This Autumn, All Eyes Are on Bawe Island with the Debut of ‘Berton & Friends’!
The Cocoon Collection reveals who will be joining Michelin-starred Chef Andrea Berton on Bawe Island for the ‘Berton & Friends’ culinary experience.
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.
Bawe Island: an Exceptional Gourmet Journey begins
Bawe Island is set to become Zanzibar’s newest fine‑dining hotspot this November as it hosts the inaugural “Berton & Friends” event by The Cocoon Collection, led by Michelin‑starred Chef Andrea Berton.
We are delighted to share that from 22 to 29 November 2026, Bawe Island, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, will host a landmark fine‑dining event set to make history: “Berton & Friends”.
Michelin‑starred Chef Andrea Berton
This new format by The Cocoon Collection is designed to become a signature tradition across our resorts in the Maldives and Zanzibar, bringing together leading figures in Italian and international gastronomy to create unforgettable culinary experiences.
Bawe Island will welcome the very first edition of this format—an absolute debut that positions Zanzibar as a rising capital of signature fine dining. And this is only the beginning: in the months ahead, the same format will reach The Cocoon Collection resorts in the Maldives, growing edition after edition with new internationally acclaimed Chefs.
As the name suggests, the driving force behind “Berton & Friends” is Michelin‑starred Chef Andrea Berton, who will invite close friends and prominent personalities from the world of gastronomy to join him at each edition.
We are not revealing yet who the “Friends” joining Chef Berton for this first, highly anticipated edition will be. What we can share is that these are names capable of leaving their mark, spanning fine pastry and Michelin stars.
The countdown has officially begun. This November, the place to be is Bawe Island. The Chefs, the programme and all the details to take part will be revealed in the coming weeks—because truly great occasions deserve the wait.
Discover The Cocoon Collection’s enhanced SUMMER OFFER:
Booking Period:
From 28th July 2026 until 30th September 2026
Market Validity: All markets
Offer Code: ENSUM-BAWE
Travel period:
From 28th July until 23rd December 2026
30% discount on room rate
Travel period:
From 28th July 2026 until 23rd December 2027
(All Year Round – No Blackout Period)
Free meal upgrade from Half Board to All Inclusive
Terms & Conditions:
Combinable with Honeymooners Offer.
This offer substitutes the previously sent Summer Offer.
Not combinable with contracted repeater's discount.
Discount on room rate only, not combinable with Early Bird Offer.
Discount on room rate only, not applicable for extra adult and children.
Discount not applicable on meal plan supplement.
30% discount is valid only for stays from 28th July 2026 till 23rd December 2026.
Room discount is not valid for stays in Sultan Palace.
No minimum stay is required to be entitled for Enhanced Summer Offer.
All Inclusive upgrade is valid for stays in all room categories, including Sultan Palace.
All Inclusive upgrade is applicable for all room guests, even extra adult and children.
Full Board supplement price as per contract.
Cancellation of existing bookings and re-booking will not be entitled to the offer.
Send your request or enquiries to: booking@baweisland.com