Honest review
The first decision when booking Bawe Island is which side of the island. The eastern villas face the sunrise: if you are an early riser, spectacular dawns come daily. The western side has elegant rooms with African sunsets — the scenario for evening people.
The format itself is a private island: 70 exclusive villas, each fully independent, with its own pool and a large veranda over the ocean. The daybed in the living area converts into an extra bed — useful if there are more than two of you.
The fit-out cuts no corners: Villeroy & Boch bathrooms with a separate shower, a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer, a Nespresso machine, Frette linen and towels, an ice maker, a minibar with spirits, air conditioning and a ceiling fan, a safe, TV, Wi-Fi.
The logistics are simpler than the words private island sound: 15 minutes by speedboat from Stone Town.
Who it suits: couples, honeymooners and lovers of privacy who want Zanzibar without the crowds.
