Community
Gaia Soul isn’t just a place to stay - it’s part of the local community.
What's on this week at Gaia Soul
Sober Sunday Sunset is on this week. An open meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous at Gaia Soul.
🗓 Sundays 🕔 5pm
📍 Rooftop lounge
All are welcome. Quiet support, ocean air, and a soft landing to end the week.
👉🏽 Come for a meeting, stay for the support
Skate sessions roll out daily at 4pm. Sun dipping, wheels humming, good people, no pressure. Whether you’re carving or just finding your balance, show up and drop in.
Supporting the Next Generation of Skateboarding in Sri Lanka
Gaia Soul is proud to support NIBM Interior Architecture student B.R. Roshina in her final year design project, which proposes Sri Lanka's first dedicated indoor skatepark and skate shop in Colombo.
We're honoured to have been chosen as the project's client, reflecting the growing role Gaia Soul is playing in Sri Lanka's skateboarding community. We're looking forward to sharing our experience and vision to help shape the project and support the future of skateboarding in the country.
We wish Roshina every success and can't wait to see her vision come to life.
Meet Joana, Raquel & Emma: Raising Vibrations at Gaia Soul
Joana and Raquel met two years ago at a boutique fitness studio in Lisbon and quickly became close friends. Together, they created Raise Your Vibration, a wellness concept celebrating dance, movement, connection, and personal growth.
Travelling with them is Emma, Joana's 12-year-old service dog, whose joyful spirit has been part of every adventure across Asia.
During their stay at Gaia Soul (July 25th to the 29th), Joana and Raquel will lead wellness classes and workshops for our guests, the women who work at Gaia Soul, and members of our local village community. We're delighted to welcome them and can't wait to see the positive energy they bring.
Community, Creativity & Celebration at Gaia Soul
Our yoga shala was buzzing with energy recently as we hosted a pop-up market and opening celebration to mark our partnership with local artist Ashan Isuru. The event grew out of a collaboration between Hustle With Ease Sri Lanka, Gaia Soul, and Ashan Isuru, bringing together artists, entrepreneurs, skaters, and villagers for an afternoon of connection and creativity.
Local vendors included Gambette Ceylon, Sunshine Cafe, Lea's Tattoos, Prabodha Cakes, Sama Social Club Hiriketiya, Shamma's Seashells and young local artisans selling handwoven rugs, jewelry, drawings and bags made from recycled plastic materials.
Amidst all the networking and arts & crafts, it was our neighbour Dumini who captivated the crowd with a Sri Lankan dance rooted in the cultural traditions of the island's Southern Province.
Tropical Threads: Art, Culture & Community
Meanwhile, the Shred Lanka and Yard Skatepark crews turned the skatepark into their own stage, filling the air with cheers, laughter, and the sound of wheels on concrete.
More than anything, the event was a celebration of local talent, community collaboration, and the growing creative spirit of Kaluketiya. We can't wait to see where this partnership leads next.
From Housekeeper to Entrepreneur: How Gaia Soul Helps Local Dreams Take Flight
At Gaia Soul, we’ve always believed that tourism can be a force for good—an opportunity not just to share the beauty of Sri Lanka with the world, but also to uplift the local community that makes it all possible. One story that perfectly embodies this mission is that of our neighbor and now catering partner, Pradeepa.
Pradeepa began working with us as a housekeeper, bringing dedication, warmth, and attention to detail to every corner of Gaia Soul. Her regular monthly salary gave her stability and financial credibility—something that many aspiring entrepreneurs in small fishing villages often struggle to secure. With that steady income, she was able to qualify for a loan, take a bold step forward, and open her own cafe: Sunshine Cafe, right next door.
Today, Sunshine Cafe isn’t just a place for guests to enjoy delicious home-cooked Sri Lankan food—it’s a testament to what can happen when local talent is given support and opportunity. Pradeepa now runs her own business, creates jobs for others, and continues to collaborate with Gaia Soul as our catering partner, serving authentic Sri Lankan meals to our guests.
"Before, I didn’t imagine this was possible. Now I have my own place, my own work, and I’m proud of what I’ve built." - Pradeepa
Stories like Pradeepa’s remind us why we do what we do. By providing employment, fair wages, and a supportive work environment, Gaia Soul isn’t just a guesthouse—it’s a launchpad for local dreams. Every meal shared at Sunshine Cafe, every smile exchanged over a freshly cooked curry, carries with it the spirit of a community that grows stronger together.
We’re proud to see our neighbors thrive, and we hope Pradeepa’s journey inspires others in the village—and beyond—to believe in the possibilities that hard work, opportunity, and a little support can create.
Stay with us and you’re just steps from Sunshine Café.
Maaliyadda Beach Cleanup
A small crew, a big impact.
Together with Meda Gedara and Ani Villas, we came together for a Maaliyadda Beach cleanup—locals, guests, and staff side by side, clearing plastic and restoring the shoreline we all share.
It was a simple act with a strong ripple effect: cleaner sands, safer ocean life, and a reminder that community care starts with showing up. More to come.
Stay where the ocean meets purpose—book your room at Gaia Soul and be part of the next beach cleanup
Gaia Soul Skateboarding Club
Join us as local Sri Lankan skaters roll through for sessions on our custom halfpipe and skatepark, where riding lines and everyday village life naturally overlap. It’s not just about tricks, it’s about sharing space, learning from each other, and letting skateboarding take root here in its own way. The Gaia Soul Skateboarding Club is coming soon, with the aim of getting more local kids on boards and building something that belongs to the community as much as the spot itself.
What started as a ramp is now a place where locals and travelers share the same lines.
Recycling Plastic
Our commitment to environmental stewardship shines through our plastic recycling program, empowering our village to embrace eco-conscious practices and reduce waste.
“Last time plastic was all around… now village is clean, and everyone trying to take care better.” Shiromani, Kaluketiya Village Leader
Your stay supports local projects.
Playground makeover
We’re not just building a place to stay—we’re helping build what surrounds it. Together with Ani Villas, we transformed the local Montessori playground into a bright, open space where kids can explore, learn, and let their energy run wild. It’s a small project with a big ripple—one that lives on long after your stay.
Before
After
“Children are more active now, more happy. This place means a lot to them.” - Ashoka, Head Teacher, Kaluketiya Montessori School
Opening Day at the Remodeled Playground
This is what travel can give back.
Projects like this are part of what makes Gaia Soul more than just a place to stay.
Sober Sunday Sunset Meeting
Join us every Sunday at 5pm for the Sober Sunday Sunset Meeting, where we host 12 Step Meetings open to everyone. It's a supportive and inclusive space for those seeking recovery and connection, set against the serene backdrop of a beautiful sunset. Whether you're starting your journey or maintaining your sobriety, you're welcome to join us for a time of reflection, sharing, and support in a peaceful environment.
Sometimes the most important conversations happen at sunset.
"Beautiful place at a beautiful location.The staff were super friendly and the view from the rooftop was spectacular! If you’re a friend of Bill W, Sunday at 5pm is a great time for fellowship here ;)" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Liam, GB
Open to anyone seeking connection, clarity, or support.
Sri Lankan Film Nights at Gaia Soul: Cinema Comes to Kaluketiya
At Gaia Soul, we’ve always believed that travel — and life — are richer when they connect people. That’s why we’re so excited to introduce the Sri Lankan Film Series, a community project bringing the magic of cinema to our little coastal village of Kaluketiya.
Every month, we gather in our open-air yoga shala — with the sound of the Indian Ocean rolling in — to watch some of Sri Lanka’s most powerful films together. Admission is free for everyone and limited to just 30 guests to keep it cozy and meaningful.
Our first screening was Rekava (Line of Destiny), the groundbreaking 1956 masterpiece by Lester James Peries — the very first Sinhala film shot entirely on location in Sri Lanka. Its simple yet profound story about village life, faith, and change set the tone for what we hope this series will become: a celebration of Sri Lankan storytelling and identity.
Sri Lankan stories, shared together.
Sri Lankan Film Nights at Gaia Soul
Next up, we’ll be showing Machan, a brilliantly funny and heartfelt film based on a true story — about a group of friends who invent a fake handball team to travel abroad. It’s sharp, warm, and deeply human, and we can’t wait to share it with our guests and neighbors.
Sri Lankan stories, shared together.
In the coming months, we’ll continue with other acclaimed Sri Lankan films such as Purahanda Kaluwara (Death on a Full Moon Day) and Oba Nathuwa Oba Ekka (With You, Without You). Each screening is a chance to spark conversation, reflect on life, and connect across cultures through cinema.
What makes this series truly special is that for many of the villagers in Kaluketiya, this will be their first time ever watching a film on a big screen. Bringing cinema here is our way of giving back to the community that gives us so much — opening a window to art, culture, and shared experience right here at home.
We’re also deeply honored that Prasanna Vithanage, the acclaimed director of Purahanda Kaluwara, Machan, and Oba Nathuwa Oba Ekka, has agreed to come to Gaia Soul to talk about his films and the stories behind them. It’s a rare and beautiful opportunity for locals and travelers alike to meet one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated filmmakers in an intimate, oceanside setting.
And because we also love a bit of surf culture with our cinema, we’re planning a special Full Moon Poya Night screening of Point Break — followed by night surfing and a bonfire on the beach. It’s going to be pure magic: moonlight on the waves, salt in the air, and that perfect mix of surf, soul, and cinema.
Not just movies—stories that stay with you
If you’d like to join us, keep an eye on our upcoming schedule and reserve your spot early — space is limited to 30 seats. Bring your curiosity, your friends, and your love for good stories. Cinema has finally come to Kaluketiya - and everyone’s invited.
🎥 Sri Lankan Film Series at Gaia Soul 📍 Gaia Soul Guesthouse, Kaluketiya 🕕 Free Admission | Limited to 30 People
Join us for evenings of film, connection, and local storytelling.