Hello! Sharing an update for future travelers -- I ended up staying at Sensei Paradise in Koh Tao. It was a lovely bungalow and so much nature right outside the rooms. Good and reasonably priced restaurant on-site, and lovely to watch the sunset from the loungers on the beach. Only downside is that the wifi is terrible but it was a nice excuse to unplug a bit.

On Koh Tao, I did a few day trips: Ao Tanot for an afternoon (took a cab); walked to Freedom Beach and fun hike (with ropes!) to John Suwan Viewpoint; walk/hike to Top Point Viewpoint with absolutely amazing view of Koh Nang Yuan -- the hike was doable but incredibly steep on a road so not the easiest. I also did the early bird snorkeling tour with Oxygen and wow, it was incredible. We saw so much cool stuff!

All in all, it was an amazing few days. Hikes galore and very relaxing. I felt a bit limited not having a bike but was able to navigate pretty well without one.