Arriving, coming home... About volunteering at Surf & Yoga Mirissa

Sri Lanka for the third time. But this time not just for a few weeks – this time I’m staying for a year! The country has touched something in me that keeps me coming back. The community at Surf & Yoga Retreats has played a big part in this.

I have already been a guest there twice and have experienced both camps: Arugam Bay and Mirissa. The warm-hearted and open-minded way in which I was welcomed there immediately made me feel at home.

Now I’m starting a new chapter and will be doing a work exchange at the camp in Mirissa for a year. My tasks include managing bookings, handling check-ins and welcoming new guests. I explain everything about the daily routine in the camp, depending on which package they have booked. Close cooperation within the team is essential for this. We are all well connected with each other – surf instructors, yoga teachers, kitchen staff – so that together we ensure the most comfortable stay for our guests and fulfill as many wishes as possible. The atmosphere in the team is always supportive; we are all there for each other. It feels like one big family. This makes the work not feel like work and I enjoy being here every day.

In return for my volunteering, I receive free room and board. I’m accommodated in a cozy private room, even with its own balcony and a view of the palm trees. I felt at home right away and am happy every day to wake up here in such a paradise. Living so close to the beach is a great privilege for me. I have the opportunity to surf every day, which is amazing.

Then it’s off to breakfast. The problem? Choosing from the incredibly delicious breakfast options! Everything your heart desires, from sweet to savory, something light or for a big appetite: porridge, overnight oats, pancakes, waffles, egg omelets, traditional Sri Lankan breakfast…

At lunchtime, there is a brunch with healthy snacks and every evening I’m enchanted with fantastic vegetarian food at the family dinner. We all come together, eat, chat, and play games…

Sharing inspiring conversations and impressions with people from all over the world broadens my own horizons. Who knows, maybe I’ll make new friends for life? I’m sure I will remember these beautiful evenings forever.

I feel blessed to always be surrounded by such wonderful people.