Question 1

When to visit ?

Accepted Answer

Sri Lanka has a surprisingly complex tropical climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. Its equatorial position means that temperatures are fairly constant throughout the year, an average of around 26-30°C (78 -86°F) and is often much higher than this around midday.   In general the best time to visit is from mid November to April, as this is the dry season. April and September are the best to see the whole country, while the inter-monsoonal season in October and November sees fine weather for most of the time interspersed with sudden thunderstorms. So If you’re prepared for sudden bursts of rain, it’s still a good time of year to travel and to enjoy the beaches. Low season is May to August when the Yala Monsoon hits… which doesn’t mean heavy tropical rain all day long on the south coast, just a few showers here and there broken up at times with a bit of sunshine. During these months, the surf is very consistent and also the beaches are less crowded ;-)

Question 2

What is shared accommodation ?

Accepted Answer

The Salty Pelican Surf & Yoga Retreat offers affordable luxury accommodation for yogis travelling on a refined budget. Shared accommodation is in deluxe shared rooms and every shared room has two ensuite bathrooms. Each bed has a personal electronically locked wardrobe including room for your bag and hanging space for your clothes. There is also privacy curtains for each bed, a personal reading light each, personal niche and shelves including personal USB charging points both bedside and within your lockable wardrobe.   Luxury shared accommodation is a great social experience to meet other yogi's whilst you have a good time listening and sharing your travel stories with each other. Usually we attract 95% of our guests being solo travelling women aged between 20 - 55yrs of age, all here for a relaxing week of yoga, meditation and some surfing. Shared accommodation at The Salty Pelican is part of the reason why The Salty Pelican experience is so great. The hardest part about your stay will be having to leave us ;-) If you have any doubts, please read our reviews on TripAdvisor and Im certain they will ease your fears.

Question 3

Do you have female only accommodation ?

Accepted Answer

Usually 95% of our guests are solo travelling women between the ages of 20 - 55yrs of age... all here for week of relaxing yoga & meditation. We have four deluxe all-female shared rooms with en suite bathrooms to book.

Question 4

How do I arrive from Colombo Airport ?

Accepted Answer

Please find the directions to The Salty pelican below...   Most travelers to Hiriketiya arrive from either Colombo's international Airport or from Colombo centre.... There are several ways to get to Hiriketiya from there... ​   PRIVATE TRANSFER FROM COLOMBO AIRPORT   We can book you a very comfortable and direct air conditioned car/van transfer from the airport straight to The Salty Pelican. The driver will be waiting at the arrivals gate with your name on a sign. All road tolls and toilet breaks are included in the journey. Please send us an email with your flight details including flight number, so we can confirm your transfer.    Journey time:      3  Hrs * ​ One Way price: €90  1-4 person sharing Return price: €180  1-4 person sharing   FROM COLOMBO AIRPORT VIA...TAXI, TRAIN, TUK TUK  PRIVATE TRANSFER FROM COLOMBO AIRPORT ​ A scenic delight… The journey is mostly along the coast, with open sea views for the majority of the way. There will be a few sellers selling water, fruit and delicious snacks on the way but the Colombo to Matara train will most probably be full. You may find it a very uncomfortable 3.5 hour journey standing on a crowded train after a long flight. ​ On the Colombo - Galle - Matara train route, virtually all seats are unreserved so pre-booking is neither necessary nor possible, which means you cannot book a seat unfortunately. Tickets are only sold on the day at the ticket office. Tickets cannot sell out though.  ​ -  Start your journey from either Colombo Fort Railway Station or from Maradana Railway Station.… It’s where the train from Colombo to Galle starts. You are much more likely to get a seat boarding at Maradona Station (although it’s still not guaranteed). ​ Airport - Colombo/Maradana    Taxi Journey time:      40 minutes ​ Taxi price: Approximately 2800 rupees ( €13 ) ​ Colombo - Matara    Train Journey time:    3.5    Hrs ​ Ticket price: 130 - 420 rupees ( €2 ) ​ Matara - Salty Pelican    Tuk Tuk Journey time:    35 min ​ Tuk Tuk price: Approximately 1000 rupees  ( €5 )  ​ ​ Useful Links: Train Schedules and fares:  http://slr.malindaprasad.com Overview of Trains:  www.seat61.com/SriLanka

Question 5

Is there a deposit required ?

Accepted Answer

There is a 25% non-refundable deposit to secure your booking and practice space at The Salty Pelican. The next 25% will be required to be submitted 3 months before your arrival date. 100% of the booking total must be paid 45 days before the start date of your retreat.

Question 6

What if I need to cancel my retreat ?

Accepted Answer

Retreat cancellation results in loss of the 25% non-refundable deposit paid to secure the booking. Retreat postponement can be requested one time only, at least 6 months in advance of retreat start date and will be charged an administration fee of €100. If you cancel within 8 weeks of arrival, the 100% payment is non refundable.

Question 7

What do i need to check-in ?

Accepted Answer

You must have an ID-card or passport. No other proof of identity will be accepted.

Question 8

When is check-in / check-out ?

Accepted Answer

Check-in: You can check in from 14:00pm and if you’re arriving earlier, we will do our best to have a bed ready for you as soon as we can. We have a restaurant and plenty of space to relax, if you arrive early.    Please note: Reception closes at 22:00pm without prior notice. Check-ins after this time are only accepted by appointment via email or phone call before this time has expired.    Check-out: Anytime in the morning up until the latest of 11:00am. You also have the option to relax in our open lounges or by the pool if you have a late departing flight on your check-out day.

Question 9

Should i bring my own linen or towel ?

Accepted Answer

Beds are premade with fresh clean linen before your arrival. Don’t forget to bring a towel for the beach. We have fresh bathroom towels available for rent from the reception at additional charge (€3 per towel) but bathroom towels are provided in the private double rooms free of charge. As we are an eco-friendly retreat, linen in the rooms will only be changed every 3 days. Pool towels (not beach) are available with a deposit from the reception.

Question 10

Do you have lockers or a safe in the rooms ?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do... Every bed in the shared rooms has a personal electronic locakable wardrobe with space to store your luggage, unpack your clothes, hang on a coat hanger and charge your electronics safely within your locker. The private double rooms have an XL electronic lockable safe to store all your valuables including mulitple large devices. Upon check-in, you will be given a waterproof wrist band which will give you access to our property, your bedroom locker wardrobe or safe for 24hrs a day.

Question 11

What can i do with all my bags after check-out ?

Accepted Answer

You can store your luggage in our day storage for free after checking out. We are only allowed to hold your luggage till the end of that day only.

Question 12

Do you sell alcohol, food or drinks ?"

Accepted Answer

We have our own poolside restaurant with a fully stocked bar with all your favourites, including a large selection of local beers, local wines, healthy smoothies, alcoholic cocktails and coconut water. Also we have an all day menu providing a diverse breakfast menu, snack menu and a delicious choice of locally sourced food and seafood for dinner. We also have free unilimited drinking water throughout our property.

Question 13

Is there a curfew or lockout ?

Accepted Answer

No... we trust you but in return we do ask that you respect the other guests and be quiet when you return to The Salty Pelican. Our front gate remains locked after 22:00, which you can easily enter with your electronic wristband when returning late at night.

Question 14

Can i be in a room with my friends ?

Accepted Answer

We try our best to allocate beds in the same room for friends travelling together. However, this is not always possible. Please contact us directly for any special requests, including accommodation in the same room.

Question 15

Can I bring children ?

Accepted Answer

We do not recommend that young children stay at our retreat, as the atmosphere tends to be rather peaceful and mature. However, under special request we may be able to accommodate children depending on the season and retreats capacity. Children under 16 may only sleep in the same room as the parent and can only be in private room accommodation.

Question 16

Can i bring visitors into the surf & yoga retreat ?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to bring friends into the garden and restaurant area of our retreat but visitors are not allowed in the shared guest rooms at any time. This is for the security of all our guests who expect us to be able to identify everyone in the building and to provide a secure environment. Please understand that there are no exceptions to this rule.

Question 17

Do you have wifi or internet access?

Accepted Answer

We have free wifi everywhere within the retreat.. even in your rooms.

Question 18

Do you have laundry facilities ?

Accepted Answer

Yes we do.. we can arrange to wash your clothes and dry them for you at additional rates. Please ask at reception.

Question 19

Can i smoke in the yoga retreat ?

Accepted Answer

Our yoga retreat is a non smoking building. Anyone who breaks this rule will be asked to leave without any refund. We do however, provide the exclusive use of our outside pool, restaurant area, multi-level garden and balcony’s from every room for smoking. Is is not permitted to smoke in the open space lounge room and dining room though.

Question 20

Do you have a guest kitchen ?

Accepted Answer

We have a fully functioning poolside restaurant and no guest kitchen facilities. But the self catered teacher accommodation villa has a private kitchen for the teachers to use.

Question 21

Reception hours ?

Accepted Answer

The reception is open for check-ins between 7:30am - 22:00pm. We can only accept arrivals later than 22:00 when requested beforehand via email or phone call only.  If you have an early flight and need to leave before 7:30am, please arrange check-out and balance payments the day/night before departure.

Question 22

Where can we park our car or scooter ?

Accepted Answer

Theres plenty of space to park your car in the street outside The Salty Pelican for free.

Question 23

Can i pay in another currency or with a credit card ?

Accepted Answer

We usually accept all booking payments in advance before your arrival with online payments. You can also pay with credit cards at the reception but please note that a service charge of 3% will apply for all card payments. We accept cash payments during your retreat in Sri Lankan rupees only.

Question 24

I have never surfed in my life. Is this retreat for me ?

Accepted Answer

No problem ;-)  Usually 95% of our guests are either complete beginners or have only surf once or twice before. You re going to fit right in here and our surf instructors will make sure you learn the proper techniques and have loads of fun also.

Question 25

Can I arrive before check-in time ?

Accepted Answer

Of course that wouldn't be a problem and you are more than welcome to relax aoround our lounges, pool area or restaurant until your room is ready. We can also store your luggae securely.

Question 26

What can I include in my retreat ?

Accepted Answer

You have the option to include airport transfers, excursions including a temple tour, stand up paddle boarding tour, plus trips to the night markets, private or group surf lessons, nartional park elephant safari tours. We also offer wellness packs including massages and body treatments from our qualified Spa team. Please specify in your inquiry

Question 27

What are the minimum guests required to book our property?

Accepted Answer

We ask you to commit to bringing a group of at least 20 guests in order to make it worthwhile for both you as a teacher traveling to Sri Lanka and for us to hold a practice space for your retreat. We can offer to help market your retreat to our own followers ( 23k+ ) in order to help you meet this requirement. Can discuss profit sharing basis also.

Question 28

Can The Salty Pelican take care of bookings ?

Accepted Answer

Teachers are usually responsible for bringing their own students and taking the bookings for their Guest Teacher Programs. Our programs manager and reservations team can also provide full support and feature your program on our website or social media channels with over 23,000 followers. In return we can discuss profit sharing or commision basis if this is of interest.

Question 29

What's included for teachers ?

Accepted Answer

We offer great teacher benefits including private accommodation for up to 6 teachers, including private kitchen, bathroom and living space. Surfboard/lesson discounted rates and discounts at our wellness spa.

Question 30

Will The Salty Pelican be private for the exclsuive use of my guests ?

Accepted Answer

If you book a minimum of 20 guests (+ teachers).. then the answer is YES. But at certain times of the year it is not possible to have exclusive use of our retreat. If you plan to bring a large group, please indicate that you wish to book the entire retreat privately in your inquiry and we will confirm available dates. The price will be reflected for booking of all rooms.

Question 31

Is there fixed times for meals and shala use ?

Accepted Answer

Breakfast times are fixed between 7am - 10am daily all other meal times are flexible. Class times are flexible, as you will be allocated a shala for the week.

Question 32

Do you provide yoga mats and props ?

Accepted Answer

We have up to 40 coconut hemp non-slip yoga mats that your guests can use. We also provide cork blocks, straps and bolsters. Please specify in your application if you need specific props or a large amount of them.

Question 33

Can guests arrive earlier or depart later after the retreat ?

Accepted Answer

Yes guests may book directly with us to join our signature surf, yoga & wellness programs before or after your retreat, depending on availability.

Question 34

What can guests do outside of class time ?

Accepted Answer

Relax by the pool or at the beach!  Paddle boarding Temple tour Onsite massage & body therapies Scooter hire Surfboard hire or surf lessons Night markets trip Additional excursions around the island – waterfalls, shopping etc

Question 35

How mnay rooms or beds do you have ?

Accepted Answer

We can host a total of 40 guests and 6 teachers. With 4 superior private double rooms with private en suite suitable for singles or couples, 4 premium shared rooms which sleep up to 8 persons each and there is two private en suite bathrooms for each shared room and one seperate self contained staff apartment for up to 6 teachers including private bathroom, kitchen and living space. All rooms have balcony/terrace overlooking infinity swimming pool and outdoor furniture to relax in.

Question 36

What is included in the rooms ?

Accepted Answer

private balcony or terrace with outdorr furniture air conditioning in all rooms queen size bed in private double rooms  XL single beds in premium shared rooms  ceiling fans in all rooms ipod/iphone portable speaker in double rooms  coffee & tea maker in double rooms writing desk in double rooms  wifi internet access in all rooms  hair dryer in all bathrooms  personal electronic lockable wardrobe/safe with personal hanging space for every bed in premium shared rooms.  Electronic safe in all double rooms  100% natural cotton linen on all beds  Daily housekeeping Shampoo and conditiner dispensers in every shower

Question 37

Do you have massage services ?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have a full onsite wellness Spa with add-on massage and body treatments available for your guests at our open-aired poolside treament rooms.

HIRIKETIYA

SRI LANKA

THE SALTY PELICAN

HOST YOUR
OWN RETREAT

WELLNESS FACILITIES:

ADDITIONAL SERVICES AVAILABLE

SALTY

PELICAN

Salty Pelican

GIFT CARD store.