By Maneeya Dhammataree

Koh Tao Cabana is a charming boutique resort located right by Sai Ree Beach on the island of Koh Tao in Surat Thani province.

The resort features an impressive blend of styles in terms of its architecture and interior design, so that every element seems to reflect the exciting and exotic feel provided by a tropical island setting.


A Warm Welcome
Koh Tao Cabana's lobby and reception area are located within two circular-shaped buildings, which have a scenic tower situated between them.

The buildings' striking shape and the fact that they both have roofs made from straw means they almost resemble oversized bamboo huts, although the walls, in this case, are made from cement. Overall, the resort successfully manages to combine a rustic feel with a more modern approach.


The resort's accommodation is situated on a slope behind a bamboo fence, which provides a greater sense of privacy for guests. There are basically two styles of accommodation, categorized as Cottage and White Sand.


Top of The Range
At the top end of the Cottage category is the 260° Cottage, which costs 18,000 baht (US$580) per night. Representing the most luxurious accommodation option at Koh Tao Cabana, the 260° Cottage includes two bedrooms; one with a king-size bed and the other with twin beds. The en-suite bathroom in the twin bed room is particularly striking since it's surrounded by windows, providing a remarkable view of the Gulf of Thailand, which you can even enjoy while you're brushing your teeth!


There are some rather more affordable options, however, such as the Cottage - Beach Front (5,600 baht per night), the Cottage - Ocean View (5,100 baht per night) and the Cottage - Tree Top (4,600 baht per night). These properties are sure to appeal, if you're looking to enjoy a stay that combines impressive natural surroundings with a romantic and rather more up market feel.


Attention to Detail
All the Cottage accommodation takes the form of a wooden cottage, which in many ways resembles a rural Thai home. Nevertheless, the exteriors and interiors, featuring Indonesian-patterned pillows, a stylish lamp and shell curtains, provide the properties with a livelier, more colorful appearance than a regular rural residence.


While most of the accommodation in the Cottage category features a hammock on the terraced area, the 260° Cottage has its own private deck, featuring a modest pool and a daybed. This provides the ideal location from which to watch the sun set over the cliffs nearby.

While the accommodation featured in the Cottage category may sound rather appealing, the alternatives categorized as White Sand are also very enticing given their rather chic and stylish appearance.


Round And Round
The White Sand category includes the White Sand – Beach Front (5,900 baht per night), White Sand – Ocean View (5,400 baht per night) and the White Sand – Tree Top (4,900 baht per night).

In terms of the architecture, the properties under the White Sand category resemble the two circular buildings mentioned earlier that include the resort's lobby and reception area. The cement walls are painted white on both the internal and external walls, while the buildings each have a straw-based roof, also giving them a hut-like appearance.

While the walls and the circular shape of the buildings give them a modern feel, the major decorative items inside, such as bamboo and rattan furniture, add a certain rustic ambiance.


Oceanside Dining
To top off your stay at Koh Tao Cabana, I would strongly suggest you visit the resort's Rim Lae restaurant. Rim Lae, which literally means 'by the sea', includes several rustic pavilions within a compound by the beach.

While regular dining tables are provided for those in search of a more formal setting, there is also a wooden platform, which affords impressive views of the cliffs and ocean. If you choose to eat here, the format includes a small, low-level dining table and cushions for seating, providing a nice informal setting.


And when it comes to the food, you're sure to be impressed by chef's Thai seafood creations. My personal recommendation would be the Deep-Fried Seabass (see photo, above), which is served with an extraordinary garlic and pepper sauce.

For further information, or to make a reservation, call Koh Tao Cabana on Tel: +66 (0)7 745 6505. Please note that all rates quoted in this article include tax and VAT.

Transport Connections:
Air: Bangkok Airways offers flights to Koh Samui daily from Suvarnnabhumi International Airport. The first flight takes off at 6 am, while the final flight of the day departs at 4.35 pm.

To reach Koh Tao from Koh Samui, you can take a minibus from Koh Samui Airport to Na Thorn Pier. Songserm Travel operates a daily boat service to Koh Tao from the pier, which departs at 10.30 am.

Alternatively, Lompraya Catamaran High Speed Boat provides a boat service that departs from Wat Pra Lan pier twice daily, at 8 am and 12.30 pm, respectively.


source: Tannetwork.tv