Bawe Island Celebrates its First Year, Winning “Zanzibar’s Leading Luxury Resort” Award
Zanzibar, July 2025 – Bawe Island by The Cocoon Collection celebrated its first anniversary in style, winning the prestigious title of “Zanzibar’s Leading Luxury Resort 2025” at the World Travel Awards, reaffirming its role as a key player in the high-end hospitality landscape.
Beautiful Bawe island voted “Zanzibar’s Leading Luxury Resort 2025” at the World Travel Award 2025.
Roberto Di Pierno, Cluster General Manager Zanzibar for The Cocoon Collection, accepts the World Travel Award on behalf of Bawe Island.
Launched in July 2024, Bawe Island has quickly established itself as one of the most exclusive destinations in the Indian Ocean. This recognition comes as a crowning achievement for a first year filled with many highlights and successes.
"Receiving this award on our first anniversary is a great satisfaction and an important recognition of the work done. In particular, I want to give a special shout-out to our team for their efforts and for reaching an absolute level of quality for the destination in such a short time," says Attilio Azzola, Founder and Corporate Sales Manager of The Cocoon Collection. "Bawe Island has been both an ambitious and very challenging project. On one hand, we are committed to bringing international standards of luxury, whilst celebrating Zanzibar’s unique history, culture, natural wonders and authentic, human charm."
Bawe Island is a 5-star "one island, one resort", unique to the entire archipelago, located just a few minutes by boat from Zanzibar’s ancient Stone Town. With its 70 villas, all with private pools and ocean views, it represents a new concept of luxury travel that combines privacy, refined design and commitment to sustainability. The entire island is powered by solar energy, equipped with advanced desalination systems and is surrounded by the newly proclaimed and protected Changuu-Bawe marine reserve, established in collaboration with the government of Zanzibar.
Thanks to the convenient daily shuttle, guests can explore Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its historic alleys, local markets, and terraces with sunset views. Nearby, iconic attractions such as the birthplace of Freddie Mercury, spice plantations, marine life, and pristine beaches await to be discovered. Also featuring prominently in the project is Prison Island, where The Cocoon Collection has launched a cultural and environmental initiative that includes a photography museum and a nature reserve for the historic giant tortoises.
Just one year into its story, Bawe Island is already establishing itself as an icon. A place where each day is an invitation to discover and every stay leaves an indelible memory. With an eye on the future, The Cocoon Collection celebrates this milestone with enthusiasm and gratitude, ready to write new chapters filled with timeless elegance, authenticity and genuine spice island magic.
ABOUT THE COCOON COLLECTION
The Cocoon Collection is a family owned and run portfolio of six stunning resorts spread across Zanzibar and the Maldives, each offering unique experiences that blend contemporary design and warm hospitality with local culture and natural beauty.
