Our Story

In 2008, Alissa & Josh Ruxin built Heaven – Kigali’s first international restaurant and hospitality training facility. Since then they have trained over 3000 Rwandans and expanded to two hotels and restaurants. At the heart of our approach is an authentic and tailored Rwandan experience delivered by an inspired team. Everything we offer was custom-built by local craftspeople and showcases Rwandan arts, photography, experiences, and agriculture. Our book, written by Josh, “A Thousand Hills to Heaven: Love, Hope and a Restaurant in Rwanda”, is available on Amazon.

Alissa & Josh Ruxin, Owners

Alissa Ruxin moved to Rwanda 17 years ago on her honeymoon and never left. Raised in San Francisco, she’s a natural foodie, and educated in public health with a focus on wellness, Alissa landed in Kigali ready to work with the community on improving health for all.

While volunteering with orphans, Alissa saw a great need for vocational training and job creation, so she shifted gears, and built Heaven-Rwanda’s leading restaurant and hospitality training facility. Since opening in 2008, Heaven has trained over 2,500 Rwandans in customer service, culinary and hospitality management skills.

Over the years, she expanded the business to include the top-ranked 28-room Heaven Boutique Hotel. In 2014, she was the feature of A Thousand Hills to Heaven: Love, Hope and a Restaurant in Rwanda – a book penned by her husband and co-owner, Josh. Keen to develop a new luxury property for discerning travelers to Kigali, Alissa began construction of The Retreat – Kigali’s most luxurious, eco-friendly and intimate high-end property. Alissa worked with a team of Italian architects and Rwandan builders and technicians to bring The Retreat to life. Since opening The Retreat in 2018 and her second restaurant, Fusion, Alissa has continued to expand its footprint and offerings. Today, The Retreat, which includes 8 new luxury pool villas, has a total of 20 rooms.

Josh’s interest in great food and service have long been a passion, and he spends summers cooking massive multi-course dinners for his extended family and friends. During Heaven’s first years he was at various times a bartender, rear waiter, busboy, front waiter, maitre de, and executive chef.

Experiences

a playground for the senses

With its enviable location in the heart of the city, two restaurants and facilities galore, Heaven Rwanda offers up endless things to do.

Offers & Promotions

limited time indulgences

The perfect reason to embark on your African adventure, or experience our culinary delights.

Our Community

Heaven is helping Rwanda develop its most important resource: its people.

Ethical sourcing

Supporting hundreds of farmers, suppliers, artisans, and technicians.

service excellence

Investing in future hospitality leaders since 2008.

"Exiting COVID in the USA and arriving at the RETREAT was the perfect beginning to our Rwanda adventure. The entire staff was welcoming and made the first day of quarantine a blissful experience. The food was amazing-- I especially loved the eggplant stack and the grilled avocado salad. The gym was a wonderful find after the 16 hour flight! and so clean and sanitized constantly. Alissa and Josh have made Rwanda not only their home but one for all travelers!!! Be sure to read Josh's book A Thousand Hills to Heaven--- you will feel very at home in their company!!"

"I've stayed at Heaven Hotel several times, and each time, it feels like returning home. The team at Heaven is so friendly, and their kindness made our recent stay very enjoyable, even in an unusual season traveling during covid. Seeing some of the same employees over the years, and always being welcomed back with such warmth, makes us want to keep returning. Wonderful service, beautiful grounds, great gym, and one of the best breakfasts around in Kigali"

"This is a wonderful boutique hotel and restaurant that is in the heart of the city but feels like a forest retreat. Service is excellent. Rooms clean, comfortable, and beautifully appointed. Restaurant service and food are fantastic. They provide driver service and tours upon request. Service across the board is excellent. I highly recommend Heaven Restaurant and Hotel."

"I cannot praise the restaurant enough. There is a reason it has the reputation as the best restaurant in Kigali. Ranging from the amazing cocktails mixed by the equally amazing Gisele to the delicious international cuisine that melted on your tongue, The only regret I personally have is that I did not venture out more to other restaurants as I got hooked on the delicious food from the Heaven restaurant. The staff was amazing and always had time to make sure you were enjoying yourself. Emanuel was a great server who made sure that all your culinary wishes were taken care of and that you enjoyed your stay"

"We only stayed 1 night and arrived late - wish we had stayed longer. A 3 night stay would be perfect. The rooms are gorgeous and the restaurant and bar area around the pool is swoonable. The story of the owner's journey to settle in Rwanda is inspiring. They have the book on sale at the hotel - or download on Kindle. The book really puts the hotel and the country in a context that we found very useful. They are doubling the number of rooms on the adjacent property. It's supposed to be done by this summer. Great location! Wonderful staff!"

Welcome to Heaven! We are home to The Retreat, Fusion Restaurant, Heaven Restaurant & Heaven Boutique Hotel. Heaven Rwanda is more than restaurants and two boutique hotels, we are a social enterprise.