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 Maaliyadda, a fishing village on the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka. Being off the beaten path (but close enough to bustling Hiriketiya 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. Each of the four double rooms on the private guest floor in our shared villa feature ocean-view balconies (hammocks and fold up bars included) ACs, ceiling fans, and open-air bathrooms. The plunge pool, gym yoga studio, and skatepark/halfpipe are shared spaces — perfect for chilling, stretching, or swapping stories. Two family rooms sit under the yoga studio, and we reside inconspicuously in the penthouse - always happy to share local tips. Skate the half-pipe, surf the waves, and soak up the good vibes. 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 Sri Lanka cuisine, our neighbour Pradeepa has opened Sunshine Cafe where they will gladly prepare delicious home cooked local meals for you (breakfast, lunch and dinner options available). It's the first cafe in our village, making it a must-visit spot for an authentic taste of local flavors. 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. Come stay with us at Gaia Soul, where every visit supports 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 ;-)