Bawe Island

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.