The name Zanzibar means “Black Coast”, but what I see in this idyllic archipelago are snow white beaches lapped by gentle waves of the turquoise sea, with a bright blue sky overhead. Bawe Island by The Cocoon Collection is one of Zanzibar’s newest and most exclusive resorts, a 15 minute speed boat ride from the capital, Stone Town.
Arriving by water, you immediately appreciate the privacy of this 30 hectare island. The resort’s 30 luxurious villas are nestled amongst the trees, which provide cool shade and ensure you are never overlooked as you take a dip in your private pool, with an uninterrupted view of the marine reserve and the Indian Ocean beyond.
Rising in the morning to the sound of the waves, the first person you are likely to see is your private butler: his services come as standard if you book a spectacular overwater Lagoon Suite with Pool, which will accommodate up to three adults. If you’re travelling with a larger family group or friends, opt for a Zanzibar Villa or the opulent Sultan Palace, which is one of a kind. The villas are equipped with international brands – bed linens and towels by Frette, bathroom by Villeroy & Boch, and coffee machines by Nespresso – but the textiles, furniture, and objets d’art have a much more local feel. In many cases, they’re the work of Tanzanian artists and designers.
You will come to Bawe Island for rest and relaxation, but if you fancy a more active vacation, or even an active afternoon, there’s plenty to see and do. Make the most of the island location with water sports and diving in the marine reserve; cycle around the island on a customized bike; or build up a sweat on the tennis court. There are yoga and pilates classes and, of course, a sublime spa.
Everything you eat on Bawe Island is included in the rate, and sometimes the most serious decision you will have to make during the day is where to eat. Will it be Japanese teppanyaki beneath the giant baobab tree at the Rising Sun? Do you want to be entertained by chefs’ live cooking stations at The Sand? Or is what you really want a pizza or other comfort food at Sinfonia or The Beach Club? The choice, of course, is yours!
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