Koh Tao Montra Resort & Spa

Koh Tao Montra is a laid-back tropical resort set along a wide white-sand beach near downtown Koh Tao. Although it's just a short walk from the island’s main tourist hub, the resort feels far removed from the action and offers an ideal balance of peace and quiet. The hotel has a family-friendly vibe, plenty of common areas in which to relax, and a blend of modern and traditional Thai design elements. A large multi-tiered infinity swimming pool, which is one of the largest pools on the island, is centered in the property and often a hub of activity with guests throughout the day. The white-sand beachfront is for the most part uncrowded and great for long walks or relaxing, but unfortunately there are only a limited number of lounge chairs available and these fill up fast. In comparison to neighboring beaches, the area isn't as sought after, mainly due to the poor water clarity caused by daily ferry boat pollution from the island's main pier nearby.

The hotel is ideally located within walking distance from Koh Tao’s main downtown hubs, Mae Haad Pier and Siaree Beach, but is removed from the noise of the buzzing city streets and nightlife spots. The island’s main port, Mae Haad Pier, is a five-minute walk away and offers a decent selection of restaurants, local bars, and shops. Sairee Beach (a 15-minute walk away) has a bit more on offer on all fronts but especially in terms of nightlife, with a ton of beach clubs and bars, as well as plenty of dining venues and shops. Sairee’s white sandy beach is the longest beach on Koh Tao and is great for swimming, water sports, or just chilling, though it does get a bit crowded at times. Guests can arrange long tail boat transfers to the idyllic Nang Yuan Island (a 30-minute ride) through the hotel tour desk. The island features pristine white-sand beaches, great snorkeling, and a scenic view point.

Rooms options include a range of one-bedroom suites, sizable two-bedroom family rooms, and stylish pool villas with direct beach access. Interiors have brightly colored walls, dark-toned hardwood furnishings and trim, plus traditional Thai stylings. Rooms are outfitted with wooden platform beds, window seats, desks and chairs, and wardrobes. Standard amenities include air-conditioning, TVs with satellite channels, refrigerated minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, safes, and free bottled water. Beach Front Villas feature more stylish and contemporary interiors, with polished concrete accents, plenty of natural light and airflow, and carved furnishings. Although, guests considering booking a villa should note that the pools aren't private as they are shared with the neighboring villa. Bathrooms have plenty of space and include walk-in rainfall showers, deep soaking tubs (higher-tier rooms), hairdryers, and toiletries. The rooms we saw during our tour of the hotel were well appointed, but did show some general wear and tear throughout. We noticed peeling paint, dated stylings, musty smells, and older amenities like tube-style TVs.

Koh Tao Montra Resort is set beachfront and offers a well rounded set of facilities. The hotel’s standout feature is its large outdoor swimming pool, which includes two lap sections, a shallow kids' pool, a swim-up bar, and lounge chairs laid out. Taste of The Orient Restaurant and Bar is housed in a semi open-air space with ocean views and includes an alfresco dining section right along the beach. It serves a mix of Thai and Western meals, plus a daily breakfast buffet (for a fee). Above the restaurant is a multipurpose space for events, plus the hotel also has a conference room. There are a spa and fitness center, though both are fairly basic and dated. There's also a full-service tour-desk in the lobby and the hotel’s sister property, Coral Grand Divers, has a PADI certified dive center. Extras include free Wi-Fi and daily shuttle transfers to Mae Haad Pier and Sairee Beach.