Bawe Island, The Cocoon Collection hosts the first GUESS Island
Bawe Island in Zanzibar has launched a refined collaboration with GUESS, introducing subtle design touches across selected beachfront and leisure spaces
Image from travelandspa.it
Bawe Island in Zanzibar has become the setting for a new large‑scale collaboration between Bawe and GUESS, marking one of the first full‑island brand activations of its kind.
From May to August 2026, the fashion house has partnered with The Cocoon Collection to introduce “GUESS Island,” a concept designed to merge fashion, travel, and lifestyle in a measured and understated way.
Bawe Island — a 30‑hectare private island located just off Stone Town — is already recognised for its privacy, 70 villas, and strong sustainability framework.
As a proud member of The leading Hotels of the World, Bawe has positioned itself a high‑end, environmentally conscious retreat. The GUESS project builds on this foundation by introducing a design identity that is intentionally subtle. Instead of overt branding, the island features a controlled palette of colours and a custom motif created specifically for the project, with several elements incorporating local craftsmanship.
““We wanted to create more than a presence: we wanted to create a feeling.” ”
Image from travelandspa.it
The intention behind the activation is clear.
As Paul Marciano, co‑founder and Chief Creative Officer of GUESS, explains: “We wanted to create more than a presence: we wanted to create a feeling.”
This approach is reflected in the decision to allow the brand to appear gradually across the island’s social, recreational, and private spaces, rather than dominate them.
Bawe’s existing infrastructure supports this direction. The island is home to Zanzibar’s largest solar park, a protected marine reserve, and advanced water‑treatment systems — all part of The Cocoon Collection’s long‑standing commitment to sustainability.
The partnership therefore aligns naturally with the resort’s broader focus on responsible development and a strong sense of place.
We wish The Cocoon Collection and GUESS every success as they bring this thoughtful and ambitious project to life.