The Retreat by Heaven
rwanda, rwanda · ★★★★★
The Verdict
Worth it for your honeymoon?
The Retreat is the boutique 20-suite arrival/departure base for any well-planned Rwanda honeymoon — Africa's first 100% carbon-neutral hotel, run by Josh and Alissa Ruxin who founded Heaven Restaurant next door. Solar power, salt-water pool, organic kitchen garden, walking distance to the Genocide Memorial. The Kiyovu neighbourhood is residential and quiet; this is not a city-centre Marriott.
- ✓Prioritise spa & wellness
- →Need a strictly adults-only resort
- →Want a direct beachfront
- →Prefer boutique & intimate properties
Score Breakdown
88/100
Book Your Stay
Check availability
We compare The Retreat across partners and redirect to the cheapest option.
At a Glance
Room Recommendation
Which room to book
The Pool Suite has direct access to the salt-water pool deck and a private courtyard. The Junior Suites are excellent value with king beds and rainforest-style outdoor showers. The Honeymoon Suite (when available) has a four-poster bed and the largest tub.
No Surprises
True cost breakdown — 7 nights for two
Based on mid-range rooms, premium-economy flights from Europe, full dining and signature experiences. Adjust for your actual travel profile.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Room (7 nights avg $650/nt) | $4,550 |
| Flights (2 pax, economy/premium) | $1,800 |
| Airport transfers / seaplane | $200 |
| Dining & drinks (beyond room) | $6,825 |
| Excursions & experiences | $700 |
| Spa / signature treatments | $600 |
| Tips & service (8%) | $910 |
| Total estimated | $15,585 |
Day by Day
Your 7-night honeymoon itinerary
Arrival night before gorilla trek
Land at KGL, 25 min to the hotel. Welcome dinner at Heaven Restaurant next door — Rwandan ingredients (cassava leaves, tilapia, isombe) cooked with international training. Early to bed for tomorrow's drive to Volcanoes.
Transfer to Volcanoes / Kinigi
Pre-dawn breakfast. 2.5h drive to Volcanoes lodges (Bisate, One&Only, Sabyinyo, Singita). Hand off to your gorilla-trek lodge for the next 3-4 nights.
Volcanoes Park (at trek lodge)
First gorilla trek from your Volcanoes lodge.
Volcanoes Park (at trek lodge)
Golden monkey trek + community visit.
Volcanoes Park (at trek lodge)
Second gorilla trek + Dian Fossey grave hike.
Return to The Retreat in Kigali
Drive back to Kigali (2.5h). Arrive by lunch. Afternoon at the salt-water pool, organic-garden tour, couples' massage in the spa. Dinner at Heaven — order the Rwandan tasting menu.
Genocide Memorial + departure
Morning visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial (15 min walk) — challenging but essential. Lunch at the memorial gardens café. Afternoon at Inema Arts Center for Rwandan contemporary art. Evening departure flight from KGL.
Honest Assessment
What to know before you book
Boutique 20-suite size — Wi-Fi can be patchy in some suites; ask for Pool Suite range.
Kigali altitude (1,500m) — generally comfortable but plan for cool evenings (15°C).
Heaven Restaurant is excellent but room service menu is limited; eat downstairs.
Carbon-neutral commitment means no air conditioning — fans only (climate makes this fine).
20-min walk to most other restaurants; Uber/Move is the easiest evening transport.
Pre-Arrival
Email to send the hotel
Subject: Honeymoon booking inquiry — The Retreat by Heaven Dear team, We are planning our honeymoon and are interested in staying at The Retreat from [DATE] to [DATE] (arrival + departure nights of a Volcanoes Park trip). Could you advise on availability for a Pool Suite, the Heaven Restaurant tasting menu, and a private Genocide Memorial guide? Thank you, [Names]
Send 2 weeks before arrival. Fill in names, dates, and preferences. Hotels respond to personalised requests.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Good for honeymooners?
Excellent as the city bookend of a gorilla trip — boutique scale, romantic salt-water pool, and the meaningful Heaven Restaurant story. Not the destination itself, but the perfect punctuation.
Best time to visit?
Year-round — Kigali sits at altitude with mild climate (18–25°C). Avoid March–May rains for outdoor Memorial garden visits.
Book in advance?
3–4 months for honeymoon dates; the Pool Suite books fastest.
Adults-only?
No, but boutique scale and quiet residential location make it adult-leaning in practice.
Best room type?
Pool Suite for the private deck; Junior Suite for value; Honeymoon Suite when available for the four-poster.
How to get there?
Fly to Kigali (KGL — direct from Brussels, Doha, Addis, Amsterdam, Nairobi). 25 min hotel transfer included.
Same Vibe, Different Destination
