Bawe Island Zanzibar, Tanzania
Opened
2024
Price
$$$$
Outside the door
The brand
The Cocoon CollectionPrivate island roost
A private island retreat where guests cruise between baobab groves, white sand beaches, and lagoon waters on complimentary bicycles.
Where it shines
Remarkable
A private island playground with house-reef scuba diving, padel courts, seabobs, and excursions to nearby sandbanks.
Notable
Thatched beachfront villas and Zanzibar overwater suites designed around ancient baobab trees and white sand floors.
Notable
Dedicated personal butler service, Etro bath amenities, Frette linens, and private plunge pools for all seventy villas.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Bawe Island sits in the Indian Ocean, just a fifteen-minute speedboat ride from the historic alleys and port of Stone Town.
The rooms
All seventy thatched villas include private plunge pools and dedicated butlers, while overwater suites branch directly into the turquoise lagoon.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
Fringed parasols shade loungers along the beachfront lagoon pool, and private overwater decks hold plunge pools above the tide.
The spa
Treatment suites host holistic wellness rituals, and the facilities include a steam room and foot baths.
Restaurant
The Sand
Timber tables sit directly on white sand beneath a thatched pavilion, looking out over the turquoise ocean.
At the table
Open-air dining tables sit beneath shady baobab branches, and the lounge bar serves sunset cocktails over sand floors.
How it began
The Azzola family developed this private thirty-hectare coral island in 2024, running the retreat on solar power and desalination.
Good to know
Stay here
Bawe Island Resort
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Zanzibar
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.