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About Star Rest Beach Hotel

Star Rest Beach Hotel offers amazing, fun-filled surf camps and a chill-out home away from home.

Mohamed Jeleel

Jelly is also the beginner and intermediate surf coach and guide. He's very patient and carries a smile always on his face. Coming from the reef break Madiha, a quaint little beach town, he brings his village surfing vibes into his instructions. This means that you will have a slower but solid improvement with your surfing skills over the time you stay with the team. He's also ISA level 1 certified surf coach.

Salman Sal

Salman is the head instructor of the team and he is ISA level 1 certified. He has many hours of surf coaching under his belt in East, and both south and southeast coasts of Sri Lanka. He is full of information about the local attractions, the best deals, and the best spots for surfing.

Ismail Ansa

Ismail will be your instructor during the surf camp. He is also the manager and booking manager of Star Rest Beach Hotel. who grew up with a passion for the sea and started surfing at the age of 5. He is the founder and owner of “ STAR REST SURF CAMP since 2008 & your host as well. He loves to teach our guests how to ride waves, offers great company and insight about his breathtaking culture. He has ton of experience teaching beginners, intermediates & advance surfers. He is an ISA equality surf instructor. The safety of his students .

Faina Moha

Faina is a ISA level 1 certified surf coach. He has been with Surf Arugambay for over Seven years. He puts a lot of attention to the technique and he uses drills to teach better. He is passionate about teaching surf and it makes him happy when his students ride a green wave down the line and make some turns on the face.

Ishak Mohi

Ishak will guide you during your stay, teaching you how to improve your surfing skills. He is a ISA certified surf teacher. Amine is originally from STAR REST SURF CAMP, and started surfing when he was 13 years old. Since then his passion for watersports has grown more and more. Twelve years ago, he started teaching professionally after having been approached by the Sri Lanka Surf Federation to become a fully qualified and certified instructor. As he started his career at an

Julia Turcato

Julia is a nomad traveler from Switzerland, Geneva. She is based in Southeast Asia since 5 years ago. Julia's journey is crazy. She moved a lot since she was a child, Africa, Asia, Europe. She surpassed many blocks and fears. And now she wants to help you, she has some fun tools. You are born to be unique and awesome.

Dorota Quzila

Dorota is a nomad traveler from Franc She is a Experienced Surf Instructor , Geneva. She is based in Southeast Asia since 9 years ago. Dorota journey is crazy. She moved a lot since she was a child, Africa, Asia, Europe. She surpassed many blocks and fears. And now she wants to help you, she has some fun tools. You are born to be unique and awesome. Since October 2017 I've been travelling throughout India, Sri Lanka and Indonesia, teaching and studying yoga, meditation and massage techniques.

Ss Sulfi

Sulfi is a ISA level 1 certified our hotel surf coach. He has been with Surf Arugambay for over Seven years. He puts a lot of attention to the technique and he uses drills to teach better. He is passionate about teaching surf and it makes him happy when his students ride a green wave down the line and make some turns on the face.

All our reviews are from travellers with verified trips booked through our platform.

Eoins Memories

from Vietnam, October 2024

Great surf camp, would definitely stay again

The hospitality was amazing also, I don't think a day didn't go by where I wasn't offered a coconut while I was hanging out in a hammock or I wasn't delivered a coconut to my room if I was inside taking it easy. Feinas and Ansar were really helpful when it came to organising everything like a safari, adding extra surf lessons, even just great recommendations for places to grab a few drinks. They were very attentive, always asking if I needed anything.

The food was absolutely fantastic - delicious and the portion sizes were exactly what you need when surfing.

Sulfi was a great instructor, he had great tips but balanced teaching well with just letting you surf.

Romi Jogi

from Sri Lanka, September 2024

Awesome stay in Arugam Bay - Star Rest Surf Camp

I had a fantastic stay at Star Rest Surf Camp in Arugam Bay! The room was clean, and the breakfast was delicious. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay. The location is unbeatable—near to the beach, with plenty of restaurants, souvenir shops, and surf shops just steps away. I took 2 Surf Lessons with Ansa he is professional . surfing with Sunrise and Sunset .I highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a Surfing Vacation and relaxing getaway!!

Anonymous

from Germany, September 2024

Fun and relaxing

Fainas, Sulfi, Badu and Ro are the best! They catered to all our needs and beyond. They made the stay super relaxing and fun!

Robert Kathrin

from Sri Lanka, September 2024

Amazing and Number One Surf Camp in the world ❤️

Where do I begin...What a fabulous experience we had with Star Rest Surf Camp! From the minute we arrived we felt like we were "going home" - the staff were so friendly ( Abdull , Faina and Raif, the instructors patient and knowledgable and the owners lovely and accommodating to absolutely every need.

The camp itself is super comfortable, and the premium package was such fantastic value along with along being quite luxurious! The cafe/restaurant serves top the most amazing food, and with two meals (break and lunch) plus two "family" dinners for included, incredible value.

( Everyday Unlimited Coconut , Coffee and Water )

Surfing twice a day, yoga included if you feel like it, a couple of cultural excursions ! Our surf instructor was excellent - articulate, knowledgeable and really communicated so positively to our group - very impressive.

One of the standout features of Star Rest is that they welcome a new group of surfers each day - this way we all got to know each other and develop friendships together as our surfing progressed, and as a couple who are mid 50's, the lovely group we were with just couldn't have been a more fabulous group! AND all the instructors are Sri Lankan - this was really important for us - we want to support local guys!

Well done Star Rest - 1000000% we will be back! And for anyone reading this review, don't think, just book! You will not regret it!

Sarah Weiss

from Germany, August 2024

They actaully made everything happen for me, so kind people, loved it !!

Dylan Berrier

from Thailand, August 2024

Great surfing experience

Ansa and Fainas take hospitality to another level with their team. The school is located on beach sand in between palm trees and only 60 seconds from the sea. Every morning they will take you the best surfing spots in the area and give you the necessary guidances on how to surf. They offer all the essential rental services and advice to get around and make your surf experience a great success.

Dennis Baumgartner

from Thailand, August 2024

Best Experience in Arugam Bay

In August 2024, I had the pleasure of spending 5 days at a surf camp in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka - an experience I will not soon forget. Arugam Bay is known for its perfect waves, warm temperatures and relaxed atmosphere, and the camp combined all of that in an impressive way. The accommodation was simple but cozy and was just a few steps from the beach. Every morning the day began with a hearty breakfast with tropical fruits and fresh juices. The surf lessons were intensive and well structured, with experienced teachers who helped both beginners and advanced surfers individually. The small groups were particularly valuable, allowing you to really hone your own skills. The community was warm and international, so you quickly made friends. There was also plenty of free time: we explored the surrounding nature and enjoyed the local food in the small beach restaurants. Arugam Bay and the surf camp impressed me with their perfect mix of adventure, culture and relaxation. For anyone looking for an authentic surfing experience in a breathtaking environment, this camp is highly recommended. I also found a very good friend in Faina and I will definitely be back.

Anonymous

from Ireland, July 2024

Great surf camp and value for money

The staff were all very helpful and friendly. Wanted to make everyone have an amazing experience. Great surf instructors

Julia Schallert

from Austria, July 2024

Great Surfcamp

I had a great time at star rest.

Each day we did sunrise and sunset surfing at different locations and spottet some Elephants on the way there and back. The surf lessons were great fun and with the help of the insteuctors i could catch some waves and i always felt save.

The food was delicious and varied a lot and we got fresh fruit juices and coconuts during the day. The accomodation was nice but basic. Everything you need is there. The beach is only 3 minutes away and at Arugam Bay Beach you can use sunbeds for free. The host is very endeavor to make sure you have a good time.

Luca Richards

from Great Britain, June 2024

Fantastic surf camp!

I couldn’t recommend Star Rest Hotel and surf camp more. Right from arrival, they cared for your every need.

As a first time surfer, I booked the beginners surf camp and the surfing instructors are excellent - they’ll have you standing on the board in your first lesson. Each morning after surfing, you’re welcomed back with a refreshing coconut, home cooked breakfast (usually either roti, omelette or pancakes), and a plethora of fresh fruit. Same again after your afternoon lesson, and then always a lovely home cooked dinner in the evening. Safe to say, you won’t be going hungry at any given moment here.

The hotel/complex itself has a very relaxed and chilled vibe. The rooms are basic inside, but have everything you need. The courtyard is filled with plants and trees frequented by brightly coloured lizards and chipmunks, and you are quite literally a 1 minute walk away from the sandy beach of Arugam Bay.

The staff here are truly wonderful. Not only did they cater for me during my stay and arrange local trips such as safaris, but they also helped to plan out the entirety of my my remaining time in Sri Lanka - from arranging taxis at locals’ rates to my next locations and back to the airport, alongside recommending and booking accommodation. They even gave me an additional nights stay and an extra morning surf lesson for free.

Overall, an amazing getaway and will be sure to come back when I next get the chance.

Pavel Mikhaylov

from Russia, May 2024

The star rest beach hotel is definitely a place to stay. The laid-back atmosphere, cosy hammocks, friendly personnel, tasty food. The beach is only 5 minute walk away. The guys at the hotel were very nice and always offered help with directions and activities of different types. All the guests at hotel were really friendly and it was a lot of fun just being there. I almost wish my vacation were endless. In conclusion, I had a blast staying at this place and would totally recommend it.

Andrew Jagenow

from Namibia, May 2024

Great experience, at a great price.

The price really is a steal for such great instruction. Accomodations are basic but incredibly clean. The staff at Star Rest are super friendly and attentive - they would bring out fresh coconut water and fruit throughout the day to keep everyone hydrated, fed, and happy! They were great people to just hang out with and to chat as well. The instructor was excellent: super friendly, patient, and gave really useful feedback.

Denise Coniglio

from Italy, May 2024

A place to find a family

I really had a great time, this place is lovely and the staff is really kind and caring. Thanks to Ansa for being always present and helpful; a special thank to Faina who has been always with us, available 24/7, always smiling and trying to find the best solution for our needs, thank you for sharing with us beautiful and funny moments, thank you for being such a good friend. I’ll miss this place a lot.

Stefan Mües

from Sri Lanka, February 2024

Very very friendly and nice place

Ich wurde sehr gut aufgenommen und die Mitarbeiter sind sehr (!) zuvorkommend und flexibel.

Ansa, welcher die Unterkunft betreibt hat stets ein offenes Ohr und geht auf jegliche Wünsche ein.

Faina hat ein superleckeres Frühstück und das beste Abendessen zubereitet, welches ich bisher in Sri Lanka hatte.

Zudem hat er mich zum Surfspot gefahren und Videos erstellt und geschnitten.

Außerdem haben wir noch eine kleine TukTuksafari gemacht und ich konnte einige seiner Freunde Kennenlernen.

Der Surflehrer (Russy) von Pappy's Surfschule war top. Ruhig und kompetent.

Ich habe in zwei Tagen surfen hier mehr gelernt als in einer Woche Surfcamp in Frankreich.

Ich habe mich tatsächlich nicht als Gast gefühlt, sondern als Freund.

Das war Klasse und ich komme sehr gerne wieder.

Efremova Anastasiya

from Russia, July 2023

8 дней в Аругам

Я покупала пакетный тур и цена была очень привлекательной, хорошее местоположение и серфинг в прекрасном месте на элефант рок.

Очень гостеприимная атмосфера

Anonymous

from Denmark, July 2023

Enriching experience

- All staff working at Star Rest are so easy-going, kind-hearted and welcoming. They really walk the extra mile to help you with every need you may have, from dietary restrictions to transportation and tours of the area.

- Different breakfast and dinner every day kept food always interesting.

- Different surfing locations and times every day (sunrise, afternoon or sunset surf). Hardboards are also available, which is awesome if your skin gets irritated (esp. knees) from the softboard like mine.

- The massage was 90 minutes and really good and the yoga was at a different hotel on a nice terrace with ocean view.

- The location was good, 2 minutes walk from the beach and approx 15 to get to the "center" of A bay. This made it calm and quiet but the guys running the place surely knew how to spice up the vibe with cool tunes.

- Overall, a great experience to remember thanks to the human factor of the camp. Thank you to all of them for putting their heart and soul to this!

Evelina Bernhardt

from Australia, July 2023

lovely stay, great surf teacher and amazing staff

great spacious rooms, nice atmosphere in the camp. The surf teacher Sulfi is very patient and very motivating! He teaches amazing and the surf lessons are fun.

Thanks to Fainas for taking care all the time, serving great meals and making sure that you enjoy your stay. No wish will be denied and he helps with all problems like injuries or if you need something immediately.

All of the staff is very friendly and helpful.

Thanks for the amazing stay!

Jan Dabagh

from Israel, July 2023

an unforgettable surf camp experience

I recently had the privilege of attending a two-week surf camp, and I am thrilled to share my exceptional experience. Surfing at this camp was an absolute dream come true. I came to the surf camp with zero knowledge about surfing and thanks to the instructors that did an incredible job of providing individual attention and guidance, ensuring everyone felt confident and safe in the water I can now surf and catch waves by my own. In addition, The hospitality at the surf camp was truly outstanding. From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with warm smiles and genuine enthusiasm. The staff went above and beyond to create a welcoming and inclusive environment. In conclusion, I want to say that my vacation at the surf camp was amazing and I had a great time and I would definitely come back!!

Claudia Koers

from Germany, June 2023

Despite the hard times this beautiful island has had to go through, Tusnami, Covid, economic crisis & conseq. lack of fuel, electricity etc. i'm surprised at how warm & friendly the people are here. I had chosen a smaller hostel/hotel & it was worth it, u can feel that it's a family business & that's how i was received, no effort is spared to make u feel comfortable, the food is fresh & delicious (a big thank to the top chef FAINAS,

i miss 'ur meals !! & sorry that u must waited for me all the time ;))

I found the flexible "meal times" especially great - no rigid programme but completely customized.

the most important thing, for me,

was of course the surf lessons & with SULFI i had the main prize, super patient, super kind, super flexible in lesson time, ( extra lessons was no problem, in speach with him & Ansa) super strong (even in the toughest waves the board & i were super safe)

the result can been saw , although it was only a few days, now i can stand ON the board most of the time :D

with Ansa, the boss of all, u can talk about "everything" , his friendly & open nature makes it very easy to u

& even he has a lot of work to do, he gives u the feeling that he has endless time for u

So from me 15 out of 10 points & next trip here is in planning

Annie Hebb

from Sri Lanka, June 2023

Fun surf camp:)

The accommodation was amazing, I enjoyed the chilled, hippie vibe of the place.

The surfing was fun and the instructors very trustworthy and knowledgable.

The people working at the place also were really lovely and always there to help.

Uriel Gurfinkel

from Thailand, May 2023

4 days surf camp

My first time in Arugam bay and I have to say very good experience of surf!! With different surf spots.

Fainas & Ansar arranged everything to surf and some surf tips!!!

Delicious Breakfast & Dinner.

All times pink coconut for energy ✌️

Highly recommended!!!! Enjoy it

Vincent Tsoi

from Great Britain, May 2023

First surf trip abroad

This was an ideal package for me because it was my first surf trip abroad.

The accommodation had all the essentials, most important for me was reliable AC.

The food service was great, suited around my surf sessions, and gave me enough energy to surf every day!

It also didn't take long to get to most of the reliable surf spots in the area from the camp.

Everyone at the were extremely friendly and made sure I was well looked after.

Anonymous

from Switzerland, May 2022

Fühlte mich gut aufgehoben und wohl.

Das Personal ist sehr zuvorkommend und macht alles menschenmögliche, dass man sich wohl fühlt. Gerade während der politischen Unruhen fühlte ich mich sicher und wohl - wie in einer kleinen Familie weg von zuhause. Zudem war das Essen jedes Mal super. Bei Ausflugswünschen und anderen Anliegen halfen sowohl Ansa als auch Sal gerne und gut aus. Mein Surflehrer Nilam hat mich gut auf meinem Level abgeholt und weiter unterstützt, es hat sehr viel Spass gemacht. Was den Surfunterricht angeht, muss ich wirklich sagen, dass sie sehr kompetent und gut organisiert damit umgehen.

Insgesamt war es eine tolle Einführung in das Leben in Arugam Bay mit abendlichen Lektionen in Tamil, lokalen essensausflügen, neuen Surfspots und vielen Kokosnüssen😉

David Cruz

from Singapore, March 2022

Great Surf Experience at Arugam Bay

The surf camp at Arugam Bay is a great economical option for someone interested in surfing at Arugam Bay. You are minutes away, walking from the beach and a quick Tuk Tuk ride from your surfing spot. The surf teacher is very professional, encouraging, and courteous. The hotel is very good at ensuring that someone is available to pick you up from the airport and transport you safely in a taxi. The hotel is very basic in terms of amenities, so be prepared for what to anticipate. The host, Ansar, is very kind and professional. His genuine warm smile is welcoming, and he will do what he can to ensure that you have a rewarding experience. The food is also very fresh, including fruit bowls, Prata, coffee, and other fruits. I arrived with zero knowledge of surfing and left with a good understanding and a great experience.

Kirill Kiriushin

from Russia, September 2021

Super Friendly Stay and great value for money!

I was traveling alone. Ansar - the manager - and his team welcomed me warmly! There is nothing these guys can’t do)) One can relax, enjoy and forget about all the worries!

This a simple camp with no pretentious rooms or facilities. Everything is there, but some things you provide yourself like soap or shampoo. It is expected of such a place.

Small things like WiFi stability or some minor issues with insects or drain in the shower shouldn’t be a matter of judgment - everything in the end is taken care of.

Right now in Covid era everything is tough, still Star Rest team managed to get me food that I like, even though I adhere to the LCHF lifestyle (like avocado salads and fried eggs, beef or chicken). Also it was no problem to have a good advice on local prices of everything, and I easy managed to organize a safari or any other trip through the manager.

Salman was a great tuk-tuk driver, Nilam provided great surfing lessons, Fainas was a blast friend to talk to. I’m grateful to all of them and of course to Ansar - the manager of it all! 🙏🏽

Stefano Menchinelli

from Italy, August 2019

14 days surf camp

My first time in Arugam bay and I have to say "very good experience of surf"! Nice staff, and the members of this staff early became my friends!! All them were very gentle and always ready to drive me at the various surf spots, far or near from the hotel, without any problems!! I hope will come back next year or sometimes to surf that waves another time and to spend more time with my new friends Fainas, Ansar, Isak, Rabbanà. Enjoy it!! 😉

Andrius Levickas

from Lithuania, July 2019

Highly recommended Hotel and Services

I liked everything. I was planning to stay 9 days, I stayed 14. I would like to stay longer, but I had my plane tickets...

High quality service, super friendly all staff, you feel like a friend, not just like a tourist. Manager Ansar and Fainas are super nice, always friendly guys. You can get everything you want: to go to surf in the morning, in the evening, you can choose surf point you want - no any problems. You want some additional fruits, another surfing board, change money, rent scooter, surfing instructor and etc. - here you are, with a nice smiling and super friendly. You get 300% more then you pay. Money can't buy good feeling what you get in Star Rest Beach Hotel.

I’ve been travelling really a lot, from USA to Japan and etc., but this place made very good impression that I never had before. Highly recommended place to stay in Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka. I definitely will come back to Star Rest Beach Hotel again, that is for sure.

Pontus Loevinger

from Sri Lanka, July 2018

Lovely place with very friendly staff

The hotel is located close to the beach. Every day I got some small breakfast like fruit and coffee before the morning surf and after the surf I got a proper breakfast. I always got help with booking transport and anything else I might need. I booked 5 nights but in the end I ended up staying for two week. I was very pleased with my stay! I was traveling alone and they made sure that I had a really good time in Arugam Bay.

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Star Rest Beach Hotel

Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

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About Star Rest Beach Hotel

Videos

Instructors

Mohamed Jeleel

Salman Sal

Ismail Ansa

Faina Moha

Ishak Mohi

Julia Turcato

Dorota Quzila

Ss Sulfi

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About Star Rest Beach Hotel

Videos

Instructors

Mohamed Jeleel

Salman Sal

Ismail Ansa

Faina Moha

Ishak Mohi

Julia Turcato

Dorota Quzila

Ss Sulfi

What Do People Say About Us?

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