If you want to delight in a small piece of paradise, the idyllic Chapwani Private Island is so delightful you will not think it holds true. It is a tiny coral island nearly a kilometre long and some 100 metres large. It's sixteen acres, and it is surrounded by little coves, sandy bays and crystal blue waters, with a lovely white sand beach diminishing one side. At low tide you can walk the whole island checking out the exposed coral and small coves and inlets.
It is only fifteen minutes by boat, which is simply 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 genuine feature of Chapwani, which has a maximum of twenty visitors at any one time. What this efficiently means is 'no crowds'!! As it is a personal island you won't be disrupted by beach hawkers, or individuals walking by and gazing at you, which is wonderful.
Everyone staying on Chapwani need to guarantee transfers are arranged. For all guests staying on Chapwani it is essential to arrange 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 at the island, so water resistant shoes work.
Your arrival is at the southern end of the island, where a jetty sticks out into the sea.
LODGING
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 spacious space with large double bed-- the traditional Zanzibari four-poster with a mosquito net curtained over it-- whose plump pillows are embellished with a freshly-plucked hibiscus flower. They are embellished with colourful African prints and furnished with regional antiques, and a ceiling fan!! There's just adequate space for a cot or an additional bed.
At the back is a restroom with basin, shelves; and a separate toilet. Please keep in mind the restrooms are attractive with a sunken bath, however no plug, and an open strategy hand shower. There is now solar heating so hot water is offered, but do not forget that as there is no fresh water on the island, and it is all shipped from the mainland, so don't use too much water.
The generator that supplies the Lodge is switched off at nights, so the ceiling fans do not work as well, and you might wish 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 disruptions, just contributes to the terrific sensation of escapism and love. At night when the primary generator is switched off, the ceiling fans operate just on their lowest settings. This must not be too much of a problem as there is usually an excellent 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 very high tides it virtually laps at your terrace. The terrace is a charming location to enjoy the sunset and sit.
You can take your sun loungers onto the beach and discover a secluded area to sunbathe.
FACILITIES
On this wonderful little private island the open-plan thatched lodge is in the centre of the island with views to both sides. This may provide you some idea 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 includes a bar, dining-room and lounge decorated in Swahili antiques.
The lounge location, may better be called a relaxing location because of its handcrafted furnishings and comfortable couches is a good place to conceal from the heat of the day. The whole location is pleasant and airy and has the sort of laid back beach environment, 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 exotic holiday waters edge, where Swahili chefs prepare delicious three-course set meals which have a guaranteed Italian predisposition, due in no small part to the Italian owners!
If you have an unique event then it is possible to organize a table on the beach for a romantic supper, or lunch to your room.
The food is outstanding and often includes newly captured fish, crayfish, prawns and other delicious treats, although having said that it is possible to eat the odd steak!! If you are concerned about consuming in a location like this, then don't !! The food here is safe, delicious, well prepared. It deserves adding that the menu modifications daily, and as you may anticipate in a little intimate lodge like Chapwani there is a sensible quantity of option, and conversation.
If you are a breakfast lover, then you will have an option of fresh fruit, juices, hot drinks, bread, jam and eggs to order.
Many visitors take the dinner/ breakfast half board choice, so they can go to Stone Town and have lunch out, however if you simply want to relax and remain put, then you can have light lunches prepared for you.
The bar is an unwinded place to collect at nights. The bar is well stocked with soft drinks, beer, South African white wine and liquor. It is an excellent meeting point, and there is absolutely nothing rather like cocktails at sundown on a tropical island, especially when you can see the sunset.
There is a diesel generator for electrical power, this goes off at about midnight and begins again in the morning. For the remainder of the time a little generator keeps.
If you want to delight in a little piece of paradise, the idyllic Chapwani Private Island is so delightful you will not think it is real. At low tide you can stroll around the entire island exploring the exposed coral and small coves and inlets.
For all guests 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 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 don't use too much water.
It is a fantastic meeting place, and there is nothing quite like cocktails at sunset on a tropical island, especially when you can see the sunset.