Koh Tao Cabana

The Koh Tao Cabana is a quiet oasis surrounded by stooping palm trees, colorful flowers, and local (harmless!) fauna such as lizards and butterflies. There is a certain romance to the property -- stand-alone villas pepper the tropical landscape and the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand lap at the beach. The vibe here is relaxed, and the lobby is housed in an airy open pavilion with a thatched roof, a cute front desk covered in mosaic tiling, rustic wooden furniture, and lots of stone accents. A small fountain with plants and a tall wall made of blocks of branches and stones is a relaxing touch, while a double swing with cushions invites guests to unwind. It's a definite step up from the many backpacker dives that crowd parts of the island.

Tucked away amid thick jungle, the 33 standalone cottages with rustic-chic decor and lots of local charm offer guests a peaceful stay that feels a world away from the island’s main tourist areas, located just a short walk away along the beach. The restaurant is popular among guests and non-guests for its beachfront location, tasty Thai fusion food, and intimate lounge with dim lights and foldout Thai triangle cushions. Most guests here are couples, though families and groups of friends also pass through on occasion.

Koh Tao Cabana is located in a quiet spot on Sai Ree Beach, a pretty stretch of white sand lined with tall palm trees. Although secluded and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the property is just a short walk from a popular nightlife and dining area, which makes it a convenient spot for exploring the action and then retreating to the hotel for a good nights’ sleep away from the noise. Koh Tao is far more secluded than neighboring Koh Samui Island due to the absence of a major airport, but the island offers a wide array of outdoor activities, including some great snorkeling, sea kayaking, diving, several sandy beaches, and quad excursions. Just note that depending on sea currents, local beaches can occasionally be strewn with debris.

The property is comprised of 33 one- and two-bedroom standalone cabanas overlooking either the tropical grounds or the ocean. All have up-to-date amenities like flat-screen TVs, DVD players, electric kettles or coffeemakers, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, minibars, and safes. Decor is rustic-chic, with lots of bamboo plus wood, stone accents, and sharp hardwood or parquet floors. Thatched roofs, traditional Thai wooden artwork, and colorful pillows add local charm, while four-poster beds with mosquito nets -- and open bathrooms with built-in stone tubs and outdoor showers -- are luxurious touches. Some villas are more swank than others, with design elements like towering thatched ceilings in the Deluxe Patio Villa or beaded curtains in the White Sand Sala Villa. Exteriors and interiors also use curvilinear, Modernist lines in exteriors and interiors in attractive ways. 

Villas are all spacious, with the smallest category -- the Cottages -- offering 42 square meters of space (452 square feet). Wraparound terraces with rope hammocks, padded loungers, or foldout Thai cushions come standard with all villas, and some offer private plunge pools with ocean views. Guests are advised to keep windows and doors closed to minimize the chances to finding geckos, mosquitos, and other bugs indoors. Koh Tao Cabana is perched on a hillside and some rooms are several sets of stairs from the common areas. Wi-Fi is free in common areas, but the hotel does not offer in-room Internet access. 

The hotel is located directly on Sai Ree Beach, a pretty stretch of white sand with clear waters. There are several wooden loungers and a couple of nice spots for snorkeling, but currents sometimes bring along debris. Guest can borrow snorkeling gear and kayaks at no extra charge. Free buffet and a la carte breakfasts are served every morning at Rimlae Restaurant, which also offers Thai fusion cuisine for lunch and dinner in an airy wooden hut overlooking the ocean. The intimate lounge serves cocktails on the restaurant’s deck. Also near the beach is Kajavari Spa, a serene wellness center offering several treatment cabins, including some for couples massages. The pool has a small artificial waterfall as well as several loungers and parasols on a wooden deck surrounded by thick vegetation. A separate shallower pool and a small, basic playground are convenient for those traveling with kids. Free (and sometimes spotty) Wi-Fi is available in the reception area and the restaurant, but the hotel does not offer in-room Internet access. There is no fitness center on-site.