Located in the vibrant center of Kigali, this boutique luxury hotel and spa offers guests an effortless connection to the city’s lively energy. As a top 5-star hotel in Kigali, The Retreat combines serene ambiance, authentic Rwandan charm, and the dynamic spirit of the urban landscape.
The Retreat is a luxurious boutique hotel crafted by American owners of Heaven. Designed in collaboration with Italian architects, it is operated by a skilled team of Rwandan hospitality professionals.
This eco-friendly 5-star luxury boutique hotel, Kigali’s first solar-powered resort, boasts sustainable teak wood furnishings, spacious custom-designed rooms, high ceilings, private patios at the front and back, outdoor rain showers, and private saltwater plunge pools.
Enjoy seclusion with private front and rear gardens, a solar-heated saltwater plunge pool, a luxurious bath, and both indoor and outdoor rain showers. Guests can choose between King or Twin bed arrangements. Two villas can connect through a garden gate, offering additional space and a shared experience.
Ideal for those seeking a larger retreat or a family-friendly option, the Superior King Suites offer flexibility with four suites featuring twin bed arrangements. Adjoining rooms are available, making the suites perfect for group stays. Each suite includes a luxurious bath, indoor and outdoor showers, and a private terrace to take in Kigali’s serene views.
The Deluxe King Suite offers a private patio designed for relaxation. It includes a king-sized bed, a charming peaked ceiling, and an indoor rain shower. Adjoining room options are available for families or friends traveling together.
Known for combining international cuisine with a Rwandan twist, Fusion Restaurant prides itself on sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients from local farmers.
The Retreat Lounge provides an ambiance of comfort and sophistication, perfect for unwinding with a handcrafted cocktail or a book. The attentive service and serene environment make it a peaceful escape from Kigali’s vibrant energy.
The open-air spaces are perfect for exclusive events, including the renowned Urban Bush Dinner, intimate weddings, conferences, and romantic dinners. These venues blend elegance with functionality, enhancing any occasion.
Heaven Restaurant embodies the soul of Rwanda in every dish, delivering unforgettable dining experiences while actively supporting the development of local communities.
Discover an impressive collection of modern Rwandan art created by talented local artists. These masterpieces are available for purchase at The Retreat and the Heaven Boutique Hotel.
Take part in a traditional banana beer brewing session, blending Rwanda’s rich heritage with hands-on learning.
Learn the art of mixology through our interactive cocktail-making experience.
Participate in a hands-on Rwandan cooking class, using fresh ingredients sourced from local farmers and the on-site organic garden.
Embark on a culinary adventure that begins at a local farmer’s market and concludes with a cooking class and shared meal. This experience offers an authentic taste of Kigali’s vibrant food culture.
May 26, 2025
Responsive, Customized Trip
Mel was great, understood exactly what we were looking for and helped customize our trip. Very responsive to questions.
May 22, 2025
Mel has been exceptional in helping us…
Mel has been exceptional in helping us book our trip to South Africa. She gave me insight about what to do and where to go and put up with my 1000 changes to the trip. I highly recommend working with her and I cannot wait to make it to the actual trip. Im so excited!
May 21, 2025
Mel was fantastic but do your research!
Mel from Safari.com went above and beyond to ensure that our entire trip went smoothly. We visited both South Africa and Zimbabwe. We had a few hiccups along the way, as we were initially assigned another agent (who no longer works there) and unfortunately gave us high expectations and promises that weren’t fulfilled. She promised us a Ngala / Sabi safari type of experience in South Africa but booked us a lodge called Kusudalweni (which was no where near that type of experience! The service, food, location, and planned activities were all beyond disappointing. Would definitely avoid this place!!). Mel was not familiar with this lodge and unfortunately just followed along the previous agent. Mel tried her best to arrange another lodge and offer us other game drives but unfortunately the lodge was extremely difficult to deal with. Although, she organised the lodge in Zimbabwe and that was incredible! She was extremely responsive throughout our entire trip and ensured to contact our hotels, guides, etc. anytime we had a problem, it was such a relief to not have to worry about any of the hassle while we were there. My biggest recommendation is making sure to do your research about the lodges / hotels that are offered and see if they align with the type of “luxury” experience you are expecting. Mel was definitely great at ensuring we knew exactly what we were getting and I would definitely recommend requesting her specifically. Mel deserves a 5 star rating but unfortunately, due to the issues we had with the previous agent at this company, I had to give it an overall 4 star review.