A link to reset your password has been sent to your email
Already have an account? Log in
Proceeding confirms you accept Tripaneer’s terms & privacy policy.
We have sent you an email to validate your email address. Once you have followed the link provided, you can access all Tripaneer websites.
Didn't receive an email? Resend
Check your email for the confirmation email. It will have a link to reset your password.
Didn't receive an email? Resend
Imagine a tropical beach paradise with incredible scenery and magical vibes...… A hidden bay of turquoise blue ocean lapping gently onto the soft, white sand, with tall coconut palms swaying gently in the warm breeze. Welcome to paradise. The Salty Pelican is located in the perfect position, on a headland with two beautiful beaches on either side, separated by a 400 meters walk. Relaxing and feeling balanced is a big part of The Salty Pelican retreat for those who are interested.
Explore Sri Lanka’s beautiful nature, relax & sleep in a laid-back beach retreat, eat well to restore, revive, and feel amazing. The friendly, highly experienced team will help you develop your own yoga practice, take you to the most magical beaches, and create the perfect experience. It will be the perfect week of learning to surf, sun, yoga, good people… good vibes, and good times.
The Salty Pelican Team have just recently completed the build on their dream retreat from the ground up, so you'll find everything new, comfortable, modern, secure, and clean. With comfortable new beds, personal lockable space with secure charging points in each locker, each guest room with super clean private ensuite bathroom, large swimming pool with water seating area, poolside sun loungers & beanbags, all-day poolside restaurant and cocktail bar, large covered open living space and communal dining area, private jungle yoga shala, wellness centre, laundry service, luggage storage room and seaview rooftop yoga deck.
The Salty Pelican has been converted into a stunning tropical traveller's meeting point, featuring a cosy open living space opening out onto an amazing chill-out pool area surrounded by lush gardens and coconut palms and a guest café area and cocktail bar serving up anything from a delicious home brewed coffee, healthy smoothies, to a well-deserved mango margarita. So, whether you’re up early to go check out the beach for a morning paddle among the waves or stretch out those achy muscles with early morning yoga, joining one of our learn to surf classes, or you’re just after a freshly brewed coffee by the pool before exploring the National Parks, all your needs will be taken care of here.
The accommodation includes a comfortable bed in a spacious room with private ensuite bathroom and a delicious a la carte breakfast menu served each morning. Besides the amazing time you will have practicing yoga and learning to surf, the retreat offers all the comforts of a home.
The retreat has a beautiful garden to relax about all day in, with comfy XL bean bags, sun loungers and some nice relaxing ambient background music. Each day we try and get all our guests together to socialise over a good meal and some delicious cocktails or mocktails from our onsite restaurant - The Backyard, which offers a modern and lively poolside dining experience characterised by bold flavours, colourful presentations and a welcoming ambiance. With a focus on shared plates and communal dining, you’re going to love every moment here at The Salty Pelican. To explore the immediate area of Hiriketiya, it can be easily done on foot as we are just 200m from the nearest beaches and other restaurants in the area. Alternatively, you can jump in one of our tuk tuks and take an adventure to the surrounding areas and nearby beaches. We also offer an amazing tour to the nearby Udawalawe National Park, for an incredible elephant safari tour including a visit to the baby elephant orphanage transit home... That's a tour you do not want to miss.
Embark on a soul-nourishing journey at our retreat in Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka, where yoga, surfing, relaxation, and poolside dining converge. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or a novice seeking more guidance, our package programs offer an ideal blend of yoga and beginner to intermediate yoga & surf experiences along the Southern Coast. With awe-inspiring vistas and expert guidance from our friendly team, you'll discover a newfound sense of adventure and self-discovery. Begin your days with invigorating yoga sessions, followed by exploring the local nature or a joining surf lessons that promise to leave you feeling fit, sun-kissed, and connected with like-minded travellers. After an active day, unwind with additional yoga and meditation sessions before gathering by the infinity pool for refreshing drinks from our poolside restaurant. With the perfect mix of sun, surf, yoga and camaraderie, your week at The Salty Pelican is sure to be filled with the best memories and good vibes.
Embark on a transformative journey with our Yoga Package, offering a comprehensive introduction to Hatha Flow & Yin yoga suitable for beginners and advanced practitioners alike. Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned enthusiast, our classes cater to all levels of experience, with two sessions scheduled daily (excluding all-day Monday and Thursday afternoon). During peak seasons, we may even offer an additional morning class to accommodate your preferences. This flexibility allows you to seamlessly integrate yoga into your daily routine, alongside other activities like surfing and local exploration. By practicing Hatha & Yin yoga, you'll find harmony in your nervous system, enhance mind-body balance, and fortify your lymphatic system. Plus, don't miss the opportunity to join our unforgettable elephant safari tour to Udawalawe National Park, including a visit to the baby elephant orphanage transit home. Nestled within our lush tropical jungle, our serene yoga shala deck provides the perfect setting for your practice, complete with all necessary mats and equipment.
Daily, our yoga classes seamlessly incorporate meditation to enhance your practice. Led by our experienced teachers, these sessions guide you through both yoga postures and meditation techniques, helping you find balance and tranquility within yourself. Explore different breathing exercises to deepen your relaxation and mindfulness experience. Please note that these integrated meditation sessions are part of our daily yoga classes, except on Mondays and Thursday afternoons.
Awaken your body and mind with invigorating Hatha Yoga sessions designed to infuse you with energy and focus at the start of your day. Led by our skilled yoga instructors, these morning practices are tailored to enhance muscular strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, and breath awareness. Experience the harmonious union of body and mind as you cultivate lightness and strength within yourself. Regardless of your level of experience, our classes welcome everyone, offering mental benefits such as heightened focus and body awareness. Please note that during peak seasons, we may offer two separate start times for this class each morning, except on Mondays and Thursday afternoons. Join us and embark on a transformative journey, regardless of your prior yoga experience.
We start our practice with a Yin Yoga class right before sunset on our rooftop yoga platform or in our shala... We hold long deep postures with a quiet and relaxed atmosphere. Almost every posture is done at beach level and the stretches will maintain for 2-5 minutes at a time. This will take us deeply into our connective tissue expanding flexibility and aiding healing energy to our bodies. This practice is for everyone and it's a beautiful way to start your yoga journey. Traditionally the Yin evening classes are more soft, slow, restorative to integrate with the days surfing activities and prepare the body for a great rest overnight. Let yourself emerge into a nice flow of your yoga practice. Enjoy breathing, relax your body, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and also your mind.
Your package includes 5 surf lessons, allowing you ample time to relax, explore, and indulge in various activities. Whether it's swimming, free surfing, pampering yourself with a massage or body scrub, exploring Udawalawe National Park, or discovering local hidden gems, there's something for everyone. If you're interested in surf lessons, they can be arranged as optional extras upon your arrival, offering flexibility to tailor your itinerary to your preferences. Our certified surf instructors employ a unique teaching approach to ensure you learn proper surf techniques. With our prime location boasting rideable waves almost every day of the year, you'll have the opportunity to make the most of our diverse range of premium FLOWT surfboards, available for guest rental throughout your stay except on your departure day. Feel free to grab a surfboard whenever you please and experiment with different types, from soft to hard or long to shortboards, enhancing your surfing experience with us.
On your arrival day, a schedule is open to book your full-body massages, body scrubs, and other Ayurvedic treatments. Our wellness and spa area is located in our beautiful peaceful garden and has two poolside rooms where we pamper your bodies with treatments. Really take the time to appreciate and absorb the special locally made oils that your body and mind need. Our relaxing Ayurvedic massages and head massages will make your stay even more zen after a good day of surf or exploring… Help your body to find the perfect balance. No massages or treatments are Included in your package but can booked as additional extras once you are here.
If beautiful beaches, delicious food, rich culture, and stunning landscape aren’t enough to convince you to hop on a plane to Sri Lanka, then take a look at the amazing wildlife that this little island in the Indian ocean offers. Despite its size, the country possesses an extremely high degree of biodiversity and is considered one of the top biodiversity hotspots in the world. Going on a safari in Sri Lanka is one of the best things to add to your itinerary. Udawalawe National Park is our favourite, where there are more than 500 elephants that roam freely and wild buffaloes that play in the water holes. Its a quick 2hr private air-conditioned transfer away and we visit this park on both Mondays and Thursdays. You will depart after lunch from The Salty Pelican for a unique elephant safari tour including a visit to the baby elephant orphanage transit home. You will also have the chance to see incredible birdlife and lizards too. Highly recommended and shouldn’t be missed on your travels to Sri Lanka.
Wake up to a diverse à la carte breakfast included with your stay, featuring energising options like avocado toast, rise & shine scrambled eggs on toast, chia & cashew granola, fruit platters, Benedict hoppers and more. It's the perfect start to your day in paradise. Each day we try and get all our guests together to socialise over a good meal and some delicious cocktails or mocktails from our onsite restaurant - The Backyard, which offers a modern and lively poolside dining experience characterised by bold flavours, colourful presentations and a welcoming ambiance. With a focus on shared plates and communal dining, you’re going to love every moment here at The Salty Pelican. Join us for a variety of group dinners during the week, from the Tropical Temptations 3-course on Mondays to the Ayurvedic BBQ on Wednesdays, to the Ayurvedic Curry & Rice on Fridays, to the Seafood & Veggie BBQ on Sundays, all created to promote community and guest connections. Included, as part of your stay with us, you'll have the flexibility to join any or all of these 4 scheduled group dinner experiences.
Alex is a qualified surf coach with the Portuguese Surf Federation. He is also a qualified swimming coach. With Alex, you are in safe hands. He is very understanding and patient and will make sure you have a smile on your face, in and out of the water.
Ida, the in-house yogi goddess from Finland, will help develop muscular strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, and breathing. Ida will bring balance to your body and mind during your morning practice by the sea, so that you build your bodies to be light and strong for the day. She teaches both Ying and Yang yoga along with meditation sessions.
Born in England and went to high school in Portugal, at heart, Gabby is a true South African and the beach has always been a great part of her life. She will make sure you are not only progressing with surfing, but that you have a smile on your face the whole time.
Monika is one of the co-founders of The Salty Pelican and she is also the hostel "mum". She is always happy no matter how bad the day may seem. Monika will always find a way to make you smile and cheer you up. Not only that, she is also a qualified masseuse with over 10 years experience and available everyday to help you relax with a beautiful Ayurveda massage.
Anna is from the UK, and she will take care of some the yoga classes and SUP yoga classes out on the water. She teaches both Hatha and Yin yoga styles.
The Salty Pelican yoga & surf retreat located on the beautiful southern coast of Sri Lanka, sits perched on a slight headland above two sun-dappled bays, with the magical tropical surfing paradise of Hiriketiya beach on the east side and the sprawling beach of Dickwella on the west side. Dickwella beach is renowned for its glorious stretch of white sand which is simply stunning when it comes alive at sunset with all its colours. Both beaches are reached by foot from The Salty Pelican in just a few minutes’ walk. You will spend most of your time outdoors, even during the off season. The whole coastline offers a seemingly endless amount of dramatic and ever-changing tropical scenery. While traveling in Sri Lanka at least one National Park needs to be on your bucket list, the centrepiece is undoubtedly the Udawalawe National park which can easily be reached by booking onto one of our half day elephant safari tours including air conditioned transfers in approximately 2hrs. Marvel at Wewurukannala Vihara temple just a short 5min tuk tuk trip from The Salty Pelican and gaze upon the visage of Sri Lanka's biggest Buddha standing at over 50m tall.
Our poolside restaurant is open from breakfast until 20:00 PM each day and our guests have a choice each morning from our healthy energising à la carte breakfast menu, including a fruit plates, fresh juice of the day, espresso coffee and local black/green tea. you can expect dishes like energy boosting avocado toasts, Benedict hoppers, rise & shine chilli scramble, chia & cashew granola plus more. Our restaurant, The Backyard, offers a modern and lively poolside dining experience characterised by bold flavours, colourful presentations and a welcoming ambiance. With a focus on shared plates and communal dining, you’re going to love every moment here at The Salty Pelican. Join us for a variety of group dinners during the week, from the Tropical Temptations 3-course on Mondays to the Ayurvedic BBQ on Wednesdays, to the Ayurvedic Curry & Rice on Fridays, to the Seafood & Veggie BBQ on Sundays, all created to promote community and guest connections. Included, as part of your stay with us, you'll have the flexibility to join any or all of these scheduled group dinner experiences.
Our poolside restaurant is open all day until 20:00 PM with both lunch and dinner à la carte menu available.
Unlimited and filtered fresh cold drinking water is available for free all day.
The Salty Pelican retreat sits between two sun-dappled bays, with the magical tropical surfing paradise of Hiriketiya beach on the east side and the sprawling beach of Pehebiya & Dickwella on the west side. To relax, you can always grab a drink from the poolside bar, try some tasty food at our restaurant area, or lay back and chill-out in one of our beanbags in the beautiful garden with a great book.
Exploring Hiriketiya is a voyage of discovery. On the one hand, there is the tropical beach area that has a distinct chilled surfer vibe about it - with its perfect beginner surf and cosy beach bars in the sand selling watermelon daiquiris, to where the days fresh catch is still bought ashore by the local fishermen. You will find a few beachside restaurants and backstreet cafes serving up delicious coffee.
The Salty Pelican yoga & surf retreat sits perched on a slight headland above two sun-dappled bays, with the magical tropical surfing paradise of Hiriketiya beach on the east side and the sprawling beach of Dickwella on the west side. Dickwella beach is renowned for its glorious stretch of white sand which is simply stunning when it comes alive at sunset with all its colours. While you will find the perfect wave from a beginner beach break on one side of the bay, to an intermediate point break on the other end of the bay. Both these waves are only separated by a 2min paddle… it truly is a surfer’s paradise fringed with coconut palms. Both beaches are reached by foot from The Salty Pelican in just a few minutes’ walk. The whole coastline offers a seemingly endless amount of dramatic and ever-changing tropical beach scenery which can be explored very easily by a cheap tuk tuk.
Marvel at Wewurukannala Vihara temple just a short 5min tuk tuk trip from The Salty Pelican and gaze upon the visage of Sri Lanka's biggest Buddha standing at over 160ft high, the largest statue in all of Sri Lanka which is 250yrs old dating back to the time of King Rajadhi (1782 – 1798). Inside you will find carvings of cartoon strips depicting Buddha’s life. Before reaching the Buddha, you pass through a hall of horrors full of life-sized models of demons and sinners. If you don’t follow the path to enlightenment this is what happens to you. Climbing the Buddha will give you an opportunity of a great view of the surrounding areas.
Every Saturday, take a short stroll along Dickwella beach to the beachside market which holds a huge selection of fresh fruits and vegetables, local foods, freshly caught seafood and delicious baked breads, pastries, and clothing being sold by the local farmers and fishermen.
This is an incredible "secret" beach which you can take a beautiful walk along, feels like a lost paradise with nothing but coconut palms fringing the perfectly white sand and turquoise waters. You will hardly find a soul at this beach and is the perfect day escape. 15min tuk tuk ride away.
Picture yourself slipping into a hammock with a coconut in your hand, gently rocking in the breeze, just lying there watching the surf and the hours go peacefully by. That`s Mirissa beach in a nutshell. It is a beautiful beach, with a relaxed and laidback atmosphere. Along the beach are plenty of small restaurants and cafes, serving delicious and freshly caught seafood. After an amazing sunset, the restaurants put out tables on the beach, light lanterns and candles, and serve seafood barbecues. Super romantic and relaxing.
A white sandy beach that stretches out as long as your eyes can see, with soft turquoise water…Tangalle Beach… It is Sri Lanka’s answer to paradise!
Love elephants and wondering where to see elephants in Sri Lanka, then join our wildlife safari in Udawalawe National Park every Monday & Friday afternoons (*depending on minimum signup) where there are more than 500 elephants that roam freely and wild buffaloes that play in the waterholes. Our guide is extremely knowledgeable and you will also have the chance to see incredible bird life and lizards also on your afternoon jeep safari tour. Afterwards you will visit an ethical elephant orphanage transit home that supports elephant calves survival, nurtured and cared for back to health. The elephants are free to roam around and are never chained. The Elephant Transit Home ensures that human contact is kept to a minimum in order to maximize their chance of survival when they are returned to the wild. Udawalawe in our opinion, is the best safari in Sri Lanka because it provides a truly gratifying experience. You can get very close to animals, particularly the elephants, and you're never really bothered by other jeeps and tourists. Including in your tour is return transfers, an english speaking driver and water.
1 Person: 75 EUR p.p.
On your arrival day, a schedule is open to book your full body massages, body scrubs and other Ayurvedic treatments. Our wellness and spa area is located in our beautiful peaceful gardens and has two poolside rooms where we pamper your bodies with our variety of Ayurvedic treatments, body scrubs and massages. Really take the time to appreciate and absorb the special oils that your body and mind needs. Our relaxing Ayurvedic massages and head massages will make your stay even more zen after a good day of surf or exploring… Help your body to find the perfect balance.
Bandaranaike International Airport
163 km
Transfer available for additional US$ 97 per person
Please book your flight to arrive at Colombo International Airport (CMB).
Transfer from and to this airport is available upon request. The Salty Pelican can book you a private air-conditioned airport transfer one-way with up to 4 persons included. Please send email to confirm the price
Take a 45min bus or taxi from the AIRPORT to COLOMBO FORT station (40 minutes) where Sri Lanka Railways operates a very scenic train to WEWURUKANNALA on the south coast every 4 hours. On the COLOMBO FORT - Galle - Matara - WEWURUKANNALA train route (3.5 hrs), virtually all seats are unreserved so pre-booking is neither necessary nor possible, which means you cannot book a seat unfortunately. Tickets are only sold on the day at the ticket office. Tickets cannot sell out though. From Wewurukannala to The Salty Pelican, take a Tuk Tuk (10 min).
Train Schedule here: https://www.eservices.railway.gov.lk/
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookYogaRetreats.com. All major credit cards supported.
We respect your privacy. We will not publish or share your email address in any way.
Please go to your inbox and click the confirmation link we just emailed you.
Join our mailing list! Get the latest updates on yoga, travel, and beyond in addition to special offers and useful tips sent directly to your inbox.
We respect your privacy. We will not publish or share your email address in any way.