River Castle

From the backyard, the Sal river backwaters felt like our own aquarium. We spent the day spotting fish and birds there. The owner personally looks after the homestay and was very helpful, and the cleanliness was as good as any 5star hotel. Even the towels and bed linen were so clean and smelled lovely of fabric softener. The beach is just a few minutes’ walk away, and great cafes are around 2km away.

I stayed in the green room, which looked out over the River Sal and had beautiful sunrise views. River Castle is quiet, clean and safe, a lovely spot for a holiday or staycation. Tennyson and his family were cooperative and easy to reach whenever needed. It’s a 10-minute walk to the beach, 15 minutes to nearby shops and restaurants, and a pleasant 25-minute walk or so to Betul beach, where the River Sal meets the Arabian sea. I’d recommend it for a peaceful, relaxing stay in South Goa.

I’d definitely stay at the River Castle again when I return to Goa. It was a perfect quiet break from all the bustle of traveling. Tennyson was a welcoming, kind and helpful host, and gave good restaurant and sightseeing recommendations. He also offers taxi service. The room and bathroom were spacious, tidy and well furnished, with AC for the warmer months. From the balcony, we could enjoy a warm breeze and look over the Sal river. The beach is only minutes from the front door and easy to walk to. There’s also a shared kitchen with dishes and cutlery if you want to eat in.

Update 25-dec-25: I came back to River Castle after almost eight years, and it’s still as charming, peaceful and lovely as it was on my 2017 visit. They’ve kept the place in wonderful condition, and I had a great experience. I’d love to return sooner. On my first visit, it was a very pleasant place for a couple of nights or more. Mobor beach is just a stone’s throw away, and the cleanliness and hygiene were very well maintained. There’s a mini fridge for keeping beer cold whenever you want. The river behind the property makes sitting on the balcony and taking in the view feel peaceful. Tennyson seemed like a pretty cool host. We had our own vehicle, so I’m not sure if they can arrange a bike or car for visitors. There’s no pool, and facilities are limited, so I thought the price could have been a bit lower.