Bawe Island Zanzibar

We were really excited about our stay but found it extremely disappointing. We had an issue with our transfer that was handled poorly with no apology. Service at the resort is terrible. Whilst the resort itself is nice (accommodation is lovely) the beaches on the main island are far superior. In our opinion, not worth the money.

We had a lovely, chilled stay at Bawe Island, exactly what we were looking for after a beautiful yet quite intense Safari trip. The atmosphere was nice and relaxed and our room was spacious and beautiful, the "outdoor" bathroom adding a touch of appreciated exotic taste to the facility. We were able to enjoy the variety of the food offer and the abundant breakfast. The staff was generally speaking very nice and helpful. We enjoyed the powerful Ocean and its fascinating tides. Added points for a total or semi-total absence of any obnoxious music (apparently almost inescapable these days) by the beach, where we were able to talk, read and listen to the wind and the sea, while our son Eddie played with other kids in the safe environment of the Kids Club. The Bawe Island staff was also very helpful when we decided to organize trips by boat to Zanzibar Stone Town. One thing Bawe Island can definitely DO WITHOUT is the Jet Skis, an offer completely at odds with the overall vibe of the place. Howevere, all in all our vacation as been one to remember, among other things thanks to the care, kindness and thoroughness of our butler Mr. Anwar. Matteo, Chiara & Eddie

After an intensive safari in Uganda, spending five days at Bawe Island Resort (The Cocoon Collection) was the absolute perfect conclusion to our trip. This small, intimate island offers a high-end luxury experience that feels effortlessly relaxed. Arrival & Seamless Service From the second we stepped inside the airport, the service was flawless. We were greeted directly upon arrival, guided smoothly through immigration, and whisked away to the speedboats. Within about 15 minutes of crossing the water, we arrived directly at the resort. The dedicated concierge team takes care of everything you could possibly need for an unforgettable stay. Villas & Amenities The resort offers both large family villas and freestanding private bungalows pointing toward either sunrise or sunset. We stayed in a Sunrise Villa and loved every second of it. Privacy & Comfort: Exceptional privacy, a beautifully appointed room, a massive bathroom stocked with every amenity, and a daily refilled minibar with drinks and snacks. Private Outdoor Space: Highlights included our own private pool, dedicated lounge areas, and personalized bicycles marked with our names to easily explore the island. Dining & Culinary Variety The food and beverage offerings cater to every taste, with flexible, upscale yet relaxed "smart casual" dress codes: Rich Variety: Options range from local Swahili cuisine and live-action cooking stations to upscale Italian dining and Asian crossover dishes (the tuna sashimi is outstanding!). Adults-Only Vibe: For lunch, there is a dedicated adults-only restaurant with direct beach access. Drinks with a View: The Sunset Bar serves fantastic cocktails with incredibly friendly service and a wonderful atmosphere. The Tides & Island Experience Some reviews complain about low tide creating a "moonscape," but in our opinion, it completely depends on how you look at it. Low tide reveals fascinating rock formations and small caves near the reception area that are well worth exploring. At high tide, you get the classic postcard views and perfect conditions for snorkeling. Activities & Excursions While we didn't get to use the dive center, we took full advantage of the water sports center (jetskis, SUPs, snorkeling equipment). The resort concierge can organize fantastic outings: Stone Town & Prison Island: Classic must-dos that are super easy to reach. Sandbank Tip: Instead of the popular (and often crowded) Nakupenda Sandbank, our concierge arranged a small private boat to a closer, more secluded sandbank. Having a private patch of sand isolated in the ocean was an absolute highlight! Final Verdict An extraordinary, spotlessly clean, and flawlessly organized hideaway. We couldn't fault a single thing and would return in a heartbeat!

An absolutely fabulous experience, where every single detail is taken care of with class and elegance. From the beautiful villas to the delicious food, everything is simply perfect, and all the staff are incredibly kind, attentive, and always willing to help. Everything is designed to make you enjoy this little corner of paradise to the fullest and truly switch off from the outside world. Last but certainly not least, a very special thank you to Ms. Gift, who looked after us throughout our entire stay in the most wonderful way. She was always available, attentive to every detail, and happy to accommodate all our requests with a genuine smile. Thank you for making our stay so special. We will definitely leave with wonderful memories and hope to come back one day!

Bawe Island sits in a beautiful location and the cuisine is high quality, with good, well-prepared dishes. However, the overall service needs improvement. In our case, a major organizational error occurred on the resort's part: after visiting Stone Town, we were left waiting for two hours at the Marina port without any assistance, water, food, or restrooms. This was a serious failure, made even more unacceptable given that the resort provides a dedicated butler for each guest. An incident like this negatively impacts the overall experience and does not match the expected standards. I hope management addresses the logistics to ensure guests receive the care and attention they deserve from the beginning to the end of their stay.

Such a wonderful experience. Everything is perfect. The location the villa the beach the food...the team also is very nice eager to help and support. With a special mention to our Butler Asfiwe who was nice reactive and so sweet

A truly wonderful experience at Bawe. The setting is absolutely stunning, peaceful, and simply breathtaking. What made our stay even more special was the exceptional staff. Everyone was incredibly kind, attentive, and always went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and well looked after. A very special thank you to our butler, Anwar, who was absolutely outstanding. He was attentive, thoughtful, and always one step ahead of our needs. His kindness, professionalism, and genuine care made us feel truly special throughout our stay. We had an amazing time and would definitely love to come back. Highly recommended! 🌴☀️❤️

This is the best resort ever. We had a beautiful villa with a fantastic sea and sunset view. The resort spans over the 2km-long island. The crystal clear water and the fantastic sand beach go along with high quality restaurants and highly skilled chefs. And this is so peaceful and the people are so nice !