Best Luxury Hotels in Koh Tao

The Haad Tien Beach Resort is not just the best upscale pick on Koh Tao, it's the only upscale pick on Koh Tao. It's also the only resort on the island's most beautiful beach, but the remote locale means there is no village within walking distance, and the resort takes  full advantage of this by charging relatively high prices for food and drink. The rustic-luxe, bungalow-style villas have plenty of romantic appeal, and the lush, sprawling property dotted with coconut palms has a chic, ocean-view swimming pool and a (pricey) spa. It's easily the top choice on Koh Tao for honeymooners, or anyone in search of a special beach escape. Jamahkiri has similar prices, but its rooms aren't as charming and its beach is small and manmade. 

The Place is a perfect getaway for those looking for a tranquil escape. Hidden in the hills of Koh Tao, it only has nine private villas, each completely separate and surrounded by trees, looking out to the sea. Elegant, rustic-luxe rooms all feature elegant wood floors, kitchen facilities, and large plunge pools on the decks. Once checked in, the staff basically leave guests alone, but provide mobile phones they can use for food delivery and taxi pick-ups. The resort doesn't have any facilities so to speak of, not even a restaurant, but most guests come here for privacy and romance, and are content to spend most of their time lounging on the deck.

The Koh Tao Bamboo Huts are set in a gorgeous location, right on a small white-sand beach. Bungalows here come with outdoor showers and some have their own pools. Wi-Fi is available in the rooms although service is not always reliable, and there are a few dining options, including the romantic Starlight, a dinner spot with beautiful sunset views. Visitors should be prepared to do a lot of walking, as the resort is spread out and getting from spot to spot often requires steep trudges. Rates are a bit hard to justify when the more upscale Haad Tien costs about the same (or less).