If you desire to enjoy a small piece of paradise, the idyllic Chapwani Private Island is so wonderful you will not think it is true. At low tide you can walk around the entire island exploring the exposed coral and little coves and inlets.
It is just fifteen minutes by boat, which is just over a mile from Zanzibar's capital Stone Town, however you are miles and miles far from its' hustle, bustle and smells.
Privacy and a high level of service are the real function of Chapwani, which has an optimum of twenty guests at any one time. What this effectively implies is 'no crowds'!! As it is a personal island you will not be disrupted by beach hawkers, or people walking by and looking at you, which is terrific.
Everybody staying on Chapwani must make sure transfers are organised. For all visitors staying on Chapwani it is necessary to set up a transfer from the airport or port, into Stone Town and across to the island by boat.
You will require to wade calf deep into the ocean off the beach to board and again when you land on the island, so water resistant shoes are useful.
Your arrival is at the southern end of the island, where a jetty protrudes into the sea.
ACCOMMODATION
You will be accommodated in among ten bedrooms in 5 thatched bandas, nestling into coconut palms, mangrove trees and baobabs. Inside you'll find a roomy room with big double bed-- the traditional Zanzibari four-poster with a mosquito net curtained over it-- whose plump pillows are adorned with a freshly-plucked hibiscus flower. They are decorated with colourful African prints and provided with local antiques, and a ceiling fan!! There's simply enough area for a cot or an extra bed.
At the back is a bathroom with basin, racks; and a separate toilet. Please note the bathrooms are appealing with a sunken bath, however no plug, and an open plan hand shower. There is now solar heating so hot water is offered, however do not forget that as there is no fresh water on the island, and it is all delivered from the mainland, so do not use too much water.
The generator that supplies the Lodge is turned off in the evenings, so the ceiling fans don't work too, and you might want to keep cool by opening the banana leaf shutter to let the ocean breeze in.
No television, no telephone, no airconditioning, so no 21st century disturbances, simply adds to the wonderful sensation of escapism and romance. In the evening when the main generator is turned off, the ceiling fans operate just on their most affordable settings. This must not be too much of a problem as there is generally a great sea breeze.
Outdoors is a wooden balcony with deckchairs, and just beyond that a thatch parasol with your own sunloungers. The sea is so close that at really high tides it virtually laps at your balcony. The terrace is a charming place to view the sunset and sit.
You can take your sun loungers onto the beach and find a secluded spot to sunbathe.
FACILITIES
On this wonderful little personal island the open-plan thatched lodge remains in the centre of the island with views to both sides. This might offer you some concept of how narrow the island is!!
It is reached by sandy paths, which are lit by paraffin lights during the night, and it mixes in perfectly with the landscape, and consists of a bar, dining exoticholiday room and lounge embellished in Swahili antiques.
The lounge area, might much better be called a relaxing location since of its handcrafted furniture and comfortable couches is a nice place to hide from the heat of the day. The entire place is airy and enjoyable and has the sort of laid back beach environment, that has long gone from the Maldives and the Pacific Islands.
All your meals are taken in the dining establishment which is ideal by the waters edge, where Swahili chefs prepare delicious three-course set meals which have a guaranteed Italian predisposition, due in no little part to the Italian owners!
If you have an unique event then it is possible to set up a table on the beach for a romantic dinner, or lunch to your space.
The food is superb and frequently includes freshly caught fish, crayfish, prawns and other yummy deals with, although having stated that it is possible to consume the odd steak!! If you are concerned about eating in a location like this, then do not !! The food here is safe, tasty, well prepared. It deserves adding that the menu modifications daily, and as you may anticipate in a small intimate lodge like Chapwani there is an affordable amount of option, and conversation.
If you are a breakfast enthusiast, then you will have a choice of fresh fruit, juices, hot drinks, bread, jam and eggs to order.
Many visitors take the supper/ breakfast half board choice, so they can visit Stone Town and have lunch out, however if you just wish to stay and relax put, then you can have light lunches cooked for you.
The bar is an unwinded place to collect in the evenings. The bar is well stocked with sodas, beer, South African red wine and liquor. It is виж тук a terrific meeting place, and there is absolutely nothing quite like cocktails at sundown on a tropical island, particularly when you can see the sundown.
There is a diesel generator for electrical energy, this goes off at about midnight and starts once again in the morning. For the remainder of the time a small generator keeps.
If you desire to take pleasure in a small piece of paradise, the picturesque Chapwani Private Island is so wonderful you won't believe it is real. At low tide you can stroll around the entire island checking out the exposed coral and little coves and inlets.
For all visitors staying on Chapwani zanzibar island it is essential to set up a transfer from the airport or port, into Stone Town and throughout to the island by boat. There is now solar heating so hot water is offered, but don't forget that as there is no fresh water on the island, and it is all delivered from the mainland, so do not use too much water.
It is an excellent meeting place, and there is absolutely nothing rather like cocktails at sunset on a tropical island, specifically when you can see the sundown.