Tried & Tested: Bawe Island, Zanzibar
We’ll admit it – a few little LuxuryWise tears were shed last fall when we couldn't attend on one of the very first fam trips to the newest resort by The Cocoon Collection. The culprit? A jam-packed editorial calendar. But this time, we’re all in – and thrilled about it! Bawe Island, which made its sparkling debut off the coast of Zanzibar just last summer, is the latest jewel in The Cocoon Collection’s crown. And this time, dear readers, there’s no way we’re missing out – and neither should you!
As experienced by LuxuryWise's Director of Business Development, Melanie Haass
The Resort Island
Close your eyes for a sec and picture this, dear LuxuryWise-Fans: Africa’s easygoing spirit and soulful warmth meet the sleek villa style of the Maldives and that effortlessly chic beach vibe. Welcome – or better yet, Jambo!, as they say here – to Bawe Island, the sparkling new flagship of The Cocoon Collection. Just a breezy 15-minute private boat ride from Stone Town, this tropical hideaway wraps you in turquoise waters and next-level comfort. Think 70 design-forward villas scattered across 70 lush acres – each with its own private pool, personal butler, and the kind of privacy that whispers barefoot luxury. Oh, and a personal bicycle awaits each guest – the perfect way to take in the island’s refined charm on a serene ten-minute ride.
The Cocoon Collection – already a familiar name in Zanzibar thanks to the Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa and the boutique hideaway Island Pongwe – has secured the idyllic island of Bawe on a 99-year leasehold. With it comes a clear commitment: to care for this unique piece of paradise with thoughtfulness and respect. In terms of sustainability, the new resort is setting a whole new standard in Zanzibar. Once home to local fishermen and heavily impacted by overfishing, marine life around Bawe has been making a vibrant comeback since construction began, thanks to the vision of the Italian owners and the newly established Changuu Bawe Marine Conservation Area. Today, more than half of the island’s electricity is generated by its own solar panels. And with a state-of-the-art seawater desalination system and in-house bottling station, both guests and staff enjoy 100% fresh, clean water – straight from the tap and served in glass bottles.
The Suites & Villas
Whether your clients are checking into a suite or villa – every single one is a standalone stunner and packed with everything a luxury lover’s heart desires: Nespresso machine? Check. Yoga mat? Of course. Dyson hairdryer? Naturally. Oh, and they all have a private pool. Sizes range from a comfy 200 up to a breezy 500 square meters (2,152 to 5,382 sq. ft.). What makes Bawe Island truly special? It’s the sense of space and privacy – especially in the outdoor areas and bathrooms. Even the entry-level Sunrise Villa kicks things off in style with a covered outdoor living room: dining table, sofa, coffee table, plus a cozy, shell-shaped rattan chair and sun loungers by the private pool. But wait for it – the bathrooms are the real showstoppers. In every category (except the Lagoon Suite), you’re basically stepping into a tropical bath temple: open-air shower, freestanding tub, double vanity and even the toilet – all surrounded by lush greenery. Midnight bathroom trips mean stepping outside into warm island air. Trust us: it’s part of the charm and it was love at first soak!
The 26 Sunrise Villas sit right on the beach, with pools nestled in white sand. Heads-up: ocean dips are tide-dependent, so guests need to check their swim clock. One level up, the 31 Sunset Suites (pictured) bring cliffside vibes, private gardens, and sweeping sea views instead of sand. Technically, the beachfront villas are better for kids – but the Sunset Suites win on space and layout: more room, a downstairs sleeper sofa, and a setup perfect for three adults or two adults with two kids.
More room to stretch out and kick back? You’ll find it in the spacious Zanzibar Villas, each offering 310 square meters (3,336 sq. ft.) of pure laid-back luxury. Inside, guests are greeted by a breezy open-plan lounge that flows straight out to the beach. There’s a kitchenette with a cool bar vibe, a large dining table on the terrace, and sun loungers just waiting for golden hour. The two bedrooms sit to the left and right – and if guests like, a private chef can whip up dinner right in the villa. Need even more space to feel like royalty? Enter the Sultan Palace. Spanning two floors and 500 square meters (5,382 sq. ft.), it sleeps up to nine guests and delivers serious wow-factor: three bedrooms, each with their own bathroom, a walk-in dressing suite, and a Salle de Bain that fully lives up to its name. Oh, and the couch? Let’s just say it costs more than my first car… scratch that – even more than the beloved little car I drive today.
But here’s the twist: Despite the glitz, it wasn’t the palace that stole my heart during the exclusive management sundowner. Nope: my heart quietly drifted to the Lagoon Suites (pictured) – those dreamy, Maldives-style overwater villas. Just eight of them float above the turquoise sea, each with a hammock over the water, a private pool deck, and nothing but pure island vibes.
There’s no ladder and no kids here – it’s an adults-only zone for a reason. Depending on the tide, the villas can sit quite high above sea level, and skipping the ladder was a conscious choice… no unexpected cliff-dives into the blue, thank you very much.
When they offered me a night in one of these beauties, I politely declined – not because I wasn’t tempted, but because, in my mind, I was already soaking in the tub of "my" Sunset Suite garden bathroom.
Culinary Options
Gaining two kilos (four pounds) in just four days? Note to self: All-inclusive resorts and business trips don’t mix! Bawe Island knows how to spoil its guests. The dine-around concept is included in every meal plan – whether it’s half board, full board, or all-inclusive – and allows à-la-carte lunch and/or dinner across all four outlets. No extra charge, but plenty of atmosphere: Live cooking and themed evenings at The Sand, Teppanyaki under the Baobab tree at Rising Sun, Italian comfort food at Sinfonia, and laid-back beach club dining (adults only, of course). Starting from the half-board base rate, the upgrade to full board adds 90 USD, while all-inclusive comes in at 250 USD. But that includes the full works: quality wines and champagne by the glass, premium spirits, crafted cocktails and mocktails, plus a daily-refreshed minibar with snacks and drinks. Clients looking for that ‘wow’ moment? Bawe delivers – from private dinners to destination dining with a twist. One standout: a romantic picnic lunch in a hidden beach cave that only appears at low tide – insta-worthy, for sure.
My favorite spot is the View Bar – toes in the sand or perched cliffside above the turquoise sea with a perfect island breeze. If I were on vacation, this would be my Backgammon happy place. And as a coconut lover, my heart skipped a beat when I finally found a drink less bikini-unfriendly than a Piña Colada: the Coco Pina Fizz – Tanzanian rum, homemade pandan-basil syrup, coconut, pineapple and malic acid. Absolutely my kind of cocktail. And yes, it’s already made it onto my “must-recreate-at-home” list.
Sensory Impressions
How the stay feels
Wind in My Hair
As a true Northerner, I love those final minutes of arrival by the resort’s private boat: 15 breezy minutes of tropical air – absolutely glorious.
Pure Joy
Hakuna Matata – the Swahili spirit fits Bawe perfectly: it's 24/7 no stress, no drama. Just sunshine, smiles, and maybe a cocktail in hand.
Tidal Twist
Bawe shows two different faces each day, thanks to the tides: as the water recedes, secret caves and curious sea life suddenly appear.
Alfresco Moments
It’s a strange feeling at first – but you quickly get used to answering nature’s call under the sun and stars. Curious geckos included. I do wonder: what goes on in that tiny brain?
The Service
Just like on the Maldives, I’m greeted on the jetty by a cheerful entourage – a feel-good blend of heartfelt African hospitality and polished Italian professionalism. A quick buggy ride takes me to my villa for an in-villa check-in with rooming. I skip it, though (oops!) as I’ve only got 15 minutes to freshen up. And I’m determined to catch the sundowner both in my glass and on the horizon. A decision I later regret: after dinner, I return to my picture-perfect short-term home and spend an interesting few minutes pressing every button and switch… until I finally pull the plug on the ice machine in self-defense.
Around 150 absolutely delightful team members from Tanzania, the Maldives, and Italy take care of their guests with genuine warmth. Two standout moments for a frequent traveler like me: while champagne is nice, I get a fresh, homemade juice every day in my fridge – complete with a sweet little quote. And instead of a classic "Do Not Disturb" door hanger, each villa has a small smiling figurine holding a coconut. Turn it to "Sleep" or "Clean" and housekeeping knows what’s up. The bikes that come with each villa are personalized with engraved wooden name tags – and when I leave mine somewhere random (call it lazy, call it island brain), it always ends up back at "Amsterdam Square," the lovingly nicknamed public hub near the lobby, bar, and pool. No questions asked, just magically re-parked.
My farewell happens in the middle of the night – and for the first time in paradise, I mess up the Island time vs. Zanzibar time. I set my alarm an hour too late. Knock on the door. Aaaah! Luckily, my suitcase is packed, the boat is waiting, and no fellow guests are inconvenienced. Quick dash to the airport, and not even an hour later, I’m gliding through Fast-Track CIP service – not just to security, but all the way to the lounge. Smooth exit from an island you never really want to leave.
With so much heart, soul, and kindness woven into every moment in the Resort, one Swahili word goes a long way: Asante! Or better yet – Asante Sana, Bawe Island.
The Experiences
Bawe Island isn’t just paradise for sunseekers – it’s also the ideal launchpad into Zanzibar’s stunning (under)water world. From complimentary "tasting" dives and guided snorkel tours to full PADI courses, kayaking or SUP excursions – it’s all on offer. From the house reef to a shipwreck at 30 meters (99 ft.), there’s something for every level. Looking for something a little more exclusive? Private yacht or speedboat charters are available too. The short "tasting" diving lessons are completely free – and unlike on public beaches in Zanzibar, there’s zero pressure to book a full course afterward. Equipment? Just like the resort: brand-new and top quality.
The Kids Club is currently more of a quiet corner – but that might be because there’s exactly one kid on the island right now. And he’s clearly more Team Soccer than Team Coloring Book. That said: the basics are all in place – shaded play area, baby pool, kids’ bathroom, and cribs on request. Once more families arrive, the energy (and whimsical touches for tiny travelers) will follow.
The spa is run by the wellness experts from South Africa’s Healing Earth – offering natural products and skilled therapists. For guests ready to balance out all that delicious food: there’s a soccer field, a padel court, a tennis court – and a gym is in the works (more equipment is en route).
What makes Zanzibar such a compelling destination? It’s ideal for luxury clients looking to combine laid-back island vibes with a taste of safari adventure. A quick 1.5-hour flight to Arusha opens the door to some of Tanzania’s most iconic national parks – and while a day trip runs around 700 USD, it’s worth every penny for the experience. Prefer to stay closer to home? Stone Town is a must. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a maze of colorful markets, narrow alleys, charming shops, rich history – and yes, the Freddie Mercury Museum, located in his actual birthplace. Whether with a guide or exploring solo, it’s perfect for a relaxed cultural stroll. Zanzibar is a predominantly Muslim island, so female travelers may want to be mindful of local dress codes. During my visit, it happened to be Ramadan – and out of respect, I skipped public snacks and drinks, even if March heat made it a bit of a challenge.
Just eight minutes by boat from the Bawe island lies Changuu Island, better known as Prison Island. Originally planned as a prison by the Omani sultan, later used as a quarantine station, today it’s a heritage site and one of Zanzibar’s top attractions. The highlight? Over 200 giant tortoises – some over 100 years old – a gift from the Seychelles. And there’s more to come: While Cocoon Collection already operates a restaurant on Changuu Island, there’s also an abandoned resort – a true lost place with sea views. Word has it: starting this June, it’s set to become The Cocoon Collection’s next big thing.
What we Loved
- The most breathtaking bathroom we’ve ever seen – hands down. An open-air garden oasis with a freestanding tub, tropical greenery all around, and total privacy. Honestly, I could’ve moved in. It’s not just a bathroom – it’s a haven of peace.
- That breeze – a total game changer. By sunset at the latest, it wraps the island in a cool embrace, even on the hottest days. And the cherry on top? No mosquitoes. Unlike mainland Zanzibar, here you stay blissfully bite-free.
- The style – the Italians just get it right. Chic and high-end, with carefully curated design accents that feel elegant, never over the top.
- The main infinity pool – not your typical rectangular box, but a gracefully curved, lagoon-like beauty with a view you’ll want to frame.
- The playlist at the View Bar – laid-back Bob Marley vibes. I hadn’t heard it in forever, and somehow it just fit perfectly.
Not so Much
- Upgrade your sandals! The sand on Bawe has personality – with tiny bits of shell and coral mixed in (Fun fact: Bawe actually means "coral" in Swahili!). For sensitive feet, it’s worth packing a sturdier pair for walking between spots.
- Light sleeper pro tip: The ice machine tucked inside the very chic leather bar cabinet isn’t shy – it hums and drops ice throughout the night. Unplug it before bed, and enjoy true silence in your dreamy four-poster.
- Some spots still need a gardener’s touch – and a bit more time for the greenery to grow in. But with this climate, it’s bound to fill out fast.
- Missing a bit of the "club" in Beach Club: With just a handful of guests, the Beach Club vibe is more chill-out than party. But give it a crowd and some beats – and it’s ready to live up to its name.
In a Nutshell
Serious wanderlust alert! You feel it the moment you arrive – over 40 years of hospitality know-how, high standards, and heartfelt attention to detail, all woven into the fabric of this family-run brand. When effortless Italian style meets the soulful ease of African island life, the result is pure magic. Bawe Island casts its own unique spell – with sleek, high-quality hardware and warm, intuitive "software" that makes every guest feel truly seen. And as if that weren’t enough, there’s even more on the horizon: This summer, construction begins on neighboring Changuu Island, home to the island’s famous giant tortoises. A brand-new resort with 70 villas is set to open in 2027. And there’s more: the secluded island of Chapwani, known for having the most beautiful beach of the three nature escapes, has already been secured. Soon, your clients can experience island-hopping, Cocoon-style – right here in Zanzibar. Drumroll, please: Cocoon has also staked its claim in the Serengeti – bringing a touch of Italian flair to the wild heart of Tanzania. So yes, there’s movement, momentum, and a clear vision – led by a team with heart, experience, and serious style. We’ll be keeping a very close eye on what’s next!
Trade-Contact: Lucrezia Leggiero, Corporate Marketing Assistant