For a few years now, I have been dreaming away at the content on The Salty’s Instagram account (formerly known as Salty Pelican Retreats). A friend of mine stayed at the beautiful retreat in Hiriketiya 3 years ago and came home blazing with enthusiasm. That is why I included The Salty, with locations in Portugal and Sri Lanka, in my list of the best surf and yoga retreats in the world. This month, I finally checked into The Salty Hiriketiya myself.

This blogpost contains affiliate links, so I earn a small commission when you book through my website, at no extra cost to you! So thank you if you book your accommodation through my website!

The view from the yoga shala at The Salty Hiriketiya

The Salty Hiriketiya: first impressions

Hiriketiya is one of my favorite places in Sri Lanka, but because it is a small bay that is becoming increasingly popular, it can feel a bit crowded. Dots Bay House felt busier than ever this year. Good for business, but not ideal when you want to take a nap. As soon as I walked into The Salty Hiriketiya after my days in the north of the country, where I climbed mountains and temples, I felt the peace immediately.

My room is huge and fully equipped. A large bed, a big rain shower with good shampoo and conditioner (harder to find than you would think in Sri Lanka), a proper coffee maker, a kettle, a TV with Netflix and Amazon Prime, a large closet and a balcony with a hanging chair. The view of the pool and the monkeys jumping around in the surrounding palm trees is so idyllic.

The Salty Hiriketiya sits in the bay, a short tuktuk ride from Weligama, which makes it a great base for exploring the whole south coast. From here you can book a day trip to Ella to see the Nine Arches Bridge and tea country, or rent a tuktuk and drive the coast at your own pace. If you want a more structured surf week before or after your stay, Solid Surf House in Weligama is the obvious next step.

My room including some good shower products | The Salty Hiriketiya

The Salty Hiriketiya: food and working remotely

Since I also have to work, I regularly installed myself in The Backyard, the restaurant at The Salty Hiriketiya. This restaurant is also open to visitors not staying at the retreat. The kitchen specializes in Mexican dishes and the tacos are famous in Hiriketiya. The cocktails are also dangerously good. Try a Coconut Martini! I had the best coffee of my entire trip here and breakfast is a feast: Shakshuka, French Toast and delicious Sri Lankan hoppers. For more places to eat in the area, read my guide to the best restaurants in Hiriketiya.

ALL MY HIRIKETIYA TIPS

If you are looking for an amazing way to explore Sri Lanka, rent your own tuktuk at TukTuk Rental. They rent tuktuks from locals to boost their income. A great way to travel around, visit all the places off the mainstream tourist route and support a local family at the same time. Go to tuktukrental.com to book your tuktuk.

The Salty Hiriketiya: yoga and surfing

Every morning I went to a yoga class at 7:30 am. The yoga shala is across the pool. Here the sounds of the rushing tuktuks fade into the background and all you hear is the rustling of the monkeys and the call of a proud peacock, which regularly parades on the roof of the main building. I saw a peacock fly for the first time in my life. Honestly, I did not even know they could do that.

I have not found a better yoga shala anywhere in Sri Lanka. Carla’s classes are so good. Her voice is soothing and I love her practice. Vinyasa classes are scheduled in the morning and yin yoga in the late afternoon. At the end of class you will feel noticeably better than when you walked in. If you do not feel like yoga or surfing on a particular day, take a day off and relax by the pool.

MY TRAIN RIDE FROM KANDY TO ELLA

Staying connected in Sri Lanka is easy with a Saily eSIM: download it before you leave and stay online from the moment you land. No roaming fees, no SIM card stress.

Restaurant The Backyard | The Salty Hiriketiya | surf and yoga retreat Sri Lanka

The Salty Hiriketiya: community and solo travel

Many guests stay for at least a week. You have breakfast together in the morning and dinner in the evening, and during the day you see each other at yoga and surf classes, which creates a real sense of community. Ideal for solo travellers. I made friends here who I ran into again later in my trip. The staff are all warm and helpful too.

If you are a little nervous about traveling alone for the first time, book a surf camp or yoga retreat for your first week. You will meet people right away and will not feel alone. Read my full solo travel Sri Lanka guide for more tips on traveling as a woman.

When my social battery runs low, I retreat to my cool room and turn on Netflix. At home you need these breaks too and travelling solo is no different. They have a generator here, so you will not notice any potential power cuts. Fast WiFi, coffee and air conditioning all day long. That is a real luxury in a tropical climate.

Restaurant The Backyard | Hiriketiya | Sri Lanka

The Salty Hiriketiya: verdict

Staying at The Salty Hiriketiya is not the cheapest option in the bay, but the yoga and surf classes are fantastic, the food is outstanding and the rooms are well-equipped and comfortable. After my stay I visited another retreat, but it could not match The Salty in terms of accommodation, yoga shala, coffee or restaurant. I will be back.

ROOM ONLY RATES THE SALTY HIRIKETIYA

After several solo trips through Sri Lanka, I never travel without travel insurance. Especially when you are surfing or moving between beach towns, being sick or injured alone in a foreign country without cover is something you really do not want to deal with. I use SafetyWing because it is flexible, affordable and easy to arrange even while you are already on the road.

The Salty Hiriketiya: frequently asked questions

What is The Salty Hiriketiya?

The Salty Hiriketiya (formerly Salty Pelican Retreats) is a surf and yoga retreat in Hiriketiya bay on the Sri Lanka south coast. It offers daily yoga classes, surf lessons, a pool, a restaurant and comfortable rooms. You can book a full retreat package or room-only nights.

Is The Salty Hiriketiya good for solo travellers?

Yes, it is one of the best places in Hiriketiya for solo travellers. The shared breakfast and dinner schedule and daily classes mean you meet other guests naturally within the first day. Many guests are solo travellers and the community feel is one of the strongest selling points.

Can I stay at The Salty without a retreat package?

Yes, room-only bookings are available. Check rates and availability here. If you want the full experience with yoga and surf lessons included, book directly through their website.

What is there to do near The Salty Hiriketiya?

The best restaurants in Hiriketiya are all within walking distance. For day trips, a day trip to Ella is one of the best options from the south coast, and renting a tuktuk from TukTuk Rental gives you full flexibility to explore.

Is Hiriketiya good for beginner surfers?

Yes, the sheltered horseshoe bay is one of the best learning spots on the Sri Lanka south coast. The Salty Hiriketiya offers surf lessons for all levels and the waves are generally manageable for first-timers. Read my full Hiriketiya guide for more.

ALL MY AHANGAMA TIPS

Flight delayed or cancelled? AirHelp helps you claim compensation, quickly, easily, and with zero hassle. Whether you fly often or once a year, it is worth checking. Click here to see if you are owed money. It takes just a minute. They paid me 600 euros in compensation already!