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
Un lugar maravilloso. Complejo increible, trato exquisito del personal. Gastronomia increible, mucha tranquilidad y descanso, ideal para desconectar. Es la definicin de lujo. El mejor resort en el que he estado sin duda. Reconocimiento especial por su gran trabajo al mayordomo Given y a la camarera Ivona
Ho soggiornato presso il resort ad agosto 2026 con alcune amiche e non ho parole per descrivere quanto sia stata perfetta questa esperienza.** Il personale è accogliente, sempre disponibile e cordiale. I 3 ristoranti sono tutti eccezionali, uno più buono dell'altro: la cucina degli chef Alessandro e Teo è semplicemente sublime. La struttura offre una quantità incredibile di servizi e attività, che ti tengono sempre piacevolmente impegnato durante il soggiorno. Il mare è spettacolare, con colori e trasparenze da cartolina. Un'esperienza che consiglio senza esitazione: ogni dettaglio è curato alla perfezione.
We stayed at Bawe Island a year ago, and we still haven’t gotten over it. That’s why I feel like it deserves a review, even one year later. It is, quite literally, the definition of paradise. A private island with one of the most spectacular beaches we have ever seen in our lives. The beach was constantly cleaned and everything was kept absolutely pristine. From the moment you arrive at the airport, you are welcomed and treated incredibly well. The level of service is simply outstanding. There are plenty of staff around, and every single person we met was kind, attentive and genuinely lovely. You even have your own “butler” available on WhatsApp at any time to help with questions or anything you might need, which made the whole experience feel incredibly special. The facilities are perfect: everything is modern, beautifully designed, very well maintained and cared for down to the smallest detail. The bathroom was absolutely amazing — and it even came with a Dyson hairdryer, which was such a great touch! 😊 And the food… delicious. Everything was incredibly high quality, but I have to give a special mention to the breakfasts. I still dream about them to this day! So much variety, everything fresh and delicious, including amazing homemade pastries. Bawe Island is one of those places that feels almost unreal. A true paradise that we will never forget. Can’t wait to get back!!
Title: Beautiful location and good food, but service needs improvement Review: Bawe Island sits in a beautiful location and the cuisine is high quality, with good, well-prepared dishes. However, the overall service needs improvement. In our case, a major organizational error occurred on the resort's part: after visiting Stone Town, we were left waiting for two hours at the Marina port without any assistance, water, food, or restrooms. This was a serious failure, made even more unacceptable given that the resort provides a dedicated butler for each guest. An incident like this negatively impacts the overall experience and does not match the expected standards. I hope management addresses the logistics to ensure guests receive the care and attention they deserve from the beginning to the end of their stay.
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