Three Different Ways to Experience Zanzibar with The Cocoon Collection
A short insightful look into the 3 Cocoon Collection properties in Zanzibar and what makes them so unique.
Wondering which Zanzibar stay would suit your clients?
Island Pongwe • Gold Zanzibar • Bawe Island
Choosing where to stay in Zanzibar often comes down to the kind of holiday your clients want — quiet and simple, social and activity‑driven, or exclusive with plenty of space. We put together a quick look at how Island Pongwe, Gold Zanzibar and Bawe Island each deliver a different experience.
Island Pongwe - the ideal retreat for guests looking for Eco, Slow and luxuriously simple:
Island Pongwe suits travellers who want calm, privacy and a slower pace. It’s a small, female‑led eco‑lodge with a “back‑to‑basics but still comfortable” approach - we like to describe it as a ‘luxury‑Robinson‑Crusoe experience’ — no Wi‑Fi, fresh local produce, and an emphasis on switching off. Days follow the rhythm of the tides as the Eastern side of the island sees a bigger tidal shift each day: swimming, kayaking, paddle‑boarding, spa treatments, or walking the exposed sandbanks at low tide. Guests can explore Pongwe Bay and the nearby village when they want movement and interaction with the local culture, then return to the island for quiet time. It’s ideal for guests who value simplicity, nature and a peaceful base.
Gold Zanzibar - A classic beach holiday with buzzing energy
Gold Zanzibar is the right fit if your guests want a lively atmosphere, long beach days and plenty of activity. It sits on one of the island’s best beaches, known for soft sand, great sunsets and minimal tidal impact — which means more consistent swimming and water sports. The resort is large, with varied room categories, multiple dining options and a steady holiday buzz created by both locals in and around the town and with international guests staying in the hotel. The hotel offers a generously sized private beach in front of the hotel. Guests will love Gold if they enjoy a sociable environment, easy access to facilities, and a beach that’s active from morning to evening.
Bawe Island - Space, Privacy and Marine Access
Bawe Island works well for guests who want exclusivity without feeling isolated. 15 minutes by boats from Stonetown, Bawe has 70 villas spaced across the island, it offers privacy and room to breathe while still providing full resort facilities. The surrounding waters form part of a protected marine area, and the island has a dedicated water‑sports centre for non‑motorised activities like kayaking and snorkelling. Diving can be arranged through off‑island excursions, usually a short boat trip away. Bawe is a good match for guests who want comfort, nature and a quieter atmosphere than the main island, but with more structure and amenities than a small eco‑lodge.
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.
