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Bawe Island is an exclusive private island retreat just off Zanzibar’s coast, offering spacious pool villas, pristine beaches, and complete seclusion within a protected marine reserve. This private sanctuary blends barefoot luxury with an emphasis on privacy, natural beauty, and personalised service, making it a perfect escape for those seeking tranquillity and immersive island experiences.
Set on a lush private island only a short speedboat ride from Stone Town, Bawe Island is a newly developed luxury retreat designed to offer total exclusivity within natural surroundings. Opened in 2024, the resort spans more than 30 hectares of tropical forest and shoreline, creating a self-contained sanctuary surrounded by turquoise waters and coral reefs. Architecture blends contemporary design with African-chic and Swahili influences.
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A closer look at the accommodation, atmosphere and setting.
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Accommodation
Accommodation consists of 70 spacious private villas, each featuring its own swimming pool, outdoor living space and dedicated butler service. Villas range from beachfront and lagoon-side suites to striking overwater residences suspended above the ocean. Interiors combine natural materials with contemporary furnishings, creating elegant spaces. Larger multi-bedroom villas and the expansive Sultan Palace provide additional space for families or groups.
Food & drink
Dining at Bawe Island is designed as a varied culinary journey, with multiple restaurants offering diverse cuisines and settings. Guests can experience everything from refined international menus to Asian-inspired dishes and Italian flavours, often served in striking locations across the island. Fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients feature prominently, while bespoke experiences such as chef interactions and private dining enhance the sense of occasion.
What to do
Activities centre on exploring both land and sea, with the surrounding marine reserve providing excellent opportunities for snorkelling, kayaking and water-based adventures. Guests can also enjoy wellness experiences such as yoga and spa treatments, as well the padel court, alongside beach relaxation and scenic sunset moments. Excursions to nearby Stone Town, boat cruises and island-hopping trips offer cultural and scenic discovery, ensuring a balanced stay.
Planning your stay
The islands’ beaches differ markedly by coast and tide. We weigh hotel atmosphere, room privacy, swimming conditions and onward flights, especially after an active safari.
Zanzibar and Pemba offer different kinds of stay. Fanjove is also in this coastal collection as a southern island alternative, outside the archipelago itself.
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Compare a few alternatives, or open the full regional guide to see every property in this part of Tanzania.
Zanzibar Archipelago
ENVI Paje is a contemporary wellness retreat set on the white sands of Zanzibar’s renowned Paje Beach, blending barefoot luxury with mindful living and immersive nature experiences. With private pool villas, holistic wellness programmes and a spectacular Indian Ocean setting, it offers a peaceful escape designed for relaxation and renewal.
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Zanzibar Archipelago
Sharazād Boutique Hotel is a peaceful, eco-conscious retreat located on the southeast coast of Zanzibar in Jambiani. Nestled on 200 metres of pristine beachfront and surrounded by lush tropical gardens, it offers a laid-back, barefoot-luxury atmosphere that is ideal for a relaxed island escape.
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Zanzibar Archipelago
The Palms was the first luxury property on Zanzibar and while it has had new competition over the years, it remains the smallest luxury villa property on the island.
View propertyTailor-made Tanzania
We will explain how it compares with the alternatives and whether it fits your preferred dates, route and pace.
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