Hemingways Hospitality, a leading luxury hospitality group based in Nairobi, has officially entered the Rwandan market with the acquisition of Heaven Holdings, a respected hospitality and tourism company based in Kigali. This strategic move marks the group’s first expansion outside of Kenya and introduces its fifth property under the Hemingways Collection portfolio.
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The acquisition includes a comprehensive suite of assets previously operated by Heaven Holdings. These comprise The Retreat, a five-star boutique hotel; Heaven Boutique Hotel; Fusion Restaurant; Heaven Restaurant; and Heaven Experiences, a tour operating division offering curated Rwandan experiences. With this addition, Hemingways brings its established legacy of high-end service and refined guest experiences into one of Africa’s fastest-growing tourism destinations.
Heaven Holdings was founded in 2008 by Alissa and Josh Ruxin, an American couple with a background in public health. Over the years, they developed the brand into a recognized leader in Rwandan hospitality, starting with Heaven Restaurant and expanding to hotel operations with Heaven Boutique Hotel in 2011 and The Retreat in 2018. The Retreat, a 20-room luxury property with pool villas and a wellness-oriented, farm-to-table dining concept, has earned accolades for its design and service. Together, these properties have helped shape Kigali’s image as a modern destination for high-end travel, while also contributing to community development by training and employing over 3,500 local staff.
For Hemingways Hospitality, this expansion is a calculated step aligned with its broader vision to provide seamless luxury travel experiences across East Africa. The group, known for its exclusive properties in Kenya, including in Nairobi and the Masai Mara, is now set to integrate its brand standards into the Rwandan hospitality landscape. The acquisition also reflects the company’s recognition of Rwanda’s emergence as a key player in African tourism, known for its safety, infrastructure, and conservation-led travel experiences.
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The deal was facilitated by Gahigiro Capital Ltd., a Kigali-based investment advisory firm. It marks Gahigiro’s first transaction in the hospitality sector and underscores the growing investor interest in Rwanda’s tourism economy. The Ruxins, who are stepping away from ownership to pursue new ventures within Rwanda, have expressed confidence in Hemingways’ ability to uphold the legacy and values built into Heaven Holdings over the past 16 years.
This transition is expected to bring fresh operational synergies and heightened visibility to Rwanda’s boutique tourism offerings. With the backing of a trusted African hospitality brand, the former Heaven Holdings portfolio is positioned to attract a broader segment of regional and international travelers seeking personalized, high-quality service.
As Hemingways assumes control of day-to-day operations and long-term strategic planning, the focus will shift toward refining guest experiences, maintaining staff excellence, and deepening Rwanda’s connection to East Africa’s growing luxury tourism circuit. The acquisition marks a significant chapter in the evolution of African-owned hospitality and reinforces the potential of cross-border investment within the continent.
