Coral
View Resort
is located on Haad Sai Daeng, an idyllic golden sand beach
on the south coast of Koh Tao. There are only two resorts
that share the beach which is just a stones throw away from
the infamous Shark Island, regarded as Koh Tao's best dive
site and amongst the finest in the Gulf of Thailand. The Thai
and Australian couple who manage the resort are so hospitable
that it has been listed in the both English and French guide
books whilst the beautiful cove of Haad Sai Daeng provides
the perfect picture of paradise. Whether you want to spend
your days exploring the amazing underwater world on your doorstep
or relaxing on a secluded beach, Coral View Resort fulfils
all your desert island dreams.
All of the rooms are new or well-maintained and set
amongst lush tropical gardens that have gracefully matured
over the eight years that the resort has been open. There
are three designs to choose from at various rates to suit
every traveller's budget; ranging from luxury beachfront suites
to Mediterranean styled bungalows and island huts for the
authentic Koh Tao feel. All of the rooms have en suite bathrooms
and are fully fitted and furnished for your comfort. The resort
is well planned with plenty of space in between the bungalows
to ensure total privacy. All of the rooms look out over the
bay with spacious balconies and stunning sea views.
The
Coral View restaurant is an amazing structure that is built into
the hillside amongst huge granite boulders. It has scenic views out
to nearby Shark Island and two different levels offering a great variety
of seating options to enjoy the excellent food or wind down with a
beer or a tantalising cocktail. The upper level houses the main dining
area whilst the lower level has a pool table and traditional Thai
raised seating area. The experienced team of chefs are equally at
home cooking both Thai and Western cuisine, using imported cheeses,
spices and herbs for authenticity and only the freshest vegetables,
meats and seafood. There is also a beach bar, which is the perfect
place to cool off after a hard day sunbathing or stargaze to the sounds
of the sea lapping up on the beach.
The
resort has its own dive shop running trips to all of the best local
dive sites; and with Shark Island just a short distance from the beach,
it's a great place to take a relaxed dive in a small group. There
are PADI courses available and also snorkelling, fishing and boat
trips. Coral View Resort has glass bottomed kayaks and snorkelling
equipment for hire, a variety of beach sports and can even arrange
water skiing for thrill seekers. When you're not feeling too active,
there's Satellite TV with video to chill out in front of or catch
those all important sports events and the resort also has internet
and international phone and fax services. There are car and boat taxis
available, a laundry, money exchange, Visa and Mastercard facilities
and a small shop with all life's necessities.
If
you're looking for things to do and see around Had Sai Daeng, the
south coast of Koh Tao is well connected and in a good position to
explore the island. The region is fairly mountainous away from the
coast, and there are a number of trails and walks to follow; the beautiful
beach of Aow Leuk is just 15 minutes walk away and Chalok Baan Kao,
the local village with a busy beach, is 20 minutes walk in the other
direction. Here you'll find a variety of local shops, restaurants
and bars; a few of which throw regular parties. Venus Park, the island's
biggest and most popular nightspot is also within walking distance,
but fortunately the hills ensure that it is well out of hearing distance.
There
are several great viewpoints in the region and also numerous other
attractions including the King Rama V Rock just outside Mae Haad Village
which is 10 minutes drive away and is the main port and centre for
Koh Tao. Mae Haad has grown from humble beginnings into a bustling
market place, with a host of restaurants, boutique shops and loads
of bars. It's a great place to spend the day shopping or go for a
night out and it's also the main point of entry or exit on Koh Tao;
so its proximity makes leaving a little bit easier, though when you
arrive at Coral View, you'll wonder why anyone would ever want to
leave!
Koh
Tao or Turtle Island is only 21 km? and is located about 70 km from
the east coast of mainland Thailand. It was so named due to the turtles
that used to use its rich waters as breeding grounds; there are still
a few that grace its shores and it is considered the premier dive
centre in the Gulf of Thailand.
Koh
Tao has all the trappings of a tropical island paradise with idyllic
sandy coves; palm fringed beaches and clear azure waters teeming
with amazing marine life. The jungle interior is still untouched
in many areas and covers rocky volcanic peaks that provide a stunning
natural background.
For
such a small and un-crowded island, there is loads to keep you busy
weather you're into getting your feet wet or not. The Island is
famous for the vibrant marine life and dive scene that co-exist
here; and with a great variety of dive sites to choose from, all
abilities are catered for. There are snorkelling, fishing and boat
trips that are inexpensive and take in sights such as Shark Island
and unique Koh Nangyuan; the only three islands joined by one sandbar
in the world! There are also other water sports including waterskiing,
wake-boarding and kayaking.
Land
based activities are plentiful with mountain biking, rock climbing,
para-gliding, trekking and lots of walks with viewpoints. If you're
experienced on a motorbike, it's also a fantastic place to see from
the saddle.
going
Koh Tao has a vibrant nightlife, with several big parties going
on every month and loads more clubs and beach bars. Had Sairee,
Mae Haad Village and Chalok Baan Kao are the main areas, so Coral
View Resort is never far from the action. Venus Park is the biggest
bash, off twice a month just out of hearing distance from Haad Sai
Daeng.
If
you're looking for the quieter side of life, Koh Tao has a variety
of Spa's, herbal steam saunas and numerous traditional Thai massage,
Tai Chi, Yoga, Reiki and Reflexology practitioners and schools.
Or there's always great value shopping and a wealth of restaurants
in the main village of Mae Haad.
