The idyllic Chapwani Private Island is so wonderful you will not believe it is true if you desire to delight in a small piece of paradise. It is a small coral island almost 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 gorgeous white sand beach diminishing one side. At low tide you can walk the entire island checking out the exposed coral and little coves and inlets.
It is only 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.
Privacy and a high level of service are the genuine feature of Chapwani, which has an optimum of twenty guests at any one time. What this effectively suggests is 'no crowds'!! As it is a private island you will not be disrupted by beach hawkers, or individuals strolling by and looking at you, which is fantastic.
Everyone staying on Chapwani must make sure transfers are organised. For all guests remaining on Chapwani it is necessary to organize a transfer from the airport or port, into Stone Town and throughout to the island by boat.
You will need to wade calf deep into the ocean off the beach to board and again when you arrive on the island, so waterproof 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 one of 10 bed rooms in five thatched bandas, nestling into coconut palms, mangrove trees and baobabs. Inside you'll find a spacious room with big double bed-- the traditional Zanzibari four-poster with a mosquito net draped over it-- whose plump pillows are decorated with a freshly-plucked hibiscus flower. They are embellished with colourful African prints and provided with local antiques, and a ceiling fan!! There's just adequate 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 appealing with a sunken bath, however no plug, and an open plan hand shower. 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 shipped from the mainland, so don't use too much water.
The generator that supplies the Lodge is turned off in the evenings, so the ceiling fans don't work as well, and you may want to keep cool by opening the banana leaf shutter to let the sea breeze in.
No television, no telephone, no airconditioning, so no 21st century disturbances, just adds to the fantastic sensation of escapism and love. In the evening when the main generator is switched off, the ceiling fans operate only on their most affordable settings. However this ought to not be too much of an issue as there is typically a great sea breeze.
Outside is a wood balcony with deckchairs, and simply beyond that a thatch parasol with your own sunloungers. The sea is so close that at extremely high tides it virtually laps at your terrace. The balcony is a charming location to sit and enjoy the sunset.
You can take your sun loungers onto the beach and discover a remote spot to sunbathe.
FACILITIES
On this magical little personal island the open-plan thatched lodge remains in the centre of the island with views to both sides. This may give you some idea of how narrow the island is!!
It is reached by sandy paths, which are lit by paraffin lights at night, and it mixes in perfectly with the landscape, and consists of a bar, dining-room and lounge decorated in Swahili antiques.
The lounge area, may better be called a lounging area since of its handcrafted furniture and comfortable couches is a good place to conceal from the heat of the day. The whole location is airy and pleasant 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 restaurant which is right by the waters edge, where Swahili chefs prepare scrumptious three-course set meals which have a certain Italian predisposition, due in no small part to the Italian owners!
If you have an unique celebration then it is possible to arrange a table on the beach for a romantic supper, or lunch to your room.
The food is outstanding and often includes freshly captured fish, crayfish, prawns and other tasty deals with, although having stated that it is possible to consume the odd steak!! If you are concerned about consuming in a place like this, then don't !! The food here is safe, delicious, well prepared. It is worth including that the menu modifications daily, and as you might anticipate in a small intimate lodge like Chapwani there is a sensible quantity of choice, and conversation.
If you are a breakfast lover, then you will have a choice of fresh fruit, juices, hot beverages, bread, jam and eggs to order.
Many visitors take the supper/ breakfast half board option, so they can go to Stone Town and have lunch out, however if you just want to relax and stay put, then you can have light lunches почивка занзибар prepared for you.
The bar is a relaxed place to gather at nights. The bar is well equipped with soft drinks, beer, South African red wine and alcohol. It is a fantastic meeting point, and there is nothing rather like cocktails at sunset on a tropical island, particularly when you can see the sundown.
There is a diesel generator for electricity, this goes off at about midnight and starts once again in the early morning. For the rest of the time a little generator keeps.
If you want to enjoy a small piece of paradise, the picturesque Chapwani Private Island is so wonderful you will not think it is true. 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 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, 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 utilize too much water.
It is a great meeting place, and there is nothing quite like cocktails at sunset on a tropical island, particularly when you can see the sunset.