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.

WELCOME TO GAIA SOUL Gaia Soul is a family-run guesthouse in the quiet fishing village of Maaliyadda. Located just minutes from bustling Hiriketiya, we offer an off-the-beaten-path sanctuary perfect for relaxing, reconnecting, and experiencing true local culture. OUR ROOMS & SPACES The middle floor of our shared villa is dedicated to guests, featuring: * 4 Double Rooms: Private ocean-view balconies (hammocks & fold-up bars included), AC, ceiling fans, and open-air bathrooms. * 2 Family Rooms: Positioned right under our yoga studio. * Rooftop lounge and juice bar PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS Enjoy full access to our vibrant shared spaces built for movement and relaxation: * Refreshing plunge pool, fully equipped gym, and yoga studio. * Our signature custom skatepark and half-pipe. * Large communal kitchen, dining area, and lounge—ideal for self-catering and mingling. WEEKLY EVENTS We love bringing people together! Guests are welcome to join our weekly gatherings: * Sri Lankan Film Nights: Dive into local culture and stories. * AA Meetings: Every Sunday at 5:00 PM, providing a safe, anonymous, and supportive space for travelers and locals alike. THE SUNSHINE CAFE STORY Right next door is Sunshine Cafe, the village's first-ever cafe. It is run by our neighbor, Pradeepa. After working as our housekeeper, we supported her dream to become her own boss. Today, she proudly cooks incredible, authentic, home-cooked Sri Lankan meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner options available) for our guests. OUR COMMUNITY IMPACT Every stay at Gaia Soul directly supports our local initiatives: * Youth Sports: We host local Sri Lankan youth for skate sessions on our halfpipe. * Eco-Stewardship: We run a village-wide plastic recycling program to reduce waste. * Education: In partnership with Āni Villas, we rebuilt the playground at the local Montessori school. Come stay with us and support a world of positive change!

Maaliyadda 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. Sunshine Cafe has opened right in front of Gaia Soul, serving delicious home-cooked, authentic Sri Lankan dishes. It's the first cafe in our village, making it a must-visit spot for a true taste of local flavors! 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 ;-)