Ko Tao Paradise Resort 

The Paradise Koh Tao Resort I was saying to my daughter how, for me, a 5 star hotel is not just about the quality of the room or building or the food or even the staff. It’s about the overall experience. Value for money, comfort, fun. We were met at the pier with our cases carried for us to a songthaews. We were met at the grand hotel by Koko who explained that there was a power cut. No electricity but he was smiling and so sincere it was not a problem for us. We were walked to our room by Koko and a colleague. They carried our cases. The room was just being finished with cleaning and we went into the massive room with a double and single bed. No AC because of power cut. It was funny with Koko explaining to us how it worked without being able to show us. My daughter and I then went to the pool which was absolutely amazing. We had the whole pool to ourselves for the afternoon. An elderly Thai couple came and we took some pictures for them. Then a German (or South African) couple. The pool and area was big enough that we weren’t in each others way. Able to relax, peace and have fun. We then ordered some ice cream and when the electricity came on we then ordered lunch; an omelette, a coconut chicken soup and red curry. It was absolutely delicious! (About 600BAHT). My daughter then showered and I had a bath on the balcony! Yes, a bath on the balcony, Bubbles bowing down the street. it was amazing! We then went down to the lobby and were driven free of charge into Koh Tao. We had a wonderful time in Koh Tao which is really alive again since covid. We then paid 500B for a cab back. We slept in the beautiful air conditioned room. The following morning we had breakfast (250B each) and were served again by Su (who was always helpful and smiling). There were other staff members (Myanmar) we didn’t get their names but thank you to them as well. Everyone was smiling, friendly, trying their best and running around for us. We then went on a snorkelling tour and when we came back went to our room which had been spotlessly cleaned with fresh towels etc. We then showered and went for dinner inside the restaurant because it was raining outside. For dinner we had Ka Pow (prawns/basil). Red Curry. Sweet and Sour Pork, coconut chicken soup (again). 4 drinks. It cost 870 Baht. The food at this place was probably the best of our entire trip. Unbelievably tasty I wanted to thank the chef. We then went and played a game of pool in the bar and then went back to the room and fell instantly asleep. The following morning a songthaews had been arranged for 8am to take us to the pier. The end! So, the night before we are at Suranthiya Koh Phangan and they are very similar. Only Suranthiya is about £350 per night and this place was about £40. I think in the 1990’s/2000’s this was Koh Tao’s Suranthiya. The place is a little bit old and weathered but it’s grand and fascinating with incredible view points and obvious history. The ambiance and service was our favourite of our vacation so far. We were treated like a King and a princess (my daughter). We didn’t have one single bad moment. To us it was perfect. Amazing value, amazing setting, amazing service, amazing pool and most important, amazing staff! We were comfortable and we laughed a lot and that is what makes a good holiday hotel to me. Thank you to Su, Koko and everyone at the Koh Tao Paradise Resort who made our 2 night stay one of the most amazing and fun we have ever had. We will make a YT video when we get home. Kop Kuhn Kap 🙏