What are the terms of payment?
All prices shown on the website are per person. We are flexible with your payment methods (money transfer, cash, crypto) and time, however the most convenient for us is to receive a bank or crypto transfer from you a few days before your confirmed arrival.

How can I pay?

We accept money transfers or cryptocurrency. When it comes for a traditional money transfer, you can pay directly from your bank account, however most of our clients, to safe on bank transfers fees, use the wise.com platform. It is safe, fast and reliable, and transfer fees offered by wise.com are even 8x smaller than those offered by your bank. We've tried this many times and it works just great. If you need to register as a new user, feel free to use our invitation link: https://wise.com/invite/u/jacekc29 . It will let you make a fee-free transfer up to 500 GBP.

For more details regarding your crypto payment, please contact us via form.


Is there a cancellation policy?
In case of cancellation 30 days prior to your arrival, you will receive a full refund. The return will be done up to 30 days (maximum) after the date of your retreat.

Okay, great! So how do I get there?
First of all you need to get yourself to Colombo or Mattalla Airport.
To get from Colombo airpot to Hikkaduwa you need to use a Certified Covid Driver. Let us arrange a logistics, to secure the most safe, comfy and cost effective travel!

Do I need an Entrance Visa?
Yes, you will need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. You should purchase entrance visa easily via an official Sri Lankan Government website here: https://eta.gov.lk/etaslvisa/etaNavServ. Please use that specific link, as it leads you to the only official, held by Sri Lanka’s Government website with no additional charges and hidden payments. It is safe, fast and secure.

I can’t go to the retreat, can I put someone in my place?
Yes, we are flexible when it comes to any arrangements, please let us know as far in advance as you can!

Should I bring anything with me?
There's really no need to bring anything other then comfortable and airy clothes, some yoga pants and a bathing/surfing suit.

Can I bring a pet?
Generally Earthlings is a pet-friendly community. However enquirers need to be agreed by us individually, taking into consideration a kind of a pet that you want to travel with, the way you gonna handle the care of your puppy during your stay and will it bother and influence other guests’ comfort. We’ll sure you’ll understand!

Can I take kids?
At Earthlinks we handle dedicated family retreats as well as solo and couple retreats. Simply follow our website and social or better drop us a line and let’s discuss the details!

Are there towels and bedding available at the retreat?
Yes, there are towels as well as bedding provided at the spot, so no need to bring your own.

Any Wi-Fi?
Yes, we do offer high-speed web connection. SSID: EnjoyEarthlinks, Password: betterstayoffline
Wifi is available 24/7. If you feel like having internet connection while away of Earthlinks, we suggest buying a sim card with additional data package. In our area Dialog network has the best reception.

What sim card should I get for my internet?
If you want to use a local sim card while you stay in Sri Lanka, it is best to use Dialog network.
You can purchase it easily on the airport once you land or get it at dedicated shops in Hikkaduwa. You will need your passport to purchase any GSM operator’s services.

Can I use my phone?
Yes, you may use your phone however we would advice that you keep your phones mute, off or leave them in your room to not disturb other guests comfort and to enjoy your time offline.

How far is to the closest beach?
The way to the closest beach takes around 5 minutes walk or 3 minutes when done by bike or a tuk-tuk.
Next to is Bentotta beach which is a great surfing spot and beautiful place to spend whole day and relax. You can also visit Hikkaduwa beach just few minutes away which is a very popular spot to hang out.

Close to Earthlinks (200 m) there is a lake, which offers amazing views and is a great place to chill and relax with a cup of tea or a book. It take a minute to get there. Water in the lake is salty, and Yes, you can also swim in it.

Do you organize any additional attractions such as sightseeing?
Yes, we can help to organize any additional sightseeing you want. There's really a lot to choose from. Temples, handcrafts, museums, national parks etc., and the prices are still reasonable. We provide any information you might need. Just take your pick!

What is the currency?
Sri Lankan national currency is Lankan Rupee (LKR).
The easiest way to check and calculate the currency rates is via XE.com website.
They also have mobile app, that we find very useful in our everyday life.

Are there ATMs?
There are ATMs available easily and the service fee is usually 400 LKR (2 USD).

Can I pay with credit card in shops, bars or restaurants?
Yes, you can. Most popular cards systems, like Visa or Mastercard, are honored in almost all of the places.

What if I have an emergency?
The local private health service is of a high standard and is not too expensive. If you do need to see a doctor quick, there are several great hospitals and private health clinics in Galle town. It takes around 20 minutes to get there. The private centers offer both world class equipment and services, however for a general diagnosis public hospitals are also good. Please check also www.travelhealth.co.uk. website for up to date advice regarding health issues in travel.

Do I need to have a travel insurance?
Yes, travel insurance is essential for all travelers hence you absolutely must have travel/health insurance to stay with us, including cover for surfing. Earthlinks does not provide its own policies. 

Can I use the washing machine?
Usually we prepare fresh linen for you at the beginning at the retreat and use the washing machine every 5 days, ,as we try to limit the carbon footprint of our existence in any possible way. However if there’s a need for laundry we can easily cover it. We will charge you 5 Euro for one load.

What's the temperature?
Temperatures in Sri Lanka are pretty stable. It is always between 25-32 Celsius degrees with slightly cooler mornings and evenings.

Is there Air Conditioning in the rooms?
We have fans, which keep the room temperature comfortable but not cold. Keep in mind that the house is fully sustainable, so - for a reason - we do not offer AC cooled rooms. 

Is there an off-season in Sri Lanka?
Peak surfing season, where the water is best for surfing and there’s little rain, is October through to April. During the months of April-October it is a lower season in the South, with temperatures reaching 30 degrees and some amazing and tropical rains during a day. However, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the water in our pool, and do yoga in our dedicated, sheltered shala, so you won’t miss out on any of the activities on offer and get the full retreat experience!

Are there any animals around?
Sri Lanka is a very rich place when it comes to wildlife. At Earthlinks you will come across some lizards, parrots, monkeys, birds and many others. No worries, they keep their distance and will not harm or bother you in any way. Just let them be and enjoy watching their daily rituals.

I have my own sports equipment. Can I take it with me?
When it comes to beginners surfing classes we will provide the equipment you will use, however if you want to bring your board with you then of course you can.

OK. What’s next?
Book your ticket with preferred airlines and prepare for the flight. Tourists may arrive through Charter Flights, Scheduled Flights or Private Jets, at both Katunayake and Mattala Airports. After arrival, and when you are ready to leave the airport our representative will be expecting you in the airport arrival hall. It usually takes up to 2 hours for a ride from the airport to Earthlinks Villa. Our Safe&Secure Earthlinks Bus will take you to the place with no further delay.

RULES AND REGULATIONS DUE TO COVID-19

What is the travel policy nowadays in Sri Lanka?
Since January 2021 Sri Lanka is again fully open for international tourism. However, frome time to time some precautions are made for those travelling from abroad. We recommend that you read and understand the updated Health Guidelines prior to your visit: www.srilanka.travel/helloagain

Application for a visa?
Currently, all countries have been permitted entry, unless specifically mentioned otherwise.
All visas must be applied online before your arrival through the official Immigration portal www.eta.gov.lk.

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