Visited Dapoli (Murud) Beach Area on 25, 26 DEC 2010. Given below is my review and recommendation.
About the Area :
Par Excellence. You just Relax, Relax, Relax........Mobile Phone connectivity is poor and hence absolutely no disturbance (blessing in disguise).
Beach is fantastic. Clear water - expansive Sands - you can walk in the cool water endlessly.
And yes, plenty of Seagulls and other Birds (morning hours) - nature at its best.
If you want to go to a quiet hideout and away from urban hustle and bustle, then this is the place.
About the Stay :
Swapnadeep Resort is not all that you see on the Net.
No Room Telephone. You need to walk to the Office each and every time you need something.
Promised Hot Water is just about 25 - 30 Degrees - a shade warmer than cold water.
Power Failures abound (generator is available, but was not switched on)
Room Airconditioner functioning is not adequate.
Wash Basin is leaking.
I had to keep complaining to the Office, on one thing or the other, in the above aspects, and the only answer I got was "will be sorted out in 5 minutes").
In the night (around 8 PM) some local dance was performed by some local kids - nothing great.
No other entertainment / games (no, not even a Carrom Board and neither was there a common play area).
Food :
Food is Poha and the likes for breakfast, some rice and chapathy for lunch & dinner with some sabji (very basic food).
Tea / Coffee is made to order - ok, I should remark.
Snacks constituted of sukha bhel - again, ok, I should remark.
Please ensure that you carry your own Mineral Water Bottles. Cannot relay on the water supplied at the Resort.
Overall Recommendation :
Dapoli as a Destination is just great, for a 1-2 day trip. Only regret is that Mumbai - Goa Highway and the Branch Off Mahad towards Dapoli is a painful drive. I took almost 7 Hours to cross the 220 odd KM from Mumbai.
Swapnadeep Resorts is not worth the money they charge (INR 1, 400/- per person per day - all inclusive - Bed, Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks & Dinner).