Michael Dalvi is a former first-class cricketer who represented Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Bengal, and is known for his deep-rooted connection to Dehradun, heritage, and the Indian Armed Forces. Educated at The Doon School in Dehradun, he grew up in a family shaped by discipline, courage, and service. His father, Brigadier J.P. Dalvi, commanded the 7th Brigade during the 1962 Sino-Indian War and later authored the acclaimed book The Himalayan Blunder.
Inspired by nature, history, sport, and old-world hospitality, Michael Dalvi personally envisioned and crafted Mike’s Forest Retreat, a one-of-a-kind forest estate nestled within the Sal forests of Dehradun. Every room, artifact, piece of furniture, and themed space has been thoughtfully curated by him, reflecting stories from his life, travels, passions, and legacy. From tributes to the Indian Armed Forces to vintage pubs and nature-inspired spaces, the retreat is not just a stay, but a deeply personal experience built with warmth, nostalgia, and soul.
As the daughter of founder Michael Dalvi, Madhurika has grown up watching Mike’s Forest Retreat evolve into a one-of-a-kind sanctuary shaped by stories, heritage, and heartfelt hospitality. As Chief Experience Officer, she has been closely involved in carrying this vision forward, helping shape the guest experiences, celebrations, and soulful details that make the retreat deeply personal and memorable.
From destination weddings and curated stays to reflective corporate offsites, she works closely with guests to create experiences rooted in warmth, nature, and thoughtful storytelling. Every room, menu, forest trail, and gathering is designed to feel intimate, meaningful, and unlike anything conventional.
Mission
To create soulful and memorable experiences through thoughtful hospitality, personalized service, curated spaces, and meaningful interactions, while actively preserving the natural beauty, birdlife, wildlife, and ecological balance of the forests of Dehradun. Through sustainable practices, plastic-free living, and conscious hospitality, we strive to protect and coexist harmoniously with nature.
Vision
To be recognized as one of India’s most distinctive forest retreats, where nature conservation, heritage, storytelling, and heartfelt hospitality come together to create experiences that are intimate, authentic, and unforgettable. A sanctuary where guests reconnect not only with themselves, but also with the rhythms of the forest and the beauty of the natural world.
Not for everyone. Exactly for you.
At Mike’s Forest Retreat, hospitality is deeply personal. Built on stories, heritage, nature, and old-world warmth, the retreat was created to offer experiences that feel meaningful rather than manufactured. Every room, artifact, trail, and gathering space has been thoughtfully curated to inspire stillness, connection, and a deeper appreciation for nature, wildlife, and the forest ecosystem that surrounds us.
