Having spent most of my teaching career in the Middle East, I've been saving my Dirhams to make my lifelong dream of owning a little hotel in the tropics a reality. Gaia Soul is that dream come true. Come surf & skate with us. We'd love to share our little slice of paradise with ya'll.

Gaia Soul is a family run guesthouse in Kaluketiya, a fishing village on the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka. Being off the beaten path (but close enough to bustling Dikwella to make it accessible), our cozy guesthouse offers visitors a more laid back, authentic experience with ample opportunities to relax, reconnect or focus, as need be. Our four ensuite guest rooms have balconies with sea views, AC's, ceiling fans and open air bathrooms. There's a plunge pool and an outdoor shower to cool off in after skating the half-pipe, and a point break surfing spot just a minute's walk away - the perfect combo for a surf & skate retreat. With a communal kitchen, dining and lounge area, Gaia Soul is an ideal place to self-cater, or, if you’d like a taste of the local cuisine, our neighbour Pradeepa will gladly prepare delicious home cooked Sri Lankan meals for you (breakfast, lunch and dinner options available). Private parking is on site. At Gaia Soul, community and sustainability come together in harmony. Join us as we welcome local Sri Lankan skateboarders for thrilling skate sessions on our custom halfpipe, blending adrenaline and culture in a unique way. Our commitment to environmental stewardship shines through our plastic recycling program, empowering our village to embrace eco-conscious practices and reduce waste. We're not just about our walls—we're about uplifting our community. In partnership with Ani Villas, we're revamping the playground at the local Montessori school, creating a vibrant space where children can learn and play freely. Join us Sundays at 6 pm for the Sober Sunday Sunset Meeting, where we host 12 Step Meetings open to everyone. It's a supportive and inclusive space for those seeking recovery and connection, set against the serene backdrop of a beautiful sunset. Whether you're starting your journey or maintaining your sobriety, you're welcome to join us for a time of reflection, sharing and support in a peaceful environment.

Kaluketiya is a working class fishing village on the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka that offers an authentically local experience for visitors. Just a minute's walk from Gaia Soul (across from the stairs that lead down to the surfing point), there's a mom & pop convenience store where you can pick up some soft drinks or a pack of Beadies at local prices. Towards the Matara/Dikwella Road, there's Nanayakkra General Store to stock up on the essentials - fruit, veggies and the catch of the day (delivery available on request). For fresh bread in the AM, just listen for Beethoven's Elouise piping out of the Baker's Tuk-Tuk making his rounds in the 'hood. If you're hankering for Western fare (with prices to match), there's a surf camp that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (and some local culinary stalwarts) to visitors from 10am to 5pm. If you're not inclined to walk the 600 meters up the hill and round the bend to the camp, delivery is available as well. For your spiritual needs, take a stroll along the beach towards the lighthouse at Kottagoda. Aside from the solitude and the conspicuous absence of touts and sunbeds for rent, you'll soon stumble upon Sri Wiwekarama Viharaya, a working Buddhist Temple where you can practice guided meditation with orange robed monks. On Poya nights, you can hear their chanting floating in over the sound of the waves from the hammock on your balcony. For the kiddos, there's a tire swing on the black sand side of the point break where the swell is bit more mellow. Come sundown, the swing is popular with the local kids but during any other time of day you're more than likely to have the whole beach to yourself. If you have little ones, there's a Montessori pre-school just up the hill from Gaia Soul that welcomes drop-ins. For sunbathers, the swathe of sand in front of the resort next door has a security guard posted to keep an eye on your stuff while you're swimming (if he's not dozing off, that is ;-)