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The Retreat

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Traveler (212)
Room & Suite (103)
Videos (2)
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About

#2 of 164 hotels in Kigali
Location
5.0
Cleanliness
5.0
Service
4.9
Value
4.6
2023 Travelers' Choice Best of the Best
The Retreat is a 20-room luxury boutique hotel created by the American owners of Heaven and brought to life by an extraordinary team of Rwandan builders and craftspeople. Heaven has trained over 2,000 Rwandans in hospitality skills since 2008. The Retreat is Kigali’s first eco-friendly resort and features solar electricity and locally-crafted furniture from a Tanzanian sustainable teak farm. Luxury amenities include organic, handmade mattresses from England, expansive custom-built rooms with peaked ceilings, front and rear private patio areas, bathrooms with indoor and outdoor rain showers, a heated saltwater solar powered swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, spa, and fully equipped open-air gym. We are excited to announce that 8 brand new Luxury Pool Villas with private pools, a new wine lounge, an expanded spa, and our private Horizon conference and event space with views of Kigali opened in April 2021. Fusion Restaurant and Bar offers delicious, local farm-to-table cuisine, refreshing cocktails and wellness menus designed by our Mauritian Executive Chef. Through our sister company, Heaven Tours, we offer curated tour services for the gorillas, safari, and unique experiences that highlight the best of Kigali, including our fashion, art & culinary tours as well as urban bush dinners for groups by reservation.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
Free breakfast
Bicycle rental
Hiking
Babysitting
Secured parking
Wifi
Hot tub
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Private pool
Saltwater pool
Shallow end in pool
Yoga classes
Fitness / spa locker rooms
Fitness classes
Sauna
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Breakfast in the room
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Poolside bar
Aerobics offsite
Archery offsite
Bowling offsite
Canoeing offsite
Patio
Squash offsite
Tennis court offsite
Walking tours
Board games / puzzles
Children's playground
Kids' outdoor play equipment
Highchairs available
Airport transportation
Car hire
Taxi service
Conference facilities
Meeting rooms
Photo copier / fax In business center
Spa
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot massage
Full body massage
Hand massage
Head massage
Manicure
Massage
Massage chair
Neck massage
Pedicure
Waxing services
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Currency exchange
Gift shop
Mosquito net
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Shared lounge / TV area
Shops
Sun deck
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun terrace
Sun umbrellas
First aid kit
Umbrella
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
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Room features
Blackout curtains
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Desk
Coffee / tea maker
Flatscreen TV
Extra long beds
Walk-in shower
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Seating area
Telephone
Wardrobe / closet
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Laptop safe
Private bathrooms
Tile / marble floor
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Minibar
Refrigerator
Electric kettle
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
City view
Pool view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Trendy
Luxury
Languages Spoken
English, French, Swahili
346Reviews2Q+A64Room tips
Traveler rating
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Most Recent
Julian C wrote a review Sep 24
1 contribution
We came to Kigali to play a professional tennis tournament and were fortunate enough to book the Heaven Rwanda Boutique Hotel. It was exceptional. The service was wonderful, the food was excellent, and the hotel itself was immaculate. On every occasion, the staff looked to be as helpful as they could, making sure that we had whatever we needed. We would stay here again for sure and can highly recommend the hotel to any other prospective guests. Oliver Crawford – Five Star Review
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Jesse C wrote a review Mar 2023
Lancaster, Pennsylvania3 contributions1 helpful vote
Hotel's Favorite
This is probably the nicest hotel room I’ve ever stayed in. It is an incredible place to relax. There is a saltwater pool, spa with massage and sauna, amazing restaurants, etc. The staff were phenomenal. I will definitely be back.
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1 Helpful vote
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Response from Alissa Ruxin, Owner at The Retreat
Responded Apr 23, 2023
Dear Jesse, What a lovely review! Thank you for sharing this positive feedback with us, the team will be thrilled! Alissa
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jennifer J wrote a review Sep 23
5 contributions
We stayed at Heaven but used the facilities here and took a cocktail making class that was fantastic. The staff is amazing, helpful and very friendly. We met the owner and enjoyed chatting with her awhile. I highly recommend this place. Superb!
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Jenny J wrote a review Sep 19
Mountain View, California2 contributions
Ask for Jeanette for your massage. She is phenomenal! Best massage I’ve ever had. This was my second trip to Heaven. They were very accommodating to help us have a great experience. The staff is lovely and the breakfast is amazing.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Alissa Ruxin, Owner at The Retreat
Responded 1 week ago
Dear Joy, we will let Jeannette know you enjoyed the best massage of your life! We’re so glad you chose Heaven thank you!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
David D wrote a review Sep 19
Baltimore, Maryland2 contributions
We stayed 2 nights at The Retreat, a few days apart. The accommodations were stunning - beautiful and extremely comfortable. The staff is incredibly helpful and friendly. Food at The Fusion restaurant and Heaven restaurant were both excellent. One of the nicest hotels we-ve ever stayed at
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Alissa Ruxin, Owner at The Retreat
Responded 1 week ago
Lovely David! We deeply appreciate your positive feedback!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jennifer R wrote a review Sep 16
1 contribution
Loved it! The staff is incredibly friendly and customer service was top notch! Special shout out to Emma, Nina, Frank and everyone who took such great care of us!. Our room was stunning with a plunge pool, 2 outdoor showers and 1 indoor. Very spacious and clean! We had a delicious dinner at Fusion, the resort restaurant and Lucky made great cocktails for us.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip: Royal villa room was very nice.
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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washington_wahine wrote a review Sep 14
Seattle, Washington2760 contributions606 helpful votes
+1
Luckily for us, we had an agent who knew. Knew this was "the place" to stay in Kigali, with it's serene surroundings, luxurious comfort, and excellent dining. Knew this was just what we needed after a long flight, and after a long gorilla trek. Knew that a solid night's sleep and a bountiful breakfast buffet would bolster us for the next part of our African adventure. The story, the service, the mixologist - All superb. The trampoline, the neighborhood (hello Mr President), the local ingredients - all part of the charm. The birds singing, the jacarandas, the beautiful artwork - icing on the cake. The Retreat at Heaven is just as the name promises, and more.
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Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Helpful
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Response from Alissa Ruxin, Owner at The Retreat
Responded 1 week ago
We are delighted to receive this spectacular review of your time with us at The Retreat! Thank you for appreciating and mentioning all the special amenities, Flora, service, ambiance we have created in our little tropical haven in Kigali.
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Odinakachukwu E wrote a review Sep 11
San Francisco, California23 contributions35 helpful votes
I had the most amazing cooking class with Chef Mitari Smith making sambasa and fufu. It was so delicious!! I made banana flower salad with green papaya and mango as well as sambasa and fufu! Best spontaneous part of my trip to Rwanda aside from the gorilla trekking.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Alissa Ruxin, Owner at The Retreat
Responded 1 week ago
Yes! We are so glad you took advantage of our onsite local cooking class! It’s a great way to get to know the culture and local cuisine!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
elizabeth G wrote a review Sep 10
Kigali, Rwanda3 contributions
My second time having a staycation here and it was simply Divine .The comfortable bed , outdoor shower, the food was nice and fresh , The customer service Is the best so far in Kigali . I just wish they could add a live band once in a while for the in house guests to enjoy abit of cultural music as they sip on Wine 🍷 😁
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Alissa Ruxin, Owner at The Retreat
Responded 1 week ago
Thanks for choosing another staycation witb us, The Retreat has become a home away from home for many in our local community! We hope to welcome you back again!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Christopher C wrote a review Sep 1
4 contributions
This hotel is way overpriced. The bathrooms are dirty, and the overall vibe is closer to a hostel than a luxury hotel. I love hostels! But I don't want to pay hundreds of dollars for the privilege in staying in one. Other hotels in Kigali (I stayed in the Serena) offer a much better experience for less than half the price.
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Date of stay: June 2023Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Response from Alissa Ruxin, Owner at The Retreat
Responded 3 weeks ago
Hi there, it seems you did not, in fact, stay at The Retreat. Please check well what you have written has no specific basis and we could not find your name associated with any recent booking. We own two hotels, The Retreat, our luxury 5 star, and Heaven Boutique Hotel, our lovely 4 star next door. We offer many room types and price points for any budget and it seems from this very vague review you did not stay with us!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Kigali area.
PRICE RANGE
$435 - $707 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
RwandaKigali ProvinceKigali
NUMBER OF ROOMS
20
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THE RETREAT - Updated 2023 Prices & Hotel Reviews (Kigali, Rwanda)

Frequently Asked Questions about The Retreat
Which popular attractions are close to The Retreat?
Nearby attractions include Saint-Famille Church (0.3 miles), Azizi Life Boutique (0.03 miles), and Made In Heaven Botique (0.03 miles).
What are some of the property amenities at The Retreat?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at The Retreat?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at The Retreat?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at The Retreat?
Yes, free parking and secured parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Retreat?
Conveniently located restaurants include Fusion Restaurant, Heaven Restaurant & Boutique Hotel, and Khana Khazana.
Are there opportunities to exercise at The Retreat?
Yes, guests have access to a pool, a fitness center, and a sauna during their stay.
Does The Retreat have airport transportation?
Yes, The Retreat offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Is The Retreat located near the city center?
Yes, it is 0.3 miles away from the center of Kigali.
Are any cleaning services offered at The Retreat?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does The Retreat offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to meeting rooms and conference facilities during their stay.