Mae Ya Resort

An infinity pool on Koh Tao’s hillside with the Gulf spreading out below — Mae Ya Resort gets the view right. This 4-star property sits above the eastern coast, 1.1 miles from Aow Leuk Beach and within striking distance of Shark Island (1.9 miles) and Chalok Viewpoint (1.9 miles). Rooms come with sea views, AC, private balconies, bathrobes, and the kind of details (tea/coffee maker, electric kettle) that suggest someone here actually uses hotel rooms.

The infinity pool is the draw — elevated enough to see the Gulf islands on a clear day, positioned for afternoon sun and sunset cocktails. Room service means you don’t have to leave the balcony if the view has you pinned. Scuba diving is the main activity in this part of Koh Tao; the resort can arrange courses and trips to nearby sites including Shark Island’s reef, where blacktip reef sharks are regular visitors.

Insider Tip: Aow Leuk Beach has some of Koh Tao’s best shore snorkelling — the coral starts right from the sand, and turtles are regular visitors. Go at high tide for the clearest water.

At 9.6/10 on Booking.com with couples at 8.8, Mae Ya Resort delivers 4-star quality on an island where that rating means something. King rooms and Deluxe King rooms offer the same view at different price points — the upgrade buys you more space rather than a better position. The hillside location means a scooter or taxi down to the beaches; walking is possible but steep in the heat. No restaurant on-site — you’re eating in town or ordering room service.