Hemingways Retreat Kigali
CEDARBERG RATING
Luxury
Overview
Tucked away in Kigali’s leafy Kiyovu neighbourhood, Hemingways Retreat Kigali is Rwanda’s first eco-conscious luxury boutique hotel, an elegant urban sanctuary where sustainability and hospitality come together. Just minutes from the city centre and close to cultural and historical landmarks, it offers the perfect base for exploring Kigali’s vibrant markets, art galleries, and memorial sites, while providing a peaceful retreat at the end of the day.
Easily reached on direct daily flights from Nairobi, with only a smooth 20-minute transfer from Kigali International Airport, the hotel allows guests to slip effortlessly from city to sanctuary. Now part of the Hemingways Collection, Hemingways Retreat Kigali remains true to its distinctive spirit, blending Rwandan warmth and contemporary design with a deep respect for wellness, community, and the environment. Here, every stay feels immersive, authentic, and serene.
With just 20 individually designed rooms, the property pairs handcrafted Rwandan details with modern comforts such as private patios, outdoor showers, and locally sourced furnishings. A heated saltwater pool, farm-to-table dining at the acclaimed Fusion Restaurant, a yoga and wellness studio, and curated cultural experiences further enrich the stay, connecting guests with the heart and soul of Kigali. Whether beginning or concluding a Rwandan journey, Hemingways Retreat Kigali offers a stay that is rooted in purpose and elevated by elegance.
The Lounge offers all Retreat guests a lovely space for sundowners and bites, with fireplace, cozy seating, local decor and an expansive outdoor deck. On special request, we may also setup a private dining experience on The Lounge deck.
Dining at Hemingways Retreat Kigali
Here you have a choice of 2 restaurants, one on site and a sister restaurant next door. Fusion Restaurant at The Retreat takes culinary traditions from around the globe and Rwandan ingredients and blends them into a single harmonious offering. Perched beside The Retreat's glorious saltwater pool, rock gardens and native plantings, Fusion is an elegant spot to explore new flavours and experience first-class hospitality. In addition to the a la carte menu, Fusion also offers an exquisite 6 Course tasting menu with wine pairing or a festive Urban Bush Dinner with Rwandan Live Cooking and optional Traditional Dancers for groups of 6+ guests (with advanced reservation). innovative modern Rwandan & pan-African cuisine using fresh local ingredients.
Heaven Restaurant is known as a hospitality training facility and cultural venue serving a unique modern African menu! The owners, Josh and Alissa Ruxin, custom built and opened Heaven in 2008 to offer vocational training and employment for Rwandans to become leaders in hospitality. They have trained over 3,000 Rwandans in culinary and customer service skills and continue to train interns and others with a passion to build a career in hospitality. They are known for their famous guacamole and signature Cassava Leaf Beef Filet and also for their incredible homemade cocktails! They host cultural events from art exhibits to dance performances and support Made in Rwanda products in our retail areas. They have our own organic onsite garden!
At A Glance
Good Food & Wine
Swimming pool
Private Plunge Pool
Restaurants
Spa
Wifi on premises
In Pictures
Hemingways Retreat Kigali on the map
Rooms
Deluxe King Room
The Deluxe King Rooms are a peaceful sanctuary with handcrafted Rwandan design, they feature a plush king bed, walk-in rain shower, locally made furniture and a private patio opening onto lush gardens. It’s a serene base for solo travellers, couples, or wellness-focused stays in the capital.
Superior King Suite
The Superior King Suites combine indoor comfort with outdoor charm, these larger suites include a king bedroom, separate living space, and shaded patio. Rain showers, locally sourced textiles, and calming earth tones create a setting for restorative travel and slow living.
Luxury Pool Villa
The Luxury Pool Villa is a secluded residence that includes a master bedroom, living and dining area, kitchen, and private plunge pool. Personalised service, garden surroundings, and curated interiors offer an exclusive experience rooted in modern African luxury.
The Retreat in Kigali – staff review
The Retreat is probably my first choice in terms of Kigali Hotels. As it has a little bit more character and life compared to the larger branded hotels such as the Serena or Marriott. It offers good-sized contemporary rooms with a minimalist feel to them. In the Superior rooms, there’s a lovely stylish bathroom with an indoor shower which leads out into the outdoor shower. This in turn leads out to a small courtyard garden with comfy chairs.
