When you make your way down to Sri Lanka’s south coast and stumble upon Hiriketiya Beach, you’re in for a treat: Surfing and Yoga Hiriketiya. This guide is all about Yoga in Hiriketiya Bay, which, in my view, is just as essential as catching waves. These two activities, in my book, are the ultimate duo for balance and flexibility!
Hiriketiya is a charming, laid-back beach town in Sri Lanka that honestly takes the cake for the best beach vibes. Despite its size, it’s packed with cozy hostels, chic boutique hotels, and yes, some fantastic yoga studios and shalas.
We hung out in Hiriketiya for nearly two months and naturally checked out every yoga spot to see which one stood out. But truth be told, they’re all pretty great, so we mixed it up (a fantastic way to meet new people, by the way). To give you the lowdown on the yoga scene in Hiriketiya, we’ve crafted this guide to help you discover the top yoga classes, studios, and retreats in town.
- Yoga Hiriketiya – Are there Yoga Studios in Hiriketiya?
- Yoga Hiriketiya – Dots Bay House
- Yoga Hiriketiya – Salt House
- Yoga Hiriketiya – Salty Pelican
- Yoga Hiriketiya – Frequently Asked Questions
Yoga Hiriketiya – Are there Yoga Studios in Hiriketiya?
Just like I’ve said before, Hiriketiya is all about embracing that laid-back lifestyle. Most people here are into waking up with the sun, catching some waves, or stretching out in a yoga class, and then chilling on the beach or hanging out at one of the town’s cozy restaurants or cafes. The town itself might be tiny, with just a few streets, really, but you’d be surprised at the variety of options available for your daily yoga fix.
You won’t find a traditional yoga studio in Hiriketiya. Honestly, given the town’s size and the smaller number of travelers passing through, a studio probably wouldn’t make that much sense in terms of profit. But no worries, there are loads of other fantastic spots.
Take Dots Bay House, for instance, the most popular hostel in Hiriketiya. They’ve got a magical yoga shala on the second floor, set among the trees, that’s just downright relaxing and gorgeous.
Then there’s Salt House, a little guesthouse with a small cafe. They’ve got a yoga shala too, quite like the one at Dots Bay House, perched upstairs with an incredible view of the lush surrounding rainforest.
And let’s not forget the Salty Pelican – a name many of you might recognize since it’s a pretty famous surf camp chain. They hold daily yoga sessions of various kinds, all of which are included in their camps.
Yoga Hiriketiya – Dots Bay House
Dots Bay House, just like I said before, is the go-to hostel in Hiriketiya. It gives off strong Selina Hostel vibes based on its look and how things roll there. With loads of dorm and private rooms, a cool outdoor area featuring a cafe and bar, plus a chilled-out air-conditioned co-working space perfect for digital nomads, it’s the spot if you’re looking for a decent yoga place and a cozy hostel.
Now, on to the yoga bit. Their yoga shala is upstairs in the main building, and it’s just amazing. You’re surrounded by trees with a view of the lush rainforest, the ideal backdrop for a zen yoga session. Imagine doing your poses while monkeys jump from branch to branch, and the sound of waves crashing nearby. Pretty awesome, right?
They’ve got daily yoga classes running, ideal if you’re sticking to a specific routine. Mornings at 7:30, Monday to Saturday, it’s a Vinyasa flow class, and on Sunday, they slow things down with a Somatic Slow Flow Class.
At 3000 LKR per drop-in class, which is roughly 10 bucks, it’s not too expensive either.
Click here for bookings & more information
Yoga Hiriketiya – Salt House
Just a notch smaller but equally charming is Salt House, a small boutique hotel, café, and yoga spot that we absolutely loved. Why are we such big fans of Salt House? Well, for starters, it’s an awesome place to stay, especially if yoga’s your thing since you get to join in on all the sessions without spending any extra money. Plus, they’ve got a really cool pool, a lush garden, and an absolutely lovely café that serves up some of the best coffee and brunch you’ll find in Hiriketiya.
Their yoga space is a bit more on the cozy side compared to Dots, perfect for those who prefer a more personal vibe in their yoga sessions. And yes, it also offers those breathtaking views of the surrounding treetops which, in my opinion, play a huge part in relaxing and focusing during your yoga practice.
Salt House lines up Vinyasa Flow classes every morning at 7 am. If you’re staying with them, great news, it’s on the house. But even if you’re just dropping by, it’s only going to set you back 3000 LKR (that’s roughly US$10). The best part is that post-class, you’re welcome to borrow their yoga mats, take a dip in the pool, sip on some filtered water, or just chill in their café.
Pro tip: Visit their website to find out when their next yoga retreat is happening for the ultimate yoga getaway. They even offer yoga teacher training upon request.
Click here for bookings & more information
Yoga Hiriketiya – Salty Pelican
Salty Pelican is an awesome surf camp chain that’s got spots in Portugal and Sri Lanka. Their setup in Hiriketiya is seriously cool, especially since it’s pretty new and has an amazing vibe. Theyve got a huge swimming pool in the backyard and a terrace that’s just perfect for some zen yoga moments.
At Salty Pelican, things are a bit different. They don’t do drop-in classes. You gotta book a package and stay at their camp to join in on the daily yoga fun. It’s ideal for anyone craving a longer retreat vibe, with tons of stuff to do like surfing, SUP lessons, yummy food, and cool social hangs in your free time.
They run yoga sessions twice a day – early birds hit the mat at 8 a.m., and there’s an evening chill session at 5:30 p.m. The classes cover Vinyasa Flow, Yin Yoga, and Hatha, catering to all levels. Plus, the instructors are super helpful and always ready with beginner mods. Some of the classes focus more on strength and fitness, while others focus on meditation, body, and soul.
The best part? Their packages are loaded with goodies: free yoga mats, all-you-can-drink water and coffee, a daily breakfast buffet, and a weekly dinner at the camp’s restaurant. And if you’re into it, you can totally mix up your yoga retreat with some surf action for the ultimate combo.
Click here for bookings & more information
Yoga Hiriketiya – Frequently Asked Questions
🌸 How do I get to Hiriketiya?
The easiest way to reach Hiriketiya is by flying into Colombo’s international airport and then taking a taxi or bus to Dickwella, the nearest city. From there, a short tuk-tuk ride will get you to Hiriketiya Beach. Alternatively, you can take the train from Colombo Fort to Dickwella, though I usually don’t recommend this after a long flight, as the trains here may not be the most comfortable. Once in Dickwella, you can take a tuk-tuk or taxi to Hiriketiya. I
f you’re already in Mirissa, which is not too far and definitely more popular, you can easily catch a tuk-tuk or taxi; it takes around 1 hour. You also have the option to hop on the local bus.
🧘♀️ Can I join a yoga retreat?
Yes, absolutely! Salt Pelican offers a variety of yoga retreat packages for all levels. The retreat includes daily yoga sessions, free use of equipment, and delicious meals. You can also customize your retreat by adding surf lessons or other activities to your package. I would definitely recommend Salty Pelican if you’re visiting for a typical vacation, as everything is taken care of, and you have the opportunity to fully relax without any worries.
🏄 What is there to do in Hiriketiya?
Hiriketiya Beach is the ultimate chill-out spot. It’s all about kicking back with some yoga, catching waves, and just lounging on the beach. There are tons of yoga classes to drop into, surf camps and surf shops, and loads of great cafes and restaurants to keep you busy in your free time.
But hey, it’s not all zen and quiet times. When the sun goes down, there’s a bit of nightlife to check out as well. The go-to place is Dots Bay House, especially on the weekends. They usually have a DJ spinning tracks on Saturdays, and it feels like the whole town shows up for a massive party. So yeah, it’s not just about quiet meditation (though that’s pretty great too).
If you would like to find out more about Hiriketiya Surf Camps, click here to check out or full guide
🌴 Where can I stay in Hiriketiya?
Hiriketiya offers plenty of different hostels and guesthouses, ranging from budget-friendly to more luxury options. Some popular places to stay include Salty Pelican, Dots Bay House, and the Verse Collective.
If you want to know more about where to stay in Hiriketiya, just check out our comprehensive guide.
Yoga Hiriketiya – Final Words
All in all, Hiriketiya is a hidden gem with plenty of activities and relaxation opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or an active vacation, this beach town has something for everyone.
The yoga scene here is growing, with new yoga spots popping up all the time. So, if you’re a yoga lover, make sure to add Hiriketiya to your travel bucket list!
And even if you’re not into yoga, I highly recommend visiting this beautiful beach town for its stunning beaches, delicious food, and laid-back atmosphere. I hope our ‘Yoga Hiriketiya’ guide has inspired you to plan your next vacation here. Happy travels!
