Tanote Villa Resort – A Secluded Hotel in Koh Tao East Coast
After an 8-hour trip from Phuket, we only wanted to find a hotel in Koh Tao that allowed us to disconnect and relax in nature, and that's what we found! Located on a luxuriant hillside above Tanote Bay, Tanote Villa Resort offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by lush jungle foliage, the call of birds, and the occasional scampering of squirrels. Perched over a wide, elevated estate, the resort combines natural beauty with modern comforts, making it a memorable place to stay in Koh Tao.
Why Tanote Villa Resort Stands Out on Koh Tao
Tanote Villa Resort is one of the few hotels on Koh Tao offering genuine private pool villas in a fully nature-immersed setting. While most of the island's accommodation clusters around the busy west coast near Sairee Beach, Tanote Villa sits on the quieter east side above Tanote Bay — a corner of the island that feels entirely different: slower, wilder, and considerably more beautiful at sunrise.
The resort is a locally owned family business, operating for over a decade, and holds the SHA Extra Plus certification — Thailand's highest health and safety standard for tourism properties. With 48 air-conditioned rooms, two infinity pools, a traditional Thai spa, an on-site restaurant, and a wooden boardwalk path leading down to one of Koh Tao's best snorkelling beaches, it delivers a genuinely complete retreat without sacrificing the raw natural atmosphere that makes this corner of the island so special. Rated 8.3 out of 10 on Booking.com from over 2,500 verified guest reviews, it consistently ranks among the top-rated hotels on Koh Tao's east coast.
Prime Location – Peace and Privacy with Beach Proximity
A Hilltop Retreat in Tanote Bay
Located on the island’s quieter east side, Tanote Villa Resort is built into the hillside with sweeping views of Tanote Bay. Though secluded and peaceful, this hotel in Koh Tao is just a short walk from the bay’s beautiful, crystal-clear waters. The sunrise from here is nothing short of spectacular, lighting up the entire bay in golden hues.
How Far Is Tanote Villa Resort from Mae Haad Pier?
Mae Haad is where all ferries arrive on Koh Tao, so this is the first practical question most guests have. From Mae Haad pier, Tanote Villa Resort is approximately a 15-minute scooter or taxi ride along the island's east coast road. The road is narrow and hilly in sections, so arriving with heavy luggage is best handled via the resort's free shuttle service, which runs twice daily to and from the pier. Confirm the exact shuttle times at booking or upon check-in.
If you are travelling from Phuket, our complete Phuket to Koh Tao travel guide covers all route options, ferry schedules, and journey tips.
Adventure Nearby: Aow Luek and More by Bike
While this hotel in Koh Tao feels remote, it’s only a short ride from attractions and several good restaurants in Koh Tao. Their bike rental service (THB 350/day) made it easy for us to explore. A favourite nearby beach, Aow Luek, is just a quick ride away and offers stunning water teeming with fish and baby sharks right near the shore. On an island where ride-hailing services like Grab and Bolt aren’t available, a scooter is essential, especially with the island’s many hills and sun-drenched roads.
Tanote Bay Beach: Snorkelling, Cliff Jumping & the Path Down
Just a five-to-ten-minute walk from the resort, a wooden boardwalk winds through a lush mangrove forest and leads directly down to Tanote Bay beach — one of Koh Tao's most pristine and least crowded shores. The walk itself is worth savouring: shaded, quiet, and full of birdsong.
Once at the bay, the snorkelling is exceptional. The coral garden here is among the best-preserved on the island, home to reef fish, sea turtles, and blacktip reef sharks that patrol the edges of the bay with remarkable regularity. Visibility is typically at its best between December and April. One practical tip: wear reef-safe aquatic shoes in the water. The sandy bottom is laced with fragments of broken coral that are sharp enough to cut through bare feet, and a wound in Thailand's heat can escalate quickly. You can pick up water shoes from Montalay Diving, the dive school right on the beach, for a few hundred baht.
For the more adventurous, there are rocks at the far edge of the bay popular for cliff jumping — ask reception for the safest spots and current conditions before you go. It is one of those experiences that you will not find at most Koh Tao hotels, and it makes Tanote Bay feel that bit more alive.
To explore more of the island's underwater world with a guided group, read our guide to the best beaches in Koh Tao.
Room Types at Tanote Villa Resort
Tanote Villa Resort offers five room categories, ranging from garden-view suites to a full private-pool villa. Every room includes air conditioning, a private balcony or terrace, floor-to-ceiling windows, flat-screen TV, minibar, personal safe, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Here is what to expect from each option.
Suite Pool Villa
The most exclusive option on the property. This is a detached multi-storey villa with a private plunge pool, an outdoor sun deck with loungers, an outdoor bathtub, and enough space for two to four guests. It is the room we stayed in at Tanote Villa Resort, and waking up to Tanote Bay from a private pool at sunrise is something genuinely difficult to describe. If you are visiting for a honeymoon or a significant occasion, this is the room to book — and to book early.
Deluxe Pool Access Suite
The most popular room type at Tanote Villa Resort. The Deluxe Pool Access Suite gives you direct step-out access to the infinity pool from your private terrace, meaning you can be in the water within seconds of waking up. The interior is finished in modern Thai style — king-size bed, ambient lighting, rainfall shower, and wide windows framing sea views. It is the sweet spot between price and experience for couples who do not need a fully private pool.
Suite Family Ocean View
A two-bedroom suite with panoramic views over Tanote Bay, the Suite Family Ocean View is the resort's main family accommodation. The layout provides generous space for parents and children while keeping the same quality of design and views found throughout the property. It is the right choice for families who want comfort and scenery without compromise.
Family Connecting Rooms
For larger groups of up to eight guests, the Family Connecting Rooms link separate units into a single interconnected space. Each room retains its own privacy while sharing access between them — ideal for groups of friends or extended families who want independent sleeping areas alongside a communal dynamic.
Garden View Suite
The most affordable entry point at Tanote Villa Resort. The Garden View Suite faces the resort's lush tropical gardens rather than the sea directly, but it includes the full set of room amenities — balcony, ensuite, minibar, and air conditioning — at a considerably lower price point. Rates start from approximately THB 2,500 (~$70 USD) per night, with breakfast included. If you are happy to walk to the pool for your views, this is excellent value.
Private Poolside Villas – Romantic, Modern, and Immersed in Nature
Our Pool Villa – Blissful Comfort and Views
Our stay in a private poolside villa was everything we could hope for. The villa featured a stylish, modern interior with ambient lighting, a spacious bathroom with both a bathtub and a large rainfall shower, and a super comfortable king-size bed. But the true highlight was the private sundeck with a lounge area and a pool, all opening to panoramic sea views. One morning, we treated ourselves to a floating breakfast served in our private pool—coffee, pastries, omelettes, fruits, and a gentle breeze as we looked out to the horizon. It was one of the most peaceful moments of our trip.
Nature & Design in Harmony
Set amongst verdant tropical vegetation, the entire property feels like an oasis. Whether you're inside your room or lounging on the deck, you feel fully immersed in nature—a rare kind of indulgence that blends comfort and the wild beauty of Koh Tao.
Resort Facilities – Pools, Spa, and Peace
Infinity Pools with a View
Tanote Villa Resort features two outdoor pools, each offering a unique view over Tanote Bay. One has a stunning infinity edge that seems to spill into the sea, and the other is perfect for quiet swims or time with family. With palm trees, sunbeds, and the bay as your backdrop, it’s hard not to lose track of time here.
Spa & Wellness
To unwind even further, the Tanote Villa Resort has a traditional Thai spa offering a range of massage therapies. After a day exploring the island or lounging by the pool, a massage at this hotel in Koh Tao is the perfect way to relax.
Dining Experience – Poolside Meals with a View
Restaurant by the Pool
The restaurant sits in front of the infinity Pool with a peaceful atmosphere and open-air seating. This allows you to fully enjoy the view of Tanote Bay from above. Every morning, we had breakfast here, choosing from a set menu with both Western and Thai options. The quiet surroundings and attentive staff made each morning feel calm and unrushed. In the evening, we returned for dinner and enjoyed authentic Thai dishes made with fresh local ingredients. Between courses, we played a few games of pool and admired the changing colours of the bay at sunset.
Hotel in Koh Tao - Convenience & Services
Bike Rental & Freedom to Explore
With no public transport or ride-sharing services on the island, having a bike is essential. Tanote Villa Resort offers reliable, new scooters for THB 350 per day—perfect for discovering Koh Tao’s hidden corners.
Shuttle & Essentials
Tanote Villa Resort offers a free shuttle to and from the ferry pier, helping with smooth arrivals and departures. You’ll also find useful amenities like laundry service, parking, Wi-Fi in common areas, and assistance with booking tours and excursions.
Pool Day Pass for External Guests
One detail worth knowing even if you are not staying at the resort: Tanote Villa Resort's infinity pool is open to non-guests on a day-pass basis. Available daily from 08:00 to 18:00, the pass includes access to the infinity pool, a sunbed, and a towel. If you are based elsewhere on the island and want an afternoon with a view of the bay, this is one of the better-kept secrets in Koh Tao. Enquire at reception for current pricing and availability, as fees can vary by season.
Why Tanote Villa Resort Is a Great Hotel in Koh Tao
Ideal for Couples and Romantic Retreats
With private pool villas, romantic dining options, and a serene setting, this hotel in Koh Tao is perfect for couples looking for a peaceful, intimate getaway.
A Nature Lover’s Dream
Birdsong in the mornings, lush tropical vegetation all around, and the proximity to one of Koh Tao’s best snorkelling bays make this hotel in Koh Tao an ideal choice for nature lovers.
Value for an Elevated Experience
Here you can find well-designed rooms, excellent service, and convenient spa services. Tanote Villa Resort offers excellent value for anyone seeking a more refined experience on Koh Tao.
Best Time to Visit Tanote Villa Resort
Koh Tao's best weather runs from December to April, when skies are clear, seas are calm, and underwater visibility peaks. This is when Tanote Villa Resort is at its most spectacular — crisp sunrises from the private pool deck, glassy water in Tanote Bay below, and ideal snorkelling conditions from first light. High season fills up fast, so booking several weeks in advance is strongly recommended for December and the January–February window.
For whale shark encounters — one of Koh Tao's signature bucket-list experiences — the two main sighting seasons in the Gulf of Thailand are March to June and October to December. The resort's hillside location sits close to the snorkel and dive launch points at Tanote Bay, making it a particularly well-placed base if you are timing a trip around underwater wildlife.
Shoulder season (May to September) brings occasional rain and choppier seas but also noticeably lower prices, a quieter island, and the same lush jungle atmosphere that makes the property so immersive. The two pools and the Thai spa make any wet-weather afternoon an easy pleasure.
For a full breakdown of things to do across every season, read our guide to the best things to do in Koh Tao.
Tanote Villa Resort: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Private pool villas with panoramic views of Tanote Bay — genuinely rare on Koh Tao
- Two infinity pools, each with a different character and angle over the bay
- Direct access to one of the island's best snorkelling beaches via a mangrove boardwalk
- Peaceful, nature-immersed setting away from the noise and crowds of Sairee Beach
- Free shuttle to and from Mae Haad pier twice daily
- SHA Extra Plus certified — verified health and safety standards
- Scooter rental on-site at THB 350 per day
- Floating breakfast in the private pool is a genuinely memorable experience
Cons
- Not within walking distance of town, restaurants, or nightlife — this is a retreat, not a party base
- The walk back up from Tanote Bay beach is steep, particularly in midday heat
- Breakfast is à la carte rather than buffet — some guests expect a wider morning spread
- Limited dining variety on-site for longer stays; a scooter is essential for dinner variety
- The 15-minute ride from Mae Haad pier means arrival logistics need a little planning
Our Personal Journey – From Sunrise to Starry Nights
Every day at Tanote Villa Resort felt like a slow and peaceful discovery. We started our mornings with sunrise views from our villa, followed by breakfasts and gentle swims. The afternoons were filled with bike rides to nearby beaches, snorkelling in clear waters, and cooling off in the infinity pool. Evenings brought peaceful dinners by the pool, and the nights were filled with the sounds of the jungle.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tanote Villa Resort
Is Tanote Villa Resort good for couples?
Yes — it is one of the best romantic options on Koh Tao. The private pool villas, floating breakfast experience, hillside setting with bay views, and intimate poolside dining make it ideal for honeymooners and couples seeking privacy and atmosphere in equal measure.
How far is Tanote Villa Resort from Mae Haad pier?
Approximately 15 minutes by scooter or taxi. The resort runs a free shuttle to and from the pier twice daily, covering most ferry arrival and departure schedules.
Does Tanote Villa Resort have a private pool?
Yes. The Suite Pool Villa comes with its own private plunge pool and sundeck. Guests in the Deluxe Pool Access Suite have direct step-out access to the resort's shared infinity pool. There are also two communal outdoor pools overlooking Tanote Bay.
What is the snorkelling like at Tanote Bay?
Tanote Bay is one of Koh Tao's best snorkelling spots — well-preserved coral, a wide mix of reef fish, sea turtles, and blacktip reef sharks. The beach is a five-to-ten-minute walk from the resort through a mangrove boardwalk. Bring reef-safe aquatic shoes as the sandy bottom contains broken coral fragments.
Can non-guests use the pool at Tanote Villa Resort?
Yes. The resort offers a pool day pass for external visitors, available from 08:00 to 18:00, including a sunbed and towel. Contact reception for current pricing.
What room types are available at Tanote Villa Resort?
Five categories: Garden View Suite (from ~$70/night), Deluxe Pool Access Suite, Suite Family Ocean View (two bedrooms), Family Connecting Rooms (up to 8 guests), and the Suite Pool Villa with a private pool. Breakfast is included in most room rates.
Is Tanote Villa Resort suitable for families?
Yes. The Suite Family Ocean View and the Family Connecting Rooms accommodate families and groups well. The second communal pool is relaxed in character and the jungle setting is a unique, nature-rich environment for children.
What is the best time to visit Tanote Villa Resort?
December to April for the best weather, calm seas, and snorkelling conditions. March to June and October to December for whale shark sightings offshore. Shoulder season (May to September) offers lower prices and a quieter island.
Top hotel in Koh Tao: Tanote Villa Resort
This is the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression. Whether you're watching the sunrise from your private pool, exploring the island by bike, or enjoying a quiet meal with a view of the bay, every moment here feels calm and relaxing. For those looking for a great hotel in Koh Tao, this is it. Tanote Villa Resort is a whole experience: secluded yet accessible. Luxurious yet immersed in nature, it’s a place where you can truly disconnect and slow down. For couples, solo travellers, and anyone seeking a beautiful hotel in Koh Tao, this resort offers peace and panoramic beauty.
Website | Instagram | Book Your Stay
Last updated: July 31, 2026
