Poolside Reflections at Dereva Hotel
It was a beautiful, sunny Saturday afternoon in Rwamagana, Eastern Province of Rwanda. I was unwinding at Dereva Hotel, lounging by the pool with a tropical drink in hand. The pool was alive with activity—some guests playfully splashing in the shallow end, while others swam with the precision and focus of Olympic hopefuls.
Around the pool, a mix of patrons relaxed in deck chairs, savoring their favorite beverages under the warmth of the sun. The garden cabanas were all occupied, each hosting small groups enjoying the lively ambiance. The service team moved briskly from one table to the next, arms full of colorful drinks and plates of food. The atmosphere was lighthearted and festive—pure weekend bliss.
Earlier that day, before the poolside revelry kicked in, Dereva Hotel had transformed into a vibrant literary haven. Seated by the pool, I hosted four outdoor book club sessions as part of the Turning Pages series—an initiative that brings travel literature closer to readers while sparking curiosity about the world around them.
The participants gathered around my table, books in hand, eager to engage. Their conversations punctuated by laughter, thoughtful pauses, and the occasional splash from the pool. It was a rare blend of leisure and learning—one that perfectly aligned with Dereva Hotel’s welcoming spirit and commitment to community enrichment.
The participants gathered around my table, books in hand, eager to engage.
This particular edition, aptly dubbed Turning Pages: Dereva Edition, was hosted and sponsored by the hotel itself. Situated in Rwamagana District, Dereva is one of the most iconic hospitality landmarks in the area, known not only for its excellent service and spacious 75-room capacity, but also for hosting high-level meetings, workshops, and events. Its strategic location along the route to Akagera National Park makes it a favorite stopover for tourists heading east.
On that memorable Saturday, however, it was all about books, ideas, and meaningful exchange. The four featured titles—Nyamasheke Unveiled, The Akagera Expedition, Six Hours in Accra, and Turning Pages: Nobleza Edition—took us on journeys across Rwanda and beyond. Each session was more than a reading; it was an open invitation to explore, reflect, and connect.
Before I unwrapped the books I had brought for the sessions, I took time to tour the entire hotel. From the restaurant and bar to the wellness facilities and guest rooms, every corner of Dereva Hotel spoke volumes about thoughtful investment and hospitality excellence. Guided by the manager, Mr. Jean Paul Niyonizeye, I explored the vast property with a keen eye, impressed not only by the infrastructure but also by the hotel’s tangible role in job creation and tourism development in the region. The staff's professionalism and attention to detail reflected a culture of service that sets Dereva apart.
Adjacent to Dereva Hotel stands St. Agnes, another accommodation facility that now serves as an extension of Dereva. This partnership has significantly boosted the hotel’s hosting capacity, enabling it to accommodate larger groups and events with ease. As I walked between the two establishments, it became clear that Dereva is more than just a place to spend the night—it’s a key player in the region’s hospitality ecosystem. The tour gave me a deeper appreciation for the space in which the day’s literary sessions would unfold, and reaffirmed why Dereva Hotel was the perfect host for this edition of Turning Pages.
From the restaurant and bar to the wellness facilities and guest rooms, every corner of Dereva Hotel spoke volumes about thoughtful investment and hospitality excellence.
As I lounged by the pool, quenching my thirst, I took a moment to fine-tune my itinerary for the days ahead. From the heart of Rwamagana town, I was set to explore two nearby gems—Lake Muhazi and Akagera National Park. In that instant, it dawned on me just how conveniently located Dereva Hotel is for anyone seeking to experience both the serenity of the lake and the wild beauty of the savannah.
While mapping out my next steps, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction. My time in Rwamagana had been well spent—promoting literature, supporting local tourism, and still finding space to relax and recharge. It was the perfect blend of purpose and pleasure, and Dereva Hotel had provided the ideal backdrop for it all.
As I reminisce about that day at Dereva Hotel, I am actually turning the pages of a publication titled Turning Pages: Dereva Edition. It is an overview of the discussions that took place on the said day—a written reflection of the stories we shared, the ideas we exchanged, and the inspiration that lingered long after the sessions ended. I would like to thank Dereva Hotel for generously sponsoring the sessions, and the participants for their vibrant contributions that helped shape this new edition. The said edition will now join the growing collection used in the Turning Pages initiative, continuing our mission to explore, document, and celebrate the richness of travel through literature.
As I reminisce about that day at Dereva Hotel, I am actually turning the pages of a publication titled Turning Pages: Dereva Edition.