Bawe Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania
Bawe Island
An Indian Ocean hideaway where Zanzibar slows to a dream
Set just off the coast of Zanzibar, Bawe Island feels like the kind of escape that shifts everything into a slower, softer rhythm from the moment you arrive. Spread across a private island of more than 30 hectares and home to just 70 standalone villas, it pairs a strong sense of seclusion with the ease of being close to Stone Town. The setting is all white sand, bright turquoise water and open horizons, with space, privacy and a polished sense of calm at the heart of the experience.
The villas are what define the stay. Each one comes with its own private pool and butler service, giving the resort a more exclusive, residential feel than a conventional beach hotel. Some are made for sunrise, others for sunset, and the overwater options lean fully into the castaway fantasy, but throughout, the mood stays refined, spacious and quietly indulgent, with the Indian Ocean never far from view.
There is plenty here to fill the day without ever disturbing the island’s sense of ease. The lagoon-style main pool curves beside the beach, while the Rebirth by Healing Earth spa brings a more restorative side to the stay, with tailored treatments, ocean-inspired rituals, yoga and meditation spaces, and a well-equipped gym. Watersports, tennis, padel and beach time add energy when wanted, but the overall feeling remains one of barefoot luxury shaped around privacy and light.
Photos
Hotel amenities
Good to know
- Outdoor panoramic pool
- Luxury spa and wellness
- Exclusive private beach
- Fine dining restaurants
Useful Information
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Additional Beds
A cot for children up to 1 year old is available on request free of charge. For children aged 2 to 11, an extra bed is available on request at €128 per night, while for guests aged 12 and over the rate is €213 per night.
Accessibility
Bawe Island is family-friendly and suitable for guests with mobility issues.
Directions
Bawe Island
How to get there
Getting around is wonderfully simple here, as the island is entirely car-free and best explored on foot, with the beach never far away.
11 kms from Abeid Amani Karume international airport.
What's around
A quick sense of the area near the hotel.
Reviews
Siamo stati in vacanza a Bawe Resort per 5 giorni… che dire..esperienza meravigliosa e assolutamente degna del livello di stelle che possiede. È tutto super organizzato e curato nei minimi dettagli. Un ringraziamento in particolare a tutto il fantastico staff che ci ha assistito durante il nostro soggiorno e una menzione particolare al nostro butler Josephine e al cameriere Ammo, super carini sorridenti e disponibili, anche se sono stati tutti davvero incredibili. Torneremo sicuramente in futuro 😊 Grazie Michela
We stayed at Bawe Island Resort from 16th July till 23rd July... from the very landing at the airport, the hotel staff welcomed us and guided through passport and customs controls, skipping the lines at the airport and getting the real VIP treatment... One week at the Bawe Resort was a fantastic holiday. All the staff did their best to make our stay enjoyable, but our butler Fadhila and waiter Kelvin provided fabulous hospitality and professionalism with a smile... the ocean, nature, the entire island is fantastic...
A dream holiday with the whole family – we'll be back! In July 2026, we spent an unforgettable stay at this hotel as a family with our two children (6 and 8 years old), and we can recommend it wholeheartedly. The journey there was already perfectly organized – from the flight to the harbor, on to the island, and back again at the end, everything ran smoothly without any waiting times. A wonderful start to our vacation. We were looked after by Fadhila, who is simply lovely – warm, friendly, and always striving to fulfill our every wish. But not only her: the entire staff was consistently kind, friendly, and warm-hearted, and we felt wonderfully cared for throughout our stay. We were also spoiled culinarily – the food was outstanding. Our daughter even got to bake cookies in the hotel kitchen, a highlight she won't forget anytime soon. Chef Alessandro treated us to fantastic dishes throughout our stay and even personally brought a chocolate cake to our villa on our last day before departure – a truly lovely gesture. Food & Beverage Manager Preetam was also extremely attentive and especially sweet with our children – whenever they had a particular craving, he was always happy to arrange it separately. During our stay, we also celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary and were treated to something truly special – the hotel even surprised us with an upgrade. This allowed us to enjoy a spacious villa with its own pool and sea view. Altogether, it was a completely perfect vacation, filled with warm hospitality, attentive service, and beautiful moments for the whole family. We've already decided: we'll be back next year! Warm regards, Family Stroh
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