8 Day Soulful Surf & Flow Holiday with The Salty in Sri Lanka
Surf, Yoga, and Meditation Holiday Sri Lanka
A full week to slow down, stretch out, and ride Sri Lanka’s southern surf. This is The Salty Sri Lanka - where surf, yoga, delicious island food, and mindful moments meet in perfect balance. Wake to birdsong, flow through sunrise yoga beneath the palms, ride playful waves, and gather under the stars for deeply nourishing meals.
Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a first-time adventurer, this retreat offers the perfect space to reset and recharge.
Meet the instructors
Highlights
- 5 surf lessons with certified local coaches
- Up to 15+ yoga classes per week
- 4 island-inspired group dinners each week
- Meditation seamlessly woven into yoga sessions
- 7 full days of premium surfboard use
- 1 welcome drink to settle into island life
- Daily à la carte breakfast at the poolside restaurant
- 7 nights premium accommodation
Skill level
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Types
8 days with instruction in English
Accommodation
Facilities
- Hot tub / Jacuzzi
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
- Barbeque facilities
- Café
- Dining area
- Garden
- Luggage room / storage
- Poolside bar
- Restaurant
- Yoga deck
- Free Wi-Fi
- Laundry
Nestled between lush jungle and the Indian Ocean, The Salty Sri Lanka is your ultimate tropical sanctuary. Stay in breezy, boho-inspired rooms with ensuite bathrooms designed for comfort and calm. Just steps from the beach, you’ll fall asleep embraced by the island’s gentle breeze and wake with soft morning light.
Relax at the poolside restaurant serving the delicious Salty Bites à la carte menu all day, or unwind with a post-surf massage or body treatment at the poolside wellness area.
Head up to the rooftop terrace for stunning jungle sunset vistas, where yoga sessions sometimes take place at sunset, or join classes in the open-air jungle shala, an unforgettable space to ground, breathe, and move with nature. Local monkeys often drop by to say hello, adding to the magic.
Program
Surf Sessions
Catch the waves of Hiriketiya with experienced surf coaches. Whether a first-timer or chasing green waves, surf sessions include all gear and transport, just show up ready to surf and soak up the vibes.
Yoga Experience
Start your day with energizing Vinyasa flows in the open-air jungle shala, and unwind with Yin and restorative yoga in the evenings. All levels welcome, with teachers guiding you exactly where you are.
Sample Daily Schedule
- 07:00 Morning yoga in the jungle shala (except Mondays)
- 09:00 A la carte breakfast
- 10:30 - 11:00 Surf lessons
- 11:00 Functional movement yoga
- 12:00 Surfboard rental available
- 17:00 Evening Yin Yoga and meditation (except Thursday afternoons)
- 19:00 Group dinners featuring local flavors, from Traditional Hoppers (Mon), Ayurvedic BBQ (Wed), Ayurvedic curry and rice (Fri), to seafood & veggie BBQ (Sun)
Udawalawe Elephant Safari Tours
Love elephants? Join a knowledgeable guide for a half-day safari in Udawalawe National Park, home to over 500 wild elephants, water buffaloes, vibrant birdlife, and fascinating reptiles. Tours depart every Monday and Thursday afternoon from The Salty. Private tours can be arranged on other days.
With surf lessons five days a week and plenty of downtime, enjoy beach hangs, spa treatments, jungle explorations, or simply relax in paradise. Balance is everything here.
Instructors
Alex
Alex is a qualified surf coach with the Portuguese Surf Federation. He is also a qualified swimming coach. With Alex, you are in safe hands. He is very understanding and patient and will make sure you have a smile on your face, in and out of the water.
Ida
Ida, the in-house yogi goddess from Finland, will help develop muscular strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, and breathing. Ida will bring balance to your body and mind during your morning practice by the sea, so that you build your bodies to be light and strong for the day. She teaches both Ying and Yang yoga along with meditation sessions.
Gabby
Born in England and went to high school in Portugal, at heart, Gabby is a true South African and the beach has always been a great part of her life. She will make sure you are not only progressing with surfing, but that you have a smile on your face the whole time.
Monika
Monika is one of the co-founders of The Salty and she is also the hostel "mum". She is always happy no matter how bad the day may seem. Monika will always find a way to make you smile and cheer you up. Not only that, she is also a qualified masseuse with over 10 years experience and available everyday to help you relax with a beautiful Ayurveda massage.
Anna
Anna is from the UK, and she will take care of some the yoga classes and SUP yoga classes out on the water. She teaches both Hatha and Yin yoga styles.
Location
The tropical retreat rests between the jungle and the Indian Ocean on Sri Lanka’s lush southern coast. Just steps from the beach, you’ll fall asleep with the sea breeze and wake with the sun. Hiriketiya is easygoing and full of soul—where surf breaks line the shore, coconuts are always close, and time slows just enough for you to catch up with yourself. For a deeper taste of Sri Lanka’s wild side, join a half-day safari to Udawalawe National Park, where elephants roam free against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes.
Food
Each day begins with a fresh tropical à la carte breakfast served poolside. Think avocado & beetroot toast, fruit platters, banana French toast, benedict hoppers, chia & cashew granola, herbal teas, fresh juices and bold Ceylon coffee.
At night, enjoy four included dinners during the week—each one a sensory journey through Sri Lanka’s flavours: from fragrant Ayurvedic curries to fire-grilled seafood, veggie BBQs and traditional hopper nights under the stars. Always relaxed, always optional.
El Grotto Salty Bites All Day Menu – The Central Spot to Chill and Connect
Start your day or evening here, the perfect place to meet fellow yogis from around the world. Swim in the pool, soak up the sun on loungers, or relax poolside with a chilled drink.
El Grotto is a genuine culinary retreat with authentic, flavorful food, cold beers, refreshing cocktails, and a relaxed Boho vibe. The small, carefully crafted menu includes favorites like chicken shawarma, croquettes, beetroot curry, fish tacos, pakora burgers, falafel bowls, nachos, and Mediterranean salads
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten Free
- Seafood
Things to do (optional)
Surf & Free Time
Your stay includes 5 surf lessons and premium surfboard access for 7 full days—perfect for catching playful waves right in Hiriketiya Bay. Whether you're learning or just cruising, the warm, mellow breaks here are ideal for all levels.
And when you're not in the water
- Wander barefoot through Hiriketiya’s laid-back cafés, smoothie bars & boutique surf shops
- Explore nearby beaches like Dikwella and Talalla, each with their own slow rhythm
- Hop in a tuk-tuk to jungle temples, tea estates, or secret swimming coves
- Lounge in a hammock, book in hand, palm trees above, and nowhere else to be
For a truly unforgettable adventure...
Join the most-loved optional experience: a guided elephant safari through Udawalawe National Park. Offered twice a week, this magical tour takes participants deep into wild Sri Lanka, where elephants roam free and wildlife sightings are abundant. It’s a powerful pause in nature and an experience that stays with you long after the retreat ends.
This is your time to breathe deep, move slow, and let the island set your pace.
Spa treatments
You can book a 50-minute full-body massage or mini body treatment designed to soothe travel stress and restore deep calm. In-house therapists combine intuitive techniques with island traditions. Treatments are available on request as an optional extra.
What's included
- 7 nights premium accommodation
- Up to 15+ yoga classes per week (excluding Mondays)
- Meditation included in yoga classes
- 1 welcome drink
- 5 surf lessons with gear
- 7 full days of premium surfboard use (except check-out)
- Daily tropical à la carte breakfast
- 4 included group dinners (Hopper Night, Ayurvedic curry, Ayurvedic BBQ, seafood/vegetarian BBQ)
- Meditation included in yoga classes
- Yoga mats and surf equipment provided
- Unlimited filtered cold drinking water
- Free Wi-Fi and access to all shared spaces
- Bathroom and pool towels provided
What's not included
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- Travel insurance
- Optional Elephant safari tour
- Lunches and additional dinners (restaurant available onsite)
- Dinners on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (plenty of local spots nearby)
- Additional surf lessons or massage treatments
- Yoga on Mondays
- Surfboard rental on departure day
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Transfer available for additional US$ 116 per person
Bandaranaike International Airport
163 km away from your destination
How to Arrive at The Salty, Hiriketiya
Private Airport Transfer (Recommended):
Book a direct, air-conditioned van transfer from Colombo International Airport to The Salty. The driver will meet you at arrivals. Journey time: ~3 hours.
- One-way: 100 EUR (1–4 persons)
- Return: 190 EUR (1–4 persons)
Please email The Salty with your flight details to confirm current rates.
Public Transport Option:
- Take a taxi or bus to Colombo Fort Station (~40 min).
- Board the train to Wewurukannala (~3.5 hrs).
- From Wewurukannala, take a tuk tuk to The Salty (~10 min).
Train tickets are purchased on the day at the station. For train schedules, visit Sri Lanka Railways.
Important:
Always agree on the tuk tuk fare before getting in or ask for the meter to be used if available.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 14% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 30 days before arrival.
Reviews
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