ColiveMe · Ahangama
in Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 and 1 other location
→ colive.me book at live.ipms247.com
✉️
Reviews please interpret other's opinions per your own needs and values
I loved my time in Sri Lanka, and I really enjoyed the company of the locals that run the place, but I paid $1075 for 3 weeks, in what is essentially a basic private room in a hostel, with some desks on one floor. I’ve lived in Colivings across Europe, Morocco and Asia and this one was by far the most disappointing. Call something a coliving and suddenly a hostel is 3 times more expensive than a private villa, with 0 benefits.
The coworking space is not air conditioned. You stay cool with rusty old, noisy fans and open windows. You’re constantly covered in flies and at dawn and dusk, you’re ravaged by mosquitos. I’m no fan of A/C, but you have to provide bug screens for open window spaces. They’re a staple across accommodation in Asia for good reason.
Almost all the office chairs are broken and wonky. You’ll end up with a stiff lower back if not a full on spasm within a couple of days. They provide fan laptop stands but they’re all rusted to decay. The bicycles included with the price are all completely falling apart, with flat tyres and handlebars that barely cling on. I lost some groceries to the basket that just disintegrated whilst I was riding it. The clothes horses are rusty and dilapidated.
There are new call rooms in an outhouse, but the wifi barely reaches it, so everyone just takes calls around you. The neighbours’ dog barks 24/7, which is about 10m away. It is not an environment conducive to work.
After one day I moved to working in my room, thankfully it was one with a desk of sorts. I kept the windows shut to keep the bugs away and shut the barking out. Unfortunately, this meant my room was always a dank, humid box, meaning all my fabrics were covered in mold by the end of my stay.
I woke up almost nightly covered in ants, I was constantly bitten by mosquitos and I had a roach land on my head. Why not have mosquito nets? It would solve this problem for a couple of dollars. This is a bare minimum requirement for budget accommodation, let alone something that costs 300 dollars a week.
Nothing else is provided in the price. No community dinners, no surfboards, no lessons, no group activities, not a single yoga class, no toiletries, nothing. Not even milk for your tea! You could feed the whole house on local rice & curry for $10. That's all it would cost from the 1000's in profit to create some sort of coliving experience.
The gorgeous roof is just a smoking area with a couple old beanbags. You could have locals provide yoga classes, cultural workshops, ayurvedic medicine lessons, movie nights. Such wasted potential and so little effort made.
One of the guests I spoke to said she was leaving for a new, air conditioned villa down the road for 400 dollars a month, and planned on working out of one of the other coworking spaces in the area. Less than half price for double the luxury. I would follow in her footsteps if I was you. I’ll be back to Sri Lanka, but I’ll never return to this place. Save your money and spend it on local businesses, not lining the pockets of some greedy foreign architect.
2 stars for mainly solid internet, hot showers and a pretty pool. I’ll reiterate, the staff were awesome and this is no reflection on them or the location. It’s just a massive rip off.
I really loved my stay at Colive! 🤩Beautiful location, a bit away from the traffic but still super close to everything. The staff were super friendly and accommodating and made sure I had a great time. I slept really well in my room.
The co-working area was also great and met my needs. In my eyes the best part is the community with such lovely people. Highly recommended - will definitely come back!
I had such an amazing time at Colive, stayed for a month but wished I never had to leave.
The staff with Rasith running the place is such a friendly group always helping out and making it feel like a proper home.
The room was the cleanest and comfiest I had in Sri Lanka and the coworking setup was great.
Also, for some reason, only amazing people stay here so be prepared for new friendships and a lovely time!
Can’t wait to go back!
Where to start? The rooms and the working space have no air con (for professionals and given the hot weather in Sri Lanka this is quite an issue). The rooms and the shared spaces are full of ants (literally everywhere). The road to get to the premise is not the easiest. Our driver got lost multiple times. Last: the swimming pool is very slippery (pay attention!). I personally felt and severely injured myself and not much help was given by the staff (almost none). They didn't even ask how I was. Overall, it has more the vibe of a hostel rather than a co-working space.
Best co-working accommodation I have been to. Sort of a more serious vibe if you actually want to work. Very nice host, even though he is not the best at ping pong. Nice rooms and perfect location. Hosts helped me with scooter and food - he has lots of connections. No complaints at all!
The place is very well taken care of, always clean and everything up to date. Maybe the kitchen could have some new pots and pans but I have been cooking there with no problem. The best part is the staff as they are super friendly, welcoming and helpful. I totally recommend staying at Colive.
We stayed for one night, and the place was clean, comfortable, and perfect for working. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming. I had a great experience and would definitely love to come back again! Highly recommend!
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