Coco Cottage

Coco Cottage is a resort of oversized wooden cottages on the northern half of Koh Ngai's main beach, and the best-reviewed place to stay on the island. The front-row cottages look straight out to sea from the bed, the second row costs less, and the ones at the back have little view at all, so it's worth paying for the front.

Its restaurant, CoCo Bistro, under a big thatched pavilion, is the one guests from other resorts walk over for, with a Thai menu that goes beyond the usual island list, good cocktails and coffee. Reviewers single out the staff and the design. The decks over the water have no railings, so families with small children should ask for a garden cottage.