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Bawe Island

Angelfish Travel rates Bawe Island with 4.5 halos
Tailor Made Holidays & Bespoke Packages for Bawe Island
Aerial View
Tailor Made Holidays & Bespoke Packages for Bawe Island
Main Pool & Beach
Tailor Made Holidays & Bespoke Packages for Bawe Island
Sunrise Villa
Tailor Made Holidays & Bespoke Packages for Bawe Island
Lagoon Suite with Pool
Tailor Made Holidays & Bespoke Packages for Bawe Island
Sultan Villa
Tailor Made Holidays & Bespoke Packages for Bawe Island
Sinfonia Restaurant
Tailor Made Holidays & Bespoke Packages for Bawe Island
The View Bar
Tailor Made Holidays & Bespoke Packages for Bawe Island
Water Sports
Tailor Made Holidays & Bespoke Packages for Bawe Island
Poolside

Our Opinion of Bawe Island

We haven’t yet had the chance to visit Bawe Island in person – though it’s firmly on our 2026 inspection list – but on paper it looks set to become one of Zanzibar’s most exclusive and exciting new hideaways. A private island just fifteen minutes by boat from Stone Town, Bawe promises a rare blend of barefoot seclusion and contemporary design.

The villas appear to strike a beautiful balance between luxury and simplicity – sustainably built with natural materials, private pools, and uninterrupted views of the turquoise Indian Ocean. Early feedback suggests a relaxed but attentive service style and exceptional dining, complemented by a focus on wellbeing and gentle adventure, from paddleboarding in calm lagoon waters to exploring Zanzibar’s cultural heart nearby.

If Bawe Island delivers in reality what it promises on paper, it could well become one of the standout boutique retreats in the region. We’re looking forward to visiting in 2026 to see it for ourselves.

Bawe Island Summary

Bawe Island is a private retreat located just 15 minutes by speedboat from Stone Town. Covering 30 hectares, the island features 70 villas surrounded by natural greenery, each equipped with a private pool, butler service, and spacious interiors. The island’s layout ensures privacy and comfort, while its location makes it easy to explore Zanzibar’s main attractions and local excursions, and a helicopter landing platform allows for convenient transfers or sightseeing flights.

Bawe Island combines seclusion with accessibility, offering guests a well-balanced experience of relaxation, personalised service, and opportunities for discovery.

Accommodation


Sunrise Villa

Located on the east side of the island, offering views of stunning morning sunrises. Each villa features a king-size four-poster bed, a spacious living area with two armchairs, and a daybed that can be converted into an extra bed.

Sunset Suite

Set on the west side of the island, providing panoramic views of African sunsets. Each suite includes a king-size four-poster bed, a sunken living area, and space for two additional sofa beds, making them ideal for couples or small families.

Lagoon Suite with Pool

Suspended over the crystal-clear lagoon, these overwater suites combine contemporary design with natural materials. Located on the east side of the island, they feature a private terrace with swimming pool, modern comforts, and dedicated butler service.

Zanzibar Villa

Spanning 310 sqm with direct beach access, the Zanzibar Villas include two large bedrooms, a lounge with Etro sofas, a corner bar, and a private kitchen for in-villa dining with a chef on request. The outdoor veranda is equipped with a dining area, sofas, sun loungers, a private pool, and a secluded garden.

Sultan Palace

The Sultan Palace (500 sqm) is a two-level residence accommodating up to nine guests. The ground floor includes two bedrooms, a spacious living room, and a kitchen for private dining. The upper level features the Sultan bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe, and a large bathroom.

Restaurants & Bar


The Sand

The main restaurant serves breakfast and dinner in a distinctive setting where the floor is covered with soft, clean sand. Guests can enjoy freshly prepared dishes from several live cooking stations, choosing from a variety of options in a relaxed and stylish atmosphere.

Rising Sun

Rising Sun offers Asian cuisine under the branches of an ancient baobab tree, with a focus on Teppanyaki. The restaurant combines Japanese flavours with interactive cooking, creating an engaging dining experience.

Sinfonia

Sinfonia specialises in Italian cuisine, combining traditional flavours with a modern approach. The restaurant offers a trattoria-style dining experience, including a wood-fired oven with a wide selection of pizzas, from classic to signature choices, served in a comfortable and refined setting.

The Beach Club

The Beach Club is an adults-only, beachfront dining venue with a relaxed atmosphere. It focuses on high-quality comfort food, offering a simple and enjoyable casual dining experience by the sea.

The View Bar

The View Bar overlooks the Indian Ocean and serves a curated selection of drinks, including crafted cocktails. Guests can enjoy sunset views with live music and DJ performances.

Bawe Island FAQs

How do you reach Bawe Island?

Bawe Island is reached by a short 15-minute speedboat transfer from Stone Town on Zanzibar’s west coast. Transfers are arranged by the resort and timed to connect with international or domestic flight arrivals.

Is Bawe Island suitable for families?

While Bawe Island is primarily designed as a peaceful, adult-oriented retreat, families with older children may be accommodated on request. We’d recommend it most for couples or honeymooners seeking privacy and relaxation.

What is included in the stay?

Package prices are typically on Half Board and include breakfast and dinner daily, with a range of à la carte options. A variety of experiences – from kayaking and paddleboarding to guided snorkelling trips – are also available for guests to enjoy during their stay.