Luxury hospitality and travel group Hemingways Hospitality has expanded into Rwanda through the acquisition of Heaven Holdings, which includes The Retreat Hotel, Fusion Restaurant, Heaven Restaurant, Heaven Boutique Hotel, and Heaven Experiences, its tour operating arm.
This marks Hemingways Collection’s fifth hotel property and its first outside Kenya.
Founded in Kenya in 1988, Hemingways Hospitality has grown into a leading luxury boutique hotel brand and East Africa’s largest corporate travel management company.
Rwanda’s Tourism Growth Potential
CEO Ross Evans said the expansion into Rwanda represents a significant growth opportunity for tourism in one of the region’s premier luxury destinations.
He stated, “Welcoming an established African luxury hospitality brand into Rwanda is a milestone that reflects both our commitment to regional growth and the immense potential of Rwanda’s tourism sector. We look forward to working closely with the talented team at Heaven and The Retreat to elevate hospitality standards in Kigali.”
Heaven Holdings: Pioneering Luxury Hospitality in Rwanda
Heaven Holdings, established by American public health professionals Alissa and Josh Ruxin, pioneered Rwanda’s luxury hospitality sector with Heaven Restaurant in 2008 and The Retreat in 2018.
The group has trained and employed over 3,500 Rwandans, significantly impacting the local community and tourism industry. Their properties have hosted high-profile dignitaries, including King Charles and Princess Camilla.
On the transition, Alissa and Josh Ruxin remarked, “After years of nurturing Heaven Holdings, we are confident that Hemingways Hospitality’s expertise and regional presence will take our legacy to new heights, allowing us to focus on other passion projects while ensuring the continued growth of Rwanda’s luxury hospitality.”
Gahigiro Capital Ltd. acted as exclusive financial advisor for the transaction, marking its first hospitality sector deal and highlighting Rwanda’s attractiveness to regional investors.
A representative from Gahigiro Capital noted, “This landmark transaction underscores the growing investor confidence in Rwanda’s dynamic market and the promising opportunities within the hospitality sector.”
This acquisition strengthens regional tourism integration and reinforces Rwanda’s status as a luxury tourism destination, with Hemingways poised to bring its trusted reputation and extensive network to the Rwandan market.