The Island Pongwe Voted Tanzania’s Boutique Restaurant of the Year
The Island Pongwe by The Cocoon Collection has just been voted “Boutique Restaurant of the Year – Tanzania” at the Travel & Hospitality Awards.
Zanzibar, Nov 2025
The Island Pongwe by The Cocoon Collection has just been voted “Boutique Restaurant of the Year – Tanzania” at the Travel & Hospitality Awards.
The ultra exclusive, adults-only eco-resort has been recognized repeatedly as the “Best Boutique Hotel in Zanzibar” since its launch in February 2018, standing out for its intimate and private atmosphere, with just six rooms and a gourmet restaurant, so this recognition of its culinary offering is a wonderful new accolade.
The Travel & Hospitality Awards jury undergoes a rigorous process of evaluation, taking into consideration the highest gastronomic standards, consistency in the quality of service, exemplary guest satisfaction and of course the uniqueness of the culinary experience. The Island Pongwe has excelled not only for its culinary creations, but for its attention to detail, creativity and hospitality that characterizes every moment spent at the resort.
A distinctive element of The Island Pongwe's identity is its sustainable gastronomic philosophy, that showcases Zanzibar’s unique location, history and culture whilst reducing its environmental impact and uplifting the local community. The menus incorporate fresh produce and seasonal ingredients, thereby supporting local suppliers, fishermen and small agricultural businesses on the island. This authentic, zero-mile approach drives the menu wherever possible, ensuring that guests and diners can enjoy only the best freshly caught fish and seafood, Zanzibar spices and locally grown fruit and vegetables for that real “sense of place”.
"We are extremely proud of this award which recognises the passion and expertise of our team as well as our vision of authentic, sustainable, and refined hospitality. The Island Pongwe represents the essence of exclusivity: an adults-only island where pristine nature meets excellent cuisine, where local ingredients are celebrated, and enjoyed with a highly personalized service. This award encourages us further to continue offering our guests a one-of-a-kind experience." - Attilio Azzola, Founder and Corporate Sales Manager of The Cocoon Collection.
With this prestigious victory, The Island Pongwe confirms its unique appeal for discerning travellers in search of tranquillity, refinement, authenticity and fabulous food, in one of the most fascinating, exclusive island destinations in the Indian Ocean.
Travel Africa Magazine features “Lemala - the Untold Story”
For over two decades, Lemala Camps & Lodges has quietly redefined what responsible luxury means in Africa.
Read the latest edition of Travel Africa magazine and on page 141, see how Lemala has been been quietly and consistently championing responsible luxury for over two decades…it’s at the core of this humble, yet trailblazing brand we are extremely proud to work alongside and wholeheartedly support.
Celebrating 20 Years of Wild Luxury with Bushtops
Bushtops Safari Camps celebrates 20 years
“It was twenty years ago today…” Those familiar lyrics feel especially fitting as we mark a milestone with one of our most treasured partners: Bushtops Camps.
Back in 2006, Mara Bushtops opened its doors, setting a new benchmark in luxury safari hospitality. What began as a vision has grown into three exceptional camps—Mara Bushtops, Serengeti Bushtops, and Roving Bushtops—each delivering the signature Bushtops blend of authentic adventure paired with ultimate comfort.
Now, as Bushtops enters its third decade, they’ve unveiled a game-changing enhancement for every guest experience - and we are confident your guests will love it!
Exclusive Vehicles for Every Guest Group
To celebrate this milestone - In 2026, every non-solo booking at Bushtops will automatically include a private 4x4 game drive vehicle.
Couples, families, or small groups will enjoy the freedom of their own open-sided 4x4, without the need to request or pay extra.
This exclusivity applies to all new and existing bookings (excluding the 6x6 “Beest”).
Guests who previously paid for private use will have that premium recredited.
For those who prefer shared company, Bushtops will happily arrange like-minded pairings—but privacy is now the default.
(Note: airstrip transfers may remain shared, depending on operational requirements.)
What This Means for the Trade
This new policy gives you a powerful selling point:
Guaranteed exclusivity for your clients, enhancing both comfort and flexibility.
A clear differentiator when positioning Bushtops against other safari options.
Added value without added cost—making your proposals even more compelling.
To deliver this promise, Bushtops is expanding its bespoke fleet and welcoming new drivers and spotters into the family. From a team of just 20 in 2006, Bushtops now employs over 250 dedicated staff across its three camps—
This is why Bushtops continues to stand out: every detail is designed to elevate the guest journey, ensuring trade partners can confidently recommend them as the pinnacle of safari luxury.