best bed: Bisate Lodge, Volcanoes National Park, Rwanda

Not quite hidden on 42 acres, Bisates’ recognizable, inspirational luxury huts are scattered up the mountainside overlooking Mt. Bisoke. Bilbo Baggins would have felt right at home in any of these 6 oh so comfortable, everything you need individual suites. The lodge opened in 2017 and was a first  for super high end sustainable luxury in Rwanda. Designed by the South American architect, Nick Plewman to be as eco-friendly as possible. He was inspired by Rwandan tradition; determined to use local product whenever possible in the construction and the décor. Napkins and staff uniforms are made from traditional ‘Kitenge’ fabrics, Ibbyansi milk jugs are on the tables, chandeliers are made from recycled bottles. The huts look like they are covered with straw, but it is actually recycled plastic…more durable and long lasting. While most visitors use the lodge as a base for exploring the gorillas (its only 20 minutes to the park headquarters) planting a tree is another must do. Bisante is focused on conservation and restoration of the forest. Every tree planter is given the GPS coordinates of their tree. You can check in on google maps and see how it is doing! In a dream world gorillas will one be seen from your balcony. Evenings begin with lounging on large leather couches with a cocktail in front of the fire. All meals are included. The food is delicious and healthy with great options. The staff, most of them local, could not be more kind and helpful. My in-room massage was heaven. My only caveat…there are lots of stairs that would be a challenge for someone with mobility issues.

 Number of Rooms: 6

Sweet Suite: All rooms are the same, inspired by Rwandan Royal residences… walls of woven grass matting, wooden floors & bamboo balcony. They have large black bathtubs, walk in showers and log burning fires. They are spacious, comfortable and insanely instagramable. As is the entire resort.

Favorite Thing: The hot water bottle tucked into your sheets. Rwanda is at quite high elevation so not the hot Africa you might expect from the movies. Nights can be quite cool. The hot water bottle is a perfect example of Bisate’s attention to detail & thoughtfulness

Near By: Volcanoes National Park with the gorillas & Golden Monkeys, Diane Fossey’s grave, guided visits to local communities, 178 bird species, buffalo, elephants, hiking in the rain forest

Amenities: nature trails, nursery & tree planting to help with reforestation, massages in rooms, bar, small boutique

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