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Sitting with a big mug of the customary post-Yoga coconut water on my teakwood table, which I now call my home office. One of the many tabs that are open on my Macbook is YouTube, playing Chill LoFi Beats music the background (Which has a meditative quality of its own). But I am not alone, as I am accompanied by 2 chirping birds right outside the window. I think the birds to get the appeal of my building. Although my building is located in one of the busiest localities in Mumbai, the environment that surrounds it is surprisingly calm and serene as it is fortified by buildings all around. One could my building is one of the many birds that are in a giant residential nest of its own. I think that the two birds outside my window are in a relationship and puzzled and wondering “What happened to the humans, and why does this boy never leave his nest?!”
It has been a little over two months since any outdoor activity. Every now and then, I get greeted with flashbacks of outdoor activity of the past. The heart yearns and longs for the doors to the outer world to be open again. The stress and anxiety of the same is kept under check thanks to my daily Vinyasa Flow Yoga practice, but even then my mind wonders about form and ways to correct it, while simultaneously wanting to gain a deeper sense of understanding.
For the past few weeks, I have been making the best of my streaming service subscriptions by binge-watching every piece of content that is even remotely connected with surfing. Be it the documentaries that feature the irreplaceable Bethany Hamilton in Bethany Hamilton: Unstoppable to Baywatch to even the animated film Surf’s Up, which actually an inspirational story that talks about beating all odds and challenging the bigwigs and believing in yourself enough to know that if you are dedicated to your cause, the odds can turn in your favour. Now I dream of being on a surfboard and riding the waves with perfect form.
This binge-watching spree has awakened new desires in me. I want to get on the next international flight and learn the two things that have been at the back of the mind for nearly 7 years, which is surfing and Yoga.
“Surfing soothes me, it’s always been a kind of Zen experience for me. The ocean is so magnificent, peaceful, and awesome. The rest of the world disappears for me when I’m on a wave.” - Paul Walker
Keeping my own needs and constraints in mind, I have been scouring the virtual realm for all of the cost-effective Yoga and Surfing retreat places I could go. After hours and days of incessant meticulous and data-driven research, I think I have found the country that is known for its exotic surfing locations and Yoga Retreats and can give me my money’s worth, and that is Sri Lanka.
“The pearl of the Indian Ocean” ---Sri Lanka
Why Sri Lanka? That is an interesting question. For one, it is a small island country with low population density, scenic and a beautiful concoction of four major cultural influences; Indian, Portuguese, Dutch and British. If you’re thinking about the kind of foods that a mixture of these cultures and traditions can produce, let me answer that question for you right away: It is nothing short of mouth-watering.
Here’s a list of Sri Lankan food you should try out on your next surfing trip Foods You Should Try In Sri Lanka
It also goes without saying that it is imperative for a surfing destination to have, well, places where you can surf. It is an activity that you can carry out in Sri Lanka all year long as the Island country is encircled with beaches. If you check out Google Earth, you can see that Sri Lanka is essentially outlined in white. Pretty cool, isn’t it?
Another factor that makes the island country a great destination for surfing is the rains that affect different parts of Sri Lanka differently at different times of the year. The main surfing season for the south is from November to May – that’s when the waves are utter perfection. The best season on the east coast is from April to October when the waves are longer. Long story short: there will always be waves somewhere. A place like Sri Lanka could cater to surfers at all levels of proficiency whether you are someone who is an amateur or have been riding the waves for years.
Check out the list of all the beginner surfing spots around the country 10 Best Beginner Surf Spots In Sri Lanka a good read.
Hours of research at length has revealed that Sri Lanka has the ideal conditions for an experienced/intermediate or an aspiring Yogi and even for a traveller with limited resources.
One of the many things that makes Sri Lanka a Yogi’s dreamland is the fact that it is calm and ripe with positive energy, and what a Yogi needs the most is a sense of calmness and serenity, which is something that is provided on a platter to whosoever travels to Sri Lanka. It is also noteworthy that an astonishing 70.2 % of people are Buddhists. If this doesn’t say that Sri Lanka is a calm and peaceful place to be in, I don’t know what will.
Given that ever since the Island country has been touted as one of the top destinations to visit in the world, it has seen an exponential surge in the number of Yoga & Surf Retreats in almost every part of the scenic landscape.
But no amount of research up until this point had accurately shone light upon the beauty of the Sri Lankan surf spots. It is entirely possible that what you will read in the passages below will make you want to pack your bags and hit the Sri Lankan waves almost instantaneously.
First comes first, the well known Weligama Beach. This place is known for being a secret hideaway for first-time surfers like you and I and even those surfing experts who just want to ride the silky smooth waves of all grades and just take in the sheer beauty and cleanliness of the place. One look at this beautiful stretch of land and you will go like “This is the stuff of the angels!”
Up next is Hikkaduwa beach, which is known for its bustling nightlife and is fondly known as a scuba diving and surfing paradise. The waves out here could be anywhere between 3-10 feet high, hence giving you, our reader, your money’s worth.
What's more, you can enjoy the coral reefs, a multitude of fishes and beautiful sunsets from here!
Another unmissable beach for surfers is Unawatuna Bay. This is the ideal place to fall in love with the thrilling sport. Conveniently located just around the corner from Galle, you stand a good chance of having the place to yourself, or sharing with only a few of the local surfers.
Take a look at the aerial view of this gorgeous bay, and you will be convinced that heaven does exist on earth, and its name is Unawatuna Bay.
The sheer amount of competition gives way to competitive prices and that is exactly what an Aspiring Yogi on a budget wants. The competition also gives way to diversity in terms of Yoga teachings and Gurus, and as we all know, not one size hat fits all. Hence, there’s a good chance that you can find the Yoga guru that has the potential of changing your mindset, and your overall life, in Sri Lanka itself!
“Yoga is the perfect opportunity to be curious about who you are” — Jason Crandell
Now, let’s get to the chase. Here, in my opinion, are some of the best Yoga and Surf retreat centres that I feel must be kept in mind by you while making a Surf and Yoga retreat plan.
An ancestral Yoga Shala that can transport its guests back to the British colonial times. This boutique resort resides right next to a calm white sand beach that is blessed with pristine turquoise blue water. This particular retreat destination is especially budget-friendly as along with its formidable selection of deluxe rooms, villas and bamboo huts, it also provides dormitory rooms for those who want our finite resources to best use. But that ain’t all, as Talalla also provides a freshwater lap pool, an open-air restaurant and three custom made Yoga Pavilions. These attributes alone make Talalla one of the best and most sought after surf and yoga retreat destinations in Sri Lanka.
Talalla has an impressive roster of experienced western Yoga teachers from whom you can learn the art of self rejuvenation, finding your own centre and self-discovery. Amongst the many things that this surf and yoga retreat is known for, it is also famous for its one of a kind surf camp that the guests can get themselves enrolled into. The areas that have been mentioned above are exactly where it shines, as the quality of services that are provided at Talalla is simply world-class! This beautiful luxury restaurant is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of our regular lives, as it takes you away from your daily ordeals and puts you in a surrounding that comprises of crystal clear water at the beachfront, which are coming to surrender towards the clear white sand of the beach. What’s more, you get to enjoy such scenery while you sip on your favourite beverage, courtesy of the open beachfront open-air restaurant. As time goes by, you will develop a deep sense of affection with the place as the villas and the grand pool feel like they are inviting you from the moment you lay your eyes on them. Kudos to team Talalla for putting such an experience together! This is surely a surf and yoga retreat that one must visit even if one is out for a casual trip in Sri Lanka.
Visit Talalla Surf and Yoga Retreat, Talalla, South Sri Lanka to learn more about this retreat
The Surfer Surf Camp is basically the place you want to go to if you want to get a sense of what a mini global surfing community meet & greet feels like and want to fast-track your growth towards becoming a professional surfer. The Surfer surf and yoga retreat seems like the place where one can come out learning a whole lot about the art of riding waves from people of different ethnicities, nationalities and walks of life. The fact that the professionals at The Surfer are so invested in your personal growth that it feels like you’re attending a training that is only reserved for the top 5% of the world at the kind of rates that they do is simply commendable!
The owner and management of this Sri Lanka-based surf and yoga retreat are Lahiru, a local Sri Lankan who knows all about the local scene and a licenced qualified ISA/ISL surf instructor.
The attractive and, most importantly, cost-effective, surfing packages are varied and tailor-made in nature. If you have any specific needs, you could always let the officials know about the same, and one can be assured that they will most likely be tended to. This place is a Yoga Hotspot too for those who would like to take a time off. The Surf Camp is located on the southern side of Sri Lanka, which is at its scenic best when it's at its peak. It’s ripe with jaw-dropping sunset visuals, the visions of turquoise water coming to rest by the beachfront, which is white for as long as the eyes can see.
I think that we should thank The Surfer for the simple fact that it just exists and I truly feel that it deserves a spot in one of the best surf and yoga retreats in Sri Lanka.
Visit The Surfer Surf Camp Yoga and Surf Retreat to learn more about this retreat
Layback is certainly one of the newer additions to the family of surf and yoga retreats in Sri Lanka. One could perhaps describe Layback as the ideal surfing destination for us millennials. Really don’t care that much about the history and culture and all you want to do is simply kick back, relax and have a cold beer every now and then between surfing sessions by the beach and along the splendid vista of the Sri Lankan beachfront, which feels like the intersection point between heaven and earth, Layback is the place for you.
This Weligaman beauty of a location is a surprisingly calm place to layback in, given the fact that it is situated very close to the hustle and bustle of Weligama city. But, even if you are at Layback to take a break from the real world and its workings, this surf and yoga retreat brings some of the cultures of Sri Lanka to the place, and for a good reason. Just like any other establishment along the coast, Layback (Which opened its doors in 2017) has an array of chefs that cook authentic homemade Sri Lankan healthy food. There are dedicated spaces for the guests to cook their own meals as well, along with places for communal socializing and even some me-time. Get ready to meet people that are attuned to the same vibrations as you and people who you can make lifelong friends out of.
The combination of head high glassy waves, long periods and offshore winds creates the setting for perfect surf conditions for anyone from beginners to advanced surfers!
Visit Layback Surf Camp and Yoga Retreat to learn more about this retreat
One of the highest-ranking Surf and Yoga Retreats in Sri Lanka is this beautiful colonial mansion that has been around since time immemorial. This serene and scenic Yoga Vacation destination has been around since the country’s British colonization era, which means that apart from rejuvenating with the two Yoga sessions it conducts daily and the ample time the officials provide for relaxing on your own in a hammock with a book and freshly brewed tea by your side, you can learn about the history of the entire locality and collect tales of exemplary bravery on the part of the locals.
Villa De Zoysa is essentially an oceanfront establishment with an unspoiled turtle breeding beach and a 4-acre coconut tree fringed garden that provides you with ample lush greenery and space.
The surf and yoga retreat is situated by the pool or the wooden platform with open skies on the beach, your practice is instructed by some of the best and well-known Yoga Instructors around.
Now, close your eyes and imagine all of this for a few moments. Look at the website, the pictures online and feast your eyes with this spectacle of a place. Doesn’t it sound simply splendid?
But, that is only one of the many charming points of this Weligaman surf and yoga retreat. On a typical day, you have enough free time to indulge in surfing, snorkelling, diving, visiting UN heritage site of timeless Galle-Fort, a tea plantation, an isolated Buddhist temple, cycling in the village and even having a fabulous in-house deep tissue massage.
Maybe Villa De Zoysa also deserves a place in the list of best surf and yoga retreats that are based in Sri Lanka.
You can make your reservations or learn more about Villa De Zoysa Surf and Yoga Retreat
If you really feel that you are in the mood for challenging yourself and taking on the best of what a surf and yoga retreat centre that is by one of the coasts of Sri Lanka can offer a proficient surfer, look no further than The Nuga House.
But, this surf and yoga retreat is certainly more than just a surfing destination. The positive energies that surround this place are courtesy of the Holy Nuga Tree. Here, one can immerse themselves in the spirit of Yoga or the challenging Sri Lankan waves or simply witness the vibrations of this place and begin sharing a deep connection with Nature. The animal sounds that surround this magnificent spectacle of a place has a rather calming effect. I would highly recommend this one too if one decided to make Sri Lanka their next destination.
You can make your reservations or learn more about The Nuga House Surf and Yoga Retreat.
This surfing and Yoga retreat is the one you will feel most gravitated towards, partly due to its strategic location; it is situated on the third bay, also known as the quiet end, of Mirissa Beach, a well-known surfing spot in Sri Lanka. Surf & Yoga Mirissa is itself blessed with its very own view of the gorgeous white sand beach, on which I would personally love to take a stroll on/laze around on. The other two sections of this magnificent piece of work by mother nature is basically a heaven for surfers at all levels. Every single section in this part of Sri Lanka has breaks that serve as ideal conditions for surfers at various levels of proficiency. Thus one can say that this surf and yoga retreat centre is nothing short of a paradise.
Surf and Yoga aim to keep things a bit different. From their fine surroundings at the guesthouse, the surf points near-by, their certified surf coaches/guides, to the equipment that they use, they promise to have the highest regional standard. Therefore, they’ve designed everything on our surf coaching courses to make sure that you get the most out of your surfing during your stay with them.
Surf & Yoga’s surf programs are comprehensive in that it not only includes plenty of time in the surf but video analysis & feedback and surf theory classes, delivered by our team over the surfing week. Each surfing session is progressive and goal-oriented for each of the participants, and at the end of the surf session, your coach will be discussing with you how you progressed learning that new skill taught on the beach.
They are careful about not mixing ability levels.
Apart from all the great things that you have read above, this surf and yoga retreat in Sri Lanka has a huge array of accommodation choices to choose from, each of which will make you want to explore Sri Lanka in unique ways.
You can learn more about Surf & Yoga Retreat, Mirissa, Sri Lanka.
If you plan on visiting the scenic country sometime in the middle of April to September, I think that you should get a piece of the spirit of Surf Spirit, one of the most prominent and revered Surf and Yoga Retreat that is based in Unawatuna Bay. This place is particularly good for those who want some extra individual attention, as only 18 people are allowed to take part in the yoga classes at a time. Given the standard of amenities that this place has, the prices at this surf and yoga retreat are relatively on the higher side, but it is a great option for those who are serious about both Yoga and surfing and want the best possible experience at Sri Lanka, as this beautiful location is surrounded by a beach that is subjected to waves of almost all grades and densities.
When the region also offers smooth waves, a breathtaking landscape, and magical vibes, you know that you have found a wonderful place, where everything just fits perfectly.
At all of these locations in Unawatuna Bay, the founders have created places where the owners are able to offer you very personal, qualitative and limited Surf and Yoga retreats. (Johnny and Ainsley Ocean were already the pioneers in Indonesia, whose surfing and yoga adventures they want to share with you now).
The facilities that have been mentioned above should imbue the spirit of surfing in you for sure. The attributes that have been mentioned above makes Surf Spirit one of the best surf and yoga retreat locations in Sri Lanka as well.
You can make your reservations or learn more about Surf Spirit Surf & Yoga Retreat.
Budget-friendly Yoga vacation probably never looked better than it possibly could at The Salty Pelican. For those who are willing to shell out a couple of extra bucks for a state of the art dormitory and individual accommodation system. This surf and yoga retreat location arrived onto the scene as early as December of last year and is making the southern Sri Lanka lifestyle feel all the more stylish.
One of the additional highlights of this surf and yoga retreat destination is its close proximity to the Colombo International Airport and the main city area that is full of restaurants and other extracurricular activities. This only reinstates the fact that Sri Lanka is practically for everyone. No wonder that the gorgeous Island Country is now one of the top 10 most sought after travel destinations in the world.
One of its guests, while talking about the Salty Pelican, said that
" The Salty Pelican Yoga & Surf Retreat in Sri Lanka, offers safe and secure, social luxury accommodation at a price that won't break your travel budget " - said one reviewer.
What’s peculiar about the founders of this too-good-to-be-true surf and yoga retreat destination is the fact that it had been started by a group of three friends who, prior to setting up shop in Sri Lanka, were essentially bag packing and travelling around the world for the past two decades, and it is exactly what makes this place so great, as they bring all their experiences and influences to the table with a touch of their own.
You can make your reservations or learn more about The Salty Pelican Yoga And Surf Retreat.
Sunshine stories sound less like a Yoga Retreat and more like a blog, right? Well, it is because that is exactly how Sunshinestories started. The owners of this up and coming surf and yoga retreat location were formerly bloggers who over the course of years, brought in funding for a place where people could make sunshine stories of their own, and which country is better than Sri Lanka for that?
Based on what you will read here, you will be convinced about the fact that this is essentially a whole lot more than just a surf and yoga retreat location. It, in itself, is a global experience in itself, and it’s surprisingly cost-effective.
You can make your reservations or learn more about Sunshinestories Surf & Yoga Retreat.
Here is yet another South Sri Lanka-based retreat centre that clearly knows how to provide the perfect blend of a retreat-esque atmosphere and that of a very happening party all under one roof.
Elsewhere Surf Camp is also, like a few on this list, one of the newest kids on the South Sri Lanka surf and yoga scene. It is also founded by a relatively young group of people, who also understand the role that wellness as well as socialising plays in the all round development of an individual.
What also works for this particular surf camp is that it is located on the eminent Weligama Bay, which is a surfer’s paradise but also serves well to those who just want to have a good time.
One would wonder if all of the services that are provided by Elsewhere comes at a steep price point, and the answer to that unasked question is “Not at all!”.
The folks at Elsewhere are as flexible as one can be with their packages. You can pay as per your individual requirements. The base packages have an astonishingly low price point.
You can make your reservations or learn more about Elsewhere Surf camp & Yoga Retreat.
If you want to know what else is there to this beautiful country, TimeOut has penned down an impressive article listing all the places you should visit. Check it out right here.
So, perhaps saying that this year has effectively botched all of your plans could be an overstatement. Remember. There’s a big, bright light at the end of this tunnel and once we are out of this, beaches, pina Coladas, hammocks, the yoga pavilions, beautiful rooms made of marble with seaside views, and, last but definitely not the least, majestic and picturesque waves meant to be surfed upon, are waiting for us.
Top 10 Surf and Yoga Retreats in Sri Lanka
“For a surfer, it's never-ending. There's always some wave…” - Robert Kelley Slater
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