About this hotel
General information
Bawe is an island of just over 30 hectares in the Indian Ocean, facing Stone Town, and the whole of it belongs to a single resort. Only 70 independent villas and suites are spread through its wild, green interior, each with a private pool, an ocean view and its own butler. The island feels spacious and unhurried: white sandbanks, a ring of coral reef and gardens planted with African flora.
The architecture pairs clean contemporary lines with African touches and local materials, and some of the suites stand on stilts above the lagoon. Much of the island runs on the sun: 720 solar panels supply more than half its electricity, drinking water is treated and bottled on site so no single-use plastic bottles are needed, and an organic kitchen garden grows fruit and vegetables for the restaurants. There is a helipad on the island.
Location
Bawe is a small island off the west coast of Zanzibar, a 15-minute speedboat ride from Stone Town. The drive from Zanzibar's international airport to the jetty in town takes about 30 minutes; helicopter transfers, including scenic flights along the coast, can be arranged on request. A concierge team meets guests at the airport with fast-track assistance through formalities and luggage collection, and the same help is given on departure.
Spa
The Rebirth spa works with the South African brand Healing Earth. Its menu runs along several lines: ocean-inspired rituals with a Himalayan sea-salt scrub and the signature Ocean Journey massage, facial, hand and foot care, and body rituals drawn from Indian, Swedish, Hawaiian and Balinese traditions, with dry brushing and body polishing, couples' massages and treatments for mothers-to-be. Yoga, tai chi and meditation take place in open-air pavilions in the Zen garden and on the beach.
Sports & leisure
The island has a fully equipped diving and watersports centre. The waters around Bawe lie within the Changuu–Bawe Marine Conservation Area, where fishing is banned; sea turtles, reef sharks, eagle rays and clownfish live on the reefs, and visibility reaches 30 m. SSI instructors guide dives for beginners and experienced divers alike.
- jet skis, wakeboarding and waterskiing;
- a Technogym gym with ocean views, group classes and personal training;
- tennis and padel courts and a futsal pitch;
- yoga and Pilates, including sunrise yoga in the beach pavilion;
- bicycles for exploring the island;
- three themed evenings a week: an African dinner with traditional Maasai dance, a sunset gathering at The View with guests dressed in white followed by a poolside gala dinner, and an evening of Middle Eastern and Zanzibari cooking.
For children
The kids' club sits among the greenery, with a large garden, its own pool and a varied programme run by a dedicated team. The watersports centre offers activities for children and families, and babysitting is available on request.
Restaurants & bars
Dining follows a dine-around formula across à la carte restaurants; meals can also be served on the beach, by the pool or in the villa.
- The Sand — the main restaurant for breakfast and dinner, with a sand floor and several live cooking stations;
- Sinfonia — an Italian trattoria with a wood-fired oven and a long list of pizzas;
- Rising Sun — Japanese teppanyaki beneath the branches of an old baobab, cooked on the griddle in front of guests;
- The Beach Club — a relaxed, adults-only beachfront restaurant open during the day;
- The View — an elevated bar overlooking the ocean at sunset, with cocktails, live music and DJ sets.
Swimming
Every villa and suite has its own pool; the Zanzibar Villas open directly onto the beach and the lagoon suites onto the water. The island is ringed by white sand beaches, sandbanks and coral reefs, and the resort also has a shared pool.
Rooms
The island has 70 villas and suites in five categories, from east-facing villas that catch the sunrise to a two-storey residence of 500 m². Interiors are contemporary with African accents, and every one has a private pool and butler service.
Air conditioning and a fan, a Villeroy & Boch bathroom with separate shower, a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer, minibar with spirits, ice machine, safe, TV, Nespresso machine, free Wi-Fi, Frette linen and towels, Etro toiletries and room service.
Sunrise Villa
A villa on the island's east side, facing the sunrise, with a four-poster king-size bed and a large living area with two armchairs and a day bed that converts into an extra bed. For two adults.
Sunset Suite
A suite on the west side with sunset views, a four-poster king-size bed and a sunken living area that takes two sofa beds. For two adults and two children.
Zanzibar Villa
A villa with direct beach access: two large bedrooms, an open-air living room with Etro sofas, a corner bar and a kitchen for private dinners with a chef on request, plus a veranda with dining table, private pool and garden. Up to six adults.
Lagoon Suite with Pool
An overwater suite above the clear lagoon off the east shore, finished in local materials, with a large terrace, private pool and butler service. For two adults.
Sultan Palace
The island's single two-storey residence: two bedrooms, a large living room and a kitchen for private dinners on the ground floor, and the main bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and generous bathroom upstairs. Up to nine guests.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.