25-room urban hotel. The local boutique beers at the Art Deco-styled Housebar and award-winning Kitchen restaurant helmed by Head Chef Mark Sycamore serving gourmet cuisine are the icing on the cake.
For those who can tear themselves away from the culinary and cultural delights, a visit to the local farmer’s markets for hand-made speciality foods and locally grown produce, or a tour to three of New Zealand’s premier vineyards is just the right antidote to urban fatigue.
Alila Diwa Goa, Goa, India
Located on the coast of Majorda beach in South Goa, also known as the “Pearl of the East”, the 153-room resort is surrounded by lush paddy fields and offers gorgeous views of the Arabian Sea.
Guests can pick from a wide array of pleasures on-site, including organic wellness spa therapies created from Asian healing techniques or a soak in the open-air hot tub, perfect for sun-downs or ups. For those interested in cultural excursions, village treks, tours of a 200-year-old spice plantation and shopping for fresh produce at the local markets can be organized. The coastal speciality restaurant Spice Studio ensures the best of Goan cuisine is on offer.
Casa de la Flora, Khao Lak, Thailand
For a beach holiday among lush vegetation in private unspoiled surroundings, Casa de la Flora offers 36 glass-front villas to the azure waters of the Andaman Sea. Located in Thailand’s Khao Lak, all eco villas feature private pools and secluded patios.
Guests have access to the resort’s trendy pool bar, double loungers and La Arunya restaurant, which offers excellent Thai and international cuisine.
Enjoy the great weather with beach yoga, island hopping from one sun-kissed beach to another using the resort’s private yacht (a romantic dinner onboard is a must for couples), or the adventurous can explore the lush jungles along Khao Lak’s wild rivers.
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