I stayed at rainforest house for 10 days. This was the first time in 1.5 years that I was traveling (with the lockdowns during pandemic). Steve and Tripti have created a space that has a healing energy, leaving you with a sense of lightness. Prior to booking, Steve was very prompt and generous with his responses over chat. This meant a lot because this was our first trip in more than a year post pandemic related lockdown and we were trying to be very cautious with travels. Location and space - Rainforest house is located very conveniently close to Lakshman jhoola, took us 10 -15 mins to reach the bazaar area. However we quickly realised that we don't want to step outside at all as rainforest house had everything (and better) - a waterfall flowing adjacent to the property, the river flowing by in front (conveniently far enough from high adrenaline screaming rafters), many spaces to sit, meditate, read a book, work, etc. The energy of rainforest house was evident - my thoughts slowed down, I slept incredibly well and was able to center myself more than I am able to usually. Staff - Everyone is very kind punctual and very professional. Manish ji, the manager is wonderfully resourceful. He effortlessly arranged a rental vehicle, pick ups, and had the best recommendations - which I noticed was customised based on who he was interacting with. He had advice for short...I stayed at rainforest house for 10 days. This was the first time in 1.5 years that I was traveling (with the lockdowns during pandemic). Steve and Tripti have created a space that has a healing energy, leaving you with a sense of lightness. Prior to booking, Steve was very prompt and generous with his responses over chat. This meant a lot because this was our first trip in more than a year post pandemic related lockdown and we were trying to be very cautious with travels.

Location and space - Rainforest house is located very conveniently close to Lakshman jhoola, took us 10 -15 mins to reach the bazaar area. However we quickly realised that we don't want to step outside at all as rainforest house had everything (and better) - a waterfall flowing adjacent to the property, the river flowing by in front (conveniently far enough from high adrenaline screaming rafters), many spaces to sit, meditate, read a book, work, etc. The energy of rainforest house was evident - my thoughts slowed down, I slept incredibly well and was able to center myself more than I am able to usually.

Staff - Everyone is very kind punctual and very professional. Manish ji, the manager is wonderfully resourceful. He effortlessly arranged a rental vehicle, pick ups, and had the best recommendations - which I noticed was customised based on who he was interacting with. He had advice for short weekend visitors as well as longer stayers. The rest of the team was very professional in terms of mealtimes, cleaning, logistics.

Food - The menu is healthy, delicious and fresh. Like mentioned, it is frehly cooked. Over 10 days I got to try everything from their pancakes to parathas and pohas, their stir fry veggies with cottage cheese cake as well as my favorite house meal that balanced proteins, carbs and fibres. I particularly loved that they were very mellow on spices (yes not all indians eat spicy food). I am particularly grateful for accommodating my dietary requests of low carb and high protein meals on most days. I did not feel the need to go to any of the hundreds of cafes in rishikesh after having food here. DO NOT MISS the incredibly delicious pizzas that they make from scratch in the kitchen!

Working from here - I found that airtel and jio have super fast 4G network, and I could do video calls with ease. Make sure to not have long calls in common areas as it may take away from other people's peace (the space is very quiet and talking loudly on calls etc can be very disturbing).

Rooms - The rooms are very simple, clean and appropriately lit with daylight in morning and warm low lighting (my favorite) in evenings. It is amazing how well equipped it is with room heaters and ac, geyser and a clean well ventilated and designed bathroom.

Given the hardships of living in harsh weather conditions and limited conveniences (as compared to cities), I really admire the incredibly hard work Steve, Tripti and their team take on to create a beaitiful envirommet. For the 10 days I was there, I also met some incredible people, and got to know Steve and Tripti and their family. It felt being part of a household/ family rather than being in a bnb/homestay. Which is why I left rainforest house with the resolve to be back very very soon.

Note: it is very clearly specified everywhere that the way to Rainforest house is a small (100m approx) ascent/descent. Prepare to do it if you wish to step out regularly, it's great for your glutes and for working up an appetite for the delicious meals they serve!More