Ko Tao Paradise Resort

The hilltop setting is quiet, with fantastic photo views from the pool and restaurant, just as good as other tourist viewpoints. Getting into town means dealing with the distance and hill, though there is a shuttle to and from the pier and some other places. I didn't use it. This place suits you if you can ride a motorbike up and down or don't mind trekking. The wooden-style room was roomy and lovely, with a soft bed and pillows and smooth, clean sheets. Service was great.

The crew were incredibly helpful and friendly, and the location between the two bays is hard to beat. There's a free ride to Shark bay, plus four daily round-trip shuttles to Sairee beach. If those times don't work, an extra ride is 50 thb to the Pier or 100 thb to Sairee center. It's a long way from Sairee, so plan around that. The pool and view were lovely, and the restaurant served good food at reasonable prices, though it wasn't the best. I booked Deluxe seaview room #527 for four nights at 1900-2100 thb a night. Ask for it, it's the biggest. It was very clean and fairly sealed against insects, except for the toilet vent. Keeping the fan running and lights on should probably be enough. The rooms are a little old, but still very fine compared with others I've stayed in on the island. The WiFi in that particular room was weak, though it worked fine elsewhere.

We ate most of our meals at the restaurant and really enjoyed it. The staff greeted us with smiles and were always ready to help. Our Family Sea View room felt luxurious, with an incredible outlook across two bays. The resort's views are some of the best on the island, and the free shuttle was a welcome extra that saved us a lot of money. Paradise really does fit the name.

That sunrise yoga class, with the view, was a real highlight, and the infinity pool had the best view we've ever had from a pool. We watched the sunset while swimming. We stayed five nights and found the staff consistently friendly and helpful. The room was clean and tidy, though some walls could use fresh paint. Breakfast choices were a bit limited. The hotel sits on a hill above the village, so the roughly 500 m walk to restaurants and cafés includes a steep road. The view comes with that tradeoff. Free shuttles to Sairee, the island's main town, ran several times a day and worked perfectly. It's a quiet, relaxing place to recharge.