Barefoot bliss on Bawe Island: a family escape in the Indian Ocean

On a recent stay at Bawe Island in Zanzibar Andrew Dent kicked off his shoes and discovered a resort where barefoot luxury is bliss for families.

Bawe Island, Zanzibar

Just off the coast of Zanzibar, nestled into the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean lies a new gem of a hotel that (currently) feels like a secret: Bawe Island.

Part of the prestigious Cocoon Collection, Bawe offers a rare blend of barefoot luxury and sophistication whilst also being child-friendly. This is a place that marries rest, relaxation and good food, with the chance to dive into an active as well as cultural holiday.

View from overwater villa, Bawe Island

Bawe Island sits just off the coast of Zanzibar, in a world of its own

Getting there is half the adventure. After a 12-hour flight from the UK (via the Middle East or Kenya), families touch down on the famous spice island of Zanzibar. A short transfer from the airport takes you to the marina where you climb aboard for a thrilling 15-minute speedboat ride across glittering waters. It all feels very James Bond, or indeed White Lotus, as your resort island appears over the horizon and you see the staff lined up to welcome you on the dock.

Still not even a year old yet, Bawe Island is slowly finding its feet, and its position on global bucket lists. This place isn’t about over-the-top opulence, it’s about simplicity, a beach hideaway. Although it’s not small: there are 60+ villas on the island (split between sunset and sunrise side) and eight overwater villas.

The villas are thoughtfully designed to blend into the island’s natural surroundings whilst integrating the beautiful Italian style of the owners with local Swahili craftsmanship. Think thatched roofs and airy spaces combined with private pools, designer cushions and curtains. Everything on the island is either walking or biking distance with sandy pathways inviting you to go barefoot all day: I put on shoes once the whole time I was there and that was for a game of Padel.

Smaller families can easily get by in the one-bedroom villas as they come with comfortable sofa beds ideal for younger children. Larger families, or multi-generational groups can be covered in one of the larger villas.

MORE HOLIDAYS IN AFRICA YOU MIGHT LIKE

Why South Africa still delivers the most unforgettable safari holidays for families

Botswana’s Land of the Giants is an extraordinary family safari for children

Game on! Steve Backshall safaris Kenya with his five year old son

Kids will never forget the elephant encounters on family safaris in Zimbabwe

Indian Ocean sunset, Bawe Island

The heart of the resort is the infinity pool on the edge of the Indian Ocean

While your villa offers seclusion, the heart of the resort beats at the main pool and dining area. The centrepiece is the huge infinity pool which looks out over the sandbar and beyond, to the Indian Ocean, where you see traditional wooden Dhows sailing their wares as they have done for centuries.  Surrounded by lovely sun loungers, this is a great spot to while away a few hours whilst keeping a lazy eye on the kids. Bawe staff are super-friendly and accommodating, so if you wanted to have your lunch here (as I did one day) then no problem. Otherwise, I would recommend trying the stunningly tasty, yet modest, Italian trattoria Sinfonia: kids will love the wood fired pizzas or the home made pasta dishes.

Sunset is serious business in Zanzibar, and Bawe Island does it best

As the sun starts to dip around 6.30pm (did I tell you Bawe has its own time zone?) people slowly gather at the island’s View Bar, named for its jaw-dropping panorama of the Indian Ocean. Here, the horizon is literally infinite, and you can clearly see the curve of the earth.

Sunset is serious business in Zanzibar and Bawe does it better than anywhere.  You will see fiery streaks of orange, pink and gold, an it’s a nightly spectacle, best enjoyed with a perfectly chilled gin and tonic in hand, barefoot in the sand, as the day winds down and evening begins.

Whilst the breakfast and lunches are excellent, it is dinner where Bawe really shines. With Italian heritage and local Zanzibari roots, the kitchen delivers stunning menus every evening. One night you might choose handmade pasta with prawns and lemon zest; the next, fragrant Swahili coconut curry with tamarind chutney. There are themed nights, beach dinners, poolside dinners and chef demonstration dinners. There’s always a dedicated children’s menu. You are not going hungry here.

Coral Reef, Bawe Island, Zanzibar

There’s so much to do in this paradise, or you could do nothing at all

Bawe Island is ringed by a protected marine reserve, and its calm waters are a dream for water enthusiasts. At the water sports centre there are all manner of activities on offer, including kayaking, windsurfing, paddleboarding, kite surfing and some powered stuff like jet skis and ringos. It all happens right off the beach in front of you. For those wanting to get under the water the resort’s in house dive team will organize snorkelling and scuba diving. Surrounded by reefs, Bawe attracts all manner of fish species right at its shoreline, but you can also venture further afield by boat and see even more.

There is also a tennis and a padel court tucked into the foliage in the centre of the island. However, I would recommend waiting till late afternoon for the more active pursuits when the heat is not so intense. The gym, which overlooks the ocean, is open 24-hours and has modern equipment, and there are also yoga and stretch classes which can be taken either privately or in groups.

What with bike rides around the island, there is no excuse not to keep active, unless of course you don’t want to!

Infinity pool, Bawe Island

A kids club with island soul gives parents time to breathe

The Cocoon Collection takes young travellers seriously. The kids’ club on Bawe Island isn’t an afterthought—it’s a well-curated hub of nature-based, culturally infused fun. Thoughtfully supervised by nurturing local and international staff, activities include Swahili storytelling, beach games, shell painting, treasure hunts, and even junior chef sessions where children learn to cook simple local dishes.

Parents can steal a couple of guilt-free hours for a spa treatment or a quiet lunch, knowing their children are not just entertained, but inspired.

Stone Town, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Don’t miss the chance to explore fascinating Zanzibar

Though Bawe Island feels deliciously remote, it offers families a chance to connect with the deep culture and extensive history of Zanzibar.

A day trip to Stone Town is a must, and just a short transfer away. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a labyrinth of narrow alleys, vibrant markets, carved wooden doors, and centuries of fascinating history. So many people have ruled Zanzibar over the years it will keep the most avid junior historian wide eyed.

With a good guide arranged by the hotel, kids can hear tales of sultans (Oman ruled here for many years) and explorers, visit the old fort, and try local street snacks like sugarcane juice and fried cassava. There are various daily markets and spice stalls to visit: it’s like Marrakech on the ocean.

Thatched overwater villa, Bawe Island

Relax, Bawe Island is completely committed to sustainability

What makes Bawe Island even more remarkable is how seriously it takes its environmental footprint. As part of the competitive process of attaining the license to operate Bawe, Cocoon Collection had to have a strong environmental plan to show the Government.

As such the resort leans into it’s ‘Blue Economy’ commitments. It is powered by over 80% solar energy, water is carefully managed, waste is reduced wherever possible, and the marine environment is protected.

Kids can join the dedicated team patrolling the sandbar to pick up plastic, and families can feel good, knowing their stay supports the long-term health of the island’s ecosystem.

Family villa, Bawe Island

Why Bawe Island in Zanzibar works so well for families

Bawe Island offers something increasingly rare: the chance to slow down, reconnect, and savour the moment of hanging out with your kids. It’s a place where children can run barefoot and free, learn about coral and turtles, try new sports, and then fall asleep exhausted to the sound of the sea.

For parents, it’s a blend of indulgence and ease, gorgeous surroundings, extraordinary food and excellent wines, along with the comfort of knowing your children are safe, happy, and welcome. The fact that it’s all delivered with style, soul, and sustainability is what sets Bawe Island apart.

MORE INDIAN OCEAN IDEAS FOR YOU

Thailand take two: ditching backpacks to make different memories with your kids

Tour Sri Lanka with kids from elephant safaris to south coast beaches

Indian Ocean wonders to add to your family holiday bucket list

Find out why children really love family holidays in the Seychelles

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn commission when you click on them. This does not influence our editorial standards. We only recommend products and services we believe will enhance your family travel experience.