One&Only Nyungwe House
Nyungwe, Rwanda
Gisakura
Vibe
Intimate wooden villas sit perched among tea rows and ancient canopy, where evenings revolve around crackling firepits and traditional dance.
“Rainforest tea plantation hideaway”
Forest-facing villas with tailored multi-course dining, personalized minibar restocking, fireplace setups, and dedicated post-trek gear care.
All-inclusive estate activities featuring guided primate tracking, canopy walks, spear throwing, hilltop archery, and outdoor firepit dinners.
Set inside a working tea estate with daily harvesting workshops, single-origin tea ceremonies, and traditional dance performances.
In Gisakura on a working tea plantation bordering the ancient canopy of Nyungwe Forest National Park.
“A plantation house on the edge of one of Africa's oldest rainforests, surrounded by working tea fields still harvested by the local Gisakura cooperative.”
Rooms
Every timber-clad suite includes an open eucalyptus fireplace, a deep soaking tub, and a cantilevered deck facing the misty canopy.
“the intimate 22-room property is set within a working tea plantation steps from Nyungwe Forest National Park, one of the oldest and largest forests in Africa.”
Wellness
A heated infinity pool cantilevers over tea fields, beside an open-air yoga deck and spa therapies starting on forest swings.
“Nestled within a working tea plantation at the edge of the pristine Nyungwe Forest National Park, this luxury lodge is one of the most upscale hotels in Rwanda.”
Backstory
Opened in 2018 on the historic Gisakura tea estate, the lodge borders one of the oldest montane rainforests in Africa.
“The sprawling One&Only retreat, with its 22 one- and two-bedroom suites, is a destination unto itself.”
Eat & drink
Daily menus draw from the chef garden, while the fireside Tea Lounge serves cocktails infused with estate-harvested black tea.
The neighborhood
Nyungwe Forest National Park borders the estate, offering high canopy suspension bridges and guided treks tracking resident chimpanzee troops.
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.