Dusit Buncha Resort

Dusit Buncha is a tranquil hillside jungle retreat with dramatic views overlooking the idyllic Nang Yuan Island. The ambience is peaceful and serene, and the hotel feels far removed from the island’s buzzing downtown party scene. All of the leisure facilities are perched along the seafront. The two outdoor swimming pools tend to be hubs of activity throughout the day, especially since the property doesn’t include a lounging beach. There is an oceanfront sundeck which is built organically into the rocky coastline. The hotel is most popular with couples, though it's also frequented by families and solo travelers. Sunsets from the common areas and rooms are exceptional, but especially from the open-air restaurant which includes alfresco seating and a private dining pergola perched along the water's edge. The spectacular views are also a big draw with outside guests, which can mean overcrowding at times. A stay here involves plenty of walking, and navigating the steep grounds on foot can be tiring in the heat -- though there is a free on-call shuttle which services a large portion of the hotel.

The hotel is located in the northwest end of Koh Tao, a remote area with dramatic rocky coastlines and lush jungle scenery. The immediate area offers little for tourists to see or do within walking distance. However, Sairee Beach, the island's main tourism hub is less than a 10-minute drive away, and offers plenty of nightlife, dining, and shopping options. It's also one of the longest and most scenic white-sand beaches on the island, but it can get a bit crowded. The hotel offers a free shuttle service to Sairee Beach and the Mae Haad Pier, which is the island's main port. Mae Haad also has a decent selection of bars and restaurants on offer. 

Dusit Buncha offers a variety of room types, ranging from one- and two-bedroom villas, rustic wooden bungalows, to streamlined suites. Rooms feature contemporary interiors and have glass sliding doors that let in plenty of natural light and airflow. Also, most units include spacious balconies or patios with ocean views. Views are especially dramatic from the rooms set along the rocky coastline or those perched high on the hillside.Bungalows and villas in the hotel’s original wing have a pleasing rustic aesthetic and hardwood interiors (but look dated), whereas the more recently constructed suites and villas feature a minimalist contemporary look. Rooms are outfitted with platform beds and comfy mattresses, balcony seating, upholstered couches, vanity dressing tables, and wardrobes. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safes (some rooms), free Wi-Fi, telephones, mini-fridges, and bottled water.Bathrooms are generous on space and have elegant stylings, with turquoise glass tiles, terracotta floors, and natural stone accents throughout. Most include plenty of counter space, walk-in rainfall showers, bathrobes, slippers, and toiletries. Some rooms have huge interior soaking tubs with faux rock accents. 

Dusit Buncha Resort has an excellent range of leisure facilities on offer. One of the hotel's main drawbacks is that it lacks a beach for lounging, though the area does offer decent snorkeling, plus kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent. Both swimming pools overlook the ocean and have plenty of lounge chairs laid out for guests to relax on. Sunset Restaurant is open all day and specializes in Thai cuisine and seafood barbecue. It also has a decent selection of Western favorites including pizza, pastas, sandwiches, and salads. Breakfast is included in room rates and is served buffet-style, with a spread of Asian, continental, and American fare. Free shuttles to Sairee Beach and Mae Haad pier operate five times a day from the hotel and a pickup service from both locations are offered twice daily. Wi-Fi is free throughout and on-site parking is available.