Kigali, Rwanda
Hemingways Retreat
A sophisticated and intimate luxury boutique hotel in Rwanda’s capital city, Hemingways Retreat is a refined contemporary urban sanctuary where sustainability and warm hospitality come together.
A sophisticated and intimate luxury boutique hotel in Rwanda’s capital city, Hemingways Retreat is a refined contemporary urban sanctuary where sustainability and warm hospitality come together.
A sophisticated and intimate luxury boutique hotel in Rwanda’s capital city, Hemingways Retreat is a refined contemporary urban sanctuary where sustainability and warm hospitality come together.
A sophisticated and intimate luxury boutique hotel in Rwanda’s capital city, Hemingways Retreat is a refined contemporary urban sanctuary where sustainability and warm hospitality come together.
Location
Tucked away amid the foliage of Kigali's leafy Kiyovu neighbourhood , Hemingways Retreat offers a peaceful sanctuary within the city. Just minutes from the vibrant centre, it provides easy access to bustling markets, contemporary art galleries, a thriving culinary scene, and historical landmarks, making it an ideal base for cultural exploration. The retreat balances convenience with tranquillity, ensuring guests can immerse themselves in Kigali’s energy while returning to calm surroundings at day’s end.
A short 20‑minute transfer from Kigali International Airport adds to its accessibility, while proximity to historical and cultural landmarks highlights its privileged position in Rwanda’s dynamic capital.
A short 20‑minute transfer from Kigali International Airport adds to its accessibility, while proximity to historical and cultural landmarks highlights its privileged position in Rwanda’s dynamic capital.
Accommodation
A few decades ago, anything undeniably excellent might have been summed up as “lush”; ideally in a Geordie accent. Step into Hemingways Retreat in Kigali and you’ll feel compelled to revive that word, because everything here is quietly, unmistakably wonderful. Its environmental ethos runs deep, its staff radiate warmth, and its rooms are refined sanctuaries of calm. The food is inventive and beautifully presented, while the setting itself – banana palms swaying around a cool saltwater pool – creates a haven that is, quite literally, lush.
Cities are busy and exciting places, and Kigali is no exception, which is why tranquil places within them are so important. The whole of Hemingways retreat is such an oasis, but within it are the guestrooms – just 20 of them in three categories – that are the core of the experience.
Cities are busy and exciting places, and Kigali is no exception, which is why tranquil places within them are so important. The whole of Hemingways retreat is such an oasis, but within it are the guestrooms – just 20 of them in three categories – that are the core of the experience.
Purpose built for modern comfort, the common features of the rooms are earthy tones, vaulted ceilings, plentiful sustainable teak, and air‑conditioned comfort. Sliding doors open onto spacious balconies or shady patios. For indulgence, the luxury pool villa offers its own plunge pool and indoor/outdoor showers, while the King Suite impresses with front and rear patios and two tubs for soaking.
Communal spaces are equally refined. At the heart of the grounds lies that pool, bordered by flourishing gardens and shaded terraces. The acclaimed Fusion Restaurant delivers a farm‑to‑table dining experience, blending local ingredients with global techniques, complemented by a stylish bar and lounge for relaxed gatherings. Guests can unwind in open‑air seating areas or stroll landscaped gardens that frame the retreat in tranquillity. Wellness facilities include a yoga and fitness studio in an open‑sided pavilion, designed for restorative balance. All in all, it's lush.
Communal spaces are equally refined. At the heart of the grounds lies that pool, bordered by flourishing gardens and shaded terraces. The acclaimed Fusion Restaurant delivers a farm‑to‑table dining experience, blending local ingredients with global techniques, complemented by a stylish bar and lounge for relaxed gatherings. Guests can unwind in open‑air seating areas or stroll landscaped gardens that frame the retreat in tranquillity. Wellness facilities include a yoga and fitness studio in an open‑sided pavilion, designed for restorative balance. All in all, it's lush.
Experiences
- Explore Kigali’s thriving art scene by taking guided visits to galleries and artisan workshops; often with hands-on crafting opportunities, and always with the chance to collect unique souvenirs. Walks to see public art, including iconic murals, are recommended.
- Take a cooking class and market tour. You’ll shop for fresh ingredients in Kigali’s markets, then learn to prepare traditional Rwandan recipes before enjoying a shared lunch.
- Discover local tipples. Secrets of making banana wine will be unveiled, and you’ll join a cocktail class before indulging in a tasting menu on the deck with expertly paired beverages.
- It’s essential to visit the Nyamata Genocide Memorial and reconciliation journey. You’ll visit this powerful former church, then meet the Bugesera community to witness resilience and reconciliation shaping modern Rwanda.
- Take a helicopter flight to Volcanoes National Park. Soar over Rwanda’s landscapes before trekking to encounter the legendary mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
- Go for a nature walk up Mount Kigali. Wander through restored green spaces, including Nyandungu Eco Park and Umusambi Village, home to rescued grey crowned cranes.
- Relax and be pampered in the Hemingway Retreat spa. We recommend the full body scrub and massage.
Positive Impact
We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to:We prioritise working with properties that collaborate with local communities and address location-specific needs from education to anti-poaching. We assess our partners to ensure the people we work with share our values of ensuring our trips continue to act as a force for good. Here we share some of the positive impacts your stay here contributes to:
Environment
Hemingways Retreat is Kigali’s first entirely eco-friendly, solar-powered resort, featuring hand crafted locally sourced sustainable teak wood furniture, plastic-free practices, an environmentally friendly saltwater swimming pool: in fact, numerous things that make for low-impact luxury.
Community
Hemingways Retreat partners with organisations such as Women’s Bakery, Azizi Life and MindLeaps in their commitment to improve the lives of women and youth in the local area. Across Rwanda and Kenya, the parent company of Hemingways Retreat employs more than 1,000 staff from local communities.
Conservation
Hemingways Collection, the parent company of Hemingways Retreat, supports wildlife conservation across East Africa, partnering with local organisations such as the Naboisho Conservancy. At Hemingways Retreat, this takes the form of supporting gorilla protection in the Volcanoes National Park of Rwanda.
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