While traveling Sri Lanka, I spent one week at Layback in Weligama for a surf and yoga camp. I’m only one week, I made so much progress in my surfing! They work with small groups with multiple instructors, so it almost felt like a private class sometimes. What also really helped improving my surfing, was the video analysis. Not only once, but every session was filmed. This really helps recognizing your mistakes. The accommodation looks amazing, very clean and modern. They also have a water tap where you can refill your waterbottle and an amazing cafe with rooftop. During my stay, I had breakfast and lunch in the cafe almost everyday. During my stay, most of the visitors are solo travelers and some groups of two. We did lots of fun activities with the group, such as family breakfast and dinner, getting ice cream and going to a party. Thanks to all the amazing surf instructors and the lovely cafe staff! I’m already thinking about booking again later this year…

I had the BEST time at Layback! Firstly, the building is incredibly aesthetic, all the rooms are beautifully designed and even the dorms feel so spacious. The surf coaches are experts and I can feel my surfing improve in just one week. The surf photography and video analysis is a nice bonus. Yoga classes are very high quality also. Really enjoyed getting to meet other solo travellers, there are organised group dinners/breakfasts which are perfect for meeting people. I will be back to Layback for sure!

I had an amazing time here! Linda is such a lovely and welcoming manager who creates (together with all the great staff) an incredible atmosphere. The Christmas dinner was beautiful; didn’t miss home for a second! My surfing also improved quite a bit. They take you to all the right surf spots depending on your skill level, have video analysis and surf theory packed into the (tight) schedule, which I liked a lot, because you made really use of your time. I would also recommend the “premium” package (good value for money), for the additional afternoon surf, great food at the restaurant, and of course unlimited coconuts (best thing after being in the waters) 🙌😄 And, yes, there will be plenty of parties if you’re looking for that. Thank you so much guys! Will come back someday!

Had the best week at Layback, a real highlight of our 4 month trip. The building is beautiful, rooms really comfortable and food is incredible. The activities / schedule is super well organised and it's evident that a lot of thought has gone into the whole experience. The surf lessons were brilliant. Can't say enough positive things about Layback!

Can’t say enough nice things! Such a wonderful week we had with my wife! The private room was perfect everything you need! The price for the entire week is a steel…so much value. The food and beverage offerings are great too it’s an actual cafe/restaurant manu! The team so nice and kind it is creating a cool vibe! We will be returning! Thanks team for the fun filled week!

This hostel is so so lovely! We stayed for 10 days and felt at home the minute we stepped in. Linda and Thilina will do everything to make you feel comfortable and are super accommodating with any requests. Also the rest of the staff, volunteers and Rex + cats are awesome which made for a super warm stay, as if you’re in a big family 😊 other pros were the clean kitchen, the interior, hostel dinners, cheap + nice yoga and the location. I also really like how they offer some local experiences from the Weligama community, such as cooking classes or learn about Sri Lankan fabrics. Staying here will definitely be a highlight of your trip! Thanks guys, we will be back!!

I stayed in Layback for one week in April and loved it! I‘d never surfed before but the beginner group was perfectly set up. After one week I feel confident to go out in the water myself and catch some waves. The surf instructors and the theory lessons were really helpful. I also loved the yoga session and the overall experience😊 I travelled there on my own but thanks to the welcome dinner and the set up it was easy to connect and leave as a friend🫶🏻 I will definitely be back someday!

Good luck only staying for one week… Most people in my group (including me) all extended our stay because of the amazing experience here at Layback. All the surf instructors are extremely knowledgeable and make you feel so safe and looked after. I always felt like i was in a private lesson because of how attentive they are with you in the water. I think i improved my surfing more in one week than i did in 1 year. Best camp in Weligama. If you are looking to make amazing connections Up level your surfing Eat amazing food And make memories of a lifetime.. look no further. I cant wait to come back!

Absolutely loved staying at Layback! Best decision ever to come here. All the staff is doing an amazing job. Thanks for everything! Nice and clean rooms, great people around, amazing food and the best surfing classes ever. Absolutely 12/10! :-)

First of all thank you for a wonderful week at Layback. We enjoyed our stay a lot. The surfing lessons, facilities, food and activities activities were very good and we enjoyed it a lot. The staff were amazing and very kind and welcoming and the group was great as well. We also loved that the staff were so kind and caring of the animals and gave them shelter, food and healthcare. We would like to give a higher rating but the dorm and especially the bathroom was in very poor standard. The bathroom had a very bad smell and we suspect that it had mold but we don't know. The roof and the walls in the bathroom had yellow stains and the tiles had cracks in them. The room and the common bathroom on the 1st floor did not match the standard of the rest of the building. If you think its important you should ask for pictures of the rooms and the bathrooms. Overall, if the sleeping areas and the bathrooms improve Layback will have one of the best surf camps in Weligama because the staff is amazing.

The place felt more like a family then a hostel. I booked 1 week of surf and yoga classes. I liked it so much I ended up staying for 3 weeks. The surf instructors always made safety their priority and gave me space to learn step by step, as total greenie they helped me to build confidence 😁 If you feel like some cuddle time with 4 legged friends, your in the right place with a few cats and an old dog who occasionally joins for surf missions just down the road. The room was clean and air conditioned with hot running water and a fully equipped shared kitchen down stairs. The owner is friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.

Best place to stay in weligama. At a more quiet road located and super stylish surfcamp. Instructors and staff are amazing and super helpful and friendly. Rooms are totally clean offer a/c and the restaurant is superb. High variety of vegan and veggie dishes besides also some western options. Definitely recommend and als will come back. No doubts.

Really a nice and calm place with chill and family atmosphere, the team is amazing, feels like home. I booked two weeks of the surfcamp and had a wonderful time with surfing, yoga, delicious food and playing the Sri lankian game Carrom. I will come back. Thank you.

I’ve stayed in Weligama for 2,5 weeks and I can definitely say that LAYBACK has the most delicious cuisine in the city!!! Ps: and not hesitate to read a book about local architect there, together with the meal it would be incredible journey for you that you can discuss with the hosts ;)

The Layback Surfcamp was the best place we could have stayed in Weligama. We first wanted to stay just one week but extended like almost everyone, because they create an atmosphere that makes you feel like home at layback. The owner even baked a cake for my boyfriends birthday. On Sunday and Saturday are some lovely family dinners to get to know each other and chat about life and surfing. The surf lessons were perfectly organized and very professional, I learned so much in these two weeks. Thanks to all the surf coaches! Also the Yoga Classes were so helpful to relax after a full day of surfing or to stretch before surfing a second time the day. The rooms are very clean and lovely furnished in a modern bohoo style. Props to the whole team, your doing a fantastic Job <3

The room is spacious and clean, A/C and hot water work perfectly. The cleaning staff is so friendly and helpful. Good location for all local markets, banks, gas stations, etc. The manager is so kind and did everything to answer your requests. The surfing team is really helpful for beginners. A good Yoga teacher has classes every day that you can attend. We were there for our honeymoon vacation, so they set up the room with some loving stuff. It's a kinda warm welcome for us. We were comfortable as we stay 7 days on Layback. We felt as if it were home. Thank you for everything. Nice to meet you all!

We loved our first ever introduction to surfing with Layback. Got the premium package with private room and it was worth it! We had a lot of fun and a lot of activities. lots of surfing every day. The yoga master Abby and the fitness instructor (that also works at the cafe) were amazing! The manager Linda is so friendly, kind and willing to help 👌

Amazing place, amazing people! I spent two weeks here. Extremely helpful and caring staff. Warm, nice and chill atmosphere. I felt like at home the whole time. These Layback wonderful people became me a new family. Thanks to their professional surf instructors, I made incredible progress in two weeks: from absolute zero to short boards. Unbelievable! I am extremely grateful to the entire Layback team for their care, all kinds of help and sincerity. I will come back here again and again. Thank you!

Just had a great 2 weeks at Layback in Weligama! The owners are super hosts, helping you with everything you need. Next to that, the surf guidance and yoga classes are well organised and much fun. Both the private rooms and the dorms are up to modern standards and very comfortable. I would definitely recommend this place!

The Layback is great!! The whole team is super friendly and helpful. They gave us great tips for places to go, organised transport and a motorbike for us and were just overall nice people. Everyday they also made us such a wonderful breakfast — awesome! The house and rooms are very clean and well equipped. The beach is just a short walk away, as well as some shops and restaurants. At the same time, the place is hidden from the noise of the streets. We also really enjoyed the surf lessons. As complete beginners, we were able to make some great first tries at surfing. The coaching was really good! All in all, the Layback is a great place for everyone, not just for surfing. You can easily explore the whole area from there and the Layback-Team is a great help with that. Thank you guys very much!!

Really nice and calm place in heart of Weligama! I really enjoyed my stay there. Perfect surf&yoga, delicious food and amazing people around🤍

Layback is very central place which make it easy to get everywhere in Willigama. Surfing lessons were really good. I had the premium package which includes two surf lessons , first one at 6:30 am and the second in the afternoon. I really would like to thanks Anju for the quality of its instructions and for always being positive and helpful ! The surfing lessons are well organised and all journey to the surfing points are done by tuk tuk ! The batik workshop as well as the cooking class were also really good . Regarding the place , it looks bigger in the picture than in reality. Kitchen is very small and there is nothing to cook and no fridge. Otherwise , the place is clean and the café and the rooftop are really nice.

Layback is the best surfcamp in Weligama, no doubt! Surfinstructors and the lessons are amazing and the camp is only a few minutes walking distance from the Beach. It is located in the center of Weligama, and both shopping and restaurants are very close by. The food and drinks at the camp is always delecious, and the rooms AND DORMS are super nice and clean. Amazing people, that makes it an amazing stay! I extended once i got there and didnt want to leave!

My partner and I stayed here in April and had a fantastic time. The staff were great (in particularly Linda), accommodation was great (except for a leak in our bathroom where we had to keep a towel down on the floor) and overall the vibe was great. There were some aspects that could have been improved (we received limited feedback in the water from our instructors, there were limited fibreglass boards at the camp, surf theory lesson was provided on the second last day of the camp, one of the owners/managers swearing at a surfer in the water for dropping in on them), but overall the camp was great and they did a great job at running it given the economic situation in Sri Lanka

The best Surf Camp I ever stayed in and the most helpful lessons I ever had!! All the surf coaches are just really friendly and really want you to improve your skills so they explain everything very well. They create an atmosphere were you don’t feel bad about asking the most basic questions. As well in the water I always felt completely safe and like I had a private lesson. Loved to have a female instructor!!💕 Besides that all the staff is extremely welcoming and they help you with everything you need. I really appreciated that the dorm got cleaned every day. The Yoga during the week was everyday a bit different but always exactly what I needed and the yoga place is as pretty as everything else. Loved everything about this Surf Camp and will definitely come back if ever visit Sri Lanka again 🫶🏼

My week at Layback was one to remember! All of the instructors are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable, and with their guidance my surfing skills and confidence developed heaps! Along with this, the video analysis + training sessions were an added bonus to help see where you need to improve. The yoga classes were amazing with a different practice taught each day. I have never had great interest in yoga until I did the classes at Layback! The rooms are great and the Layback cafe is amazing, particularly after a morning surf. There are plenty of vegan options which was an added bonus for me. All of the staff were very kind throughout my stay and made myself and my partner feel very welcome. If you are keen on doing a surf camp in Weligama, Layback is the best choice by far! I’m already looking forward to returning 🙂

The place to stay when you are in Sri Lanka and want to surf. The teachers are excellent and super nice. The owners are really friendly, flexible and try to make all your wishes come true. The staff in the restaurant is super nice too. They serve you one of the best food in Weligama, especially the family breakfast and dinners, that are included in all packages are super tasty. I came together with many good people at this place. All in all, the time at Layback was awesome.

Only in a few days I improved my surfing a lot, because there are not only the physical surfing classes, but also a lot of theory and training that you can join. I like this spot because it’s an easy way to connect with other people (bc. it’s a closed group each week and an opportunity of joining different trips). The food is amazing, the location perfect!! I loved our family dinner and breakfast, that is made with so much love. Thilina, the owner of the surf camp, as well as the staff members are super friendly and obliging! Thanks for this experience🌴🌞

Layback was really lovely! We stayed for a full week and had a comfortable stay for the entire time there. The staff were friendly and were always willing to help us! It is well located and has a peaceful atmosphere in the surrounding greenery. I would highly recommend this place and would definitely stay here again when I return.

I really enjoyed my stay at the camp. The rooms and washrooms are quite spacious and well maintained. The surf instructors are patient and takes real interest in making sure that we learn the correct techniques when it comes to surfing. It was such a good experience. ♥️

This place has been so good to me <3. I loved every second here. The atmosphere is great, the rooms are great, clean and arconditioned, the yoga is GREAT and the surf instructors are super friendly and thoughtful. Overall I think if you're going to Weligama beach to (learn how to) surf, this is by far the best spot. Great coffee, great food, great staff, great people. Will definitely come back!

I loved my stay here. The Location and team is amazing, you directly feel like family here. The surf instructors are all very motivated, smile and help you all the time. I improved my surfing a lot through them and their clear and good advices. As well, we had every afternoon theory class in which we get taught how to improve our surf technique and also how waves are working - to understand more about it. There have been some evening events in which the team and the students went out for Dinner or party and it felt always like home. As well, the rooftop restaurant is amazing. The team is super friendly and the coffee is top. thanks a lot layback - for this unforgettable stay :)

My five-month journey ended with a week of surfing at Layback. As a first-timer in surfing I was a bit hesitant if it would be a success. Little did I know, it turned out better than I could imagine. The instructors at Layback are exceptionally skilled. The accommodations exceeded my expectations – the dorms are not only spacious but impeccably maintained, with staff carefully ensuring cleanliness (they are even successful in keeping the sand away). The cafe is also great, with high-quality food served in a cafe that radiates a relaxed and cozy ambiance. Most importantly, the Layback Team's dedication is noteworthy. Their effective communication, genuine interest in each traveler, and remarkable flexibility significantly enhanced my experience. My gratitude goes to Team Layback for making my visit unforgettable. Already looking forward to my next stay at Layback

A week I will never forget! I had the most amazing stay at Layback, a week filled with memories I will cherish forever. As a solo traveller it is always daunting going into something like this. However, from the moment I stepped foot in Layback I was greeted with friendly faces and made to feel at home. The welcome dinner was the perfect way to meet other guests and make friends with like-minded people from the outset. With the premium package, I was lucky enough to have a sunrise and sunset surf lesson every day, a yoga class and theory lesson. The week was busy, but there was plenty of time between classes to chill out and eat their delicious food. 😊 The instructors were friendly, professional, and very passionate about surfing and teaching others to surf. I managed to improve my surfing skills in a week and went from standing, to riding the whitewash and eventually riding a green wave by myself. Layback exceeded all my expectations. Thank you, Layback, for the best week! I cannot wait to come back. 😊

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Layback Restaurant is an absolute gem! The vibrant atmosphere, coupled with an extensive menu of amazing smoothies and healthy food options, makes it a haven for food enthusiasts. The staff's commitment to providing the best service ever truly sets this place apart. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and valued. The smoothies were a burst of flavor, and the healthy food options exceeded my expectations. Layback is now my go-to spot for a delightful dining experience. Highly recommended!

Had a wonderful time at layback! The camp is beautiful. The rooms are nice, spacious and get cleaned regularly. The staff and instructors were the loveliest people, always helped with any struggles and let everybody feel very welcomed. Everything is very well organized, daily schedules are sent out to everyone the evening before. The food is great as well! It was a blast, would definitely recommend!

I cannot recommend Layback Surfcamp enough. Me and a friend stayed two weeks at this amazing place and would have still loved to stay longer. The surf instructors and all other people working at Layback were always professional, helpful and each of them very lovely people. They and the other guests made the place feel like home from the beginning. I improved my surf level from total beginner to catching small green waves by myself at the end of the first week. I couldn’t have wished for a better experience for my first surf. As a beginner I was a bit afraid to go out the first time but the instructors made me feel very safe every second in and outside of the water. Another big plus at Layback was the food. Even after two weeks I still didn’t have enough of the menu and was looking forward to every meal, as they had enough vegetarian options. Like every other person working at layback the staff in the cafe was always friendly and well organised. Another thing I need to mention is the accommodation. I stayed in a 9 bed female dorm which is super spacious, has its own little balcony and was always clean. Besides that, it is as beautiful as it looks on the pictures. Thanks to the whole Layback Team and especially Thilina for making my time in Sri Lanka that amazing. Can’t wait to come back!

I spent one week at Layback and it was one of my highlights in Sri Lanka. The whole team was amazing and the surf lessons are in very small groups, so I could progress a lot during the week. They also offer training sessions and video analysis. I also enjoyed the chilled yoga classes after the surf sessions. My room was very cozy and every detail fits together. Would definitely recommend to stay there if you plan to go to Sri Lanka.

I stayed at Layback for one week as a beginner surfer and I absolutely loved it! The surf instructors are doing a great job. Just in a few days I improved my surfing skills a lot! I also loved the yoga classes! The camp, rooms and the cafe are such beautiful places with many details that make you feel very comfortable staying there! The food in the Cafe is so delicious! The whole team is doing an amazing job. You feel very welcomed. I definetely recommend it and want to come back! 🥰

best surfcamp ever! The organization, the weekly program and the surf lessons are great, I felt comfortable from day one. Besides that it’s especially the people that make it an amazing stay, the surf instructors as well as all other people around - it’s a social and welcoming environment. The accommodation is super clean and nice as well. Besides that it’s local owned, which is definitely worth supporting. I will definitely come back:)

My girlfriend and I stayed here in a private room for 6 nights and did surf lessons through the hostel each day. We had an awesome time at layback. The hostel is very relaxed and surf instructors were great. The location is perfect as it is tucked away but still close to everything you need. Definitely recommend.

Liked · The hosts were very friendly and accommodating. I would highly recommend this place. You can do yoga, take surfing lessons and meet other friendly travelers. If I go back to Weligama I will stay there again.

What an amazing place! Been at the surfcamp for one week and it felt like a home. Great staff and they do everything to make you feel comfortable! Surfinstructors were great and really professional! Had the best time here!!

The hostel is beautiful, the location is very convenient, and surf instructors are lovely! Definitely will be back!

Definitely, one of the best places in Sri Lanka. It was our first surf camp in a life and now I am sure that it was not the last one. Thilina and his guys gave us very productive lessons, they made us love surfing and it's cool. Thilina is also very charming and positive man, who will make you forget all your troubles and start being more happy and relaxed. Our private room was spacious enough and comfortable, it is very basic, despite the fact that it is very basic. I will give just a few recommendations to the owners: 1. It would be better to clean up the room and mop a floor in a common area more often. 2. Make room lights brighter 🔆, it was dim light.

Service is really good:)

We were surfing for the first time with layback surf camp in sri lanka. It was great fun and we actually rode a few waves! Thanks for your help!

After a month of R&D me n my husband came across Layback. Our major concern was to have a lifetime experience with surfing and we were glad that we chose Layback. Linda was the person we first interacted with. She is a beautiful person in and out, She answered all my queries so positively n effectively and her response time was real quick. We came for surfing session in the month of February'19. Me and my husband had an extremely incredible n memorable time at Layback. This place is beautiful, room n washroom were very clean n tidy, the stay was super comfortable. access to kitchen was also very comfortable, it was equipped with almost all the necessary things. The entire staff is very good n nice, you'll always see them smiling n welcoming. Thilina was our instructor for the surfing sessions. Extremely polite, sensible, calm and a very gentle person. All thanks to him and his team for making our surf lessons memorable n worth. Me n my husband were able to surf within 2 days only😁 Overall, we had a wonderful time and I still recall the wonderful days that we spent in Layback. Linda I have found a wonderful friend in you❤️ and looking forward to see you soon. They also offer photo/video shoot while surf lessons, which again was very exciting. We are yet to receive our surf photos, excited to see them, eagerly waiting!☺️ PS: Layback breakfast is so so sooo delicious 😁 Thank you Linda, Thilina and to the entire team, much love and a big hug to all of you.

I found this place couple of days before I fly back home. And this place was amazing! Rooms were nice and cool with beautiful decor, surf lessons were great, the place felt so cosy and staff was super nice. Would definitely go again! I had a great time in Weligama. Thanks for having me Thilina :)

My boyfriend and I had planned to stay one week at Layback and then travel around the island. But then something happened: we loved the place so much and specially the people, that we didn't want to leave! So one week became two... And it would have been three if they weren't fully booked. The atmosphere was great. Hostel owners Thilina and Linda are amazing people who spared no effort to make everyone feel home. They are very welcoming, friendly, and communicative (in the right measure, so one never feels overwhelmed). We cherished the interaction with both of them and the other guests very much! It felt like being part of a family. Thilina's father would sometimes cook dinner for the hostel guests. We joined about 4 or 5 dinners. We liked so much that we wanted to learn how to cook some traditional Sri Lankan food, so Thilina organized a cooking class for us with his mom. We don't have words to describe how tasty it was! And how fun was to cook with her! We took surf lessons with Thilina who is a great surf instructor. We had a blast every time we were in the water with him! Chuti and Sameer (two kids who are being sponsored by Layback) would sometimes join to either help Thilina with the lessons or just surf and hang out with us. These little two are extremely talented surfers and great kids! The hostel and our room were very clean, neat and comfortable. We have no complaints whatsoever. On top of that: the boys who help with the cleaning and hostel errands were always ready to help and with a smile on their faces. The hostel has a shared kitchen with enough amenities and gadgets one needs to cook. Also organized and clean. Of course you have to mark your food, or it will be eaten by others ;) We recommend Layback without any reservations. And we are definitely coming back next season!

There are so many reasons why I love Layback. The hot water in the shower was so great and the kitchen is equipped with everything you need to make a smoothie or cook dinner. They even have free drinking water for the guests. The yoga sessions with Reneé on the balcony were wonderful and the staff all very friendly and helpful. Would recommend Layback for anyone who wants a quiet and homey environment during their stay in Weligama.

Great surf class in Weligama. We went with a group of friends, and we all loved it! We all did it for the first time. Recommended.

We‘ve spent two nights in the 8-bed dorm of Layback Hostel and were positively surprised about how big and neat the room was. The beds are super-comfortable and there is a little terrace just above the room which I found very nice. Linda from the hostel was very helpful in every situation and always made great effort to make sure we had everything we needed. It was lovely! I would definitely book it again.

Layback gave me a super comfortable and nice stay. Linda was always there to help out anywhere were needed. They create fun family dinners and the rooms have aircon - which is a nice luxury. The atmosphere is good and would love to go back when i get there. Definitely a must go if you were still in a doubt :)

Good place with potential to be great. Good size and facilities, a little away from the main area but only 7/10min walk. Dorms are big and have a locker each. Was clean and had good beds. I was in the hostel and as they are mainly a surf camp, I felt rather on the outside and not included within their vibe. For example they had a welcome meal on my first night which I wasn’t aware of/invited to and when I returned to the hostel it was completely deserted. Main thing there was no security - like the Marie Celeste of hostels. Same again on Christmas Day - it would have been nice to have been included or at least made aware of their surf camp but not hostel wide meal Manager Lynda was lovely but the owner who checked me in didn’t provide any details about the place which would have made my stay much better - I thought he was the porter. The price point of $12 per night I felt was high in comparison to others in the market, especially as no breakfast was included. If you are on the camp, you’ll have a great time. Not sure I’d recommend as a stand-alone hostel

We had a fantastic stay at Layback. The name of the place perfectly describes the vibe this place has. We stayed in a very nice room at the second floor in the back of Layback with a nice balcony! The team, Thilina, Linda and Dil Dil, is very helpful and will help you with every request you have! Boards are for hire and Thilina also gives surf lessons! Highly recommend this place! I'm already looking forward to stay there soon again!

Arrived for one night, stayed for 15! Made the best friends, have the best memories and enjoyed every single moment staying at Layback. Linda and Thilina are the best hosts around - I can't wait to stay again in the future :)

I had an incredible experience with all the lovely folks at Layback Hostel and Surf Camp in Weligama. I started the week a complete beginner and ended feeling comfortable in the water and confident catching waves on my own thanks to the team's teaching and guidance. The accommodations were very nice and the meals provided as part of the surf camp were authentic and SO delicious! By the end of the week I felt like a small but close community had been created with the surf instructors, the hostel staff, and the other camp participants. I would highly recommend to anyone looking to learn how to surf in Sri Lanka!!

I had such an incredible week at Layback thanks to Thilina and Linda’s great hosting (+Rex & Cats). I arrived having never surfed and left after a week confident in the water and able to head out on my own thanks to Thilina’s great coaching. Layback was so much more than just surfing though, it is a beautiful and clean little spot to base yourself in Weligama and I met some great people for a really fun and social week. It was all topped off by the added extras such as cooking lessons with Thilina’s mum and a wonderful dinner cooked by his father. I couldn’t recommend Layback enough for a solo traveller looking to learn to surf, I won’t forget it in a hurry!

(Translated by Google) A very nice hostel with lovely owners, great, spacious rooms, relaxed atmosphere and great surf instructors 😊 thank you! (Original) Ein sehr schönes Hostel mit lieben Besitzern, tollen, geräumigen Zimmern, entspannter Atmosphäre und klasse Surflehrern 😊 vielen Dank!

Best surf teachers!

I took a surfing class with Thilina in Layback. It was an amazing 1.5hrs. I have successfully made it to stand on the surfing board several times just in the beginning. The beach was beautiful and clean, waves are super beginner friendly. I have tried surfing classes few times years ago, and I think Thilina got really good tactics and knows well what he is doing. If you really want to learn how to surf, come to Layback!

Staying at the Layback Hostel was a wonderful experience for us. We were welcomed with open arms and immediately felt like visiting an old friend instead of just being a customer. We were treated with ice cream and good recommendations for the area. The hostel itself is super cute and very clean. They put a lot of love in the detail of decorating. Also they have hot water, fans and nets over the beds for mosquitos which is a huge plus! We would definitely come again! One of the best hostel experiences!

I don’t even know where to start... everything was amazing! From the stay to the people, to the food and the surf. The layback team made my experience even better than I could even imagine, they made me feel like I was one of the family, and this is the best feeling you can experience! I’ve been with the Layback family for one week, an awesome week in which they widely made it better than my expectation! I can say that I’ve been surrounded by people that I will always carry in my heart, for their kindness and profesionality they have shown. The atmosphere is friendly and warm 🌺 the hostel provides everything necessary, rooms are clean, kitchen well equipped and even if the Layback is close to the center of Weligama, the beach and surf spots, so easy to reach shops and local restaurants, it is still quiet and relaxing. The surf with the team was special, I’ve had a lot of fun! I’ve also had the best cooking class of my life with Thillina’s mom, authentic local experience. I hope to be back soon and to spend more time with you 💙 Thankfull i met you Layback 🙏🏽 I already miss you so much!! ☺️ Non saprei nemmeno da dove iniziare.. è stata un’esperienza unica, dal pernottamento alle persone, dal cibo al surf. Hanno reso la mia esperienza migliore di quando avrei mai potuto immaginare, mi han fatto sentire come se fossi in famiglia, e penso che sia la miglior sensazione che si posso provare! Sono stata presso Layback una settimana, una settimana fantastica in cui i ragazzi sono stati capaci di superare qualsiasi mia aspettativa! Ho fatto amicizia con persone che porterò sempre nel cuore, per la gentilezza e professionalità che mi hanno dimostrato. L’atmosfera è rilassante 🌺 nonostante Layback si trovi a pochi passi dal centro di Weligama e dalla spiaggia e da vari surf spot, facile raggiungere piccoli supermercati e ristoranti locali. In più Il surf con il team è stato fantastico e super divertente! Il corso di cucina con la mamma di Thillina è stato il migliore di sempre. Spero di ever la possibilità di tornare presto e di passare più tempo con tutto voi 💙 Mi mancate già un sacco ☺️

Such a great little spot. Staff are warm and welcoming and the rooms and facilities are 👌 Enjoyed meeting some lovely people there and staff were super helpful in arranging transport and making suggestions for places to go and see.

Layback is the perfect place to spot en enjoy the South of Sri Lanka. The hostel is clean, well maintained and comfortable. Linda and Thilina (the owners/hosts) make it a priority to make you feel at home as soon as you step in the building and will give you good tips about sightseeing and activities in Weligama. When I was there, they were offering surf lessons & cooking classes which were both great experiences. I highly recommend this place as it made my stay in Weligama deeply enjoyable!

Layback Hostel is one of the most warmest places which i‘ve ever stayed in all the Hostels i‘ve been to. Usually i don‘t write recommondations, but in this case i just have to. Just a big big thank you to Thilina and Linda! I stayed 1 week and booked the surf package. Thilina, host and surfguide, is an outstanding surfguide. He was always very alert with his students. He is a very reliable person, very well speaking english and just a very lovely person! Back in the Hostel, where Linda is always up for good talks and always has been the most caring host, i just felt home immediatley. She also has a lot of nice tips to be around in the South of Sri Lanka. I also enjoyed the cooking class with Thilina‘s mother back at their house a lot, it couldn‘t have been more authentic! Also Thilina‘s Father cooked two awesome dinner for the whole Layback Family! Just the best!! Layback is a very chilled place, with nice rooms and the best people. I met so many nice people and especially Thilina and Linda! Thank you so much again for having me!!! I highly recommend this place to everyone!!

I spent almost 20 days at Layback and loved every minute of it. When I first arrived at Sri Lanka I did the typical quick bounced through of Colombo, Kandy, Sigaria and Elle and even though I enjoyed my time, it wasn't till I got to Layback that I actually started experiencing Sri Lanka, because of the incredible chilled and welcoming vibe they provided, I decided to spend the rest of my 30 days there. Layback is clean, secure and has some of the best internet I had, had in days. The kitchen is well equipped and open to guest, the bathrooms and rooms are cleaned daily and was always stocked with toilet paper and your provided with a blanket and free filtered water. The ones running Layback went out of their way to make me feel at home. Layback is nicely located, near city center but not too close, away from the noise and only a block over from the beach, with plenty of shops, restaurants, cafe's, fruit venders and street food, western and local within walking distance, and a 5 minute walk from the bus station and maybe 10 minutes to the train station, as well as been centrally located to all the other coastal towns and beaches on that side of Sri lanka, so its really easy and convenient to be able to take days trips to places like Galle and Linda was always open to giving great trips or suggestions on where to go to spend a day. However again the one thing that kept me there was simply the vibe and my amazing hosts, the owner and the women who manages the place, as soon as I arrived I felt comfortable and welcomed. The general hangout areas are good, with a nice terrace to spend your mornings or evenings on. I didn't surf but I observed how attentive they were to the ones who did, and the instructor doesn't only teach but he is also passionate about what he does and makes sure his students get the guidance and the tools they need to get up on the board. I was also treated to a few traditional home cooked family style meals provided by the owners mom and dad, they are absolutely amazing chefs and it just added to the homey feel that Layback provides. I don't leave many comments but when I do it's to places that will stay with me and that I will definitely return to, I could not recommend this place enough...Thank you to Layback for making my time in Sri Lanka memorable.

Great boutique surf hostel. Definitely worth a stay. Great people. Family vibes. If you are looking forward to improve your surfing skills or if you just want to hang out around good people in the heart of Weligama, Layback is the place for you!

Best surf instructors ever. They knows how to manage all situations easily and the teaching is really good. Not only do you get to learn surf and progress quickly with amazing local coaches, but you also get to live the local life, experience the best Weligama has to offer and get to know amazing people. I strongly recommend this trip to anyone. Special thanks to Rex the dog

I stayed in in layback for 3 weeks and helped out as a surf teacher. It was an awesome experience. Thilina and Linda were so nice and welcoming. In the evening we often had great hosteldinners which made it easy to socialise with the other guests. The hostel is really clean and comftorable and only 5 min from the center of weligama. But the best of all was the surfing:). From the hostel you only need two minutes to the beach by walking, so you could always check out the waves and decide after, weather its worth to go out. You also get to surf with shameera and chuti, two boys from the neighbourhood, who know the best surfspots around weligama. I would recommend this hostel to everyone who wants to have the best surf experience and a great time in Weligama.

If you’re looking for a clean, beautiful boutique-style hostel where you instantly feel at home and part of a family; Layback is the place to stay. The hostel is in a great location, it has a beautiful terrace for yoga and the surf instructors are amazing! All the staff who work there are unbelievably welcoming and helpful which is what makes this hostel so special. I kept extending my stay here as I loved it so much - can’t wait to come back again!

(Translated by Google) I had really great time spent in Layback. It’s surfcamp and hostel as well. Only good vibes, host are really nice and welcoming, feels like home. A great place is a surf camp and just a hostel, with a cool atmosphere and hospitable hosts who will always help and give a bunch of recommendations (Original) I had really great time spent in Layback. It’s surfcamp and hostel as well. Only good vibes, host are really nice and welcoming, feels like home. Отличное место -серф-кэмп и просто хостел, с классной атмосферой и гостеприимными хозяевами, которые всегда помогут и дадут кучу рекомендаций

Had such a great stay! Linda and Thilina have created a real home away from home at Layback. It’s an unexpected retreat just off a bustling little Weligama street, so you get to experience the authentic vibe and pace of the town. You walk down a short road to the beach. The rooms are nicely decorated, always cool (aircon), and have the comfiest ‘blankets’ on the beds - perfect for post-surf and sun naps. The early morning and afternoon surf sessions were a highlight - I couldn’t have asked for better surf instructors. We had the most fun and were up and riding on day 1! The location is ideal - near everything you need (great food spots), and always able to get a tuk-tuk. Many of the guests who checked-in for one night ended up extending their stay, or returning a few days later. Rex the doggo and the friendly kitties will also be missed. Thank you Layback. I will never forget my stay :)

This hostel was the first apartment in my long journey in Sri-Lanka. I liked it from the first sight) that is why, when I returned back to Weligama, I always stayed here. I’ve been to all the dorms they provide and they all are the best. Layback has all the facilities you need to spent incredible time. Air condition in every room. Wifi is good, I work online and the wifi speed was enough to have skype. Plus, the provide drinking water in the kitchen. Also, here you can find good surf instructors and yoga lessons. I recommend this hotel to all the backpackers and to families with kids( there are couple of separate rooms here, a/c and non a/c)

(Translated by Google) I booked here just 2 nights. But I extended it to 9 nights. If I don't need to leave weligama, I would stay here forever! Owner and Linda was really nice people and they were flexible. So I really satisfied with weligama thanks to this hostel. I really recommend here !! I was happy with the storage space. When you surf and come back to wash your baggage, these things ... ㅎ ㅎ Surfing actor walked to the beach takes about 10 minutes, but I thought it was warming up before I started surfing. Recommended for 4 female dormitories! Both the staff and the owner are very very friendly and flexible people! The kitchen is shared and the water purifier saves you money! (Original) I booked here just 2 nights. But I extended it to 9 nights. If I don't need to leave weligama, I would stay here forever! Owner and Linda was really nice people and they were flexible. So I really satisfied with weligama thanks to this hostel. I really recommend here!! 여기 뭐 하나 빠지는 것 없이 좋아요 수납 공간도 좋은게 제일 만족스러웠어요. 서핑하고 돌아와서 씻을 때 짐 챙겨 들어가고 이런것들...ㅎㅎ 서핑배우는 해변가까지 걸어서 한 10분 걸리긴하는데 서핑 시작 전 워밍업이라 생각하고 걸어갈만 했습니다. 여성 4인 도미토리 추천입니당!! 스태프와 주인 모두 매우매우 친절하고 융통성 있는 사람들이엇어용! 주방도 공용으로 사용할 수 있고 정수기도 있어서 돈을 절약할 수 잇었습니다!

I cannot give enough praise to Layback hostel and surf camp. This is the VERY best hostel and surf experience I have ever had. The VERY best surf teachers in Sri Lanka and best hosts. Thilina is an incredible surf teacher, and hires very good staff to work with him. I have taken many surf lessons in many countries and Layback was by far the best. After a week I achieved much more than I even dreamed I would. I think this is because Thilina is such an attentive teacher who knows what each of his students need. The classes were small and sometimes there were two students to each instructor. Linda made us feel at home in the hostel. She was kind enough to upgrade us when a room became available and book nice activities for my wife and I. She is always happy and very available for questions—which is sometimes rare for hostel staff. I worked in 3 hostels and I can tell you as an expert that Linda and Thilina are the best you’ll find out there: professional, talented and passionate about their work. Please stay here and do the surf camp with them. You’ll want to extend your stay.

I am not one to usually leave reviews, but this place is truly so so so special. Thilina is the most effective and patient surf instructor and Linda is a kind and generous host. Both of them have a calm and sincere presence and you can see that the work they are doing at layback extends beyond just tourist hospitality in such meaningful ways. I loved getting a glimpse of their beautiful community and the special place they have built. Do yourself a favor and book a surf week here. For real. Good people, good surfing, good food.