Monkey Flower Villas

Though it's a three-and-a-half-pearl property, Monkey Flower Villas provide upscale private villas -- some with pools -- in the tropical cliffs of Koh Tao. The four villas were built by artist Lincoln Kroll as his personal residence and music recording studios. It took 12 years to complete the structurally unique villas. As of 2017, the hotel is working on adding a tree house with a hot tub that will fit two people, and have plans for another private pool villa in the near future. This is not a typical hotel property with a designated reception area or public spaces. Travelers are picked up by their private driver upon arriving on the island and delivered straight to their units, sometimes with a greeting from the owner. Monkey Flower Villas prides itself on personal attention and 24-hour services. The areas between the villas are well-maintained and tend to rely on the beautiful nature of the surrounding jungle and great ocean views. Visitors here are often groups of friends or families looking for spacious units, or couples on romantic vacations. 

Monkey Flower Villas are located on the remote island of Koh Tao, about a 10-minute walk from Sairee Beach. There’s little to see or do in the area, beyond other hotel properties and residential homes. A town with restaurants and bars is about a 17-minute walk away, or a three-minute drive with the hotel’s free personal driver service. It takes 10 minutes by car to reach Mae Haad Pier and 16 minutes to John Suwan Viewpoint. The easiest way to get to Koh Tao is to fly to Koh Samui and then take a two-hour ferry ride to the island. 

The villas here were structured around or with the natural rock of the area. For instance, some rooms and bathrooms have walls that are of the natural rock bed. Each villa has was individually decorated, though all are contemporary in design, feature modern and streamlined furniture, are outfitted in warm colors, and are fairly spacious. There’s a mix of wood, tile, and carpeted spaces. Many units have suspended beds and all have furnished balconies with jungle and ocean views. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and kettles with coffee- and tea-making supplies. Note that while most rooms are air-conditioned, some living rooms are open-air. 

The Garden Villa, Bougainvillea Villa, and Upper Villa have private swimming pools. Small kitchenettes with sinks, two-burner stovetops, and microwaves are available in the Garden Villa and the Bougainvillea Villa. Bathrooms are spacious and trendy with showers with hot water (not common on Koh Tao). Individual toiletries and hairdryers are provided. The villas receive daily housekeeping services. 

Monkey Flower Villas is a collection of four villas, so visitors won’t find typical amenities of a hotel like a gym, communal pool, restaurant, or a breakfast room. However, that’s not to say that there aren’t any amenities for guests. A car and driver service is the highlight, as it’s free to guests, is a 24/7 service, and has no limits on distance. Tips for the driver are appreciated, but not required. Visitors are provided with credited cell phones and pre-programmed phone numbers to property staff, their personal driver, and local places of interest. Breakfast isn’t included in rates, though a full English breakfast can be delivered to rooms for a fee. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi throughout the property.