Montalay Beach Resort

Families and couples flock to the Montalay, as it is the only place on the beach with a swimming pool and shop. An open-air reception area flows into a property with plenty of foliage and a trail that organically blends into the surroundings, which include a fishpond. Casual is the mode of operation here, as most folks are in bathing suits or shorts during their stay with a focus on hanging in the water. The plain restaurant also isn't going to inspire anyone to dress up. A separately run beach bar sits right in front of the hotel. Those who come here aren’t looking for a party but rather to enjoy diving opportunities, peace and quiet, and the beauty of the natural surroundings. 

The Montalay sits at the end of Tanote Beach, one of Koh Tao's most remote locations. The resort sits right on the sand, with its gardens and cottages stretching back up into the hillside. Getting here either involves taking a long-tail boat from town or else crossing the mountains and dealing with a very steep and rutted track via 4WD pickup. Visitors should be particularly mindful if opting to drive around the island, as the hotel website itself provides cautionary advice about the treacherousness of roads.

Found in both the garden and on a hillside, the resort’s cottages are rather worn bungalow-style units that look far more charming from the outside. They are generally small, dim, and overpriced; the cheapest lack air-conditioning and share outdoor bathrooms with a neighboring unit. The big private decks with water views in the Tree Top units are a high point, though. Of better quality are the updated, terraced Modern Rooms (including Superior Rooms and Suites), which are bright, airy, and minimalistic with modern showers tiled in royal blue. However, these units are also overpriced, lacking views and that extra charm. Still, all rooms do come with free Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs along with perks like kettles and bottled water. It may be worth comparing rates with the more appealing View Point and Chinkatiri resorts -- though some may prefer to stay here for the wonderful beach.

The Montalay has several small facilities for guests, including a spa area with massage rooms and a herbal sauna in a cave. The resort also owns the only shop on the beach, which sells everything from underwater gear to sunscreen. The on-site diving center offers an array of courses and experiences, from beginner’s scuba-diving lessons to advanced certifications and tours. The swimming pool, flanked by a concrete deck and a few wooden chairs, is the only one on Tanote Beach. And the on-site restaurant has wooden, open-air seating with average food; still, one will be hard-pressed to find much better in the area. For families, a kids' playroom is available with a variety of games and toys.