A new gourmet philosophy has debuted on Zanzibar’s exclusive Bawe Island, designed to pamper guests and tantalise their tastebuds through an exciting culinary journey. Bawe’s exclusive dine-around formula invites guests to enjoy a variety of à la carte dining options, serving up both international and local dishes, in stunning locations dotted all around the beautiful private island. This destination dining formula ensures a more immersive, 360-degree experience of taste, elegance and creativity.
Bawe’s restaurants are the beating heart of this sophisticated gastronomic journey, where each dish is a work of artistry, giving gourmet interpretations of international cuisine using only the freshest local ingredients. Whether it’s a picnic right on the beach, lunch by the pool, or in private dinner in-suite, the culinary experience at Bawe is sure to be both sublime and unforgettable.
Bawe island’s main restaurant serves up delicious breakfasts and dinners with a beachy twist for a more immersive dining experience – hence its unusual name! Guests who appreciate barefoot luxury will love its ocean views, soft breeze and of course its delightfully soft floor of pristine white beach sand! Diners also have a lot of choice at The Sand, with a variety of bespoke live cooking stations.
Sinfonia: a celebration of Cocoon’s Italian roots
Sinfonia serves up fine Italian cuisine, with its beautiful Trattoria offering warm Italian hospitality and a refined ambiance. Its traditional wood fired pizza oven ensures that its large selection of traditional pizzas exceed even the impeccable standards of the Italian-family owned Cocoon Collection!
The art of teppanyaki at the Rising Sun
If its Asian flavours you are in the mood for, the Rising Sun restaurant offers an authentic and interactive dining experience centred around the art of Teppanyaki, a traditional Japanese style of cooking where chefs prepare meals on a hot iron griddle while you watch. Beautifully tucked under the branches of an ancient baobab tree, this is a wonderful dining experience twinned with a dynamic, engaging culinary performance.
Everything you need to plan your trip in 2025
Sundowners at The View are hard to beat!
The View is Bawe’s premier bar offering an unparalleled experience with its stunning top-view location overlooking the Indian Ocean. Guests can savour expertly crafted cocktails and a curated selection of beverages while enjoying breathtaking sunset views.
With the added ambiance of live music and DJ performances, The View provides a vibrant and sophisticated setting that transforms from a relaxed daytime retreat into a lively evening hotspot.
Adults-only at The Beach Club
The Beach Club is a relaxed, casual dining destination right on the seafront which caters exclusively to adults from 10 am to 6 pm.
Special offers for Bawe Island
There is still time to take advantage of Bawe Island’s specials including their Opening Discount and Honeymoon Offer (free room upgrade plus lots of extras), if you book before 30 September 2025 for travel by 22 December 2025.
They also have a 2026 Early Bird Offer available to reward those who book early for 2026 with generous savings of 30%.
One island, one resort, many awards
Bawe Island marked its first year of operation, with two prestigious awards that underscore The Cocoon Collection’s commitment to setting a new standard for luxury hospitality in Zanzibar and beyond, including “Zanzibar’s Leading Luxury Resort 2025” at the World Travel Awards and “Best Hospitality Newcomer Worldwide” at the Connoisseur Circle Hospitality Awards 2025.
These honours are more than just milestones as they are a testament to Bawe Island’s unique vision as a one-island-one-resort sanctuary, where exclusivity, authentic experiences, and environmental responsibility come together in perfect harmony. From day one, Bawe Island has stood out as a true game-changer for the destination. With its pristine setting, immersive guest experiences, and a deep respect for the local ecosystem, the island has quickly become one of Zanzibar’s most sought-after retreats. More than just a luxury resort, Bawe Island is a gateway to the soul of Zanzibar, offering not only seclusion and serenity, but also a rich connection to the island’s culture, heritage, and natural beauty.
As The Cocoon Collection continues to grow its footprint in Zanzibar, guests can rest assured they remain devoted to delivering extraordinary, sustainable escapes that reflect the elegance and authenticity at the heart of The Cocoon Collection philosophy.
Zanzibar increases its marine conservation fees
Please note that Zanzibar’s Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries has recently increased the entry fees for some of its marine conservation areas and marine protected areas with immediate effect, charged as an add-on to tour package prices. This includes the Changuu-Bawe Marine Conservation Area, which surrounds Bawe Island as well as the Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area, Menai Bay Conservation Area, Chumbe Island Coral Park and the Pemba Channel Conservation Area,
International tourists are now required to pay US$10 per adult and US$5 per day for children aged five to 15. Under-fives are free. The fees were US$3 for adults up until the fee increase on 1 September 2025. Discounted rates do however apply for East African citizens and/or residents of Tanzania.
Claire Roadley
Claire Roadley is Founder of Umlingo. Umlingo promotes authentic, sustainable hotels and safari eco lodges across Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.
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