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Reviews of Upali Beach Surf Resort & Café

Main Point Road, Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

#8 of 61 B&Bs and inns in Arugam Bay

Guests' Choice

Review Score

Based on 39 hotel reviews

9.1

Score breakdown

  • Cleanliness

    8.7

  • Comfort

    8.8

  • Location

    9.8

  • Facilities

    8.5

  • Staff

    9.9

  • Value for money

    9.3

Verified guest reviews from real Bookers

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Showing 1 - 25

  • Reviewed: September 7, 2025

    10
    Perfect
    • Leisure trip
    • Travelers with friends
    • Deluxe Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    Amazing location. Chill and relax

    Stayed in September 2025

  • Reviewed: September 1, 2025

    8.0
    Best spot for a sporty and not fussy and basic stay
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights

    Very difficult to keep clean and no staff helping with that. We had dust and bits of muck falling from the ceiling onto our bed or the mosquito net above it. A lot of sand - which is ok - and leaves also fly into the bathroom, just making it very hard to keep decent during the stay.

    Amazing staff. Location couldn't be better: you can see the best surf spot in Arugam Bay from your bed. Great breakfast. Blended in with nature.

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: August 20, 2025

    10
    Excellent
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Deluxe Twin Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    Everything

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: August 20, 2025

    10
    Excellent
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Deluxe Twin Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    Everything

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: August 19, 2025

    9.0
    Idyllic beach huts at a good price
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Bathroom was a bit basic which I think you can see in the photos. Our sink was leaky, toilet had a bit of a dodgy flush. The resort itself and section of the beach was nice and quiet- bit away from the crowds but it still could be quite loud some nights- music from nearby venues, dogs howling- however did not happen every night and still got pretty good nights sleep.

    Amazing location- right on the nicest part of arugam bay beach. Walk straight into the surf. Short 10min walk across the beach to the Main Street of restaurants. Tasty breakfasts and reasonably priced and tasty lunches too. Friendly staff who were very helpful. Comfortable beds and clean rooms. Good fans to keep cool at night. Powerful shower, no hot water but not needed in the heat!

    Stayed in August 2025

  • Reviewed: August 18, 2025

    10
    Incredible stay right on the beach with amazing people.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    We wish we could have stayed longer!

    Amazing location, friendly staff.

    Stayed in July 2025

  • Reviewed: July 19, 2025

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Great location just on the main surf break. Super friendly staff. Rooms are basic but good for the price and location. Good atmosphere. You can rent a surf board on site.

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: July 1, 2025

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    We initially booked for two nights but when we arrived, we directly added two more nights. Why? Because it’s paradise! The vibes are good, the staff is super friendly and the beach houses are just what you need.

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: June 20, 2025

    10
    Great value and location
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Deluxe Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Hard to find. No signs

    Location, staff, food vibe

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: June 17, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 5 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing at all!!

    We had the most amazing 11 nights at Upali and wish we didn’t have to leave! The wonderful staff are so kind, welcoming and helpful with everything - they definitely make the place what it is. A big thank you to Nilu and Anujen!! The location is incredible and we think the best you can get in Arugum, right in front of the main surf break and a 10 min walk into town. We loved being a little away from the busy town! We stayed in two different bungalows and both were beautiful. One was a little larger which was nice and the other looked directly out to the surf which was also amazing!! All of the bungalows are steps away to the ocean and surrounded by palm trees. Thank you so much, we can’t wait to come back!!

    Stayed in June 2025

  • Reviewed: June 6, 2025

    9.0
    Very nice place
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Deluxe Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    The only thing was the electric system which happened to break both our iphones on an electric surge after a black out. The power socket caught fire. There was no circuit breaker which would have prevented this. Maybe it is common in sri lanka, unfortunatly we had to buy new phones and ended up with a thousand dollar of losses.

    We liked everything about Upali, the location, chill vibe, staff

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: May 18, 2025

    10
    Great location, friendly staff, and the perfect spot for surfing and sunrise.
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 5 nights

    Amazing location, to surf, chill and for Sunrise. Staff and Manager were welcoming and friendly, drinks and snacks at the bar and great to have a cabana right in front of the main surfing point in Arugam bay. I will be back, recommended!

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: May 15, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Having been around all of Arugam Bay, i can only believe that this has to be the place, affordability, friendliness and hospitality from the staff was top tier, also love rolling out of bed to straight in the waves, and also feels good to stay at a place where people come wandering from here and there because of the location

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: May 12, 2025

    9.0
    Surf heaven with amazing vibes
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Deluxe Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 6 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    What a place! From the moment you arrive you are greeted with the most amazing vibes and feel all around supported by the incredible staff! The place itself is a (surf) paradise. The cabins are simple but contain everything needed. The highlight is falling asleep to the noise of waves and waking up before sunrise to grab your board and be right at the main surf spot. You basically roll out of bed onto the wave, it's amazing! But Nilukshan, Hari, Piyan and Kiru makes this place truly special. There are so kind, supportive and helpful and I really appreciate all the surfing tips that Hari gave me. Can't recommend this place enough if you love surfing and are looking for some chill vibes.

    Stayed in May 2025

  • Reviewed: May 5, 2025

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Great location and cool style. Seaview from bed and friendly staff. Quiet in low season. Very beautiful place

    Stayed in March 2025

  • Reviewed: April 30, 2025

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    A hidden gem right on the beach. Our best accommodation in Sri Lanka by far! Amazing staff and one of the world's best breaks literally at your feet

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: April 5, 2025

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Solo traveler
    • Deluxe Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Location fantastica

    Stayed in April 2025

  • Reviewed: December 12, 2024

    10
    Paradise place
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Perfect place to stay right at the beach/ surf break in beautiful bungalows. Amazing staff - super friendly and helpful! We kept extending our stay because we love that place a lot! Paradise!

    Stayed in December 2024

  • Reviewed: November 27, 2024

    10
    AMAZING !!!!!!
    • Leisure trip
    • Family with young children
    • Deluxe Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 2 nights

    difficult to access as there "re no street from the main road to the hotel. during the day it"s not a problem but we arrive in the evening and the driver couldn't"t find the place. we where happy they send someone to p/u us. thanks again

    best location to stay in Aghulam bay. it is an amazing place right on the beach and the best spot to surf. the cabanas are simple but beautiful , peaceful and romantic . you are living like Robinson and Crusoe . the staff are incredible nice and helpful. welcome in paradise.

    Stayed in November 2024

  • Reviewed: November 10, 2024

    10
    Beachside Bliss - your own bungallo near the ocean
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 1 night

    We only had one night here and could have stayed a month!

    There was nothing not to love about this place! We had stayed a night prior in Arugam Bay which was completely mediocre and for the same cost we were able to come out here. Have a great location on the water, our own bungalo, a quiet place at night (not a party hotel), and watching the surfers on the break. The manager was very friendly and the staff also super helpful, carrying our bags down from where we parked our car about 500m away. Through and through can not recommend enough and will be back!

    Stayed in August 2024

  • Reviewed: September 12, 2024

    10
    Exceptional
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Twin Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 4 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Nothing

    We loved everything at Upali! It was perfect location- right on the point, staff were amazing, room was very clean and comfortable. Couldn't have asked for a better place to stay. Thank you so much. We will be back!!!!!!

    Stayed in September 2024

  • Reviewed: August 10, 2024

    8.0
    Very Good
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 30 nights

    Breakfast was good but always the same, we would like to see some more variation.

    We liked the location very good. A good view from the room of the surfing conditions.

    Stayed in May 2024

  • Reviewed: August 2, 2024

    9.0
    Wonderful
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Twin Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 3 nights
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    😘

    The location is right on a beautiful sandy beach. A perfect place for surfers. However, you have to go a little further to go swimming, as there are some corals and shells in the water. The huts you stay in vary in size. We stayed in the comfortable house. The houses are furnished with the bare essentials, but are also very well thought out. The home are furnished with the essentials. Do not expect luxury. Unfortunately, our internet was bad, as we were very far away from the bar. The breakfast was simple, but also very tasty. Surfboards can be rented directly here and surf lessons are also offered. Arugam Bay and the nearest restaurants are about 10 minutes away. The staff are very helpful and helped us organise tours and transport to our next destinations.

    Stayed in July 2024

  • Reviewed: July 28, 2024

    10
    Best place to stay in Arugam Bay!
    • Leisure trip
    • Couple
    • Deluxe Double Room with Sea View
    • Stayed 1 night
    • Submitted from a mobile device

    Having to leave was a real bummer.

    Me and my girlfriend initially booked for 2 nights and it was so good we stayed until the last possible moment of our time in Sri Lanka (7 days total we stayed). Ridiculous location, you're literally living at the place that will end up being the place you want to be at every day at Arugam Bay. Roughly 20 seconds from stepping off your board to your doorstep. The cabanas are nicely done, no AC but there's good airflow plus fans, and we weren't hot any night (end of July). Big comfy beds, big bathroom, reclining chairs on the porch to watch the surf all day long. Pretty decent food as well and breakfast is included! The staff were awesome, in particularly the manager Hari who I cant speak highly enough of. We kept extending our stay night after night, and on a couple of nights when the place was already booked out he even temporarily resurrected an old unused cabana for us to stay in so we didn't have to find another place. Best place in A Bay without a doubt, next time we're here we'll be booking here for the entire time.

    Stayed in July 2024

Showing 1 - 25

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