As a collaboration between Italian architects and top Rwandan craftsmen and artisans, The Retreat is arguably Kigali’s premier boutique hotel. In the heart of the capital, this chic combination of stone and teak provides a tranquil refuge from one of Africa’s most exciting modern cities and a welcome sanctuary after a long-haul flight or an exhilarating gorilla trek.

Power by sunshine to lighten its environmental impact, The Retreat is not only concerned with the planet’s wellbeing but also that of guests. There is a large saltwater swimming pool for refreshing dips while yoga, meditation, and personal fitness classes are also on offer. The spa will ensure your outer being is finely tuned with massage and beauty therapies.

The casual restaurant – aptly named, Heaven – serves up fresh local produce made into stunning international dishes such as Nile perch, cassava chimichurri, mango panna cotta, and African coffee ice cream. For fine dining that taps the cuisines of Italy, Morocco, and Mauritius, make a reservation at Fusion, which overlooks the calming waters of the pool and lushness of the indigenous garden.

Highlights

• Premier boutique hotel with solar power
• Saltwater swimming pool, spa, yoga and meditation
• Activities such as weaving, dancing, tennis, and mountain biking
• Two upscale on-site restaurants using local produce
• Perfect place for pampering before or after a gorilla trek

Activities

• DAY TOURS

If luxury in Kigali is what you are after, then The Retreat by Heaven is the perfect choice. Small and intimate, this boutique hotel was locally crafted and offers a unique twist in décor. It is also eco-friendly and offers a wellness retreat and a selection of bespoke experiences. The Fusion restaurant, which is on-site, even offers a local farm-to-table cuisine experience.

Rooms

Luxury Pool Villa

The Luxury Pool Villa is spacious and inviting. It comes complete with its own private saltwater solar heated plunge pool, private front and back gardens, and a fully furnished living room area. The bathrooms exude luxury with double sinks featuring teak vanities, a bathtub, and an indoor rain shower. Spend your leisure hours in comfortable seating on the private deck or rinse off in the outdoor shower after a day of soaking up the sun.

Two Luxury Pool Villas may be used as adjoining through a garden gate. All Luxury Pool Villas may be set up as a King or Twin bed setup.

Superior King Suite

The Superior King Suites offer you the chance to be indoors and out, with two patios and indoor and outdoor showers. The en suite bathrooms have double sinks and the rooms are light and airy, with pops of colour provided by traditional Rwandan fabrics.

Two of the suites are connected to friends or groups. Two can be set up as twin rather than double beds.

Deluxe King Room

The smaller of the rooms at The Retreat have private patios, single vanities in the en suite bathroom, and indoor rain showers. Two adjoin for families or groups traveling together.

Facilities

Great consideration has been given to guests’ comfort at The Retreat. Wellness is enhanced via a dedicated spa and gym that offers private classes, yoga, and meditation sessions. The saltwater swimming pool is surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Staff are also able to arrange a very wide variety of tours and activities including horse riding, art lessons at the Niyo Arts Gallery, crafts with the Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, and visits to Kigali’s main sites.

Dining

The dining at The Retreat is among the best on offer in Kigali, with two restaurants on-site. Heaven and Fusion both made use of top Rwandan suppliers for fresh produce and also harvested fruit, vegetables, and herbs from The Retreat’s organic garden. Heaven offers views over Kigali.

Heaven is more casual while Fusion offers fine dining. Both have extensive a la carte menus that showcase delicious local ingredients like ikivuguto (buttermilk), cassava, Rwandan macadamia nuts, Nile perch, tilapia, peanuts, and akara fritters.