The Place Luxury Boutique Villas' nine standalone units are perhaps the most luxurious villas in Koh Tao. Each one is surrounded by trees and looks out toward the sea. All could be described as rustic-luxe, with elegant wood floors, kitchen facilities, and -- best of all -- huge decks with large infinity-edge plunge pools. The resort doesn't have any facilities so to speak of, not even a restaurant, but most guests come here for privacy and romance, and are content to spend most of their time lounging on the deck.

Monkey Flower Villas is an upper-middle-range collection of four villas set a 10-minute walk to Sairee Beach and a three-minute drive to town. All villas were built to incorporate natural rock formations and come with gorgeous ocean and jungle views from furnished outdoor spaces. Free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and electric kettles are provided; some villas have the added benefits of kitchenettes and three of the villas have private pools. There’s no communal pool, gym, or restaurant here, though a full English breakfast can be delivered to rooms for a fee and 24-hour car service is available to all guests -- a rare feature for the area. 

View Point Resort's location high atop a hill at the end of Chalok Baan Khao Beach means it more than lives up to its name. Most of its cottages have charming, rustic Thai stye, but the romantic Pool Villas are the best -- and priciest -- bet. These units have incredible views -- and rates that are more than three times the price of the garden-view cottages. In fact, Pool Villas look and feel like they belong is a different resort altogether. They were built with natural materials and have plenty of light and outdoor space, including completely private pools with knockout sea and sunset views. 

Koh Tao Cabana is an intimate beachfront property with romantic vibes. The property consists of 33 one- and two-bedroom standalone cabanas overlooking either the tropical grounds or the ocean. All have modern amenities, rustic-chic decor, and at least 450 square feet of space. Wraparound terraces with rope hammocks, padded loungers, or foldout Thai cushions come standard with all villas, and some offer private plunge pools with ocean views.

Aminjirah is a 17-room boutique hotel that oozes romance. The secluded hillside getaway delivers amazing ocean views, which can be enjoyed from the chic infinity-edge pool, the romantic restaurant, or the rooms, some of which have private pools. It's pretty quiet up here on the mountaintop, and while the pool and bar can get busy during happy hour or sunset, this is a spot for quiet relaxation rather than staying up late. Aminjirah's small size means that guests can expect plenty of personalized attention from the staff. Just note that the resort is not on the beach.

Haadtien Beach Resort is located on Shark Bay -- the island's most beautiful beach -- but the remote locale means there is no village within walking distance, and the resort takes full advantage of this by charging relatively high prices for food and drink. Even though the location calls to mind a desert island fantasy, guests won't go without comforts here. The villas here are housed in standalone wooden structures (starting at 430 square feet) with private furnished balconies with outdoor furniture. The Pool Villas have more than double the square footage as well as personal plunge pools. 

Koh Tao Bamboo Huts is set in a gorgeous location, right on a small white-sand beach. Bungalows here come with outdoor showers and some have their own pools -- but these run right up to the decks of neighboring bungalows. Wi-Fi is available in the rooms although service is not always reliable, and there are a few dining options, including the romantic Starlight, a dinner spot with beautiful sunset views. Visitors should be prepared to do a lot of walking, as the resort is spread out and getting from spot to spot often requires steep trudges. Rates are a bit hard to justify when the more upscale Haadtien costs about the same (or less).