If you wish to take pleasure in a small piece of paradise, the idyllic Chapwani Private Island is so wonderful you will not believe it is true. It is a small coral island almost a kilometre long and some 100 metres wide. It's sixteen acres, and it is surrounded by small coves, sandy bays and crystal blue waters, with a beautiful 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 real feature of Chapwani, which has a maximum of twenty guests at any one time. What this efficiently implies is 'no crowds'!! As it is a private island you won't be disturbed by beach hawkers, or individuals strolling by and looking at you, which is terrific.
Everyone staying on Chapwani must make sure transfers are organised. For all visitors staying on Chapwani it is required 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 arrive on the island, so waterproof shoes work.
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 large room with large double bed-- the standard Zanzibari four-poster with a mosquito net draped over it-- whose plump pillows are embellished 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 space for a cot or an additional bed.
At the back is a bathroom with basin, shelves; and a separate toilet. Please keep in mind the restrooms are attractive with a sunken bath, but no plug, and an open strategy hand shower. There is now solar heating so warm water is available, 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 utilize excessive water.
The generator that supplies the Lodge is switched off in the evenings, so the ceiling fans don't work too, and you might wish to keep one's cool by opening the banana leaf shutter to let the ocean breeze in.
No television, no telephone, no airconditioning, so no 21st century disturbances, just adds to the wonderful feeling of escapism and romance. In the evening when the main generator is turned off, the ceiling fans run just on their lowest settings. This ought to not be too much of a problem as there is normally an excellent sea breeze.
Outdoors is a wooden terrace with deckchairs, and just beyond that a thatch parasol with your own sunloungers. The sea is so close that at very high tides it virtually laps at your terrace. The terrace is a charming location to sit and enjoy the sunset.
You can take your sun loungers onto the beach and discover a secluded spot to sunbathe.
CENTERS
On this magical little private island the open-plan thatched lodge remains in the centre of the island with views to both sides. This might give you some concept of how narrow the island is!!
It is reached by sandy courses, which are lit by paraffin lights in the evening, and виж тук it blends in completely with the landscape, and consists of a bar, dining-room and lounge embellished in Swahili antiques.
The lounge location, might much better be called a lounging area due to the fact that of its handmade furnishings and comfortable couches is a good location to hide from the heat of the day. The entire place is pleasant and airy and has the sort of laid back beach atmosphere, that has actually 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 delicious three-course set meals which have a guaranteed Italian bias, due in no little part to the Italian owners!
If you have an unique celebration then it is possible to organize a table on the beach for a romantic supper, or lunch to your room.
The food is exceptional and often consists of newly captured fish, crayfish, prawns and other tasty treats, although having stated that it is possible to consume the odd steak!! If you are concerned about consuming in a location like this, then do not !! The food here is safe, tasty, well cooked. It deserves including that the menu changes daily, повече and as you might expect in a small intimate lodge like Chapwani there is an affordable quantity of choice, and discussion.
If you are a breakfast enthusiast, then you will have a choice of fresh fruit, juices, hot beverages, bread, jam and eggs to buy.
Lots of visitors take the supper/ breakfast half board option, so they can visit Stone Town and have lunch out, but if you just want to relax and stay put, then you can have light lunches cooked for you.
The bar is a relaxed pochivka zanzibar place to gather at nights. The bar is well equipped with sodas, beer, South African white wine and alcohol. It is an excellent meeting point, and there is absolutely nothing rather like mixed drinks at sunset on a tropical island, particularly when you can see the sunset.
There is a diesel generator for electrical power, this goes off at about midnight and starts again in the morning. For the rest of the time a little generator keeps.
If you desire to take pleasure in a small piece of paradise, the idyllic Chapwani Private Island is so wonderful you won't believe it is real. At low tide you can walk around the entire island exploring the exposed coral and little coves and inlets.
For all visitors staying on Chapwani it is needed 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 available, 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.
It is a terrific conference location, and there is nothing quite like cocktails at sundown on a tropical island, particularly when you can see the sundown.