Arunima Resort Golf Club

The lack of privacy was one reason we chose not to stay long. Guests and casual visitors moved around freely, so it felt more like being on display than staying at a resort. Getting there from Dhaka via Gopalganj was supposed to be the more civilised route, but directions were apparently too much to expect, turning arrival into a small expedition. Inside, dust seemed to have settled in for good. The bedsheets and floors were dusty too, and flies and other insects wandered about as if the place belonged to them. There was no exhaust fan in the washroom, so its smells drifted into the room even with the door shut. The food was the one consolation, and it had a rustic sort of sincerity, though the prices made it feel as if it had been served on gold. Waitstaff seemed new to hospitality. Purchases also came with what felt like an extra charge for management's creative idea of value. There aren't many nearby places to eat, and the local pharmacy keeps such irregular hours that it almost seems ceremonial. Even the golf course had cows grazing across it, which made it feel like the livestock were quietly judging the game. The promotional images and reality seem to belong to different worlds. A stay here felt more like endurance dressed up as leisure, and even the food came at an aristocratic price.

The pool is a nice, peaceful place for a swim, and the food is good. There are plenty of trees and birds, with natural breezes that make it a lovely spot to be close to nature. The service doesn't feel corporate-level, and the rooms need renovating if they're meant to attract class guests.

Winter's the best time to come for the lovely nature and birds.

A quiet village setting and all that nature make this resort feel like a little hidden gem, cozy and peaceful, like home away from home. The staff are attentive, the rooms are comfortable, and there's tasty local food to try. A good fit for a relaxing break in a charming village.