Into The Blue Sri Lanka

Ebony F.

1 day ago

A tranquil jungle getaway

Into The Blue is truly a hidden gem. Nestled in the jungle yet just a short stroll from stunning beaches, it perfectly balances tranquility and adventure. The accommodations are beautiful, and waking up to the sounds of nature is an unforgettable experience. The yoga classes were incredibly soothing and uplifting, contributing to the overall laid-back atmosphere of the place. The staff were wonderful—extremely kind and welcoming—making it genuinely feel like home. Whether I was relaxing in the garden or making my way to the beach, every moment felt unique. I departed completely rejuvenated and can’t wait to return. It's one of the best places I've ever stayed. 🌿💙

Service

5

Ambiance

5

Marco L.

1 day ago

Beware of Overpricing and Scams

!!BE WARNED BEFORE BOOKING (READ BELOW)!! Upon my arrival, I encountered significant issues and realized from other comments that I wasn't alone in my experience. With this review, I aim to alert future travelers to avoid the same scam and theft that I faced. This was the only negative experience during my month-long road trip in Sri Lanka. The prices here are exorbitant—there are much better options available for the same cost. They do not allow any changes to bookings; if you cancel, they rebook your room without a refund, effectively doubling their income. This feels like fraud and theft. Detailed review below: 1. Their description versus reality (way different) Their marketing and pictures are impressive, but you quickly realize upon arrival that they are misleading. - Jungle in Nature: What you find is just a garden on a small plot of land right next to a busy road with buses and trucks. - Peaceful environment: It's just a green garden like many others in Sri Lanka. The animal sounds they mention are actually just the barking dogs from nearby neighbors, mostly at night. - Walking distance from beach: In reality, it’s a 20-minute walk along a hazardous road filled with buses and trucks. When I brought this up to the owner, she suggested a “shortcut” – just claim you’re having lunch at the hotel, walk through their garden, and don’t eat there. It’s quite audacious to ask guests to lie, especially in a country where people are so honest. - Breakfast: Unlike other places in Sri Lanka where you get delicious, balanced meals with curries and fruits, here you get bland yogurt (called “curd”) with what they call granola (just three peanuts) and only bananas for fruit in a tropical country! - Cabin Quality: The cabins are poorly constructed and damp, with loose wood allowing insects to enter (see video). - Peaceful nature: The garden is often disturbed by karaoke concerts from neighbors at night (see video). - Service and amenities: There’s no service or amenities—no soap in the bathroom. If you’ve traveled in Sri Lanka before, you know you can expect more for rooms at 30EUR. This reflects the greed of this place. - Bed Quality: The mattress is only 10cm thick—definitely the worst I encountered in Sri Lanka. - Surfing: When I asked about surfing, they didn’t even know where to rent proper boards. Their suggestion to check on the beach led to terrible boards, and there’s only one beginner surf spot nearby that rarely works. This is essentially a fancy hostel pretending to be more. Their fraudulent behavior and outright theft I booked 8 days directly through their website, which was my biggest mistake of the trip. After observing the issues mentioned above, I politely expressed my concerns, and the owner agreed to refund the cost for the days I left early, provided the room was rented out. I foolishly trusted her. That’s where the scam unfolded: - After I left, I noticed that the room was indeed rented again, which I informed the owner about. - She claimed it wasn’t my room. - Just 15 minutes later, the room was booked for 4 out of 5 nights (both on their website and Booking), and I notified her to request reimbursement. - She then made an excuse, alleging I had spoken poorly to a “staff” member the day before leaving when I merely asked him to manage the karaoke noise from the neighbors that made my room sound like a bar. - She used this as justification to deny reimbursement since they claimed we had no written contract, despite having confirmed via text that they would refund me. - I received a final bill for only 3 nights at an inflated rate of +200 EUR, which totaled the same price as the 8 days. This seems like an illegal attempt to double book the room. - She effectively rented the room twice during my booking dates, collecting money from both me and the new occupant. This is straightforward fraud and theft. Reviewing other negative comments shows a pattern of them having guests cancel and then re-listing rooms for double income. Your money is much better spent elsewhere! You can find better quality for the same or even lower prices. Having spoken with this owner, who operates in bad faith, and having seen her responses to negative reviews, it’s clear she will likely blame others, provide excuses, and deny any responsibility. It’s all very predictable. AVOID!!

Food

1

Service

1

Value

1

Ambiance

1

Anna-Theresa M.

1 day ago

Tranquil Stay with Yoga and Surfing

My partner and I had a delightful experience at Into the Blue. We really appreciated the serene atmosphere, complete with the lovely sounds of nature all around. Everything was spotless and comfortable, which added to our enjoyment. The morning yoga sessions were a highlight for us, too. Plus, we had a great time surfing in the nearby waves. We would certainly return and recommend this place to anyone who enjoys yoga and surfing in a peaceful, natural setting.

Ambiance

5

Andrew K.

1 day ago

Stunning Stay in Sri Lanka

This is the most stunning place to stay in Sri Lanka. From the moment we arrived, the warm welcome made us feel right at home. We really enjoyed the yoga sessions and the singing bowls. There are gorgeous beaches nearby, along with some fantastic restaurants. Plus, surfing and snorkeling are just steps away. We're eager to come back soon.

Ambiance

5

Joanna S.

1 day ago

Charming stay with thoughtful touches

This place is delightful and situated in a stunning area with beautiful beaches close by. The amenities provide everything needed for a relaxing visit, and I received a warm welcome from Omal. Breakfast was just right to fuel our adventurous days. The welcome brochure was impressive, filled with thoughtful tips for drivers and local attractions. The owners are genuinely wonderful — friendly, accommodating, and generous. They even went the extra mile to try to arrange a Christmas tree for the little ones, which was such a lovely gesture. I greatly valued the recommendation for an outstanding surf instructor, Chami, along with suggestions for excellent local dining options. The morning yoga sessions and a massage were the perfect finishing touches to a fantastic stay.

Service

5

Ambiance

4

Dana C.

1 day ago

Charming stay with great amenities

I really enjoyed my time here! The access to quiet, almost deserted beaches just a 10-minute walk away was a refreshing change from the more touristy areas I experienced in Sri Lanka. My room served as a cool retreat from the heat and mosquitoes, thanks to the fan and mosquito net! Every morning, I had a hearty breakfast featuring local ingredients. The yoga shala was beautiful, and my yoga teacher, Emilieee, was incredibly sweet. The owner was warm and vibrant, genuinely interested in connecting with her guests and ensuring they felt well taken care of. We truly appreciate female-run businesses! There’s also a helpful man available on-site around the clock if you need anything. :) <3

Food

5

Service

5

Value

4

Ambiance

5

rachelebor

1 day ago

Beautiful spot near beaches

I highly recommend Into the Blue! It holds a special place in my heart. The location is stunning, situated near three fantastic beaches that are easily walkable. It's not overly touristy, which adds to its charm, and offers opportunities for surfing and snorkeling.

Karla

1 day ago

Disappointing Yoga Retreat Experience

My time at Into the Blue fell short of the online expectations. I chose this place primarily for its yoga focus and proximity to the beaches, but the reality was quite different. Given the high price for Sri Lanka, the value just wasn't there. Although the yoga instructor was very friendly, the classes were the same basic flow every day and felt somewhat lacking in experience. Having practiced hatha yoga multiple times in the area, I was surprised by this inconsistency, particularly given the retreat's claims and pricing. The breakfast offerings and the overall vibe of the property also struck me as dull and not particularly inviting, especially as a solo traveler. At other accommodations, I found hosts to be warm and genuinely interested in ensuring guests felt at home. Here, staff members often failed to greet guests, contributing to a somewhat isolated atmosphere. Moreover, the beaches were much farther away than advertised. It took about a 20-minute walk along the street to reach the silent beach, which felt uncomfortable, especially at night. The small jungle path leading to the property was also unsettling to navigate alone after dark, given the presence of several barking stray and guard dogs. The barking continued all night near the huts, making it hard to get any rest. It's unfortunate because the property itself, particularly the shala, has great potential. However, the overall experience didn't align with the expectations set by the listing, and I wouldn't return, especially traveling solo.

Service

2

Value

2

Ambiance

2

Rick O.

1 day ago

Relaxing Jungle Retreat Near the Beach

In to the Blue is a fantastic spot if you’re seeking tranquility, nature, and a local Sri Lankan atmosphere. Nestled in a stunning jungle environment, the guesthouse exudes calmness and relaxation. The beach is just a 5-minute walk away, which we appreciated—it's a nice brief stroll before and after surfing. One of the main attractions is the location: three beautiful, picturesque beaches are within walking distance, and it’s conveniently close to a surf spot, making it ideal for both surfers and beginners. Unlike the nearby Hiriketiya, this area retains a refreshing local feel and isn't overly commercialized. The ambiance is perfect for couples, surfers, yoga enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to take it easy. Breakfast is delightful and hearty—exactly what you need before an intense surf session. It's fresh, wholesome, and clearly prepared with thoughtfulness. The jungle atmosphere truly sets this place apart. You can completely relax here and feel in tune with nature. Just a quick suggestion: pack some mosquito repellent, as they can be present during the day—this is typical for this kind of environment, but it’s good to be ready. All in all, we had a wonderful stay and would gladly return. I highly recommend this place if you’re searching for tranquility, nature, and an authentic experience close to the beach.

Food

4

Ambiance

5

Kirstie L.

1 day ago

A Wonderful Stay at Into the Blue

I had a fantastic experience at Into the Blue. While there are many places to choose from in the area, I'm really glad I picked this one. It has a unique charm with its tranquil and convenient location—just a 5-minute walk to the nearest beach, which offers great surfing! The staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful, and the rooms were spacious. The beautifully designed space provided a peaceful retreat, away from the noisier parts of the area, and it’s set far enough back that traffic sounds were minimal. The rooms feature comfy beds and well-thought-out private areas. Plus, the communal lounges are perfect for relaxing with a book, catching up on messages, or mingling with other guests over breakfast. The location is ideal for exploring, with several beaches a short stroll away and towns like Tangalle and Hiriketiya just a 10 to 15-minute ride by bus or tuk-tuk. The yoga sessions were a wonderful way to start the day, held in a lovely yoga shala that benefits from the early sunlight. Enjoying a fresh and delicious breakfast each morning quickly became one of my favorite parts of the stay. Another great aspect of Into the Blue is the variety of activities they offer, such as movie nights and relaxing massages—both enjoyable and rejuvenating. Thank you, Into the Blue and your attentive staff, for providing such a delightful experience for your guests.

Food

4

Service

5

Value

4

Ambiance

5