Bawe Island

Overview

A private paradise off Zanzibar’s coast

Just 15 minutes by speedboat from Stone Town, Bawe Island is a private-island oasis styled like a boutique coastal village. Set across 30+ hectares of native forest and white sand, this ultra-exclusive resort features 70 contemporary villas – ranging from beach- and lagoon-front suites to sprawling two- and three-bedroom villas – each with its own plunge pool, spacious deck, and dedicated butler.

Interiors reflect a sleek African-chic aesthetic with natural wood, stone accents, and large glass windows framing endless Indian Ocean views. All villas come equipped with air conditioning, indoor and outdoor showers, and indulgent Ritu spa amenities.

The resort’s heart is its social hub: a free-form swimming pool, four à la carte restaurants, several bars, a full spa & wellness pavilion, gym, padel and tennis courts, a kids’ club, and a boutique. Wellness is woven into island life with yoga and Pilates classes, beachside spa treatments, and a peaceful t’ai chi pavilion.

For adventure lovers, Bawe Island offers non-motorised water sports (snorkelling, kayaking, stand-up paddle), sailing, scuba, windsurfing, game fishing, bicycle riding through coconut-shaded paths – and optional helicopter or catamaran transfers.

Highlights

Private butler service and all-villa privacy
Four restaurants & bars, plus casual beach-side dining
Spa, yoga, fitness center, padel & tennis courts, kids’ club
Water- and land-based pursuits: snorkel, dive, fish, kayak, cycle
Accessible via speedboat or helicopter from Stone Town (~15 min)
70 pool villas: beach, lagoon, family, and two- to three-bedroom options

When to go

Year Round

Experiences

Experiences off the beaten track.
Crafted for the bold + discerning.

Unique Experiences

Beyond the classic safari, photograph iconic vistas, savor world-class cuisine, cruise remote waterways, and track Africa’s rarest birds.

Off-Track Adventures

Venture beyond the vehicle, walk with wildlife, gallop across plains, or summit Africa’s highest peak on journeys that transform.

Luxury Safari Honeymoons

A honeymoon in Africa is a journey of shared wonder, where untamed beauty and thoughtful romance create something truly unforgettable.

Curated Packages

Signature journeys across Zanzibar

Our expert team crafts journeys that transcend luxury. Each itinerary is shaped by the spirit of the land and the wisdom of its people — opening doors to experiences few can imagine, and even fewer will ever access.

All Year Around

12 DAYS

Tanzania and Zanzibar Safari

This exclusive trip unites luxurious XO Private properties for the ultimate Tanzania and Zanzibar safari, seamlessly blending bush and beach.

From

$14 095

per person

All Year Round

10 DAYS

Tanzania & Zanzibar Family Holiday

Crafted for families, this 10-day trip invites you to combine a stellar African safari experience with an idyllic island escape on the shores of Zanzibar.

From

$8 241

per person

All Year Round

12 DAYS

Tanzania & Zanzibar Honeymoon Safari

A romantic Tanzania & Zanzibar Honeymoon Safari getaway which perfectly balances an African Safari adventure with a barefoot luxury island experience.

From

$16 454

per person

June-February

13 DAYS

A Cultural Safari Tanzania Zanzibar

Journey through Tanzania and Zanzibar on a cultural safari showcasing the best of East Africa’s culture, people and wildlife.

From

$20 099

per person

Take a seat beside the campfire, where untold stories rise with the smoke, legends live in the land, and luxury is part of the wild.

What our
Travelers say

South africa honeymoon

"Thank you for the best honeymoon we could’ve imagined! We spent 5 nights on safari at luxury lodges, followed by 3 nights in Cape Town, and ended our journey on a stunning private nature reserve. Everything ran seamlessly, and the team stayed in touch with us throughout. Words can’t describe how incredible the experience was."

Ilicia Manzi, New York, USA

south africa safari

"As a travel journalist who’s stayed at hundreds of hotels and worked with countless guides, I can confidently say Ker & Downey® Africa stands out. From handpicking exceptional properties to being available before 8am on a Saturday, their attention to detail and high-touch service made my South African journey seamless. I wouldn’t plan another trip to Africa without them."

Katie Jackson, New York, USA

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