Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
6 Apr 2024
Feedback
42
Email verified
Badges (2)
Details
Description
We are located in the beautiful beach town of Mirissa in the south of Sri Lanka. The area is well known for its beaches, whale watching, surfing and chilled vibe. We are a distinctive hostel with modern furnishings offering an extremely comfortable stay. Our grounds are spacious and relaxing.
I quit my job in the finance world, travelled for 18 months and eventually settled in Sri Lanka to build the type of hostel that I always wanted to stay in when I was travelling. I am passionate about providing my guests a memorable and genuine experience. By this I mean, honest advice about everything, being highly informative, providing quality service and of course extremely comfortable lodging that exceeds expectations.
We employ 6-8 local staff members whom are responsible for the running of the hostel. Their tasks include preparing meals, cleaning the rooms, front office, accounting and general management. Our volunteer positions are intended to supplement our existing full-time positions where local skills are lacking and to offer the volunteers an insight into the life and culture of Sri Lanka. We take on a maximum of two volunteers at any one time.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
Volunteers will be exposed to Sri Lankan culture, traditions, festivities and food in the southern province. They will be able to interact closely with locals and learn the basics of the language as well as be given an opportunity to teach local staff English. They will have the opportunity to experience local cuisine and learn how to cook some dishes.
Those individuals contributing to small projects will learn about local products and plants etc and the challenges of designing/executing them in a developing/tropical country.
Help
We are looking for volunteers with suitable skills in construction/maintenance, social hosts and yoga instruction.
Minimum lengths of stay apply (usually 2-4 weeks) and differ across type of help. Longer stays are possible.
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Sinhalese: Fluent
Accommodation
Volunteers will be offered a comfortable bed in a volunteer only room (usually a private room or max sharing with one other). Accommodation is clean, secure and of high quality. Meals are provided.
What else ...
Mirissa is located close to Weligama (a perfect place to learn to surf), Unawatuna (another beach town), Galle (the historic World Heritage site of Galle Fort), Uda Walawe National Park (large elephant population) and Sinharaja Forest Reserve (waterfalls and diverse wildlife). Many other volunteering opportunities exist within the region, including working with orphans, stray dogs, abused women and teaching English at local temples.
Please note that we have 5 friendly young cats that demand attention so if you are allergic or not comfortable with cats then please carefully consider whether you want to volunteer here.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
Host ref number: 366265122814
Feedback (26)
3 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Matteo) for host
I went to this hostel to volunteer as a yoga teacher with the idea of spending a couple of weeks and I ended up staying for a whole month as I loved it. The place is beautiful and very relaxing. Away from the noisy main road and only a 10-minute walk to the beach. The owner James and all the local people working there are very kind and always… read more
3 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Natasha)
Natasha was a delight to have around the hostel. Our season was just kicking off so we combined two roles into one, social host and yoga instructor, and she performed them admirably. Certain mornings of the week she would offer a 1 hr yoga class for guests and also coordinate guests to participate in our regular group activities ranging from… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Natasha) for host
I was at the Hostel for 6 weeks End of August 'til beginning of October 2023 and I had a very good time. The hostel is beautiful and super clean, with an amazing garden and swimming pool. I had a private room to myself and enjoyed breakfast and lunch provided by the host. My tasks were to host the social activities for the guests and to teach Yoga… read more
22 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Annika)
Annika was a very welcome addition to our property providing both yoga classes trice weekly and leading many of our social events. She was neat, clean, mature and respectful and engaged with our local staff well. Feedback from guests was also positive. She is a very experienced traveler and knows what is required of her as a volunteer. Can… read more
(Excellent
)
17 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Annika) for host
It was my first workaway and couldn't have been better. I wanted to stay for 4 weeks, after all James place was my home for 5 weeks and I would even have loved to stayed longer. I really enjoyed my stay overall and felt very comfortable. While teaching yoga 3 times a week I had the chance to improve my skills and give the guests a great start into… read more
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(4.7)
Communication:
(4.8)
3 Apr 2024
Left by Workawayer (Matteo) for host
I went to this hostel to volunteer as a yoga teacher with the idea of spending a couple of weeks and I ended up staying for a whole month as I loved it. The place is beautiful and very relaxing. Away from the noisy main road and only a 10-minute walk to the beach. The owner James and all the local people working there are very kind and always… read more
3 Dec 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Natasha)
Natasha was a delight to have around the hostel. Our season was just kicking off so we combined two roles into one, social host and yoga instructor, and she performed them admirably. Certain mornings of the week she would offer a 1 hr yoga class for guests and also coordinate guests to participate in our regular group activities ranging from… read more
(Excellent
)
17 Oct 2023
Left by Workawayer (Natasha) for host
I was at the Hostel for 6 weeks End of August 'til beginning of October 2023 and I had a very good time. The hostel is beautiful and super clean, with an amazing garden and swimming pool. I had a private room to myself and enjoyed breakfast and lunch provided by the host. My tasks were to host the social activities for the guests and to teach Yoga… read more
22 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Annika)
Annika was a very welcome addition to our property providing both yoga classes trice weekly and leading many of our social events. She was neat, clean, mature and respectful and engaged with our local staff well. Feedback from guests was also positive. She is a very experienced traveler and knows what is required of her as a volunteer. Can… read more
(Excellent
)
17 May 2023
Left by Workawayer (Annika) for host
It was my first workaway and couldn't have been better. I wanted to stay for 4 weeks, after all James place was my home for 5 weeks and I would even have loved to stayed longer. I really enjoyed my stay overall and felt very comfortable. While teaching yoga 3 times a week I had the chance to improve my skills and give the guests a great start into… read more
21 May 2023
Left by host for Workawayer (Imogen)
Immy worked with us in Aug/Sep of 2018. She assisted us with reception work at our hostel. She was responsible for all matters relating to guest relations, check-ins, payments and customer service during the evenings. She underwent thorough training and picked it up well. She was conscientious and bubbly and a pleasure to have with us.
(Excellent
)
26 Jan 2023
Left by Workawayer (Lea) for host
my stay at the place has been a very nice stay in Mirissa. don't hesitate if you want to come here, you will be treated like at home and meet beautiful people! James is lovely and teached me very well how to do my tasks! I come during a quiet time so not too much to do some days, but the hostel is so beautiful you can enjoy a nice environment! the… read more
15 May 2022
Left by Workawayer (Tanja) for host
My stay here was absolutely amazing, I loved it there and it was sooo hard to leave! The place felt like a home to me.
I was working there for 7 weeks as a yoga teacher and I taught about 9 classes a week. In the morning I was teaching vinyasa in the beautiful yoga shala and in the evening we did sunset yin yoga on the rooftop which was truly… read more
I was working there for 7 weeks as a yoga teacher and I taught about 9 classes a week. In the morning I was teaching vinyasa in the beautiful yoga shala and in the evening we did sunset yin yoga on the rooftop which was truly… read more
21 Jan 2022
Left by Workawayer (Tiarna & Kevin) for host
Myself and my partner Kevin worked in the hostel for four weeks. To say we thoroughly enjoyed it is an understatement! As regards work, My main role was doing the evening shift in reception(5-10) five days a week and Kevin helped with handyman work around outdoors(would have liked to get more work done but got sick on more than one occasion haha!)… read more
6 Aug 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Bill & Ellis)
Billy and Liam were great volunteers. They were both enthusiastic, always willing to contribute, and took pride in the work they did. They both helped out in reception in the evenings as well as started the rejuvenation process of our vegetable garden beds, re-sculpturing them to be more productive and fruitful. Thank you for your efforts over the… read more
(Excellent
)
27 Mar 2019
Left by Workawayer (Anthony) for host
I spent two weeks volunteering at the hostel in late Feb/early March and I really enjoyed my time here. James is a fantastic host, very welcoming and always ensures that you are comfortable during your stay. The other staff/volunteers are really enjoyable to be around and easy to work with, and the home cooked local food was absolutely delicious!… read more
27 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Giordano & Georgia Peta)
Georgie and Giordano were a great couple to have around. They were fun and enthusiastic yet professional given their extensive backgrounds in hospitality. They were responsible for evening reception duties (and at various others times as the business required) as well as helping to organise some events that were held during their 3 week stay.… read more
(Excellent
)
9 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Giordano & Georgia Peta) for host
We spent 3 weeks in December volunteering at the reception and had the best experience! For us it was perfect as we hope to open a hostel so getting experience and learning from James was really helpful! But also we had a great time with James, it is a really relaxed environment, very clean, fun and the food was great! 100% reccommend! The area is… read more
27 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Stephanie)
Stephanie volunteered with us initially for one month as our yoga instructor. We were so pleased with her contribution to the team that we asked her to come back the following month to assist us with some events during our peak period. Stephanie very quickly felt a part of the team/family and her constant energy and warmth was an added bonus. She… read more
(Excellent
)
16 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Stephanie) for host
I can barely put into words how wonderful this experience once. I worked here for one month as a yoga teacher. The accommodation is extremely comfortable and clean, the food was delicious, and the other WorkAwayers and host were all amazing people that I hope to stay in touch with for years to come. The spaces for teaching yoga are beautiful --… read more
27 Jan 2019
Left by host for Workawayer (Robert)
Rob was an excellent workawayer. He volunteered with us twice during his time in Sri Lanka. He helped us with reception work in the evenings as well as a small construction project in his final week. He takes great pride in carrying out all tasks in a diligent and professional manner and quickly became a very reliable member of the team. His… read more
(Excellent
)
10 Jan 2019
Left by Workawayer (Robert) for host
This was my first Workaway experience and my first stop in Sri Lanka and I must say I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to spend time here. I worked for 2 weeks doing the night shift (1700-2200) for reception and had an amazing time. The work itself is very relaxed as the majority of the check ins / check outs occur during the day which left… read more
21 Oct 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Workaway member)
Jan and Lenka were great volunteers. They were very conscientious and professional in their roles. Lenka was our yoga instructor for a month and during this time she managed to establish a good reputation for her classes and had quite a few repeat customers. Jan was responsible for front office and carried out his duties very well, was keen to… read more
(Excellent
)
16 Oct 2018
Left by Workawayer (Workaway member) for host
We spent one beautiful month of September in the Hostel in Mirissa. It was a great experience. Lenka was teaching yoga twice a day (hatha and yin) and Jenda worked at the reception every second evening. We had plenty of free time.
The hostel is very comfortable and conveniently located in Mirissa near Weligama. It is very clean. Three meals per… read more
The hostel is very comfortable and conveniently located in Mirissa near Weligama. It is very clean. Three meals per… read more
17 Jun 2018
Left by Workawayer (Rory & Steffan) for host
Steffan & I thoroughly enjoyed our time in Sri Lanka, mainly because of this Workaway! James is a fantastic host and Mirissa is a beautiful place to spend a few weeks. We especially loved eating local rice & curry for the provided lunch every day, watching cricket with James in the evenings, and playing with the resident cats (especially Tiger!).… read more
23 May 2018
Left by Workawayer (Ben) for host
I had the most amazing stay at the hostel. James was an absolute legend and very generous with how little you needed to work in return for 3 meals a day and awesome accomodation/ facilities .(I averaged only an hour a day of work and actually ended up doing some labouring in the back yard because I was being treated so well and wanted to help… read more
27 Apr 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Gabor & Michaela)
Gabriel & Michaele were very reliable volunteers. Punctual, inquisitive, keen to learn and carry out their responsibilities to a high standard. Thank you for your efforts.
(Excellent
)
16 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Gabor & Michaela) for host
Staying with James was an outstanding experience. Me and my girlfriend stayed a month helping morning time and sometimes evening at the reception. The volunteering conditions, accommodation and meals were amazing. Except the great amount of free time and surfing we enjoyed the company of our colleagues as well. The whole experience was just as… read more
8 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Ana) for host
My experience here was great!
James is really helpful and the staff is lovely, the environment at the hostel is very chill and you have the beach a short walk distance. Also I was lucky with my colleges and was very nice to work with them and do yoga too. It was fun to cook and have dinner all together, this are the simple things you miss… read more
James is really helpful and the staff is lovely, the environment at the hostel is very chill and you have the beach a short walk distance. Also I was lucky with my colleges and was very nice to work with them and do yoga too. It was fun to cook and have dinner all together, this are the simple things you miss… read more
5 Apr 2018
Left by Workawayer (Magdalena) for host
I stayed at the hostel 2 weeks and it was my best workaway experience so far. James is a great host, he was always very welcoming, patient and helpful, giving a lot of precise tips about an island.
I was working at morning, preparing breakfast and on afternoon in reception. I had 3 delicious meals every day and comfortable room that i was sharing… read more
I was working at morning, preparing breakfast and on afternoon in reception. I had 3 delicious meals every day and comfortable room that i was sharing… read more
13 Mar 2018
Left by host for Workawayer (Jeremy & Pauline )
Pauline and Jeremy were wonderful volunteers. They are both highly skilled and experienced in the tourism/services industry and will be an asset to any business operating in these fields. Given their experience, they require little training or supervision and can be relied upon to be professional at all times. And perhaps as equally important,… read more
(Excellent
)
12 Mar 2018
Left by Workawayer (Jeremy & Pauline ) for host
We stayed in this hostel for a month and we had a great experience. We helped with preparing breakfast, assisting guests, doing reception and we did some DIY too. James really looked after us from every point of view, we had our own room, food was delicious (we had three yummy meals per day). We also had freetime to go and enjoy the Mirissa’s… read more
12 Dec 2017
Left by Workawayer (Tamzin) for host
What a fantastic five weeks I had here! I taught yoga in the mornings and evenings and helped out with a couple of odd jobs. The hostel is a real gem, spacious, comfortable, immaculately clean, nestled amongst trees and wildlife and a stones throw from beautiful Mirissa beach. The staff are really warm and I felt instantly at home. James is a… read more
30 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Paddy_F) for host
I spent 3 weeks staying here and I'd be more than happy to return as a volunteer or as a guest. Accommodation and food were top notch and the local staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. My time there was pretty relaxed which suited me really well. I did breakfast most days, helped out on reception when needed and did some work on the frame… read more
29 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Paddy_F)
Paddy was full of spirit and enthusiasm and contributed very positively to the hostel. He did a range of tasks from breakfast preparation, to reception and also some small building/carpentry jobs. He learnt quickly and did all tasks to a high standard. He was reliable and interacted with guests well and was a pleasure to have around. I would… read more
(Excellent
)
18 Nov 2017
Left by Workawayer (Felix & Teresa) for host
We stayed 3 weeks with James in this lovely hostel. Everything was great! There was no single problem at all.
We had an own cozy double room and an own bathroom. Our job was to do breakfast preparations (7- 8 am) and the reception in the evening time (5.30-10 pm). During the reception shift we always prepared dinner together and played some games… read more
We had an own cozy double room and an own bathroom. Our job was to do breakfast preparations (7- 8 am) and the reception in the evening time (5.30-10 pm). During the reception shift we always prepared dinner together and played some games… read more
29 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (James & Patricia)
James and Pat were a pleasure to have stay here. They were willing to give anything a go and helped across a wide range of tasks. James' pizza dough making skills need some improvement but I wouldn't hold that against him. I would have them both back without any hesitation. Good luck with your hostel in Fiji!
(Excellent
)
2 Sep 2017
Left by Workawayer (James & Patricia) for host
This was our first workaway experience, we didn't know what to expect and were very impressed with the hostel that James has created.
We worked for 10 days doing odd jobs like painting concrete walls, erecting a trellis for passion fruit to climb and create shade, putting up shelving, laying down gravel and making picture frames. We also did a… read more
We worked for 10 days doing odd jobs like painting concrete walls, erecting a trellis for passion fruit to climb and create shade, putting up shelving, laying down gravel and making picture frames. We also did a… read more
29 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Claire)
Claire joined us as our yoga instructor for almost 6 weeks. Whilst she didn't have as many classes as she perhaps would have liked, she always asked how she could contribute in other ways such as making picture frames which were quite labour intensive. She wasn't afraid of learning new skills and doing things which were a bit challenging. She is… read more
(Excellent
)
29 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Rok & Metka)
A really nice couple that stayed with us for 3 weeks. Like many other volunteers, they assisted with breakfast preparations and reception and other odd jobs when asked. They were reliable and did a good job of everything asked of them. They asked plenty of questions when in doubt in order to offer the best service possible for the next guest. A… read more
(Very good
)
29 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Kyle & Scott)
It was definitely a pleasure having both Kyle and Scott volunteer with us. They are two very genuine and helpful people. They did tasks ranging from website development, to breakfast preparation, reception duties and some wood work/carpentry. They were reliable and did a good job. I would recommend them both.
(Excellent
)
5 Apr 2017
Left by Workawayer (Kyle & Scott) for host
We spent 2 weeks helping out from breakfast duty, to website development, to building shelves - the work was varied, interesting and rewarding. It is a truly great guy and made us feel welcome from start to finish.
As with all workaways, you get what you put in. We helped where we felt we could and where they asked for us too, in exchange we… read more
As with all workaways, you get what you put in. We helped where we felt we could and where they asked for us too, in exchange we… read more
29 Oct 2017
Left by host for Workawayer (Daniel & Nadia)
Daniel and Nadia were excellent volunteers for us. They were punctual, reliable and learnt quickly. They both took pride in the work they did which was always to a very high standard. I could show them a task to do and be confident that they could continue with minimal supervision. If they encountered any issues, they would ask for direction… read more
(Excellent
)
28 Oct 2017
Left by Workawayer (Daniel & Nadia) for host
Our time at the hostel was absolutely lovely. We were lucky enough to go there twice because there was quite a lot of carpentry work to do. Still there was plenty of time to explore Mirissa or go surfing in Welligama. James is a very nice person with a good humour and a great host aswell. In the evenings we usually cooked together and played a… read more
2 Aug 2017
Left by Workawayer (Nicolas & Renata) for host
We have been traveling for a year doing a lot of workaways, and James is one of the best hosts we had had, he really makes you feel comfortable in his place, he is so easy going and generous. One of the things we loved was the food, at breakfast freshly ground coffee in french press with omelet or buffalo yogurt and palm syrup (all high standar… read more
22 Jul 2017
Left by Workawayer (Heather & Michael) for host
We had an amazing time volunteering here for two weeks in June. The hostel is beautiful, modern and so clean! The food prepared for the staff from the Sri Lankan chef was delicious. Since it was the off season and the hostel was closed we did mostly handiwork and repairs.
James was a warm and welcoming host. He provided so much information about… read more
James was a warm and welcoming host. He provided so much information about… read more
1 May 2017
Left by Workawayer (Letizia & Hadriel) for host
We stayed at this hostel for one month, until the end of April.
Our task there was the same everyday and with fixed time, which was very good so we exactly knew the free time we had and we could organize our activities during the day.
The day schedule was 1) helping with preparing breakfast 7am to 8am (usually only me, Letizia, as not necessary… read more
Our task there was the same everyday and with fixed time, which was very good so we exactly knew the free time we had and we could organize our activities during the day.
The day schedule was 1) helping with preparing breakfast 7am to 8am (usually only me, Letizia, as not necessary… read more
