Overview
Soak up the warmth of Rwanda's people
Set on a quiet, tree-lined street in Kiyovu, this eco-friendly boutique hotel is the creation of Italian architects and local craftsmanship.
Choose between 12 spacious rooms and suites, or eight luxury pool villas complete with private saltwater, heated plunge pools. The rooms feature locally-made sustainable teak furniture. Your private butler will be on hand to ensure you have everything you need, and your tours will be customised to fit your individual interests.
Discover culinary traditions from around the world at the fine dining restaurant Fusion, where Rwandan ingredients are used to create global flavours.
Facts
At a glance
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20 villas and rooms with plunge pools
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Swimming pool
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Restaurant
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Spa and gym
Experiences
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Art and culture tour
Art has played an important role in Rwanda’s history and remains an integral part of modern life. Your Art and Culture tour will be customised to suit your interests and you’ll have the opportunity to meet contemporary artists in Kigali as well as attend a crafting workshop, view public art and enjoy traditional performances.
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Nature in Kigali
Head out into nature and enjoy the tropical birdlife and plants. An easy hike up one of the Thousand Hills will take you through lush forests and reward you with stunning views and a picnic lunch once you reach the top.
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Culinary tour
On this culinary adventure you’ll get to taste local fruits at a farmers’ market and pick ingredients to create contemporary African dishes. You’ll have the chance to make Rwandan banana beer (urwagwa), and enjoy a private cooking class with a chef. You may even convince the bartenders to teach you how to create a cocktail or two.
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Local Life - Kigali city walking tour
Go on a fascinating walking tour through a local neighbourhood where you’ll get to meet owners of hair salons and tailors, browse markets and stop in at resto-bars. You’ll even be welcomed into a Rwandan family’s home to enjoy lunch with them.
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Coffee master class
Enjoy a short lesson on the history of coffee, learning all about the entire production process, from the growth and harvesting of cherries to the roasting of the beans. And to top it off you’ll get to taste coffees from all over the country, and even create your own custom blend.
Community & Culture
Heaven Restaurant is a hospitality training facility that the owners, Josh and Alissa Ruxin, opened to offer vocational training and employment to locals. Over 1,000 hospitality staff have been trained in culinary and customer service skills. The restaurant hosts various cultural events, including art exhibitions and dance performances. The Retreat also stocks local products in its retail space.
Footprint
Known as Kigali’s first eco-friendly resort, The Retreat uses solar electricity, organic toiletries and boasts locally crafted future made using sustainably sourced teak.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
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Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
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Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
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Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
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Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.