We went 2005 Xmas and wondered if it is still as nice as it was then now more people are going.
any one been and give me a trip report please.

Hello

We went to Wildernest last Feb for my husbands birthday - it was fantastic and would recommend it to anyone. That said we are back in Goa in Feb again but I don't want to go back again - it was so special and stunning that I don't think we'd get that same breath taking sensation when you first see the view from the fantastic rooms ( we had the valley facing rooms).
My husband went on a hike with the guide ( just the two of them) he was absolutely kanckered when he came back but loved every minute of it because the guide was a local lad who obviously loved what he was doing and passed on so much info to my husband. I sat on our veranda with my book, which I couldn't read because I just kept gazing at the scenery and watching the huge butterflies floating past. I could feel myself being watched and looked up to see a monkey watching me from the tree - he was as fascinated by me as I was of him! I tried to creep back in to get my camera but he turned his back on me and wouldn't look round!!
The staff were lovely - all employed from the local villages and on one of the tours they took us to their village so we could meet their very proud, very welcoming families!
The staff made a birthday cake and a wild flower bouquet for Keith and were very bemused in the kitchen when he went in to share it with them - they thought there was something wrong with it!
The infinity pool was out of this world and we had it to ourselves a lot of the time. We went mid week and I am eternally grateful we left when we did as an american family with very loud, rude kids arrived and insisted that after a beautiful traditional local dancing display that they should sing songs around a camp fire. I'm afraid the Wilderest exposed me as a grumpy old bag that just wanted to soak up the solitude!!
It was an experience that I will never forget and hope to find that breathtaking feeling again one day. The whole ethos of the place is natural, unspoilt and local. The food is very traditional but that to us is what we went for.
I'd say go for it - it's pricey by Goan standrads but worth every penny if it has stayed as unspoilt as when we went.
Clareb

We stayed at the Wildernest in Dec 06 and there is a massage area. They are stone 'beds' set in the forest with screens around them. I thought it would be a bit chilly for a massage as it's up in the Ghats and much cooler during the day.

Just received an e mail with prices for 2 nights.
Valley view 14000 rupees, Forest View 12000. That is per room I assume.
Complimentary pick up from Northern Goa resorts.

That's for 2 nights including 3 meals per day. I notice that they now have complimentary pick-up, that wasn't offered when I went there so that's good.

I would go for the valley view. An experience not to be missed. It is pricey by Goan standards but you will see the value in this trip once you have made it!

One of the best things I have done in Goa in 6 years of going there! If you are into photography... amazing. National Geographic have featured that area highly in their publication.

Captain Nittin (owner), his father and Nirwal are great people doing a wonderful job.

Have I sold it to you yet!

Sold to me, I am booking for a couple of nights!

Does anyone know as a guide, are the bar prices very expensive ?
We are going to book a two night stay !

Bar prices were not high! Standard resort prices... cheap.

Thanks Neil, seems they owe you some commision, thats 4 nights you've sold !

Well it would be nice if more parts of Goa developed this sort of 'Eco-Resort', they have the right idea with the 2 day package.

Commision... no way. It's great seeing things done right in Goa! Have a chat with the people who run it and you will find out a lot about Goan heritage.

Having read the positive reviews HT has had posted, I contacted Wildernest to enquire about prices. I received a reply with price details ( which I posted here to share and give another positive) within 24 hours, I confirmed by return that I would like to book. Two further emails, one to the sender of the price list, the other copied to the reservations e mail address have produced no acknowledgement whatsoever. We leave for Goa in just over a week. Most strange, don't they want my booking ?

Dave
I know how you feel. No-one wants my bookings in Goa either

DaveWales, it too them over a week to respond to my booking request. They also asked me to confirm our arrival date in Goa, and sent another email after we had left aksing us to confirm our arrival time at the Wildernest!

Keep with it, they will respond.

We stayed for one night and found that was enough for us. I've posted about it before but it wasn't what we thought. The place itself is fantastic but there isn't as much to see on your own as we thought. Everything is organised and we thought we could wander off for walks and treks on our own.

The experience of watching a big snake slither down the tree 2ft away from us, the beautiful birds, tropical bees and bugs, chipmonks scurrying around outside the cabin, huge spiders, sharing the semi-outside bathroom with gorgeous bugs etc was fantastic and the breathtaking views over the Ghats were some of the highlights of our holiday.

We went for a walk in the dead of night into the forest and turned the torch off. Now that was an experience! We also sat round the pool at 2am and watched the stars and listened to the sounds of the forest. Awesome.

I hope you have a great time!

Guess what, the Wildernest must read these posts. They replied this morning. Next problem is payment as they want the money transfered into their bank account.
No so easy ! Any ideas how to go about it ?

Regarding payment into their Bank account ~ I transferred my payment on December 2 (firstly to Chase Manhattan in London), which was then supposed to be transferred to UTI Bank, Mumbai and then to Wildernest local branch of UTI bank. Guess what, it still hasn't arrived. I followed Wildernest's instructions to the letter but it would appear to have disappeared down a big black banking hole in Mumbai. I am told by my bank that it will revert to my UK bank 'eventually'. We are going to contact Wildernest when we arrive in Goa and ask if we can pay directly to them when we arrive on our booked dates. Has anyone else paid 'on arrival'. 24,000 Rupees is a lot to 'lose'.

Thanks for that tip. I note that Wildernest 's bank account is with ICICI not UCI. I have e mailed them asking if I can deposit the money into their account when we arrive still allowing plenty of time to clear before our check in day.

Hi madaboutgoa,

When I stayed at Wildernest in 2004 I didn't pay any deposits beforehand.
I paid for our stay when we checked out, I think we even ran up a tab at the bar which was also paid at checking out time.

GFF xx

Thanks GFF, that's put my mind at rest !!!

Departure day tomorrow ~ can't wait.

We didn't pay up front when we went in December 06, we paid when we checked out. Good job really as we only stayed the one night instead of three.

Apparently a lot of people have booked for longer than they have stayed so maybe that's why they want the money first.