Koh Tao Paradise Resort

Koh Tao Paradise Resort — formerly Ko Tao Resort Paradise Zone — sits on a steep hill above Chalok Baan Kao, on the island’s quieter southern side. The payoff for the climb is wide sea views from the pool and the higher rooms; the trade-off is that the nearest beaches are downhill, and the walk back up is a workout in the heat.

An infinity pool and hot tub anchor the property, with family rooms, private parking, a terrace and free Wi-Fi around them. The restaurant and bar run seasonally, and massage, yoga, sound healing, fishing, diving and a tour desk fill out the rest. Rooms range from a compact Deluxe Studio and sea-view options up to two-bedroom family rooms and a Premium Quadruple Room that sleeps four.

A free shuttle runs to Koh Tao Pier and Sairee Beach four times a day — worth using, since the hill is the resort’s one real drawback. Confirm the current timetable rather than assuming it lines up with your ferry. Check-in starts at 14:00, check-out is by 11:00.

Insider Tip: Arrange your pier pickup before you board the ferry from Koh Samui or the mainland — Koh Tao has no airport, so every arrival comes in by boat.

Agoda scores the resort 8.8/10 and Booking.com 8.6/10. It suits travellers who want pool views and extra space on Koh Tao’s southern end, provided you’re happy relying on the shuttle or a scooter for Sairee, the pier and evenings away from Chalok Baan Kao.