The idyllic Chapwani Private Island is so delightful you won't think it is real if you desire to enjoy a small piece of paradise. It is a tiny coral island nearly a kilometre long and some 100 metres broad. It's sixteen acres, and it is surrounded by small coves, sandy bays and crystal blue waters, with a lovely white sand beach running down one side. At low tide you can walk the whole island checking out the exposed coral and little coves and inlets.
It is only 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.
Personal privacy and a high level of service are the genuine feature of Chapwani, which has a maximum of twenty guests at any one time. What this efficiently indicates is 'no crowds'!! As it is a private island you won't be disturbed by beach hawkers, or individuals strolling by and gazing at you, which is wonderful.
Everybody staying on Chapwani should guarantee 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 once again when you land on the island, so waterproof shoes are useful.
Your arrival is at the southern end of the island, where a jetty sticks out into the sea.
LODGING
You will be accommodated in one of 10 bedrooms in 5 thatched bandas, nestling into coconut palms, mangrove trees and baobabs. Inside you'll find a large room with big double bed-- the conventional Zanzibari four-poster with a mosquito net draped over it-- whose plump pillows are decorated with a freshly-plucked hibiscus flower. They are decorated with colourful African prints and furnished with regional 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 keep in mind the bathrooms are attractive with a sunken bath, but no plug, and an open plan hand shower. There is now solar heating so warm water is available, however do not forget that as there is no fresh water on the island, and it is all shipped from the mainland, so do not utilize too much water.
The generator that provides the Lodge is turned off in the evenings, so the ceiling fans do not work as well, and you may wish to keep one's cool by opening the banana leaf shutter to let the sea breeze in.
No television, no telephone, no airconditioning, so no 21st century disruptions, just adds to the terrific sensation of escapism and romance. At night when the main generator is turned exoticholiday off, the ceiling fans operate only on their least expensive settings. This should not be too much of an issue as there is normally a great sea breeze.
Outside is a wooden balcony with deckchairs, and just beyond that a thatch parasol with your own sunloungers. The sea is so close that at extremely high tides it virtually laps at your balcony. The terrace is a lovely place to see the sunset and sit.
You can take your sun loungers onto the beach and find a secluded spot to sunbathe.
FACILITIES
On this magical little private island the open-plan thatched lodge is 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 in the evening, and it mixes in completely with the landscape, and consists of a bar, dining room and lounge decorated in Swahili antiques.
The lounge area, might better be called a lounging area because of its handmade furniture and comfy couches is a great location to conceal from the heat of the day. The entire place is airy and pleasant and has the kind of laid back beach environment, that has long gone from the Maldives and the Pacific Islands.
All your meals are taken in the restaurant which is ideal by the waters edge, where Swahili chefs prepare scrumptious three-course set meals which have a guaranteed Italian predisposition, due in no little part to the Italian exotic holiday owners!
If you have a special celebration then it is possible to arrange a table on the beach for a romantic supper, or lunch to your room.
The food is excellent and often consists of newly caught fish, crayfish, prawns and other tasty deals with, although having stated that it is possible to eat the odd steak!! If you are worried about consuming in a location like this, then don't !! The food here is safe, tasty, well prepared. почивка занзибар It deserves adding that the menu modifications daily, and as you may expect in a little intimate lodge like Chapwani there is a reasonable amount of option, and discussion.
If you are a breakfast lover, then you will have a choice of fresh fruit, juices, hot drinks, bread, jam and eggs to buy.
Many visitors take the supper/ breakfast half board choice, so they can visit Stone Town and have lunch out, however if you just want to relax and remain put, then you can have light lunches prepared for you.
The bar is an unwinded place to collect in the evenings. The bar is well equipped with soft drinks, beer, South African white wine and liquor. It is a great meeting point, and there is nothing rather like cocktails at sunset on a tropical island, especially when you can see the sunset.
There is a diesel generator for electrical energy, this goes off at about midnight and starts once again in the morning. For the rest of the time a little generator keeps.
If you want to delight in a little piece of paradise, the picturesque Chapwani Private Island is so delightful you won't think it is true. At low tide you can stroll around the entire island checking out the exposed coral and small coves and inlets.
For all visitors staying on Chapwani it is needed to organize 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 readily available, but don't forget that as there is no fresh water on the island, and it is all shipped from the mainland, so do not use too much water.
It is an excellent meeting place, and there is nothing quite like cocktails at sunset on a tropical island, specifically when you can see the sunset.