Koh Tao Cabana Resort - tropical villas, a stunning restaurant and sea views. Is it worth booking?

At the northern end of Sairee Beach is Koh Tao Cabana Resort, a boutique resort built into dense tropical greenery, among huge granite boulders and above the beach. Instead of a conventional hotel building, the villas are scattered across the hillside, with wooden balconies, natural roofs and semi-open bathrooms. One of the property's standout attractions is Rim Lae, a stunning restaurant built on wooden decks above the rocks, with an open view of the sea. But alongside the distinctive design and excellent location, there are also a lot of steps, uneven maintenance and mixed reviews on value for money.

Koh Tao Cabana - a resort that blends into the landscape

One of the things that sets Koh Tao Cabana Resort apart is its architecture.

Unlike hotels where the rooms are in a main building, here the units are scattered through a large tropical garden, among trees, rocks and paths.

The buildings combine wood, bamboo and natural materials, with pitched roofs, private balconies and design details inspired by traditional Thai architecture.

The villas are not identical. Some are close to the beach, others are on higher levels, and some units have an open sea view or a private plunge pool.

The character of the property especially suits anyone who loves resorts that blend into nature and do not look like a standard hotel.

The greenery gives a degree of privacy, and the scattered buildings create the feel of a small holiday village in a tropical jungle.

However, this architecture also comes at a cost in terms of convenience. The property is built on sloping ground, and the way to some of the villas involves steps and significant climbs.

The location - at the northern end of Sairee Beach

Koh Tao Cabana is at the northern end of Sairee Beach, one of the main areas of Koh Tao.

It is an especially good location if you want to combine a relaxing beach holiday with access to restaurants, cafés and shops.

The central part of Sairee has bars, dive centres and nightlife, while the northern end is greener and rockier.

The advantage is that you get the feel of a tropical resort without being in a completely isolated bay.

Can you walk to central Sairee?

Yes. Sairee's restaurants and shops are within walking distance, and how long it takes depends on where you are going and where your villa is within the property.

That is a significant advantage compared with resorts in remote bays or on hills where every outing means a drive.

But remember that just getting out of the villa can involve going down steps and along the property's paths.

So a room high up on the hill does not necessarily give you the same easy walking as a villa close to the beach.

Is the hotel really quiet?

The northern location and the greenery create a fairly relaxed feel, but quiet is not guaranteed.

In some villas you can hear music from Sairee's bars, especially at night and depending on the wind direction and the room's position.

So choose your unit according to its distance from the nightlife areas too, not just the view.

If you are particularly sensitive to noise, you can ask for a room further inside the property or further from the beach, bearing in mind that this may mean more steps and walking.

The villas and rooms - a distinctive tropical-style stay

Koh Tao Cabana offers a wide range of room categories, from cottages for couples to large villas for families and groups.

The options include treetop villas, sea-view cottages, villas with an open design and some categories with a private plunge pool.

The differences between room types are very significant.

Garden and treetop cottages

Some of the cottages are in the higher, greener parts of the resort.

The advantage is a sense of privacy, balconies surrounded by trees and a tropical atmosphere.

Some rooms make extensive use of wood and bamboo, with large beds and windows looking out onto the greenery.

But not all the rooms are close to the pool and the restaurant. In some categories you have to climb a lot of steps.

So if you prefer to step out of your room and be on the beach in a moment, check the exact position of the unit.

Sea-view cottages

The sea-facing categories offer a different experience.

A balcony with an open view of Sairee Beach and the bay can be one of the big advantages of staying at the resort.

Some units have large balconies, seating areas and places to relax.

These rooms may be especially suitable for a couples' holiday, when the idea is to spend part of the day on your private balcony too.

However, check whether the view is a direct sea view or a partial one through the greenery.

Villas with a private pool

The more upmarket categories also include villas with a private plunge pool.

This is a particularly interesting option for couples looking for privacy who want to enjoy the water without going to the shared pool.

But before booking, check the size of the pool and the layout of the villa.

A private plunge pool is not necessarily a large swimming pool, and some villas have several levels and steps.

Semi-open bathrooms

One of the distinctive features of Koh Tao Cabana is the design of the bathrooms.

In some villas the bathrooms are semi-open and blend into the rocks, the greenery and the natural building materials.

In design terms it is a very striking feature that reinforces the feeling of staying in the middle of nature.

But not everyone will feel comfortable with it.

A fairly open bathroom can be more exposed to insects and humidity, and the unusual design is not always practical.

Look carefully at the photos and the layout of the bathroom, especially if privacy, air conditioning and a fully sealed room matter to you.

Bed comfort, cleanliness and maintenance

Koh Tao Cabana scores well on booking sites, especially for comfort, but there are differences between units.

The villas have a distinctive design, but some of the infrastructure and facilities are not new.

The gaps show mainly in things like firm mattresses, air conditioning that works properly, water pressure, bathroom upkeep and how well the rooms are sealed against insects.

In some categories the mattresses are particularly firm, so if you prefer a soft bed, bear this in mind.

The combination of natural wood and tropical greenery also needs ongoing maintenance. Where the wood is exposed to sun, humidity and rain, signs of wear can appear.

At a resort in this price range, it is especially important to check the condition of the specific villa you are booking.

The pool - an artificial waterfall among the greenery

Koh Tao Cabana has a pool area surrounded by greenery, with an artificial waterfall that adds to the tropical atmosphere.

Around the pool there are seating areas and sun loungers, and it lets you enjoy the water without going into the sea.

The design fits the natural character of the resort, with rocks, wood and plants around the water.

There is also a shallow area that is more suitable for children.

However, the pool area is one of the places where it is worth checking the current state of maintenance.

The condition of the pool and the deck around it has varied over different periods, so do not choose the resort on the strength of old official photos alone.

If you plan to spend many hours at the pool, check its condition before booking.

Rim Lae - the restaurant that is one of the resort's highlights

One of the most impressive places at Koh Tao Cabana is Rim Lae Restaurant, the resort's restaurant.

It sits at the northern end of Sairee Beach, right above the huge granite boulders at the edge of the bay.

The restaurant is built on several levels of wooden decks, linked by steps, bridges and open walkways.

High thatched roofs cover some of the seating areas, and massive wooden beams, railings made from natural branches and woven light fittings complete the design.

Greenery is woven in almost everywhere, and the sea shows through the trees and beyond the decks.

One of the most impressive restaurants we saw on Koh Tao

During our visit to the northern end of Sairee, we came to Rim Lae and sat down for a cocktail.

We were very taken with the architecture from the moment we walked in, and the more we wandered between the spaces, the more beautiful corners we found.

The combination of granite boulders, thatched roofs, dark wooden floors, white tables and the view of Sairee Beach was exceptional.

The restaurant is built right into the landscape, not just looking out over it.

We especially loved the terraced wooden decks above the rocks, the covered seating areas and the fact that every spot gives you a different angle on the sea.

In design terms, it was one of the places that impressed us most in Thailand.

What does the restaurant serve?

Rim Lae serves Thai food, Western-style dishes, fish and seafood, along with drinks and cocktails.

The restaurant is also where the resort's breakfast is served.

Facing west, it has a particularly beautiful view towards sunset, so it is also appealing for an evening out for two.

On our visit we only ordered a cocktail, so our personal impression focuses on the design and atmosphere rather than the quality of the food.

Read our full review of Rim Lae Restaurant on Koh Tao →

Breakfast - a lovely view, but an uneven experience

Breakfast is served at Rim Lae restaurant, facing the sea.

The setting is undoubtedly a plus. Not every hotel lets you start the morning in such a special space, with wooden decks and a view of the bay.

Breakfast includes a selection of buffet items alongside dishes made to order, depending on the format in place during your stay.

But the quality of the meal and the pace of service are not consistent.

The choice may be fairly limited for a resort in this price range, and at busy times there may be waits for dishes cooked in the kitchen.

If a generous breakfast is a central part of the hotel experience for you, check the menu and recent reviews before booking a room with breakfast.

Spa, snorkelling and other activities

The resort has Kajavari Spa, set in green surroundings and offering massages and body treatments.

You can fit in a treatment during your holiday without leaving the hotel, though check the opening hours and availability of treatments in advance.

In addition, the beachfront location is good for water activities.

The hotel lists options such as snorkelling gear and kayaks, depending on availability and conditions.

Koh Tao is a popular destination for diving and snorkelling, but if you plan to spend a lot of time in the water, remember that the beach right by the hotel is not necessarily suitable for every activity.

Sairee Beach - beautiful, but swimming conditions vary

Koh Tao Cabana is at the northern end of Sairee Beach, where the sand meets rocks and greenery.

This is a particularly beautiful area for photos, walks and watching the sunset.

But the northern part of the beach has rocks and shallow areas, and getting into the water depends on the tides.

On some days the sea is suitable for a calm swim, and on others conditions are less comfortable.

Boats, debris brought in by currents or marine creatures can also affect swimming at certain times.

If you mainly want a beach to sit by the sea, the location is wonderful.

If you are coming to Koh Tao for serious snorkelling, you may want to visit other bays as well, such as Aow Leuk and Tanote Bay.

Steps and accessibility - the drawback you need to know about

This is one of the most important things to consider before booking a room at Koh Tao Cabana.

The resort is built on terraced ground, and some of the villas are on high levels among the trees.

Getting to them involves paths and steps, and sometimes a significant climb.

This makes it less suitable for anyone who struggles with walking, uses a wheelchair or prefers direct, easy access to all the hotel's facilities.

Families with young children should also check the room's position and the number of steps on the way to it.

If you would rather avoid climbs, you can ask for a unit closer to the beach or the main areas, subject to availability.

Service - between a personal welcome and operational gaps

Service at Koh Tao Cabana is not consistent across all the hotel's departments.

Guests appreciate the help with arranging transfers, the housekeeping and the personal attention of some staff members.

On the other hand, there are gaps in response times, in dealing with faults and in service at the restaurant and reception.

At a hotel in this price range, these differences matter all the more.

When you pay for a unique villa at a boutique resort, you expect not only beautiful design but also infrastructure that works and service that deals with problems quickly.

So before booking a particularly expensive category, also check the cancellation policy and how faults are handled.

Is Koh Tao Cabana good for a couples' holiday?

The resort can suit a couples' holiday very well, especially if you are looking for a place with romantic character, tropical greenery, a private villa and a sea view.

There is something special about buildings that blend into the rocks and treetops, about the wooden balconies and about being able to sit in a stunning restaurant facing the sunset.

Unlike a large hotel with corridors and identical rooms, here each villa category has its own character.

That said, a successful romantic holiday also needs comfort and good maintenance.

In some rooms the mattresses are firm, the bathrooms are fairly open and the way to the room involves steps.

So choosing the right villa is a very important part of the decision.

Who is Koh Tao Cabana especially good for?

Couples looking for a romantic resort with character: villas among the greenery, private balconies and a sea view.

Architecture and design lovers: the buildings blend into the rocks and nature, and Rim Lae restaurant is one of the most impressive features of the property.

Anyone who wants to be close to Sairee without sleeping on the main tourist strip: the northern location gives fairly easy access to restaurants and shops.

Anyone who prefers a standalone villa to a room in a hotel building: the range of categories lets you choose between different experiences.

Anyone who enjoys staying in the middle of tropical nature: the greenery and open buildings are a central part of the place's character.

Who should choose another hotel?

Koh Tao Cabana is less suitable if you struggle with steps or need full accessibility.

If you are very sensitive to insects, semi-open bathrooms or humidity, you may prefer a more modern, enclosed hotel.

If you need complete quiet at night, check carefully where the villa is in relation to the beach and Sairee's nightlife.

And if you are looking for consistent service and brand-new facilities, compare it with other resorts in this price range.

Is Koh Tao Cabana good value for money?

This is one of the areas where it is especially important to distinguish between the hotel's special character and the actual standard of maintenance.

The location, the villas, the restaurant and the greenery give it an edge that is hard to recreate in an ordinary hotel.

But when the price is high, it is important to make sure the category you choose also offers comfort and infrastructure that live up to expectations.

A room with a wonderful view and an impressive balcony can be an excellent choice for a couple looking for a romantic experience.

On the other hand, when the price is high and the maintenance does not match it, the beauty of the place is not necessarily enough.

So compare the villa categories rather than going by the starting price or the beautiful photos of the restaurant and public areas.

The bottom line - should you book Koh Tao Cabana Resort?

Koh Tao Cabana is one of the most architecturally distinctive resorts in north Sairee.

The villas set among the trees and rocks, the balconies, the sea view and Rim Lae restaurant create a stay with a tropical, romantic character.

The location is a significant advantage: close enough to Sairee's restaurants and shops, yet surrounded by greenery that gives a more secluded feel.

However, it is not a choice that suits everyone.

The steps, the uneven maintenance of the rooms, the possibility of noise at night and the mixed reviews of the service all call for a careful choice of room category.

Koh Tao Cabana is especially good for anyone looking for a special tropical villa with a romantic character and a sea view, who is willing to put some effort into choosing the room. If you prefer a modern, accessible hotel with consistent maintenance, you may find better-suited options on Koh Tao.