This Autumn, All Eyes Are on Bawe Island with the Debut of ‘Berton & Friends’!
The Cocoon Collection first gave us a glimpse of what was coming, teasing the debut of Berton & Friends without revealing the names of the chefs joining Michelin-starred Chef Andrea Berton.
Now, the wait is over, it’s time to unveil the full story.
From 22 to 29 November 2026, Bawe Island, Zanzibar’s private island paradise and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, will host the first edition of Berton & Friends, a new culinary experience created by The Cocoon Collection together with Chef Andrea Berton.
For one week, the island will bring together three of Italy’s most distinctive culinary talents:
Chef Andrea Berton, Chef Cristina Bowerman and Chef & Master Chocolatier Ernst Knam.
More than a traditional gourmet week, Berton & Friends is about friendship, creativity and the exchange of ideas, bringing exceptional chefs and guests together in an extraordinary destination.
“Berton & Friends was born from the desire to create something that goes Berton & Friends was born from the desire to create something that goes beyond the traditional gourmet week,” says Andrea Berton. “It is about bringing together friendship, professional exchange, creativity and hospitality in extraordinary places, offering guests experiences they could not have anywhere else.”
The week will culminate in two special culinary events:
On 25 November, a Cooking Show Lunch will take place on the beach, with the three chefs preparing and sharing some of their signature creations, revealing the inspiration, techniques and stories behind them.
On 27 November, a Gala Dinner will begin at sunset with an exclusive aperitif featuring creations by the three chefs, followed by a dinner created especially for Bawe Island and the inaugural edition of the project.
A special creation by Giovanni De Ambrosis, Corporate Executive Chef of The Cocoon Collection, will bring a taste of the island to the table, while the music of Merk & Kremont and EDMEA will accompany the evening from sunset into the gala, adding an entertainment dimension to the culinary experience.
The result will be a celebration of contemporary Italian cuisine, international creativity and local ingredients, set against the crystal-clear waters and complete privacy of Bawe Island.
“Food has the power to create authentic connections and memories that stay with us,” says Giovanni De Ambrosis, “We want our guests to leave the Island with more than the memory of a holiday, but with the memory of an experience they could not have had anywhere else.”
With its debut in Zanzibar, Berton & Friends marks the beginning of a new culinary journey for The Cocoon Collection, with future editions planned in the Maldives and beyond, bringing new international culinary personalities to its extraordinary island destinations.
One private island, three exceptional Chefs and a week of food, music, friendship and discovery - welcome to Berton & friends.