Jamahkiri Resort & Spa

Fab place and yes there all lots of steps but we knew that before we booked - and it was fine . The 2 bed villa with private pool was amazing ! Staff were so lovely and couldn’t do enough for us .

We stayed here in April with our two teenage daughters. We loved our accommodation which was the Two bedroom Pool Villa. Modern and clean with great views over the ocean. The staff here were very friendly. As many people have mentioned there are a lot of steps here (we counted 147 from our villa to the restaurant), but we knew about this before we went and so were prepared, plus it was great exercise for us. If you have any issues with steps this may not be the hotel for you. The restaurant itself was a bit limited on the food options, and the breakfast we didn’t feel was good value for money. Due to the location of the hotel getting to other restaurants is not that achievable if you don’t have transport. The hotel itself offers free shuttles to Mae Head Pier at certain times of day which we utilised. We also did a Dive whilst here and found the Dive crew great to deal with.

We stayed here for 4 nights and chose Jamahkiri because I wanted to get my advanced diving certification. The on-site dive center here was great and the instructors and equipment are top notch. The dive center and the hotel are run by separate management. I have a mixed review of this hotel because of the following: This is not a 5-star hotel by any standard. It is a 4-star at best. To be truly 5-star, you have to have much better amenities, service, and restaurant which Jamahkiri does not. We were happy with our room because we got an upgrade to a room with private pool (we had booked a deluxe suite). The room was brand new but there was construction going on around it so we were given free breakfast during our stay, which was reasonable considering construction noise and debris. Though the room was lovely, the amenities could use an upgrade. The refilled shampoo, conditioner and bath soap are very cheap quality, not what one would expect for a 5-star hotel. This room came with a kitchen which was great but the dishes, cutlery were bought in IKEA. Appliances also cheap and new but will wear out quickly over time. There is no telephone so you have to go to reception or text on WhatsApp. When ordering room service, you have to use their online ordering form on your phone. It took 20 minutes for them to get the order and another 40 minutes for the food. Breakfast mediocre. Lastly, the stairs. Expect to walk up and down a lot. There is no beach. For that stay elsewhere.

Absolutely stunning hotel with super friendly staff who were so helpful. The ferry ride to Koh Tao was definitely worth it. It was such a relief to be met at the ferry terminal and transported to the hotel. The roads to the hotel are very steep and there are a lot of stairs to and from rooms etc. However the panoramic views from rooms, restaurant and pool are stunning! We stayed in a villa with private pool and views of the sea from our bed- just beautiful. The restaurant had a good range of meals, very reasonably priced and everything we ordered was delicious. There is great snorkelling to be had from the beach below the hotel. We loved our stay here and were very sad to leave.

Lovely vine, beautiful place, attentive and friendly staff. We loved this place, we enjoyed the pool, the spa, the pool and the diving. While we were there we did hear a few people whinge about the steps. The hotel is built on what would be a cliff, this gives it a unique charm and character. If you have true mobility issues, are elderly or lazy, you may struggle with the number of steps. We did not and would love to go again.

Jamahkiri Dive Resort & Spa is one of those rare places where the setting truly elevates the experience. It amazes me that some guests complain about the number of steps—when even the most basic research or a quick glance at photos on the resort's website makes it obvious that it is built into a hillside. That hillside location isn’t a drawback; it’s a defining feature. It provides jaw-dropping views of the ocean and a sense of quiet seclusion that’s hard to find elsewhere on Koh Tao. The peaceful, almost meditative atmosphere is one of the reasons I’d return in a heartbeat. The staff are consistently warm, helpful, and attentive, and while the resort feels delightfully tucked away, it’s still easy to get around. You can rent a scooter in town (a great way to explore the island on your own terms), or rely on the hotel’s shuttle service, which runs to and from the pier a few times a day. A standout highlight: the hotel rents out kayaks and paddle boards. It’s an incredible value and a perfect way to enjoy the crystal-clear water and nearby coastline. In short, if you're looking for a peaceful escape with stunning views and don’t mind steps, Jamahkiri is a fantastic choice. Just do your homework—and you’ll understand exactly why it’s so special.

Lovely hotel. Beautiful surroundings. We had the 2 bed royal suite which was wonderful, specious, and had stunning views. Direct access to the sea where we saw sharks and turtles. Great cocktails by the pool.

Beautiful resort, but not ideal for those with mobility issue. Many steps up and down.

We had a truly unforgettable stay at Jamahkiri. The views are absolutely breathtaking—some of the best we’ve ever experienced. The hotel is spotless, beautifully maintained, and offers a peaceful, luxurious escape from the crowds. Breakfast was excellent, with a wide variety of fresh, high-quality options. We especially loved being able to snorkel right from the hotel—such a unique and convenient feature. The pool area is stunning, and lunch by the pool was a real highlight with delicious food and unbeatable scenery. The staff were warm, friendly, and always happy to help. Their kindness really added to the overall experience. The hotel is a little isolated, which is part of its charm, but more flexible shuttle times would be a great improvement. Currently, the shuttle runs to the pier at 9:00 AM (return 9:30), 11:00 AM (return 11:30), and 6:00 PM (return 6:30). It would have been helpful to have a later evening return or perhaps a shuttle to other spots like Freedom Beach—we had to rely on taxis for that. The restaurant is an amazing intimate experience but we also highly recommend the Eagle View restaurant, located just opposite the hotel entrance. It offers delicious, authentic Thai food and a very local atmosphere. We didn’t want to leave Jamahkiri—or Koh Tao. It was magical in every way, and we hope to return soon.

Amazing location with stunning views and great ocean access for swimming with turtles, reef sharks and colourful fish. The villa was clean and had everything we needed. Staff were friendly and housekeeping was excellent. Massage service was great and affordable. We’re in our 50s with knee problems and had no issues with the steps—don’t be put off by reviews! The food was okay, but there are lots of nearby restaurants if you’re looking for more options. Cable TV required a Thai number and payment, which was a small letdown. Still, we had a wonderful time and would love to return. Highly recommended!