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The Riverwood Forest Retreat – Dooars is located on the fringes of the Gorumara National Park at the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas in Northern West Bengal. The resort was started in 2008 by Waxpol Hotels and Resorts and offers guests an opportunity to experience the vast open grasslands, riverine forests, swamps, woodlands, and streams that make up the terrain of the region. The Retreat is located along the banks of the River Murti opposite the Gorumara National Park that is renowned for its Indian One Horned Rhinoceros, Elephant, Indian Gaur (Bison), Muntjac and Leopard population along with other wild animals. The jungle resort has played an important role in pioneering sustainable wildlife tourism in the Dooars region and implemented various eco-friendly processes to adhere to the local ecology. We have successfully incorporated rain water harvesting to fulfil the water requirements at the resort. We have grown indigenous plant species in the surrounding land to make it into a haven for bird and insects. We have also built a migratory bird pond that is visited by endemic and migratory birds. The resort is located in an area that is frequently visited by elephants. The property design of ground plus one allows guests to view the vast expanses of the forest and the wildlife. There are 12 stylishly furnished rooms and the decor makes use of locally sourced materials where possible. The menu at our multi-cuisine restaurant comprises of dishes inspired by the various communities that inhabit the Dooars region. Our chefs utilise locally sourced ingredients as much as possible. International cuisine is served on request as well. Guests can relax by the outdoor pool or jacuzzi and enjoy a sundowner at the Hornbill Bar in the evening. The resort also has a large outdoor garden area that is popular for hosting soirees.
Firstly thanks to the hotel staff for making our stay comfortable and glitch free. Though the name is forest retreat it's not technically inside a forest, but a forest exists inside the retreat. At night when you don't get to see the paddy field right next to the compund, the ambience completely resembles that of an actual forest resort. River Murti is a kilometer or so away. But it's difficult to access as u have to walk through a lot of vegetation. The resort boasts of its own personal lake and fishes served in its restaurant come from it, as claimed by the staff. Coming to the staff, the resort has a group extremely dedicated, well behaved and helpful staff. My personal thanks to one particular staff ( Don't know name) who helped me out in fixing my camera. The resort has its own pool where u can jump in anytime of the day and find clean water. There is a bar that is more or less well stocked. A snooker board, a well maintained gymn and a small reading space are its other amenities.So if u are bored in the evening u will have plenty of things to do apart from watching TV in your room. Coming to the rooms, they are simply luxurious and extremely well furnished. The bathroom is well maintained. All equipments, right from the geyser to body wash dispenser were working properly. Fresh toiletries are furnished everyday so don't bother to pack tooth brush or paste, if u plan to stay here. The restaurant serves good continental dishes, Chinese cuisine being it's speciality. But quality of Bong dishes was somewhat lacking. The complimentary breakfast is awesome and heavy ,and u can easily skip lunch if u plan to do so. A point of concern. There are a lot of insects. No matter how firmly we closed the doors and windows they somehow managed to creep in. In addition as per the resort guidelines it's best to avoid moving unnecessarily at night as there are poisonous snakes too. But that's the case with any jungle resort.
Lastly a suggestion to the resort owners. Please arrange wash room on the ground floor of ur restaurant as it's difficult to climb up to floor 1 after every heavy and tasty meal.
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Revenue Manager, Revenue Management at The Riverwood Forest Retreat Dooars
Responded May 13, 2022
Dear Guest, Namaste! We are delighted to read your detailed experience in regard to your recent stay. Thank you for choosing to stay with us. It was indeed a pleasure to serve you. We are happy to know that we could impress you with a variety of delicious food, well-maintained amenities, and simple yet luxurious rooms. We are glad to note that our staff was instrumental to make your stay comfortable. Your generous compliments have been shared with my team and we thank you for your positive feedback. Also, we have noted your concerns and we assure you that the same will be taken care of. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon. Warm regards, Management - The Riverwood Forest Retreat - Dooars
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Staff - incredibly helpful and really went out of their way to assist us. Raoul saved the day helping us to get train tickets and the resort general manager (whose name I am embarrassed to say I didn't note down) was just fabulous in helping us get the next part of our trip sorted out. 5* plus to both if you and thank you.
Room - just lovely. Spacious, airy, balcony overlooking the garden, plenty of hot water ,comfy clean bed and pillows, great room service with freshly cooked to order food. Literally could not have been any better.
This is an absolute oasis for all the senses. A beautifully kept butterfly garden is a delight to still around. The pool is clean and inviting although we didn't swim. The pool attendant / bar keeper is unobtrusive but vigilant.
If ever we pass this way again we would only stay here.
Note: price difference between booking direct or via a platform was huge. Hotel staff are aware.
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Date of stay: March 2025
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Book direct via website.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Riverwood Forest Retreat Dooars, manager at The Riverwood Forest Retreat Dooars
Responded 3 days ago
Dear Guest, Thank you for sharing such a wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had an exceptional experience with us. It’s great to know that our staff, especially Raoul, were able to assist you so effectively. Your compliments about the room and the butterfly garden truly warm our hearts. We appreciate your feedback regarding the pricing, and it's always our goal to provide the best experience for our guests. We can’t wait to welcome you back on your next visit! Thank You Management Team The Riverwood Forest Retreat- Dooars
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We checked in Riverwood Retreat at Gorumara for 2 days and experienced an amazing ambience of serenity and hospitality with all modern amenities. The entire staff starting from the frontdesk to housekeeping were heartwarming and extremely courteous and extended all possible cooperation. The cuisine was absolutely hygenic, delightfully fresh and customized to suit our needs. Overall, an excellent and memorable stay for our family.
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Revenue Manager, Revenue Management at The Riverwood Forest Retreat Dooars
Responded Dec 18, 2023
Dear Guest, Namaste! Thank you for choosing to stay with us and taking time out to share your valuable feedback. We are delighted to know that our splendid property was able to meet your expectations and look forward to offer you a comfortable stay in the near future as well. Warm regards, Management -Riverwood Forest Retreat, Dooars
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We booked a room with triple occupancy and they charged us a price of almost a Five Star resort. Their staffs are well mannered and does everything you ask them too. But the problem lies with the property and it's maintenances, not at all maintained. Actual room is far far different from the photos available online. They are not worth the money. Plus in the evening hours the property looks very deserted and haunted kind. Its doesn't give you that warmth which you look for in a resort which are so highly priced. I wouldn't recommend this property to anyone. The management should take immediate measures to bring the warmth in the property and take care of its maintenances. Food is nice. We tried basic food only. I took my friends with me to this property and they are still making fun of my choice and the amount we had to pay for this room.
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Date of stay: January 2023
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Revenue Manager, Revenue Management at The Riverwood Forest Retreat Dooars
Responded Jan 23, 2023
Dear Guest, Namaste! We appreciate you for taking the time and sharing your feedback on your recent experience at our property. We are glad to know that you liked the tasty food and the services provided by our well-mannered staff. We have noted your feedback on property maintenance and we apologize for the inconvenience caused to you. We regret not meeting your expectations and we assure you of marked improvement on your next visit. we hope you give us a chance and visit us back again soon. Best Regards, Management - The Riverwood Forest Retreat - Dooars
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The Riverwood Forest retreat in Doars by Waxpol hotel looked very attractive in the website but when my family with friends visited the resort couple of weeks back, we were not all impressed. As a family we expected certain standard of service for the price we paid, but the management of the hotel was bad. The rooms we booked in the 1st floor of one of the cottages had bad beds and broken taps in the washroom. On following up with the manager Mr Rahul Thapa, he said he will look into it and never assisted in our 3 nights stay. Infact I found Mr.Rahul Thapa consuming alcohol with his accomplices inside the resort premises and passed lewd comments at my daughter during our post dinner walk. Infact I found him doing that in all the 3 nights we stayed and my family felt extremely unsafe with this kind of activity inside the resort premises. I would strongly recommend the Waxpol hotel management to look into his behaviour and decide whether he and his accomplices are fit to run a resort of such repute.
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Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Waxpol Hotels and Resorts, Owner at The Riverwood Forest Retreat Dooars
Responded Jan 28, 2024
Dear Guest, We are unfortunately not able to find any record of you or your family staying at our resort, can you please share your booking reservation confirmation email and bill on delhi@waxpolhotels.com so we can authenticate your stay. Warm Regards, The Management
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For our 5 day trip to dooars with friends and family which we had planned 5 months ago and decided to stay at Riverwood retreat. I would say, it is the place stay if you want to get everything in one trip.
Location: 2 hours away from nearest Airport and located between the wilderness of nature won't let Quite at night while the morning will start with the chirping sound of birds.
Hospitality: Resort Manager Mr. Rahul was very helpful and we loved the hospitality he and the entire staff showed. Mr. Rahul made arrangements for every nearby/ local trips and made it very easy for us to just enjoy our time at the property.
Food: Chef was good and made homely food upon request. All preparations was tasty and the quality was topnotch.
Amenities: Swimming pool, Bar and Dining hall areas were clean.
Property: Full of different varieties of trees and flowering plants will always make you feel that you are within the forest zone.
Rooms: Spacious and clean. Bathrroms were big.
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Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Revenue Manager, Revenue Management at The Riverwood Forest Retreat Dooars
Responded Oct 26, 2023
Dear Guest, Namaste We are amazed to see your detailed review of your recent experience at our property. It was indeed a pleasure to have you stay with us and we are glad that you had a pleasant experience at our well-located property in midst of the jungle and had a relaxing stay. We have noted your warm compliments on services provided by our courteous staff and we shall definitely share your kind words with the stars mentioned by you. It's heartening to know that you were satisfied with the food quality and we look forward to your continued visits. See you again soon. Warm Regards, Management- Riverwood Forest Retreat,Dooars
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Its one of the best resort with spacious property in dooars, the peacefullness and calmness of the resort will surely make you forget the daily tension of your life. Each and every employee are well mannered and coperative. Mr Chayan is one of the best employee of the resort, he makes sure you get what you need, whatever the requirement was (room service, fooding, safari trip) Mr. Chayan was always there to help us out. The only thing which they can add from my point of view is wifi connection in rooms. Thanks Waxpol Riverwood Forest Retreat for such a beautiful experience.
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Date of stay: November 2022Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Revenue Manager, Revenue Management at The Riverwood Forest Retreat Dooars
Responded Nov 8, 2022
Dear Guest, Namaste! We are delighted to see your review and to know that you enjoyed your stay at our property. It was our pleasure to serve you. It's heartening to note that you enjoyed the spacious property, calm ambiance, and delicious food. Our associates always try to go out of their way to provide you with the best service possible and we are glad we could achieve the same. In addition, we will surely share your kind comments with our stars mentioned by you. Also, we have noted your suggestion on Wifi connection in rooms and we shall surely take this ahead with the management. Hope your plans bring you back soon again. Best Regards, Management - The Riverwood Forest Retreat Dooars
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It was a great experience! I brought my parents and they enjoyed staying at the resort. The staff were very hospitable and accommodating and food was delicious! It is a beautiful and well maintained property. I would love to visit it again. Thank you Riverwoods!
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Date of stay: November 2024Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Riverwood Forest Retreat Dooars, manager at The Riverwood Forest Retreat Dooars
Responded Dec 19, 2024
Dear Jita, Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear that you and your parents enjoyed your stay at our resort. It's great to know that our staff's hospitality and the quality of the food made a positive impression. We truly appreciate your kind words about our property and look forward to welcoming you back in the future! Thank You Management Team The Riverwood Forest Retreat- Dooars
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1st the good things 1. The property is sprawled over a large area covered with old and new trees with few stand alone buildings giving you feels of serenity of nature 2 it has butterfly garden, bees garden, different flower garden, deciduas and rainforest trees. You will constantly hear bird chirping, bees singing and all the forest sounds which increases exponentially during the night. If you go to the dining hall at night you will feel the goosebumps. 3 The staffs are polite and helpful 4. Food is good and they will make fresh food for you with your order and whatever you like.
Now the negatives 1.Location is poor , neither beside the forest norbeside river Murti. The starting point of jungle safari is almost 16 km from the resort . You will be last to start the safari and all the animals will be gone by the sound of your preceeding jeeps. 2Mainatainance is poor. No regular cleaning or sweeping like a 4 star hotels as it prices. You will seedust in the balcony, staircase, or entrance area. To maintain this huge property they need lots of staff which they lacks. 3 TV Acs remote does not work properly again lack of maintainance 4.Food price is very high like a 5 star hotel in kolkata or delhi
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Date of stay: March 2021
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â You will get better resort at this price
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Smriti Shah, Revenue Management at The Riverwood Forest Retreat Dooars
Responded Oct 16, 2021
Dear Mr. Biswajit, Namaste! We thank you for taking time out to share your feedback with us and are extremely pleased to know that you had a comfortable stay. Your detailed review helps us understand the points we need to work on and we ensure you that your feedback has been put in practice to the best of our ability. We hope to welcome you again and offer you the services we are best known for. Best regards, Management - The Riverwood Forest Retreat-Dooars
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Amazing quiet place, tranquility all around. We stayed at Premium Room. Room was amazing, clean and comfortable well maintained. Though the cottage was in the midst of many trees, their service personnel were very friendly and efficient. Best part was their Dining Hall on the banks of a small river and their food. Food are freshly cooked and served. Taste and quantity were amazing.
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Date of stay: March 2025Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Â Pre order your food since they are freshly cooked and served. Book your Safari well in advance.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from The Riverwood Forest Retreat Dooars, manager at The Riverwood Forest Retreat Dooars
Responded 2 weeks ago
Dear Kumar, Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! It's great to hear that you enjoyed the tranquility, cleanliness, and comfort of the Premium Room. We're also delighted that our team provided friendly and efficient service during your stay. The dining hall by the river sounds like a perfect spot to enjoy the freshly prepared food. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back soon! Thank You Management Team The Riverwood Forest Retreat- Dooars
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