A Few Places We Think You Shouldn’t Miss During Your Stay at THE SALTY

There’s something about Hiriketiya.

Maybe it’s the slow mornings, tuk-tuks rolling past palm trees, surfers chasing waves before breakfast, or the way sunset somehow always turns into dinner and drinks with new friends.

While life at THE SALTY Sri Lanka revolves around surf, yoga, wellness and good food, part of the magic here is what sits just beyond our doors. Hiriketiya may be small, but it punches far above its weight when it comes to cafés, beaches, food and hidden local gems.

Here are a few of our favourite spots — all close by and well worth adding to your week.

Morning Coffee & Slow Starts

Hiriketiya mornings are best taken slowly.

Start with a walk through the village, grab a fresh coconut, tropical smoothie or strong coffee and settle into the easy rhythm of the bay. Whether you’re heading for a surf, yoga class or simply doing absolutely nothing (highly recommended), mornings here hit differently.

Our advice? Don’t rush. Sri Lanka works best when you slow down.

Smoke & Bitters — One of Asia’s Best Cocktail Bars

Just literally right next door, you’ll find something pretty unexpected for a small surf village.

Smoke & Bitters has quietly become one of the most talked-about cocktail bars in Asia and once you go, you’ll understand why.

Think smoky cocktails, locally inspired flavours, open fire cooking and a menu built around Sri Lankan ingredients with a seriously creative twist.

It’s the kind of place where one cocktail somehow turns into dinner, and dinner somehow turns into a very good night.

A must while you’re here.

RAA — Sunset Drinks Right on the Beach

If you’re chasing golden hour, head to RAA.

Set directly on the beach in Hiriketiya Bay, it’s one of our favourite spots to grab a sunset drink, sink your feet into the sand and watch the last surfers roll in.

The vibe is effortlessly cool, the setting speaks for itself, and it’s ideal for a slower afternoon or pre-dinner drinks with friends from the retreat.

Simple formula: beach, cocktail, sunset.

Secret Beaches & Quiet Corners

As beautiful as Hiriketiya Bay is, there’s more coastline waiting nearby.

A short tuk-tuk or coastal wander opens up quieter beaches, hidden coves and swimming spots where things feel a little slower and a little more untouched.

Ask our team while you’re here, we’re always happy to point you toward a secret swim spot or somewhere to escape the crowds.

Sunset Walks & Jungle Views

Some of the best moments here cost absolutely nothing.

Head toward the jungle surrounding the bay for sunset walks and endless ocean views. There’s something grounding about standing above the Indian Ocean at golden hour after a day of surfing, yoga or doing not very much at all.

Bring a drink, take it slow and enjoy the kind of sunsets that make you forget what day it is.

Food at THE SALTY

Back at THE SALTY, our poolside restaurant is where most days naturally come together.

Healthy breakfasts, fresh seasonal dishes, post-surf smoothies, sunset drinks and optional family style group dinners designed for long conversations and meeting people from around the world.

Whether you’re here for surf, wellness or just to switch off for a week, good food tends to become part of the rhythm.

The Best Part of Hiriketiya?

You Don’t Need a Plan.

Some places are best explored with an itinerary.

Hiriketiya isn’t one of them.

Wander. Surf. Stop for a coconut. Book the massage. Stay longer at sunset. Follow recommendations from new friends. Say yes to dinner.

The best moments here are usually the unplanned ones.

And trust us… by the end of the week, you’ll already be thinking about coming back.

Stay Salty.