Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

We are the locals
who love this place
as much as you will

Abay Holidays was born on the shores of Arugam Bay by people who live here, surf here, and know every hidden gem this coast has to offer.

Discover our story
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Years operating
Arugam Bay beach
2018 Founded locally

Our story

Started with a
surfboard and a dream

In 2018, a handful of surfers, guides, and hospitality lovers got tired of watching travelers get overcharged, underprepared, and miss the real Arugam Bay. So we built something better.

Abay Holidays started as a simple idea: connect people who love this place with travelers who are ready to discover it. No middlemen, no generic packages, no tourist traps.

"We did not build a business. We built a bridge between two worlds: the magical east coast of Sri Lanka, and everyone out there who has not found it yet."
HM
Hagith Mohammad
Founder, Abay Holidays

What we stand for

Built on values that actually matter

Everything we do comes back to these three things.

01
🌊

Authentic local knowledge

We live here. We surf here. Every recommendation comes from real experience, not a brochure. You get the spots only locals know.

02
💰

Honest, transparent pricing

No hidden fees. No inflated prices. We work directly with hotels and guides so you always get the real rate, not the tourist rate.

03
🤝

People over profit

We support local families, small guesthouses, and independent guides. When you book with us, your money stays in the community.

The people behind it

Meet the local team

Real people, real locals, always here when you need us.

🏄

Hagith Mohammad

Founder and CEO

Born and raised on the east coast of Sri Lanka. Been surfing Arugam Bay since he was young. Built Abay Holidays because he believes every traveler deserves a real, honest experience of this place.

🌴

Kasun P.

Head of Experiences

Safari guide, nature lover, and the person who knows every trail around Kumana. If you want an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Kasun is your person.

Amali S.

Guest Experience

The first voice you hear when you WhatsApp us. Fluent in English, Sinhala, and Tamil. She makes sure every guest feels looked after from the moment they land.

How we got here

Our journey

2018

The idea takes shape

Hagith and a few friends decide to stop watching tourists get ripped off and start a platform that connects real travelers with genuine local experiences in Arugam Bay.

2019

First 100 bookings

We hit our first 100 bookings purely through word of mouth. Proof that travelers were hungry for something honest and local.

2021

Surviving the pandemic

When tourism stopped, we used the time to build AbayHolidays.com and develop deeper partnerships with 80 plus local hotels and guides. We came back stronger.

2023

1,000 happy travelers

We welcomed our 1,000th traveler: a family of four from Germany who still send us photos from their trip every year.

2026

Growing the community

Today we have 4,800 plus travelers, 120 plus partners, and a team of passionate locals. And we are just getting started.

What guests say

Real guests, real reviews

Verified reviews from Booking.com guests who stayed at Rams Resort Arugam Bay. Rated 8.8 Fabulous from 45 reviews.

RY
Ryan
Couple · July 2025 · Sri Lanka
10
★★★★★
Great value, great atmosphere, great location

"We stayed at several different hotels during our time at Arugam Bay. Rams was not only the best value for money, but was also the most comfortable, clean and enjoyable stay that we had. The cafe/library attached was beautifully constructed with great food and coffee and was a great place to relax and talk to new people."

Deluxe Double Room
YO
Yoni
Family · August 2024 · Israel
10
★★★★★
New villa, very helpful staff

"Brand new villa right in the center of Arugam Bay. Perfect for families. Highly recommended."

Two Bedroom Villa
ME
Meagan
Solo traveler · September 2023 · South Africa
10
★★★★★
Exceptional

"Rams is amazing. The staff make you feel like you are at home. The rooms are very clean and the property is beautiful. There is a library with a great selection of books that you can read while there. Jama often arranged extra things for us when we needed which was appreciated. I will definitely stay here again when I am back."

Double Room with Terrace
GU
Gur
Family · September 2023 · Israel
10
★★★★★
Exceptional

"We were in three different places in Arugam Bay. This was the best one. The staff were incredibly kind and the atmosphere was unlike anywhere else we stayed."

Double Room with Terrace
RO
Robert
Solo traveler · August 2023 · United Kingdom
10
★★★★★
Exceptional

"It was clean and in a great location. I originally stayed somewhere else, but then moved here. I then returned for a further 8 days when I came back to town. It is what you pay for: a genuinely clean, well-run place."

Double Room with Terrace
PA
Pawel
Couple · August 2023 · France
10
★★★★★
Super unique place with amazing community

"We loved our stay at Rams Resort. It is a super unique place in terms of the community created around it. Starting from the staff and the manager but also all the guests seem to get along so well and it does not feel like a typical hotel. You always feel supported with anything you might need. Fully recommend!"

Double Room with Terrace · 16 nights
PL
Paula
Family · July 2025 · Spain
10
★★★★★
The best accommodation in Arugam Bay

"My stay at Rams Resort was simply perfect. From the first moment they made me feel welcome: they greeted me with fresh passion fruit juice and surprised me with a room upgrade without me asking. The room was spacious, very comfortable, with an impeccable bathroom and a lovely balcony. Just 3 minutes walk from the beach. A special mention to Jama, who was incredibly kind throughout my stay."

Deluxe Double Room
IV
Ivan
Solo traveler · July 2025 · Russia
8.0
★★★★☆
Very good overall

"Clean room and shower. The owner Jahmal and staff are pleasant people. The library cafe on site with good wifi is a nice bonus for those who need to work. Staff were always helpful. Free drinking water and kettle provided. A well-maintained and clean property. There is also a yoga area with mats. Convenient location, close to the main street, beach, and surf spot."

Deluxe Double Room · 8 nights
SH
Shirel
Couple · May 2026 · Israel
10
★★★★★
A perfect place

"A rare find. Really central and close to everything. The pool is the most fun one around. Perfect for travelers who want a great location with a social atmosphere."

Deluxe Double Room · 3 nights
AN
Anonymous
Couple · July 2023 · United Kingdom
10
★★★★★
Exceptional

"Great location, great price, clean and big room. Everything was exactly as described and the staff were welcoming from the moment we arrived."

Double Room with Terrace · 2 nights
DU
Dunja
Guest · Booking.com
10
★★★★★
Great hotel, lovely staff

"Great hotel in Arugam Bay. Every staff member was always very accommodating and helpful. The whole experience felt personal and genuine from start to finish."

Verified Booking.com guest
CK
Cath-Kah
Guest · Booking.com
10
★★★★★
Lovely in every way

"Really lovely stay. Great staff and lovely new rooms. Choose the one with the Pool View if you can. The place is perfectly placed in the heart of Arugam Bay."

Pool View Room · Verified Booking.com guest
Rated 8.8 Fabulous on Booking.com · 45 verified reviews

Ready to explore?

Your Arugam Bay
adventure starts here

Join 4,800 plus travelers who discovered the real Arugam Bay with our local team by their side.

Or call us on +94 76 701 6888