Soul & Surf Sri Lanka image

Soul & Surf Sri Lanka

Cafe • Hotel • Resort hotel • Yoga studio • Surf shop • Surf school

🫤 Food and scenery were incredible, however if you are a light sleeper I would avoid sleeping here as you can hear literally every word and sound from your neighboring room. Unfortunately, we had neighbours who did not sleep until 2am and were extremely noisy until then so no sleep for us even with ea... People often mention surf, yoga, Soul, people, Surf, staff, recommend, stay, great, felt,


Address

Matara Rd, Ahangama 80650, Sri Lanka

Website

www.soulandsurf.com

Contact

+94 77 365 4835

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (67 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: surf (25) yoga (20) Soul (17) people (16) Surf (16) staff (15) recommend (13) stay (13) great (13) felt (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 2/5 Shaila K. 2 years ago on Google
    Food and scenery were incredible, however if you are a light sleeper I would avoid sleeping here as you can hear literally every word and sound from your neighboring room. Unfortunately, we had neighbours who did not sleep until 2am and were extremely noisy until then so no sleep for us even with ear plugs in - we woke up extremely tired! The yoga spot also has a very noisy water pump which distracts you from your meditative state and the relaxing sounds of the ocean. Should probably change location of your yoga classes to avoid this going forward.
    3 people found this review helpful đź‘Ť

  • 5/5 Al S. 2 years ago on Google
    I can't recommend this place enough. I had the most incredible week here. The location is fantastic, nestled up in the forest, and only a short tut tut ride to the beach. The lodge itself is truly beautiful, everything is so well thought out, it was such a peaceful place to stay. You get quite a lot of wildlife just wondering on by! Lastly there is the staff, everyone who works here went out of their way to make my stay perfect. Whether it was the gorgeous food (I've been trying to recreate the porridge for ages), to the thoughtful hosting and the indepth surf and yoga coaching. I met a great group of people whilst I was there. Thank you so much Soul and Surf team!
    2 people found this review helpful đź‘Ť

  • 5/5 Hanaa 7 months ago on Google
    We stayed here for two nights at the end of our Sri Lanka adventure and it was the perfect way to end our trip. As soon as we walked in we felt soo relaxed and relieved to unwind in such a beautiful location, right on the beach. Our room was beautiful, spacious and clean, with views of the sea and sunset. It also included breakfast which was SO delicious. Despite it being low season, a surf lesson was organised for us by the super helpful staff which was AMAZING. Having only done one in Australia previously, we were so impressed with how detailed the instructors were and passionate about helping us learn and progress. Highly recommend SS whether you’re looking for a place to unwind with stunning views or looking for adventure. Will definitely be back!
    2 people found this review helpful đź‘Ť

  • 5/5 Jaume R. 11 months ago on Google
    Had an absolute stellar time. Definitely the best surf & yoga camp in ahangama and probably in SriLanka!! Couldn’t recommend this place any more. My room was a 10/10 with views to the waves we were surfing everyday!! The chillout area is honestly one of a kind, but the difference from the Soul and Surf to other places i’ve stayed at is the people. Thanks to everyone who works at the SS for making me feel so welcome. Will miss this place dearly.
    2 people found this review helpful đź‘Ť

  • 5/5 Lucy G. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is truly insane. The location, rooms and pool are all unbelievable but honestly it's the people and activities that made it for me. Jo is the host and took the best care of us. She is fab at organising any of your logistics but is also someone that you want to stick around when she is off duty too. Liam, Claire and Prian were really excellent surf instructors, who were great at building up our confidence and progressing us through onto green waves. For anyone starting out surfing or looking to improve I can thoroughly recommend. The surf analysis you get is super useful and Liam is clearly so passionate about teaching it really encourages you to improve. The food was incredible, as were all the lovely staff at the lodge. I already cannot wait to go back.
    1 person found this review helpful đź‘Ť

  • 5/5 Noor T. 2 years ago on Google
    I spent a week at Soul & Surf's Tekanda Lodge in January and I can't recommend it enough. The property is absolutely beautiful, nestled atop a hill in the middle of a tea plantation. The staff is incredibly helpful and prepare the most delicious meals (you will not go hungry here, trust me!), and Jo, the host, will make you feel right at home. As for the surf coaches (Liam and Prian), they helped me gain so much confidence and improve my surfing over the course of the week. I'm so grateful to the whole team and can't wait to come back.
    1 person found this review helpful đź‘Ť

  • 5/5 Son O. 1 year ago on Google
    What a place! Could not recommend S&S enough for anyone who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle. The vibe is chilled, the people are super friendly and the facilities are perfect. The private cove is dreamy and you would struggle to find such an idyllic surf spot anywhere else. The staff make you feel like family and I did not want to say goodbye. Location is also great and there is a crew of the kindest tuk tuk drivers on tap at the door ready to take you anywhere you want or give a recommendation. I plan to revisit as soon as possible 🤙🏻❤️ 🌴 🌊

  • 5/5 Ekaterina P. 3 months ago on Google New
    Best coffee makers in Weligama. Great surfing vibes, home-made desserts and nice people

  • 5/5 Ravish M. 3 months ago on Google New
    Great experience all around, there were some hiccups here and there but the staff was always very helpful and agreed to go above and beyond for all guests. Highly recommend and will definitely return.

  • 5/5 Beth A. 3 months ago on Google New
    Where to begin! I had the very best week at Soul & Surf recently. A super dreamy set up in the most stunning little cove. You don’t have to stress about anything, all the team, from the canteen & housekeeping staff to the surf instructors, are just so incredible! Thanks to the amazing Alissa for being an awesome & fun host! Bronnagh was such a wonderful yoga teacher (and surf buddy!) from someone that wasn’t really a yogi before I enjoyed every single class so much, the flow of classes through the elements throughout the week was really cool too. Bernardo’s surf analysis & theory classes were a real highlight he’s such an inspiring teacher and I learnt a tonne. Despite some challenging stormy conditions we had some really fun surfs with our great instructors Ashan & Asanka. All in all an incredible, enriching, soulful week with an awesome group of people, have made some great friends & memories! If you’re thinking about going book it now!

  • 5/5 Chiara P. 3 months ago on Google New
    I had the best week at Soul & Surf Sri Lanka! In particular I loved: 1. Location - you can walk out of your room straight into the surf 2. Justin - Intermediate Surf Coach but so much more than that. Justin brings the best energy to the retreat, from 6.30am starts to (optional) open mic nights at Surfing Wombats! 3. Bernardo - Head Surf Coach, super knowledgeable and just a really cool dude. Surf sessions are filmed and Bernardo then gives detailed feedback and analysis on technique. 4. Food - mostly included and all delicious, healthy meals (and free unlimited coconuts!) 5. Other Soul Surfers - it attracts great people, both staff and retreat guests Thanks S&S, will be back :)

  • 5/5 Emily J. 1 year ago on Google
    A very very special place. I have just returned from a beautiful stay at Tekanda Lodge. I can’t recommend it enough. The views, the staff, the people, the food, the atmosphere. The list is endless! I chose the yoga package but I was tried surfing too. The team were so understanding and flexible and nothing was too much for them. I’ve made friends for life during my stay and I can’t wait to go back. The yoga teachers and massage therapist were very special and I felt completely at ease during my sessions. The surf coaches are so patient and so highly skilled. I can’t wait to come back to Soul and Surf and Tekanda Lodge.

  • 5/5 Hunter T. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely wonderful experience. Will cherish it forever. Will definitely be back. I was looking to nourish my run-down spirit and infuse play and fun into my life. I stayed for two weeks at the Takenda Lodge and I feel like I got that and more. I feel like the content on Soul & Surf's website captures the experience pretty well. To me, it felt like staying with some close family friends at their beach house - because by the end that was how everyone felt to me, from the yoga and surf instructors down to the staff and Tuk Tuk drivers. By the end of my two weeks, I also felt confident in the water. I've surfed off and on for a while, but never felt like I belonged in the line up, in part because I had some technical surf things I felt like I needed to work on, but also because I didn't feel like I was part of the stereotypical culture. Through the workshops, video analysis, and in-the-water sessions, the amazing instructors helped me learn so much, including how to just have fun. By the end, they helped me feel like I could go back home and paddle out with the assurance and the right intentions (huge shout out to Ashan who is an amazing surf instructor and who I'll be forever grateful to) I also developed a new relationship with my yoga mat. Rosie felt like a kindred spirit and is such an amazing teacher. She checked in with everyone each day and made everyone feel welcome. The yoga to me felt like it respected the fact that we surfed that morning while honoring that this was after all a retreat. I took home a number of new poses, but more than that felt I had truly deepened my practice, that I learned to slow down, let go, and be more open and playful on the mat. The staff was immensely helpful, the rooms and grounds gorgeous, the food incredible. I could go on and on, but it's really the amazing people at Soul & Surf that made it such a wonderful experience. If you're like, "this looks like the right place for me, but I'm worried about the economic situation in Sri Lanka," then for what it's worth I felt entirely safe the entire time (I was there the first two weeks of December 2022), and from what I remember the other five guests who were there felt the same. My recommendation would be - just go for it. I flew from Los Angeles and I'd go back in a heartbeat.

  • 5/5 Inez Z. 2 years ago on Google
    I had the most wonderful surf and yoga stay ever. Raff, Bess and their team made my stay lovely from the moment I set foot at the hotel till I left. The place is beautiful and the food delicious. Liam, is by far the best surf coach I have ever had, his energy, motivation and expert explanations helped me feel safe and progress so much in a dream setting. Overall a wonderful experience that I'd highly recommend

  • 5/5 Claire J. 1 year ago on Google
    This was my third time back to S&S Sri Lanka, but my first time staying at the Cove. Needless to say, it did not disappoint. The location, the view, the weather and the people made for the most heavenly 10 days. S&S will not be surprised to hear that I’ll be returning in the not too distant future.

  • 5/5 Lara D. 1 year ago on Google
    You get more than you expect when you choose to stay at Soul&Surf. Not only is the location charming and well situated, the food is excellent, and the staff are beyond reproach. I would have been happy never leaving the premises! Ahangama is an incredible place to surf, but what made this experience so notable were the people and the culture that Soul&surf creates for its guests. Needless to say - I highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Matthew A. 2 years ago on Google
    I had a fantastic time at Soul & Surf. The hotel, location and the team there were awesome. The food was a particular stand out. I felt part of the community v quickly and I’m looking forward to visiting their hotels elsewhere in the world (Portugal, India)!

  • 5/5 Rim B. 2 years ago on Google
    Couldn’t ask for more! Beautiful beachfront location, only a few paddles away from a great spot for the early morning surf. Breakfast after surf was both delicious and very filling, and the sunset yoga classes were the perfect way to end an already amazing day! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming at the camp, the vibes were very laid back and chill, a perfect place to totally unwind, leave all the everyday stress behind and reset! The location couldn’t be more prime! Just at the beach where you’re immersed in the splashing sound of waves all day, but also just a few minutes walk or Tuk Tuk drive to nice nearby places. Thanks Soul & Surf team for sharing all the great vibes, I’ll definitely be back! Lots of love ❤️ PS: I’ll also keep an eye out for your pop-up destinations!

  • 5/5 George L. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome place that I would go back to in a heartbeat! After a recommendation by a friend I stayed as a solo traveler and loved it. Highly recommend for people wanting to improve their surfing and yoga, as well as stay in a beautiful corner of the south coast. Highlights include: Convenient location from Colombo and in Ahangama, and a short tuktuk to Weligama; beautiful setting in the cove; clean and comfortable rooms; super friendly and helpful staff; amazing food; well run surfing and yoga classes with good instructors; other guests nice and easy going. Cons: The rooms are a little basic for what you are paying. Otherwise nothing else! Definitely check it out if you're traveling through the area

  • 5/5 Jessica B. 1 year ago on Google
    Set in an absolutely stunning setting, Soul and Surf is the absolute dream! We went to the Bnb accommodation, and it offered us the perfect balance of surf instruction and social time at breakfast, with the flexibility of exploring the surrounding area in the afternoons and evenings. The food on site was fresh, and its modern Sri Lankan fusion style made a nice change from the traditional food. The room was clean, comfortable, minimalistic. However, what made it so great was the people. Everyone was warm, friendly, positive and added a little extra to our stay. Our surf coaching was done in small groups and was well personalised to our ability, but more importantly, the coaches really passionate, dedicated and enthusiastic, and we enjoyed getting to know them all. The yoga was in a dreamy setting, and such a high quality. Staying for just a week was not long enough! I will add that we came during a time of economic hardship, curfews and power cuts, yet this in no way impacted our time spent here. Whilst it was an insight into the hardships that the people of Sri Lanka face right now, it only made me love the country more and feel the urge to keep coming back to get those tourist dollars into the country! Sri Lanka - both the country and the people - have some kind of magic that you just do not find anywhere else!

  • 5/5 Patricia A. 1 year ago on Google
    We stayed for 10+ nights with our 5-month old and enjoyed surfing and yoga! The place is gorgeous (we had booked the very nice room) and the staff really go above and beyond to make your stay safe and enjoyable. We will be back!

  • 5/5 Rina M. 2 years ago on Google
    Where to even begin? I came to Soul & Surf because I needed to switch off from the real world and wanted to improve my surfing and practise yoga, which I got, but also experienced a whole lot more. The team are incredible - attentive, fun and so welcoming, especially as a solo female traveller, which put me at ease the moment I arrived. They’ve managed to create an inclusive, accommodating and creative space in the most beautiful setting, where like-minded individuals can connect over shared interests. I met some amazing people from all over the world, who I’m certain I’ll keep in touch with! The surf instructors and yoga teachers were brilliant, as were the bar/housekeeping staff and management team. The food was also delicious, so hats off to the chef! I’m already planning a return visit to Sri Lanka and want to try out their retreat in Portugal, too. If it’s not already clear, I had the most magical trip and couldn’t recommend Soul & Surf more!

  • 5/5 Hannah C. 2 years ago on Google
    We had an awesome stay at Soul Surf Sri Lanka. The location is just perfect...any closer to the ocean and you would be in it. Falling asleep to the sounds of the waves and waking up with a morning swim really sets a perfect holiday vibe. Staff are all really lovely and helpful and the communal area (couches etc) looking over the ocean is a great place to chill. I didn't surf, but my partner said the instructor was great. All the yoga classes I did (4 different teachers) were fantastic and the yoga shala overlooking the ocean is like something out of a postcard. Also the food is great, fresh and inventive and all prices are reasonable. Will definitely be back. Thanks for a great stay. I would also HIGHLY recommend booking a massage/treatment with 'you are the sea' as part of your stay....a really incredible and memorable experience.


Call +94 77 365 4835 Open on Google Maps

Trends



Last updated:

Similar places



Similar Hotels nearby

The Kip image
1
The Kip
Hotel
👍👍 So what can I say… This is the most stylish place on South so far. Really cool environment, jungles everywhere, nice lamp music and a really friendly stuff. This place was meant to be a temple of awareness and harmony. The food is delicious! I highly recommend you to try the smoked scamorza toastie...
4.70 (211 reviews)
Yaluwa Hostel & Deli image
2
Yaluwa Hostel & Deli
Brunch restaurant
$28/night
4.90 (45 reviews)
Kaffi Ahangama image
3
Kaffi Ahangama
Coffee shop
đź‘Ťđź‘Ť Since moving from Arugam, it is the best coffee at the south now! Coffee is marvellous, desserts variety and quality is wonderful. Perfect team and warm atmosphere. Thanks guys for fantastic mornings!
4.70 (35 reviews)
Last updated:
()