Bowie Island launches Zanzibar’s first dining destination

A new gourmet philosophy has debuted at this exclusive Zanzibar restaurant Bowie Islanddesigned to pamper guests and excite their taste buds with an exciting culinary journey. Bawe’s exclusive dining formula invites guests to enjoy a variety of à la carte dining options, serving international and local dishes, in stunning locations spread throughout the beautiful private island. This dining formula ensures an immersive 360-degree experience of taste, elegance and creativity.

Bawe’s restaurants are the beating heart of this sophisticated gastronomic journey, where every dish is a work of art, providing gourmet interpretations of global cuisine using only the freshest local ingredients. Whether it’s a picnic right on the beach, a poolside lunch, or a private dinner in the suite, your culinary experience at Bawe is sure to be memorable and memorable.

Bowie Island’s main restaurant serves 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 pure white beach sand! Diners also have plenty of options at The Sand, with a variety of custom live cooking stations.

Sinfonia: A celebration of Cocoon’s Italian roots

Sinfonia serves fine Italian cuisine, with the beautiful Trattoria restaurant offering warm Italian hospitality and a refined atmosphere. The traditional wood-fired pizza oven ensures that their wide range of traditional pizzas exceed even the impeccable standards of the Italian family-owned Cocoon Collection!

The art of teppanyaki in the rising sun

If you want to indulge in Asian flavours, Rising Sun offers an authentic and interactive dining experience centered around the art of Teppanyaki, a traditional Japanese style of cooking where chefs prepare meals on a hot iron griddle while you watch. Beautifully set under the branches of an ancient baobab tree, this restaurant is a fine dining experience coupled with a dynamic and engaging culinary performance.

It’s hard to beat Sundowners on The View!

The View is Bawe’s flagship bar offering an unparalleled experience with its stunning sky-high location overlooking the Indian Ocean. Guests can sample expertly crafted cocktails and a selection of beverages while enjoying stunning sunset views.

With the added ambience of live music and DJ performances, The View offers a vibrant and sophisticated atmosphere that transforms from a relaxing retreat during the day to a lively hotspot in the evening.

Adults only at The Beach Club

The Beach Club is a relaxed, casual dining destination right on the waterfront, catering exclusively to adults from 10am to 6pm.

Special offers for Bowie Island

There’s still time to take advantage of Bawe Island’s special offers including the opening discount and honeymoon offer (free room upgrade plus lots of extras), if you book before September 30, 2025 for travel by December 22, 2025.

They also have a 2026 early booking offer available to reward those who book early for 2026 with a huge saving of up to 30%.

One island, one resort, many awards

Bowie Island celebrated its first year of operation, with two prestigious awards underscoring The Cocoon Collection’s commitment to setting new standards for luxury hospitality in Zanzibar and beyond, including ‘Leading Luxury Resort in Zanzibar 2025’ at the World Travel Awards and ‘Best Global Hospitality Newcomer’ at the Connoisseur Circle Hospitality Awards 2025.

More than just landmarks, these accolades are a testament to Bawe Island’s unique vision as a one-island, one-resort retreat, where exclusivity, authentic experiences and environmental responsibility come together in perfect harmony. From day one, Bowie Island has emerged as a true turning point in the destination. With its pristine atmosphere, immersive guest experiences and deep respect for the local ecosystem, the island has quickly become one of the most sought-after getaways in Zanzibar. More than just a luxury resort, Bowie Island is a gateway to the spirit of Zanzibar, offering not only isolation and tranquility, but also a rich connection to the island’s culture, heritage and natural beauty.

As The Cocoon Collection continues to expand its footprint in Zanzibar, guests can rest assured that they will remain dedicated to providing exceptional, sustainable retreats that reflect the elegance and authenticity at the heart of The Cocoon Collection’s philosophy.

Zanzibar increases marine conservation fees

Please note that the Ministry of Blue Economy and Fisheries of Zanzibar has recently increased entry fees for some marine protected areas and marine protected areas with immediate effect, which are charged as an add-on to the tour package prices. This includes the Changuu-Bawe Marine Conservation Area, which surrounds Bawe Island, as well as the Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area, the Menai Bay Conservation Area, the 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 5-15. Children under five years old are free. The fee was US$3 for adults until the fee increase on September 1, 2025. However, discounted rates apply to East African citizens and/or residents of Tanzania.

Claire Rodley

Claire Rodley is a founder Omlengo. Umlingo promotes authentic, sustainable hotels and eco-safari lodges throughout 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.