Can't begin to recommend it more, had an absolutely fantastic time and if you are looking for a surf/yoga retreat, look no further. Great surf, delicious food and wonderful accommodation - Sunshine really is a unique experience and I can't thank everyone enough for making it such a special week.
My time at sunshinestories was one of the main reasons why my surftrip to Sri Lanka was so unique. I can 100% recommend it - location, people, surf instructors and food were amazing - Thank you so much!
So maybe you’re where we where before going to Sunshinestories, thinking that you want to make sure you get what you pay for since it looks a bit more expensive than some other options… We arrived with our expectations set very high and we didn’t get disappointed! We did the full package with yoga and surf. The yoga classes were the perfect way to wake up prior to breakfast. The instructors differ but if you’re in luck you’ll have Francesca, she is the PERFECT mix between relaxed, focus and professional! Both the morning yoga and the afternoon yin was well balanced and always had variations if needed. All the meals were super tasty and packed with energy! The quality of the fruits, vegetables and so on makes all the difference and one could easily tell that the kitchen crew knew what they where doing. So it didn’t come as a surprise that the head chef used to work at a high end hotel for non other than Gordon Ramsey. Luckily he didn’t learn anything about the temper from Ramsey but everything about cooking. We could go back only for the food to be honest! The surfing classes are filled positive energy and small tips on what to think about and improve during the sessions. Between sessions the video analysis is priceless! Even though it might be hard to see how you look when you surf but it’s by far the most effective tool to improve. I locked up so many doors in my surfing thanks to the analysis. Before this becomes a novel let’s just put it like this: you get what pay for and that goes for Sunshinestories for SURE! The quality of the Food, Yoga, Surfing and the staff is so high that it’s worth every penny! Thanks for this time, something tells me we will be back!…
I can’t recommend this experience enough; from the incredible food, the beautiful space, the surfing with turtles, the yoga, and the knowledge shared by the incredible teachers here. The warmest thank you to everyone here who made our experience so special.
To the Sunshine Stories team -- especially Adri, Mads, Trine, Kavi, Varu, Loric, and Piers -- thank you from the bottom of my heart for the best week I've had all year! When I booked the trip, I went in with no idea what to expect, and you all quickly superseded any expectations I would have had. Your hospitality, organization, kindness, and friendship will stay with me beyond my time in Ahangama. I almost secretly don't want to tell anyone else about this little haven so I can keep it to myself! But of course all I want to do is shout from the mountaintops how unique and life-changing this experience was. Special shout out to all the surf coaches who helped me achieve my goal of getting better at noseriding on local breaks! I will definitely be back. Sending so much love.
Just loved every minute❤️ The place, Adri, Maddie and surfcoaches😍 Theory after surf was really good and I learned more then I could ever imagine🏄♀️. Yoga with Trine was amazing and I will take a lot with me back home 🧘♀️ I have never ever tasted so much good food😋 So keep doing what you do and everything will be superb❤️ Happiness comes in salty water🏄♀️
Sunshinestories ticked all the boxes for me. Right from their online booking system through to the final check out and then a little after (I hung out in Ahangama and went back to say hi!), I felt completely supported. I chose transfers to and from Colombo through SS and these were of fantastic quality and service. On first arriving at SS, the vibe of the villa instantly puts you at ease. Everything about SS is designed to foster a group environment; from the central courtyard, to the weekly schedule, to the inclusivity from all of the staff (inc the tuk tuk drivers!). I went to solo with the intention to make new friends and connect with people, so I opted for a dorm room. I’m so pleased I did this. Our outdoor bathroom was next level beautiful. I enjoyed many hot showers! The beds are single size, yet comfortable, with lovely linen. The food at SS is exceptional! I really have nothing more to add about this! And yes, the coconuts are free flowing, you only need to ask! The surf and yoga schedule are perfectly balanced. I am a beginner surfer and the program was great for my level. My local instructors were experts and professional and I had no issues learning from them, both on the waves and in theory/video appraisal. In fact, every single staff member working for SS are exceptional people, who are very willing to assist. The fun and chill vibe of SS is owed to them. Constructively, the one thing you need to be prepared for (at least in November), is the amount of mosquitoes. The villa lit citronella lanterns on some nights, however, I needed to be covered in repellent the whole time, including morning yoga. Some repellent was supplied by the villa, however I recommend you bring your own from home. Additionally, if your flight arrives late into Colombo, I would recommend getting your transfer straight to the southern province that night (2 hours drive), and staying at Ceylon Sliders (or another hotel nearby). I didn’t do that and I wish I did. I will next time! Nothing better than immediately waking up in paradise! Finally, nothing is mandatory at SS, you do as you please, however, it is so awesome you want to do it all! With this in mind, I would recommend staying on in the southern province for a couple to few extra days to enjoy the area at your own pace. I would include these days afterwards as you really get a feel for the area during your stay at SS. Overall, I rate this holiday (and the time spent at SS) as one of my best yet and I have traveled a lot. If you’re on the fence about going solo, do it! Leave your friends at home and make new ones with international post codes! Sunshinestories is fun and carefree and well, I can surf now, so I ticked a major bucket-list item off my list and made some wonderful friends doing so!…
Place-the villa is beautiful and ideal for those who are looking for an environment where they can totally relax and also have an opportunity to hangout with other guests. It is not too big and not too small so guest would not exceed 20 people. This was ideal for me for a number of reasons-got to know the people easily, and a family atmosphere is the goal. Itinerary- allows for free time to do what you want along with incorporating the surf and yoga program. Wanting to be active and improve my surfing, whilst also having the time to see a new place, this ticked all the boxes. Staff- Adri, the manager and Maddy the social host are exceptional. They strive to make each and every guest feel welcomed and happy during their stay and they are great company. Bright and intelligent individuals with an abundance of love and respect to their community. Surf- well if only I started surfing in Sri Lanka! The place is ideal for first timers who wanna try surfing. I was not a first timer but that did not diminish my challenge because the coaches will be attentive to your skills and needs and I was taken to another spot which was ideal for my challenge and improvement. Yes Sri Lanka has great surf. And the water temperature is warm meaning there is no need for a wetsuit which is brilliant! The sea was also very clean and clear. The ratio of coaches is 1:3 which was great! The coaches were brilliant locals with a lot of patience and strive to ensure you experience riding waves. A video of you surfing is taken each session which is then analyzed after and this is a superb way for one to spot the needs for improvement. By the end of the week I was not missing one wave and was also turning and surfing till the shore. Food- simply amazing and very attentive to your dietary requirements. Being vegan I was in heaven. Yoga - tailored to the group s needs and also the surfing. Lisa was very attentive to the muscles used in surfing and provided the ideal instruction for ensuring a revived and energized body to surf. I can't encourage this place enough. I have met incredible people for life. It is the best mix for a relaxing, active and sociable holiday. Missing it dearly!…
Adri Hosting Manager - Amazing and so willing to help with anything we asked!! Such a legend, thank you for making our trip hassle free Surfing Coaches- so patient, polite and laid back! Lisa Yoga Instructor- outstanding!! You have made me join classes back at home. Another legend also!! Chef- Food was literally amazing, more chilli next time please Villa- Everything expected which was outlined on the website Word of advice purchase yourself DEET mozzi spray before heading to Sri Lanka!! Sunshine stories thank you for having us and providing us with a trip we will always remember! 5 stars!!
Sunshine Stories honestly blew me away with everything from start to finish. Warming hospitality, stylish laidback accommodation and the tastiest food. I have never before been so overwhelmed by the niceness of an ENTIRE team. And a Fantastic team it is - From the chefs to the support staff on the ground - the awesome surf coaches Kavi , Varuna and Loric , the patient and kind yoga teacher Lisa and the Best - I’m not sure how to even describe Adri (Manager , Social Host , Birthday surprise planner , Travel Agent , Tour Guide , Nurse and DJ) nothing we asked was too much and everything was met beyond expectations. A truly unforgettable experience - memories were created during the entire week and we are already planning our trip to sunshine stories villa next year! Not to be Missed ! Thank you for having us!…
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Listing