The Talalla Story
TUCKED INTO THE CORNER OF STUNNING TALALLA BEACH, OUR SECLUDED BEACHFRONT RESORT DID NOT HAVE THE EASIEST OF BEGINNINGS. TALALLA RETREAT HAD BARELY BEGUN CONSTRUCTION WHEN THE VILLAGE WAS DEVASTATED BY THE 2004 TSUNAMI.
Founded by Australian native Laurie Rose, Talalla Retreat was created to showcase the tranquility and spiritual charm of Sri Lanka.
Located on the steps of Sri Lanka’s most peaceful and protected beach, Talalla Retreat is the gateway to an undiscovered cove of clear turquoise water, golden sand, and brilliant sunrises.
When the tsunami hit in 2004, Talalla Retreat founder Laurie Rose, along with some friends, immediately offered to raise funds and help rebuild a village that had been destroyed. This formed a close bond between the village and our resort that still exists to this day.
Most of the Talalla staff are from the surrounding villages, and many were victims of the 2004 tsunami. Because of Talalla’s support after the tsunami, the retreat has been accepted as a part of the village and is one of its biggest benefactors.
From these challenging beginnings, the Talalla Support Group was formed. All those affected by the devastation of the tsunami were able to approach the support group for financial and practical aid. As a result, hundreds of families in the immediate area found relief, support, and hope in the wake of such a devastating natural disaster.
The Talalla Support Group was responsible for the construction of two community centers. These are aligned with the local Buddhist monks and cater to everything from infant schooling to computer classes.
Our Commitment to Responsible & Sustainable Tourism
AT TALALLA WE BELIEVE THAT RESPECT FOR THE LOCAL CULTURE AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT IS INTEGRAL TO MAINTAINING A TRANQUIL AND SUSTAINABLE RETREAT.
We work hard to minimize our environmental footprint and maximize our local economic impact. By creating direct jobs at Talalla and working with the local community, we are contributing to community development over the years. We encourage our guests to enjoy the beauty of the Sri Lankan culture and engage with local businesses in the area as well.
How we stay committed to responsible and sustainable tourism:
- 10% of the local village is employed as full-time staff at Talalla
- Sourcing many of our supplies and building materials from the immediate locality. We also focus efforts on protecting the local wildlife and vegetation
- Installation of solar panels for electricity generation
- Establishing and managing an organic vegetable garden and a healthy composting system for kitchen waste
The Talalla Support Group:
- Following the devastating, 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami, Talalla’s founders set up the Talalla Support Group. All those affected by the devastation of the tsunami were able to approach the Group for financial and practical aid, months before any official government aid arrived.
- As a result, hundreds of families in the immediate area found relief, support, and hope. The Group was responsible for the construction of two community centers that are aligned with the local Buddhist monks and cater to everything from infant schooling to computer classes.
