Est. 2011 · Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka

Arne's Place

The Friendliest Hotel In Arugambay

Family-run beachfront paradise where surf, sun and soul come together. Steps from the world-famous Main Point break. Your adventure starts here.

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Find Us Pottuvil Road, Arugam Bay
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Call Now +94 75 521 0304
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WhatsApp +94 72 918 2776
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Email Us info@arnesplace.com
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TripAdvisor #3 of 28 in Arugam Bay
Arne's Place Arugam Bay
2011
Established
Welcome to Paradise

About Arne's Place

Arne's Place is one of the only local family owned and operated hotels in Arugam Bay — known for its friendly vibe, breezy seaside views and beautifully colourful rooms painted by a French artist, each uniquely individual.

The happy, lasting legacy of a friendship between a young local boy named Mubarak and Australian surfer Dr. Arne Rubenstein. After the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami devastated Arugam Bay, Dr. Arne helped Muba and his family rebuild — today Muba manages the property and the whole family proudly supports their community.

Meet the four brothers — Muba, Haleem, Hanas and Mahir — who'll welcome you into their land, arrange surf lessons, wildlife safaris, and make you feel truly at home.

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Family Owned & Operated
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Beachfront Location
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Surf Lessons Available
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Wildlife Safaris
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8 Unique Rooms
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Open 24/7
14+
Years of Hospitality
8
Unique Rooms
125+
TripAdvisor Reviews
#3
Ranked in Arugam Bay
Accommodation

Our Rooms & Villas

Eight unique rooms — from beachside cabanas to spacious family villas — each individually designed and bursting with colour.

🛏️ Private $28/night

Private Room 3

Simple, clean and full of character. Bamboo blinds let in the breeze and the private bathroom is freshly renovated.

Private Bathroom Mosquito Net Fan Garden View Max 2 guests
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🛏️ Private $30/night

Private Room 1

Clean, colourful private room with mosquito net and fan. Great value right on the beach in Arugam Bay.

Private Bathroom Mosquito Net Fan Garden View Max 2 guests
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🛏️ Private $30/night

Private Room 2

Bright private room decorated in warm Sri Lankan tones with bamboo blinds and a private en-suite bathroom.

Private Bathroom Mosquito Net Fan Garden View Max 2 guests
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🏖️ Cabana $40/night

Seaview Cabana 2

A second beachside cabana for those who want the full ocean experience — wake up to the surf every morning.

Ocean View Private Bathroom Mosquito Net Fan Beach Access Max 2 guests
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🏖️ Cabana $45/night

Seaview Cabana

Our most prized room — right on the beach. Fall asleep to the sound of the waves and wake up to breathtaking ocean views.

Ocean View Private Bathroom Mosquito Net Fan Beach Access Max 2 guests
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🏡 Villa $75/night

Family Villa 2

Our second family villa with unique vibrant décor painted by a French artist. Garden access and ocean breezes.

2 Bedrooms Private Bathroom Mosquito Nets Fan Garden Max 4 guests
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🏡 Villa $80/night

Family Villa 1

Spacious two-bedroom villa perfect for families. Colourful, breezy and beautifully furnished with handcrafted wood pieces.

2 Bedrooms Private Bathroom Mosquito Nets Fan Garden Max 5 guests
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Make a Reservation

Book Your
Surf Getaway

Ready for the waves? Fill in your details and we'll confirm your booking within 24 hours. Payment on arrival — cash only.

  • Beachfront location — seconds from the ocean
  • Family-run with genuine Sri Lankan hospitality
  • Surf lessons with experienced local instructors
  • Safari trips to Kumana National Park
  • Airport transfers available on request
  • Flexible — pay on arrival, cash accepted
  • Free cancellation — just let us know in advance
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🏄 Reserve Your Stay

🔒 No payment required now · We'll confirm within 24 hours · Cash on arrival

Things to Do

Activities & Experiences

From riding the famous Main Point break to spotting leopards in Kumana — Arugam Bay has something for every adventurer.

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Surf Lessons

Our brother Mahir offers expert surf lessons for all levels — from complete beginners to intermediate surfers. Boards, rash guards and transport included.

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Wildlife Safari

Head to Kumana National Park with Hanas for an unforgettable safari. Spot elephants, leopards, bears, crocodiles and hundreds of bird species.

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Crocodile Rock Sunset

Watch the sun set over the lagoon at Crocodile Rock — a magical spot where you might see wild elephants come to drink at dusk.

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Lagoon Canoe Trip

Paddle through the mangroves of Arugam Lagoon and look out for crocodiles, monkeys and exotic birdlife on a peaceful canoe adventure.

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Surf Spot Exploration

Rent a motorbike and explore Peanut Farm, Elephant Rock, Whisky Point and other world-class breaks dotted along the coast.

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Local Food Culture

Muba's team will take you to the best local spots — from fresh seafood to traditional Sri Lankan rice & curry. Authentic flavours guaranteed.

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Kudumbigala Monastery

Hike to this ancient rock monastery with sweeping views over the jungle and ocean. A spiritual and scenic highlight of the east coast.

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Beach Social Life

The crew will introduce you to the best beach parties, local hangout spots and genuine Sri Lankan hospitality that makes A-Bay so special.

Guest Reviews

What Our Guests Say

★★★★★

"Perfect place in Arugam Bay! Three weeks at Arne's Place — Muba and everyone who worked there was super nice and helpful. They really made us feel at home. The breakfasts were great too!"

S
Sarah M. Australia · TripAdvisor
★★★★★

"One word... LOVE. Spent 5 months in Sri Lanka and stayed here for over 2 months. The place has been painted by a French artist and each room is uniquely individual. Probably the nicest laneway in Arugam."

J
James T. UK · TripAdvisor
★★★★★

"Truly the friendliest place not only in Arugam Bay but in Sri Lanka. The staff is amazing. Surf lessons with Mahir were fantastic — and when our daughter got sick, Mubarak showed up at the hospital. Above and beyond."

K
Katja V. Germany · TripAdvisor
★★★★★

"A fantastic friendly, family-run beachside retreat. The grounds have wonderful shady day beds and hammocks. It's like staying in a family community rather than a soul-less hotel. Every effort was made for our comfort."

M
Mark & Claire Ireland · Travelated
★★★★★

"Meet the four Princes of Arugam Bay! Haleem was the kindest man we met during our whole trip. Hanas took us on a safari where we saw elephants, a bear, and two leopards! Mahir's surf lessons were world class."

L
Lucie & Tom France · Planet of Hotels
★★★★★

"Had a perfect stay with Muba and his brothers. The seaside cabana exceeded all our expectations. Their hospitality is really above and beyond. Feel free to not plan anything and let Muba arrange it all — he's magic."

A
Anna R. Sweden · TripAdvisor
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Get In Touch

We'd Love to Hear From You

Planning a trip to Arugam Bay? Questions about rooms, surf lessons or activities? Muba and the team are always happy to help. Reach out anytime.

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Address Pottuvil Road, 32500, Arugam Bay
Tourism Hotel Rd, Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
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WhatsApp +94 72 918 2776
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Reception Hours Open 24/7 — always here for you
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