Bawe Island Resort
Zanzibar, Tanzania
Bawe Island
Vibe
A private island retreat where guests cruise between baobab groves, white sand beaches, and lagoon waters on complimentary bicycles.
“Private island roost”
A private island playground with house-reef scuba diving, padel courts, seabobs, and excursions to nearby sandbanks.
Thatched beachfront villas and Zanzibar overwater suites designed around ancient baobab trees and white sand floors.
Dedicated personal butler service, Etro bath amenities, Frette linens, and private plunge pools for all seventy villas.
On a private island off Zanzibar, a fifteen minute speedboat ride across the water from Stone Town.
Rooms
All seventy thatched villas include private plunge pools and dedicated butlers, while overwater suites branch directly into the turquoise lagoon.
Wellness
Rebirth Spa features steam rooms, foot baths, and treatment suites, complemented by padel courts and a communal beachfront lagoon pool.
Backstory
The Azzola family developed this private thirty-hectare coral island in 2024, running the retreat on solar power and desalination.
Eat & drink
Dine barefoot at The Sand, watch teppanyaki beneath an ancient baobab at Rising Sun, or catch sunset DJ sets at The View Bar.
The neighborhood
Bawe Island sits in the Indian Ocean, just a fifteen-minute speedboat ride from the historic alleys and port of Stone Town.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.