Koh Tao, a little island in Thailand's Gulf of Thailand, has evolved from a backpacker's scuba diving paradise to a legitimate beach destination. Previously, luxury hotels and villas on the island were unheard of, but now there are several 5 Star hotels on Koh Tao for those with a little more cash to spend.
Koh Tao is more popular today than ever. In former years, scuba diving was essentially the main reason people came to Koh Tao, but now visitors come to enjoy the island.
The majority of resort-style luxury hotels offer a wide range of services. You may expect room service, ironing and laundry, and concierge service at practically any large luxury hotel and the employees will be trained to be respectful, courteous, and responsible. Many low-cost hotels do not provide these services. A luxury hotel is usually a better choice if you want to holiday in elegance. If you plan on spending a lot of time in your hotel and want to be as comfortable as possible, a luxury hotel is a great choice - especially if you are not travelling alone.
For budget establishments, buildings may be inadequately maintained due to the increased number of inexpensive resorts and hotels. The area likely smells or is dirty, or the equipment, such as the air conditioning, isn't working correctly. Of course, it varies with each hotel, but generally, a luxury hotel is cleaner, well-maintained, and more pleasant, precisely what you want from a holiday.
In most cases, luxury hotel suites have larger rooms, dining and living areas, kitchenettes, and other associated rooms. This makes them ideal for larger families and those who enjoy space when on vacation.
Jamahkiri is a magnificent resort built into one of Koh Tao's hills with spectacular views across Shark Bay's waters. Numerous spa and massage treatments are also available, making this an excellent location for a couple of days of relaxation. Its position up a steep, rough dirt road only accessible by four-wheel drive makes getting anywhere on the island challenge. Thus, staying longer than a couple of days here may drive you insane if you want to do more than eat, sleep, and be pampered.
Monkey Flower Villa, which opened in 2007, was one of the first private villas on Koh Tao and has a reputation for providing outstanding, personalised service and a home away from home atmosphere. Each villa is spacious and well-appointed, with stunning sea views, seclusion, and a fantastic private pool. A driver is also available to transport visitors to and from the villa and other locations on Koh Tao, making it quite convenient to explore the island. Guests are also provided with a mobile phone to contact the villa if they require assistance while out and about. The property is on a hillside, five minutes from the beach, and offers peace.
Anankhira, perched above Koh Tao's main strip Sairee Beach, is a far more convenient location to explore the island, with exquisite Balinese-style chalets that each have their private plunge pool. There's quiet, as well as privacy. While the distance to the beach isn't great, there are a lot of steps, so it's still a long walk.
Koh Tao Montra is a brand new hotel on Sairee Beach, close to Sairee Village and Mae Haad, so if you like to party, you'll be within walking distance of the beachside nightlife hotspots as well as Mae Haad.
The Montra is one of a new series of hotels on Koh Tao that set a higher bar for lodging than previous generations. There are vast, luxurious accommodations, expansive grounds to relax in, and access to the plethora of excellent Thai and foreign restaurants on Sairee Beach and Mae Haad. Montra is a fantastic choice because of its large swimming pool and friendly personnel.
The Dusit Buncha Resort, located in the north of Koh Tao, boasts one of the best settings for breathtaking sea views on the island, looking out directly over the ocean and the lovely neighbouring island of Koh Nang Yuan. It's no surprise that it's a romantic spot, and the hotel suites are designed to give visitors privacy in their rooms and access to the small beach in front of the Dusit Buncha, which is always empty. After their stay, guests consistently give the Dusit Buncha positive feedback.
The resort is also ideal for people seeking solitude and quiet. If you wish to explore the island, be aware that it's a short taxi trip back to Sairee Beach for the main drag of restaurants and nightlife. Also, remember that because the resort is constructed on a cliff, there are many steps to climb and descend as you walk around the Dusit Buncha grounds.
Sensi Paradise is a traditional premium hotel in Koh Tao. It is not strictly a five-star hotel, but it has the atmosphere of one.
Sensi, located directly on the beach, provides the sense of space and independence that comes with morning walks along the coast and retiring to elegantly built rooms situated amongst well-sculpted tropical gardens that mirror traditional Thai design while providing modern convenience. Despite its popularity, Sensi Paradise has maintained its high standards and continues to offer the same high-quality, relaxing experience.
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