7 Best Hotels in Koh Tao, The Gulf Coast Beaches

Whether you opt to stay in one of the uniquely designed tropical villas, a deluxe room, or a basic bungalow, you'll enjoy a tiny corner of heaven on the private beach at Jansom Bay. Rooms and thatch-roof villas are built into the landscape, constructed on or around massive boulders and trees, and situated to maximize exposure to the magnificent views of Sairee Beach. Indoor-outdoor baths are great features, as are spaces for chairs, hammocks, and triangular pillows. The spa, bar, and spectacular snorkeling (free equipment rental for guests) are found at the beach, which is a three-minute walk from the farthest rooms.

A total escape that provides serious pampering, this resort nestles on the hillside above Sairee Beach. Far enough from town to feel tranquil, it's nevertheless convenient to restaurants, bars, shops, and the island's longest beach. The accommodations are nine luxury villas, each with its own infinity pool and veranda facing the sea.

Ban's is set up for diving, so this is an ideal place to do your scuba certification, but it's a fine place to lay your head even if you don't plan to dive. Discounts are available if you sign up for a dive course, however. The resort is divided into two sections. An elegant upper zone has updated villas and a pool, while the rooms in the older wing are a lot cheaper and nearer to the lively, legendary restaurant/beach bar.

This Tanote Bay resort makes a perfect base for snorkeling because of the colorful coral, interesting fish, and small reef sharks that cruise around at sunset. Discounts are available if you sign up for a dive course, so this is an ideal place to do your scuba certification. Set in a landscaped garden on the hill above the bay, the accommodations are a stylish blend of natural wood and painted, curvaceous concrete walls. A pickup-truck taxi makes the run to Mae Haad five times daily, and a taxi-boat for trips around the island is available from the Mt. Reef Resort at the south end of the bay.

Set against a mountain backdrop and surrounded by a lush garden, this eco-friendly resort 4 km (2.5 miles) from Sairee Beach has 19 wooden bungalows with spectacular views of the turquoise ocean. Because the resort, near Chalok Baan Kao village, is up a hill, the bungalows enjoy a full breeze. The beach is a short walk away.

On the far northern end of Sairee Beach, this is one of Koh Tao's few boutique resorts. Choose between the circular, thatched-roof villas or Mediterranean-style with tile and wood floors, four-poster beds, and panoramic windows. The wooden cottages, which are farther up the hill and away from the beach, have bamboo-frame beds, native art, and decks that face south toward Sairee Beach. Rooms on the hill have stairs leading down to a snorkeling spot. The stylish restaurant, just above the water, is open for dinner.

On the quieter northern end of Sairee Beach, this resort is a good place to get your scuba certification. The colorfully painted, traditional beach huts made of bamboo and coconut timber were built to 21st-century standards, including spacious sunken bathrooms with stone floors. Deluxe rooms have amenities like phones and minibars. Much cheaper and more basic fan rooms are also available. (Note: Rooms 304 and 403 are adjacent to the sometimes noisy restaurant and beach bar.) Guests at neighboring resorts, including Koh Tao Cabana, are welcome to take scuba courses here as well.