“This ain’t your typical vacation spot. Stay Golden throws you into Sri Lanka’s untamed east coast, free from the tourist hordes. Picture this: lounging in luxury cabanas with a laid-back vibe, catching waves by day, and escaping the madness by night.”
In Review: Stay Golden Arugambay
- subjective opinion by Igor Swieczak
little reel created for StayGolden during our stay
Accommodation and Surroundings
Hidden Paradise
Stay Golden is the east coast’s secret stash, a stone’s throw from Arugam Bay’s Main Point. This retreat offers a haven away from the crowds, perfect for surfers and relaxation seekers alike. With cozy chambers and luxury cabanas, it’s an ideal spot to relax after a surf session, complete with inviting interiors and calming vibes. Perfect for shaking off the chaos of the outside world.
Comfort and Coziness
Lounge Like a King
Hosting around 20 guests, Stay Golden offers family-friendly and charming spaces. The resort is expanding, adding new spaces for surf and yoga enthusiasts. Each cabana is unique in layout, providing a classy shelter you won’t want to leave. The main alley leads to a restaurant and chill area with dining space, a swimming pool, and shaded spots. Meander through palm-lined paths to hammocks, sunbeds, and a swing by the beach – paradise, plain and simple. Grab a book or a board game and forget the world.
Food
Culinary Delights
Mornings start with Sri Lankan omelettes, toasts, and delicious oatmeal with a company of fresh juices. The coffee, brewed with decent beans in a proper machine, is quite good and really good for some of the Sri Lankans standards. For dinner, it’s all about the seafood—fresh, local, and downright delicious. Vegetarians aren’t left out either. The meals here keep you powered for whatever the day throws at you.
Services
Yoga and Adventures
Stay Golden focuses on daily yoga practices and offers safari trips, surf lessons and rentals. For the adventurous, Surf safaris to the best spots around are available, aiming to avoid crowded lineups. Bike rentals may even be included in your stay. Stay Golden ensures you’re always ready to hit the waves or the mat.
shots by: @Hui Chen
Extras
Beyond the Basics
The restaurant operates daily, offering a diverse menu with vegan and vegetarian options. Fast WiFi, a rarity in Sri Lanka, lets you stay connected if you must. Not staying at the hotel? No problem. For a small fee, you can still soak up the vibes and the sun at the pool.
Summary and Prices
What You Need to Know
Recommendation:
For those exploring the wild East, Stay Golden offers cozy, remote, high-class accommodation within walking distance to the surf spot. The beachfront location feels private, making it the best place to stay for surfing the Main Point. Prices for food are reasonable, and the overall experience is great for those seeking relaxation, family time, or a yoga retreat.
Rooms & Design:
Stay Golden’s rooms are spacious, cozy, clean, and fresh, with excellent air conditioning. You’ll find it hard to leave such a comfortable space.
★★★★★
Service:
Yoga sessions are top-notch and well-organized. The surf rental it’s not super rich but offers a range of boards suitable for all levels.
★★★★
Location:
This beachfront spot feels almost private and is a short walk from the Main Point. The slight distance from the main road of Arugam Bay adds to its charm.
★★★★
Food:
The restaurant offers a diverse menu with reasonable prices. The food is good, a mix of western and Sri Lankan cuisine. You will find something to keep your taste buds entertained.
★★★★
Overall:
Perfect for those seeking a quiet, relaxing getaway with top-notch yoga. It’s less surf-focused but still offers a luxurious vacation experience.
★★★★
Bonus qualities:
Super chill vibes, privacy, and a friendly atmosphere.
Prices:
You will need to ask yourself it may vary from 60-100euro per night staygoldenarugam.com
more photos: @Igor Swieczak
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