If you wish to enjoy a little piece of paradise, the picturesque Chapwani Private Island is so delightful you won't think it holds true. It is a tiny coral island almost 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 stunning white sand beach running down one side. At low tide you can walk the entire island exploring the exposed coral and small coves and inlets.
It is just fifteen minutes by boat, which is simply over a mile from Zanzibar's capital Stone Town, but you are miles and miles away from its' hustle, bustle and smells.
Personal privacy and a high level of service are the real function of Chapwani, which has a maximum of twenty visitors at any one time. What this successfully implies is 'no crowds'!! As it is a personal island you will not be interrupted by beach hawkers, or people walking by and looking at you, which is wonderful.
Everyone staying on Chapwani need to guarantee transfers are arranged. This will either be from the airport or the sea port. 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. As an alternative, you can get among the routine boat transfers daily at 09.00 hrs and 16.30 hrs. The boat gets to and leaves from Mercury's Restaurant in front of the Old Dispensary in Stonetown.
You will need to wade calf deep into the ocean off the beach to board and once 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 stands out into the sea.
ACCOMMODATION
You will be accommodated in one of 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 conventional 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 vibrant African prints and provided with local antiques, and a ceiling fan!! There's just adequate area 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, however no plug, and an open strategy hand shower. There is now solar heating so hot water is offered, however don't forget that as there is no fresh water on the island, and it is all delivered from the mainland, so don't utilize excessive water.
The generator that provides the Lodge is switched off in the evenings, so the ceiling fans do not work as well, and you might want 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 disruptions, simply adds to the wonderful sensation of escapism and love. At night when the primary generator is switched off, the ceiling fans operate only on their most affordable settings. Nevertheless this must not be too much of a problem as there is generally an excellent ocean breeze.
Outdoors is a wooden terrace with deckchairs, and simply beyond that a thatch parasol with your own sunloungers. The sea is so close that at extremely high tides it practically laps at your balcony. The terrace is a lovely location to see the sundown and sit.
You can take your sun повече loungers onto the beach and discover a remote spot to sunbathe.
CENTERS
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 courses, which are lit by paraffin lights at night, and it mixes in completely with the landscape, and consists of a bar, dining-room and lounge decorated in Swahili antiques.
The lounge location, may better be called a lounging location since of its handmade furniture and comfy couches is a nice place to conceal from the heat of the day. The entire place is enjoyable and airy and has the type of laid back beach atmosphere, that has actually long gone from the Maldives and the Pacific Islands.
All your meals are taken in the dining establishment which is right by the waters edge, where Swahili chefs prepare delicious three-course set meals which have a certain Italian predisposition, due in no small part to the Italian owners!
If you have a special celebration then it is possible to organize a table on the beach for a romantic dinner, or lunch to your space.
The food is excellent and often consists of newly captured fish, crayfish, prawns and other yummy treats, although having stated that it is possible to consume the odd steak!! If you are worried about consuming in a location like this, then do not !! The food here is safe, tasty, well prepared. It is worth including that the menu changes daily, and as you may expect in a small intimate lodge like Chapwani there is a sensible quantity of choice, and discussion.
If you are a breakfast enthusiast, then you will have an option of fresh fruit, juices, hot beverages, bread, jam and eggs to order.
Numerous visitors take the supper/ breakfast half board option, so they can check out Stone Town and have lunch out, however if you just wish to unwind and stay put, then you can have light lunches prepared for you.
The bar is an unwinded place to gather in the evenings. The bar is well stocked with soft drinks, beer, South African white wine and alcohol. It is a great meeting point, and there is absolutely nothing rather like cocktails at sunset on a tropical island, particularly when you can see the sunset.
There is a diesel generator for electricity, 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 desire to delight in a little piece of paradise, the idyllic Chapwani Private Island is so wonderful you will not think it is real. At low tide you can walk around the whole island checking out the exposed coral and little coves and inlets.
For all guests staying on Chapwani it is required 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 offered, 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.
It is an excellent meeting location, and there is absolutely nothing quite like mixed drinks at sunset on a tropical island, specifically when you can see the sundown.