RETREATS | My Site 4

SURF - LED RETREATS

in Weligama + Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Our retreats are curated for small groups, moving seasonally between Sri Lanka’s south-west and south-east costs. We follow the rhythm of the island’s surf seasons, hosting in Weligama during the winter and spring months, and in Arugam Bay as the seasons shift.

Suitable for beginners, improvers, and advanced surfers, and designed for those looking to spend time somewhere warm and social by the sea. We love that our retreats allow us to share the coastlines we love and the way of life that exists around them.

Bookings for our April 2026 pilot retreat are now open!

imagine yourself..

in warm, turquoise waters at sunrise. Long mornings in the sea, breakfast shared outside around a long table. Slow afternoons on the beach, fresh coconuts whenever you want them, and sunset sessions too.

We stay close to the ocean in a laid-back coastal town where surfers, travellers, and locals cross paths every day. The perfect location to live life outdoors, with barefoot walks home, boards stacked by the door, and family-style dinners which stretch late into the evening.

During the week we move with the season and the group, whether that’s the soft, rolling waves of Weligama, or the long, clean points of Arugam Bay. The rhythm shifts depending on the conditions and the people who join. There might be a trip to a quieter beach, a visit to a local board shaper, a climb to a sunset viewpoint, or just time spent together as the sky turns pink.

We don’t work with a strict schedule or itinerary, just warm water, open space, and good company.

We stay close to the ocean in a relaxed coastal setting in easy reach of the beach. Our houses are perfect for open-air breakfasts, slow afternoons, and evenings gathered around the table.

Our retreat is intentionally small and personal. Private double rooms are available for solo or shared occupancy. Keeping our numbers low allows the experience to feel connected, calm, and considered.

Our aim is that you leave not only having grown in the water, but feeling part of a small community shaped by shared time on the coast.

stay

Surfing is at the centre of our retreats. Mornings begin in the water, and you can surf again later in the day, working with local instructors who know the breaks well. High Tide is beginner and improver friendly, with sessions split by ability and shaped around the group and the conditions.

If you’ve surfed before you’re welcome to bring your own board or we can arrange a rental. We also have surf theory and video analysis throughout the week so you can leave feeling more confident in the water!

surf

Yoga is offered as an optional complement to time in the water. Mornings are inspired by Ashtanga: steady, breath-led movement designed to build strength, mobility and balance for surfing. It’s an energising way to prepare the body before heading into the ocean.

In the evenings, the pace softens. Expect slower, floor-based sessions with a yin influence, where poses are held for longer to release deeper tension and allow the nervous system to settle. It’s a quiet space to unwind after the day and reset before the next tide.

yoga

Food is an important part of life at High Tide. Each day begins and ends around the table, with breakfast and dinner prepared by our local chef using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Lunches are more flexible. Sometimes we’ll head out to a nearby spot, other days we might prepare something simple together at the house. There’s always fresh fruit available, and space to gather, refuel and slow down between sessions in the water.

All meals can be tailored to dietary requirements.

food

• Check-in is Sunday from 2pm

• Check-out is Sunday at 10am

• Surf and Yoga equipment is provided

• No previous experience is required

• Breakfast and dinner are prepared daily by our local chef

• Lunches are flexible, we may eat out locally or prepare something simple together

• You’ll receive a welcome guide with practical details including packing suggestions and arrival information

• We act as your local hosts throughout the week, sharing our favourite beaches, cafés and quiet corners along the coast

• As this is an international retreat, all communication is in English

information

• 5 nights accommodation in a private double room (solo or shared)

• Daily surf sessions with experienced local instructors

• Surf theory and video feedback sessions

• Surf equipment (foam board, rash guard, + leash)

• Optional yoga (morning dynamic, evening restorative)

• Daily breakfast and dinner prepared by our local chef

• Fresh fruit available throughout the week

• Selected local activities or excursions depending on the group and conditions

• Local hosting throughout your stay

• A small, intentionally curated group experience
• Flights to and from Sri Lanka

• Airport transfers (can be arranged for an additional fee)

• Travel and medical insurance (required)

• Most lunches

• Board upgrades (longboards / hard boards — can be arranged in advance)

• Personal spending and additional activities outside the retreat programme

FAQs

No. The retreat is beginner and improver friendly. Sessions are shaped around the group and local conditions, and we work with experiences instructors who are used to teaching all levels.

If you’ve surfed before, you’re very welcome too.
Yes. Many guests join solo. The retreat is intentionally small, and shared meals and time in the water naturally create connection.

Private double rooms are available for solo occupancy or shared between two people.
we keep numbers intentionally small to ensure the experience

feels personal and relaxed. This allows surf sessions and shared

time to feel supportive rather than crowded.
surf sessions typically last around 1.5 - 2 hours, depending on conditions and energy levels. We will be in the water for lessons every morning, and for free sessions later in the day. exact timings will shift with the tide and the group
No. High Tide is group-led. While surf is at the heart of the week,

the exact rhythm shifts depending on the group, energy levels

and ocean conditions.

We move with the tide and with each other.
Fly into Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo). We

can provide guidance on onward travel and arrange transfers

if needed.
before the retreat, you’ll receive a welcome guide with arrival details, packing suggestions, and practical information to help

you prepare for the week.
to secure your place, a non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due prior to arrival (full details and dates are outlined during the booking process).

once your deposit is received, you’ll receive confirmation and a welcome guide with everything you need to prepare
your deposit secures your place and is non-refundable. The remaining balance is due before arrival.

if you need to cancel after paying your balance, refunds are dependent on how close to the retreat date the cancellation

occurs. Full details are outlined in our terms and conditions.

in the unlikely event that High Tide must cancel a retreat, all payments will be refunded in full.
yes. meals can be tailored to dietary needs, just let us know when booking.
of course! we actually recommend two weeks to get the best experience, but many people just do one, and some stay for much longer.

availability for longer stays can be limited, so early booking is recommended
foam boards are included and ideal for beginners and improvers. Hard board upgrades (longboards and mid-lengths) can be

arranged in advance for an additional cost.