Sri Lanka – Surf Stay Ceylon

Not long ago I spoke to a couple who had quit their jobs in the big smoke of Dubai to live their dream and share it with others on the beautiful island of Sri Lanka. It turns out that Garrath and Veritys dream of providing the best possible holiday you can have has a part 2.

Surf Stay Ceylon.

Garrath and Verity know their audience, they know their market and they know their product. To break it down Surf Stay Ceylon is an awesome idea, conceived by people who know their stuff. If you are looking to go on a surf holiday then Sri Lanka has to be on your radar and who better to talk to about it than these guys, who live there, surf there and run a business there.

Garrath and Verity have agreed to take some time and spare us some words to talk about how Surf Stay Ceylon can help you have the best holiday of your life.

SB: Hey Guys, hows things on that Island paradise of Sri Lanka, have you had much in the way of swell this year?

Verity: All good here in Lanka Land. So far so good this year, with some fantastic months. We have our fingers and toes crossed that it is a nice looooong surf season here in the South like we were lucky enough to experience last year which lasted well into April. We are hopeful that the surf season will just keep stretching out longer and longer!

SB: I love the idea of Surf Stay Ceylon, how did you come up with it?

Verity: It happened really organically. We found that we were fully booked with our surf villas Ebb & Flow Jungalows in the surf season November to April, but people were still contacting us and asking for other recommendations! It seemed a natural next step to take our surf knowledge and local knowledge and seek out other premium accommodation for surfers. We also were aware that it was not just about the surfers, it was those that they were travelling with - they had to be stoked on where they were staying and have their needs met too. We get a comprehensive brief from all our guests to make sure all the boxes get ticked!

SB: How much do you think your local knowledge helps the effectiveness of Surf Stay Ceylon?

Verity: Its our main point of difference and our obvious advantage vs the likes of the big global players in Surf Holidays. We say that we are "On the Ground and In the Water” and we are! We have either stayed at or visited every property we recommend and Garrath is in the water every day and has surfed here for 5 years. When it comes to surf, we can ensure guests are close to the water, know all the breaks and whatever else they might need, whether that be hiring boards, arranging lessons or just recommending an awesome place for dinner. We offer an alternative to the somewhat restrictive, all inclusive surf packages - we put guests in the right place for their needs and offer all the local knowledge they need.

SB: What is the coolest place to stay and when if I had a huge amount of cash and just wanted to surf?

Verity: Oohh that's a good question. I really can’t choose between two though!

For wow factor and uniqueness its hard to go past Thaprobane - a large luxury colonial villa perched on a little private island off the coast of Weligama. Complete with a rambling garden, its a private little oasis complete with 5 staff, swimming pool and lots of sea gazing opportunities. It can sleep up to 10 people and can cost from $1,750 to $2,200 a night depending on what season you come (xmas time is the most expensive). This island is 5 minutes away from Midigama which has half a dozen surf breaks, while the beach next to the island has good conditions for learning.

Point Sud would be my second choice - its got a huge infinity pool, large lawn terraces and incredible views. Its price ranges from $1000 USD a night and $1,500 and can also sleep up to 10 people. Its up on a cliff but a short walk down to the Madiha which has two breaks that offer up high quality waves - although not for the beginner.

SB: What is the best wave on the island when its pumping and the wind is good?

Verity: Would push our luck again (we like breaking the rules!) and give two choices since the season switches from West to East here in Sri Lanka. During the months of May - October Aragum Bay Main Point on the East Coast would be the best. From Nov - April on the South West coast Hikkaduwa -main break, when is on, its on and its rights and lefts and can manage up to 8 foot!

SB: Bespoke doesn't really cover what you guys are doing, are there that many different places to stay? Which would be the best to stay at if I just wanted to relax and be pampered?

Verity: Yes there are! And we love the challenge of delivering the very best fit for our guests. We have over 30 villas and hotels (and growing) that we work with that offer something unique for surfers and those that are travelling with them. For luxury and pampering I would suggest The Fortress, it is a large boutique hotel known for its excellent customer service and it also offers some of the best luxury spa experiences on the island. You are just a short 15 minute drive further south where there are a dozen surf breaks all offering up something special.

SB: To sum up I believe I have made my point, why book a holiday with someone or something (website) that has never or just once been to the place. Garrath and Verity are offering something truly unique. They are putting the right surfers in the right places and by looking at the requirements we may have because lets face it, we come in lots of different flavours.

If you are travelling to the Island Paradise of Sri Lanka in search of waves be sure to hit these guys up and get what you want out of your holiday.