Kigali
The Retreat by Heaven
A charming boutique hotel
The Retreat by Heaven is a charming and inviting small boutique hotel, recognised as Kigali’s first entirely solar-powered resort, as well as maintaining countless other eco-friendly credentials throughout its make up, including locally crafted sustainable teak wood furniture. The hotel enjoys a great location on a quiet and peaceful, tree-lined street in the Kiyovu neighbourhood of the city, and is just minutes from the city centre, ensuring it’s in a prime location for discovering Kigali.
At the centre of everything The Retreat does is its people, and support and development of the local community are important parts of its operation. Through various programmes they hope to help develop future leaders in Rwanda’s fast-growing hospitality industry.
Guests will have a choice of 11 expansive rooms, with features such as peaked ceilings, front and rear private patios, bathrooms with indoor and outdoor rain showers, and air conditioning. The interior of each room is light, airy and spacious, featuring plenty of wood for a natural vibe, as well as touches of local art and decoration to add an element of tradition.
There’s a fantastic on-site restaurant in which to indulge, known as Fusion. Blending international cuisine with local Rwandan and African flavours with a focus on quality local ingredients, the restaurant is set beside the hotel’s inviting saltwater swimming pool. Guests can find further relaxation in the shape of the hotel’s spa, giving them the chance to nurture themselves across a range of skincare or massage treatments, as well as relax in the Jacuzzi or sauna.
Highlights
Entirely solar-powered
11 rooms with outdoor rain showers and private patios
Indulge on international cuisine combined with Rwandan and African flavours
Relax at the hotel's spa
The Retreat supports and develops the local community through various programmes
The impact of your stay:
- The hotel is part of the Heaven portfolio, a purpose-driven social enterprise founded by Josh and Alissa Huxin, who, captivated by Rwanda during their honeymoon, envisioned contributing to the development of its most crucial resource: its people. Originating as a restaurant and hospitality training facility in 2008, they have since trained over 3000 Rwandans and expanded to include two hotels and restaurants, including The Retreat.
- Custom-built by local craftspeople, The Retreat showcases Rwandan arts, photography, experiences, and agriculture. Central to its operations is the empowerment of the local community, with a focus on sourcing locally.
- At present, The Retreat assists several staff members in ongoing education programs and offers crucial support to vulnerable youth, covering their education, food, and housing.
Trip Inspiration
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Places to combine The Retreat by Heaven with
Akagera National Park
In the north-eastern section of Akagera National Park you’ll find Wilderness Magashi Camp overlooking the stunning Lake Rwanyakazinga. The camp is surrounded by some of East Africa’s most beautiful savannah, lakes, swamps and rolling grasslands.
The camp, with design and interiors inspired by traditional Rwandan culture, boasts six spacious tents with lake views. When you’re not enjoying the solitude of your airy tent, relax in the luxurious lounge, enjoy a meal in the dining and bar area. The pool is the ideal place to cool off after a busy day of game viewing and birdwatching, and evenings are best spent on the deck around the fire pit.
The region is also home to one of the continent’s largest hippo populations, as well as crocodiles. You’ll also find the rare sitatunga and other plains game here as well as over 520 different species of bird. After a 20-year absence, lions were reintroduced to the area in 2015, and the population today is thriving. Black rhino were reintroduced in 2017.
