The Retreat

Beautiful rooms and great first night in Kigali. We flew from NY to Nairobi to Kigali and stayed here our first night after our long trip. It was a perfect place to stay for our entry into our trip. Centrally located in the city. The rooms were spectacular with our own heated pools our teenage kids swam in. Indoor and outdoor showers. Apparently our kids stayed in the same suite King Charles stayed in over the summer. The gym here is well equipped and i worked out twice in it. We had breakfast included which was nicely served by the main pool. Make note it included a 30 min massage but you have to book in advance. We were not told this so they were not able to accommodate that amenity for us which was a disappointment that’s why i gave it 4 stars. Also we ate dinner at the hotel and i regret that. The food wasn’t great for dinner, in retrospect we should have tried one of the restaurants in Kigali since it is safe and they have lots of options that have views overlooking the city. Otherwise for the room and gym i highly recommend this hotel.

This is one of the best hotels in all of Kigali. It's a boutique hotel with special charm, wonderful service, beautiful design, and amazing staff. We only stayed one night, but enjoyed every moment of it. Here are our hot tips: Get a room with the outdoor shower. The massage was one of the best we have ever had (she is an artist of deep tissue). The restaurant is where guests from other hotels come because the food is that good.

We spent a night in the Pool Villa and was amazed by the luxury and hospitality of the place. Definitely setting new standards for a staycation in Kigali! Everything from the heated, private pool to the outdoor shower, the bathtub big enough for two people makes this the perfect place for a couple to enjoy some time together. The food and service is amazing as well. 100/10 recommend!

I had the most incredible stay at The Retreat, tucked away in the heart of Kigali! Spacious and comfy bedroom with massive bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower, surrounded by lush greenery! My roon had a very quiet exterior sitting corner away from everything! Great food and impecable service with warm, friendly staff!

Can't fault the hotel, the staff and the location which has a quiet and relaxing vibe but is still close to the city centre. Lovely garden and pool area and with choice of restaurants this is a great solution if you're in Kigali. We had a minor issue with a reservation too trivial to mention in any detail, but if it wasn't for that and the fact that the restaurant/bar prices seemed quite high I would have been happy to award 5 stars.

I recently had the absolute pleasure of staying at The Retreat by Heaven in Kigali, and it was, without a doubt, one of the most amazing experiences I've had in my life. This breathtaking place is truly a sanctuary for the soul and a reset for the mind, body, and spirit. From the moment I arrived, the incredible team made me feel right at home. The service here is second to none, with every team member dedicated to making sure you feel cared for at all times. They truly go above and beyond, always greeting you with a warm smile and a helping hand. The accommodations are luxurious and comforting at the same time. My room was spacious, incredibly comfortable, and included beautiful decor by local artisans. The attention to detail in both the aesthetics and comfort was evident, creating a serene environment where I could truly unwind and relax after experiencing Kigali and working each day. The in-room amenities were top-notch, and the bed offered the perfect night’s rest, complete with turn-down service and a nightly treat. Dining at both Heaven Restaurant and Fusion, located on the property, was delicious. The food included a range of locally inspired dishes that were beautifully prepared. The fusion of fresh ingredients, expertly crafted dishes, and the warm, inviting atmosphere made every meal nourishing and an experience to remember. Each day, a dip in the saltwater pool and a visit to the yoga deck helped awaken my senses and invite a sense of ease and relaxation. The yoga sessions offered a great way to center myself and reconnect, further enhancing the overall sense of calm that The Retreat fosters. I had the pleasure of taking in a few of the curated “Experiences” that blend art, culture, and nature in a way that truly connects you to Rwanda’s rich heritage: the Art & Culture and Kigali City tours, along with an exhilarating Gorilla Trekking Adventure. The Art & Culture tour was a profound experience that opened my eyes to Rwanda's vibrant artistic traditions and history. Led by a knowledgeable guide (Frank was the very best!), we explored local art galleries that showcased stunning works from contemporary Rwandan artists, as well as craft markets where handmade goods tell stories of the country’s cultural past. And then, of course, there was the gorilla trekking. Words cannot fully capture the awe and wonder of being face-to-face with these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The team expertly organized every detail of the trek, ensuring we were well-prepared for the hike in Volcanoes National Park. It was a once-in-a-lifetime, spiritual experience not to be missed. I could truly feel the pride and unwavering commitment of the owners, Alissa and Josh, in fostering sustainable relationships with the local Rwandan community—artisans, farmers, and suppliers. They are dedicated to supporting the training and livelihoods of their team and cultivating meaningful collaborations within the community. Their care, expertise, and d