With Hiriketiya being one of our favorite beach towns in Sri Lanka, we had to share a guide on ‘where to stay in Hiriketiya.’ This place is fantastic for many reasons, but let’s start with the most obvious: it’s one of Sri Lanka’s best surf spots. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a slower pace, great coffee, yoga, and morning surf sessions. No wild party vibes here!
Hiriketiya is also excellent for digital nomads. Despite its small size, it actually has two great co-working and co-living spaces, making it a perfect spot if you plan to stay longer and call it home for a few weeks or even months.
Having spent quite some time at Hiriketiya Beach, we know our way around. Here’s our guide on where to stay in Hiriketiya, featuring the best areas and hotels in this charming town on Sri Lanka’s south coast.
- Where to stay in Hiriketiya – Best Hotels
- Where to stay in Hiriketiya – Best Areas
- Where to stay in Hiriketiya for the first time: Hiriketiya Beach
- Where to stay in Hiriketiya for Digital Nomads: Pehembiya Beach
- Where to stay in Hiriketiya for Budget Travelers: Hiriketiya Town
- Where to stay in Hiriketiya for relaxed and peaceful vibes: East Hiriketiya
- Where to stay in Hiriketiya – Frequently Asked Questions
Where to stay in Hiriketiya – Best Hotels
Dots Bay House
Dots Bay House is hands down the perfect hostel in Sri Lanka! It seriously has everything you’d need from a hostel here. The property is right by the beach, with a charming lovely garden, outdoor swimming pool, and cafe. Every day, you can join a yoga session, and there’s even a co-working space, which is a lifesaver for digital nomads like us. On the weekends, the hostel turns into a bit of a party with DJs and happy hour.
Click here for availability & prices
Salt House
Salt House is definitely our top pick for your next yoga getaway. It’s just a short walk from the beach, set right in the heart of the jungle. The rooms here are super cozy, and they have their own outdoor swimming pool and a cute little café. Even if you’re not staying here, the breakfast at the café is a must-try!
The highlight is their yoga shala on the top floor. Here, you can practice yoga in the treetops, surrounded by palm trees, with the most breathtaking view ever.
Click here for availability & prices
Jasper House
Jasper House is an awesome place that’s all about surfing and yoga. They’ve got yoga retreats and surf lessons, making it a perfect combo if that’s your vibe. The guesthouse is super cozy, nestled right in the jungle. It even has its own pool and a rooftop restaurant where you can enjoy breakfast with an amazing view. The private rooms here are super cozy and come with a sun terrace and private bathrooms.
Click here for availability & prices
Sea View Clay House
If you’re wondering where to stay in Hiriketiya and you are looking for something more secluded and private, the Sea View Clay House is the perfect spot. It’s just outside of town, right on a private beach. Each guest gets their own little hut facing the ocean, complete with a private terrace that’s perfect for enjoying breakfast in the mornings. Plus, Sea View Clay House offers yoga and surf lessons.
Click here for availability & prices
Where to stay in Hiriketiya – Best Areas
Hiriketiya is tiny and totally walkable, but we still thought we’d dive into where to stay and share our favorite spots in this cute beach town.
If it’s your first time here, staying at Hiriketiya Beach is hands down the best choice. You’re right in the middle of all the action with restaurants, cafes, and surf schools.
For a bit more relaxation, or if you need to get some work done, head to Pehembiya Beach just outside of Hiriketiya.
If you’re traveling on a budget, it’s definitely better to stay in Hiriketiya Town, closer to the main road for some good accommodation deals.
And lastly, if you’re looking for a little peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle, East Hiriketiya might be perfect for you.
Where to stay in Hiriketiya for the first time: Hiriketiya Beach
Hiriketia Beach is definitely the place to be. As the name suggests, it’s the beachy part of town and also the busiest, so I’d recommend staying here, especially if it’s your first visit. Hiriketiya Beach is home to many great restaurants and cafes we love, like Bacuzzi and La Playa.
It’s also the go-to spot for surfing, relaxing on the beach, and soaking up the sun. Most surf schools in the area head here in the mornings and afternoons, so it can get pretty busy! That’s why I suggest, if you want to catch some waves without the surf schools getting in the way, you should come here right after sunset. Trust me, it’s the perfect time because the surf schools don’t show up until 9 or 10 am!
You’re also super centrally located, so everything is within walking distance, which is always a great plus. For accommodation, you’ll find many of our favorites here, like Dots Bay House and Salt House, but there are plenty more hotels worth checking out.
Things to do in Hiriketiya Beach
Besides surfing, there are plenty of other activities to keep you entertained at Hiriketiya Beach.
- Take a Yoga Class: This beach town is known for its chilled-out vibe, and what better way to relax than with a yoga class? The Salt House and Dots Bay House both offer super fun morning classes which is perfect to start the day. A drop-in class costs around $10, and mats are provided. Namaste!
- Explore the Nearby Beaches: If you’re craving a change of scenery, head to some of the nearby beaches like Dikwella Beach or Blue Beach. You can rent scooters at most guesthouses in town, making this a super fun day trip.
- Try Local Cuisine: Being on the coast, there’s no shortage of cute little restaurants where you can score a quick and delicious lunch. My two favorite spots at Hiriketiya Beach are the yellow school bus and Roti Hut. Trust me, their Rotis and Samosas are to die for!
- Enjoy Sunset Drinks: After a day of surfing and exploring, there’s nothing better than leaning back with a cold drink in hand while watching the sun dip below the horizon. Hiriketiya Beach has plenty of beach bars perfect for this.
Where to stay in Hiriketiya for Digital Nomads: Pehembiya Beach
Phembiya Beach is just a 10-minute stroll from Hiriketiya Beach, yet it’s like a hidden gem within Hiriketiya itself. This is my go-to spot when I need a break from the hustle and bustle. It’s super chill here because there’s no surfing, making it much quieter.
You’ll find a few cozy beach hut-style restaurants—perfect for catching the sunset. Here, you get cheap beers, a west-facing beach, and the perfect place to unwind at the end of the day.
You’ll also find The Verse Collective here! It’s the biggest coworking space for digital nomads in Hiriketiya. They’ve got super-fast, reliable internet, comfy rooms, a fantastic restaurant, and a laid-back working vibe. Plus, the beach view is unbeatable!
Things to do in Pehembiya Beach
- Relax on the beach: With its tranquil atmosphere and soft sand, Pehembiya Beach is the perfect place to lay back and soak up some sun.
- Enjoy breakfast at Verse Collective: Start your day off right with a delicious breakfast at Verse Collective. They have everything from smoothie bowls to hearty omelets and other Western-style food.
- Check out events at Verse Collective: The coworking space hosts regular events such as yoga classes, movie nights, networking events, and markets. It’s a great way to meet other digital nomads and make new friends.
- Explore local culture: Pehembiya Beach is located near some beautiful temples, like Mulkirigala Rock Temple and Wewurukannala Vihara. You can either walk for around 40 minutes or rent a scooter for a super fun day trip.
Where to stay in Hiriketiya for Budget Travelers: Hiriketiya Town
If you’re looking to save some cash, Hiriketiya Town is your go-to spot. Just a short stroll from Hiriketiya Beach, this area has super affordable places to stay and awesome local eateries.
When you head up the ‘main road’ from Hiriketiya Beach towards the highway, you’ll find a bunch of cute little guesthouses and some great restaurants. This is definitely the best area to stay in if you want to keep your accommodation costs down. Sure, you’re a bit farther from the beach, but it’s still within walking distance, so don’t worry about it.
The bonus of being closer to the busy main road is that you’re near supermarkets and ATMs, which are totally missing from the Hiriketiya Beach area!
Just a heads-up: make sure to grab some cash before you head to Hiriketiya Beach. Trust me, you don’t want to trek back to the main road just for an ATM.
Things to do in Hiriketiya Town
- Treat yourself to a massage: There are a few cool spots in Hiriketiya Town where you can score an amazing, budget-friendly massage. After a day of surfing or exploring, this is the perfect way to unwind. Personally, Tonic Spa Hiriketiya is my go-to spot. They’ve got saunas, massages, and even ice baths.
- Enjoy some seafood: Try the local seafood at Hiriketiya Seafood, which is the best spot to grab some fresh fish. They’ve got amazing seafood platters that are perfect for sharing and won’t break the bank.
Where to stay in Hiriketiya for relaxed and peaceful vibes: East Hiriketiya
The east side of Hiriketiya is definitely more laid-back than Hiriketiya Beach, mainly because it’s a bit off the beaten path. There aren’t many accommodation options around here, but the few that exist are super peaceful and cozy. It’s the perfect spot for anyone looking to switch off and soak in Hiriketiya’s relaxed vibes.
Let me share my two favorite places in the area! First up is Jasper House, an ideal spot for a surf and yoga retreat. And then there’s Clics, the second coliving and coworking space in Hiriketiya. It’s smaller than the Verse Collective, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in coziness and a homey feel.
Things to do in East Hiriketiya
Apart from unwinding and enjoying the peaceful surroundings, there are a few cool things to do in East Hiriketiya.
- Take a day trip to Yala National Park: Just a 3-hour drive from Hiriketiya, Yala is one of the best spots in Sri Lanka for wildlife spotting. From leopards and elephants to exotic birds, this park was definitely the highlight of our stay in Sri Lanka.
- Try Local Food: Make sure to pop by the Lemongrass Cafe in Hiriketiya for some mouth-watering Sri Lankan dishes. This charming little place is run by a local family and serves the most delicious curries at super-affordable prices.
- Yoga and Surfing: East Hiriketiya is a bit more secluded, perfect for those looking to practice yoga or learn to surf in a quieter setting. Many accommodations offer daily classes or can arrange lessons for you. Jasper House is definitely the go-to spot for this.
Where to stay in Hiriketiya – Frequently Asked Questions
🌟 What is the best Hotel in Hiriketiya?
The best hotel in Hiriketiya really depends on your personal style and budget. But let me share a few of my personal favorites: Jasper House, Salt House, and Dots Bay House. They’re all pretty affordable, have great locations, and guess what? They offer yoga classes too! Perfect for relaxing after a day of adventure.
📍 Where is Hiriketiya?
Hiriketiya is this amazing spot on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, just about 4 hours away from Colombo, right by the Indian Ocean. It’s tucked between Tangalle and Dickwella Beach, making it the perfect pit stop if you’re cruising down the coast. We hung out in the Ahangama and Mirissa area before heading over, and getting a taxi from Ahangama to Hiriketiya only set us back around $20.
🏖️ Is Hiriketiya Beach worth visiting?
Absolutely! Hiriketiya Beach has been voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka, and for good reason. The crystal clear waters, the crescent-shaped beach, palm tree-lined shores, and the laid-back atmosphere make it the perfect spot to relax and soak up some sun.
🍽️ What is the best Restaurant in Hiriketiya?
Our favorite spots in Hiriketiya are definitely Bacuzzi and Smoke & Bitters. Bacuzzi has incredible Italian food and a fantastic vibe with live music right on the beach. Their pizza is hands down the best I’ve had in Sri Lanka, so I highly recommend it. Just make sure to get there before they run out of dough (seriously, not joking!).
Smoke & Bitters is a bit fancier, with delicious cocktails and some amazing smoked meat dishes. It’s ranked as one of the top 50 bars in all of Asia, so it’s definitely worth a visit.
To get more information about where to eat, check out our guide on ‘The Best Restaurants in Hiriketiya’
🧘♀️ Is there good Yoga in Hiriketiya?
Definitely! As mentioned before, Jasper House, Salt House, and Dots Bay House all offer yoga classes. There are some other yoga spots around, but these are our favorites.
If you want to find out more about the yoga scene in Hiriketiya, you can also check out our full guide on Yoga in Hiriketiya!
Where to stay in Hiriketiya – Final Words
All in all, Hiriketiya is one of our favorite beach towns in Asia. The chilled-out vibes, beautiful beach, and amazing restaurants make it the perfect spot for a relaxing vacation. We highly recommend spending at least a few days in this paradise on your trip to Sri Lanka!
The accommodation options here are plentiful, with something for every budget. You can choose between beachfront bungalows, cozy boutique hotels, or even luxurious villas. Just make sure to book in advance, as Hiriketiya is becoming more and more popular among travelers.
I hope that our guide on ‘Where to stay in Hiriketiya’ helps you. So pack your bags, grab your sunglasses, and head over to Hiriketiya for a beach getaway you won’t forget!
