Valampuri has run a volunteer program since 2017, taking one or two volunteers at a time depending on demand, for a minimum of three weeks, mostly to help with social media and content: photography, short-form video, and the day-to-day documenting of a working kite resort. In exchange: a free room, free breakfast, and lunch and dinner at half price. This page states the terms plainly, because that's the part people usually have to dig for.
We're listed on both major work-exchange platforms, Workaway and Worldpackers, so you can check our reviews and apply through whichever one you already use.
The exchange, in numbers
- Room: free (shared or private, depending on availability, fan-cooled)
- Breakfast: free every day
- Lunch and dinner: 50% off
- Minimum stay: 3 weeks. Volunteers staying 6 weeks or longer get priority when we're choosing between applicants.
- Kitesurfing lessons: not included. If you stay 4 weeks or longer, you get discounted lesson rates after your first 2 weeks.
That's the whole arrangement. Nothing else is bundled in, and we'd rather you know that before you apply than after you arrive.
What you'd actually work on
Right now the most urgent need is social media and content: Reels, photography, captions, and generally documenting life at the resort: the rooms, the food, the lessons, the lagoon. If that's your skill, bring a portfolio or existing accounts to show us.
Past that, roles depend on what you're good at:
- Video: filming, editing, short documentaries
- Wall art and murals around the property
- Sustainability projects: waste sorting, mangrove work, a greenhouse
- Gardening and landscape planning
- Yoga teaching, but only December to March, and only for qualified teachers
You'll also be asked to help with reception, guest communication, or housekeeping sometimes, not as your main job, but because six full-time staff and two part-time staff run a 2.5-acre property, and everyone pitches in when it's busy. If your only interest is kitchen or housekeeping work, this isn't the right fit; we're specifically looking for the skills above.
Who this suits
People who can commit to an actual project and see it through. Three weeks is enough time to do real work, not just settle in and leave. We get 10 to 15 applications a week, so a generic message doesn't stand out; tell us what you can do and what you'd realistically finish in your stay.
Couples are welcome, but each person takes a different role, and we only take one person per couple for the social media position. Remote workers can apply too, as long as the work doesn't eat into the hours you've committed to us. Tell us your remote schedule upfront.
It also suits long-term kitesurfers who want to base themselves at one lagoon for a season, and travelers who want accommodation in exchange for genuinely pitching in with the work above.
This isn't the right fit if you're mainly looking for a short holiday, a free stay, or free kitesurfing lessons.
Life outside the work
Valampuri sits next to a working fishing village. Depending on the season, you can go out with a fisherman for crab or prawns. Wilpattu National Park is about 30 minutes away by boat. Town is a 2 km ride on the resort bicycles, and the pool and lagoon are on the property. If you'd rather cook for yourself some nights, our kitchen is open for that too. None of that is scheduled; it's just what's around when you're not working.
What past volunteers say
Valampuri has 9 reviews on Workaway, all rated "Excellent," and 5.0 stars across 6 reviews on Worldpackers. A few lines from them:
"Reno is a really good person. He really puts a lot of effort to make this place great." (Felix, via Workaway)
"Met so many good people, guests and locals... had a lot of fun with everyone." (Dimitrije & Milica, via Workaway)
"Renu is one of the best hosts I have ever had. Communication with him was always on top." (Lara, via Worldpackers)
"Renu, Akash and team were like a family on these days. The place is calm, peaceful and beautiful." (Lucas, via Worldpackers)
How to apply
Apply by email, starting your message with the words "Long Stay at the hotel," so we know you've read this page in full. Include:
- What you can do confidently, on your own
- Any relevant experience, training, or qualifications
- Your exact available dates: "10 January to 15 March," not "sometime in spring"
- What you'd realistically deliver during your stay
- Links to your portfolio or social accounts
Questions before you apply?
Email us and we'll answer honestly, including whether this is actually a good fit for what you're looking for. Please use email for volunteer and visa questions, not WhatsApp: that line is reserved for room booking enquiries.
Email Us