Sensi Paradise

The best of the beach lodges on the remote island of Koh Tao: 40 beautifully simple thatched houses dotted about peaceful landscaped gardens

There are 3 good reasons to go to Koh Tao. First, it offers the most exciting diving in the Gulf of Thailand. Second, it is the most isolated and unspoilt of the islands around Samui. And third, it is a mighty fine place to sit and do nothing.

I chose the third reason, and fulfilled my task without the slightest difficulty. Days passed by in a coma of sunbathing on sandy beaches, snorkelling through fish-filled seas, reading atop granite boulders, and nipping around the island on longtail boats, with only the most delicious fresh seafood, spicy soups and cold beers for interruption. Staying at Sensi Paradise certainly helped – by all accounts the comfiest, the most peaceful and the best run of the lodges dotted around the island's 20km of palm-fringed shore-line. A British guest who has stayed for 2 months every winter for the last 10 years backed up this judgment. Of course, if you want action, the adjacent village of Mae Haad offers bars, clubs, dive courses, mountain bikes and kayaks for rent. But I think I'll leave that for next time…or maybe the time after that…or the one after that…

Highs

• Variety of accommodation, from simple backpackers' huts to larger stilted houses at the water's edge, like the one pictured
• Lovely landscaped gardens with palms, lawns, bright flowers, tropical birds and lots of tranquil sitting areas
• Beachside restaurant with seafood BBQ's and fresh fruit pressés to die for
• Sandy beach on your doorstep, and more secluded coves within a short walk
• Handy location for dive courses, bike and kayak rentals (more...)

Lows

• Being near the main pier means a lot of noise and pollution from the regular boats which serve the island
• Only a few of the houses are immediately on the sea – but the inland ones are still lovely
• Prices have risen of late, and you must buy their water in glass bottles (no plastic)
• It's quite hard to get to (thank goodness!)
• It may take a while to get an answer to your enquiry