Packing it all in to lead your dream lifestyle in an exotic location is a fantasy every traveller has indulged in at some point.
Few make it a reality. And yet that’s exactly what the inspirational Ed Templeton - no, not that one - and his wife Sofie have accomplished with the brilliant Soul & Surf community they have created in Sri Lanka, India and Portugal.
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I’ve been hearing about Soul & Surf for a least a decade. I’ve crossed paths with Ed and Sofie over the years, and we’ve many mutual friends.
So when the pair invited me to stay with them for a couple of nights at the beginning of my recent trip to Sri Lanka in February 2025, I leapt at the chance. Sure, I was keen to check out their wondrous spot at the Cove in Ahangama, above.
But I was also curious. How had they done it? What sacrifices had they made to create this beguiling reality? And what lessons can others take from this tale of people dreaming big, and upending their lives to pull it off?
To find out the answer to these questions and more, I sat down with Ed towards the end of my trip to record this fascinating conversation. It’s a classic lifer tale, the supremely inspiring story of how the lessons you accrue over the years, if you’re prepared to listen, can be the foundation for the type of life you’ve always dreamed of.
I was also interested in Ed’s take on the current state of tourism in Sri Lanka; especially in the light of the explosion of development that has taken place on the island in the two decades since I last visited.
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The result is a properly inspiring conversation about ordinary people doing extraordinary things, and a snapshot of an island and community on the cusp of great change. My thanks to Ed, Sofie and Kit for the incredible hospitality, and for welcoming me into their community so whole-heartedly.
Enjoyed this one? Let me know what you thought about this conversation.
Loved the chat and themes with lots to connections to. I we t to college in Brighton left teaching to perform and set up the Zap Club. Created a series of festivals events and companies in Europe North America and Sri Lanka to bring cutting edge entertainers and artists to new audiences. Sold my art hotel artist residency in Hikkaduwa 2 years ago. Now developing next adventure Neil@neilbutler.org
Wow bet you saw some changes over there. What's next?
I first went to Sri Lanka for the surf and my hotel Sunbeach was set up by surfers artist and foodies. The big change has been young exciting owners coming in with fresh ideas and a commitment to quality. I still return with my partner and 9 year old son for the surf and our friends in the community ( I ran a tsunami business recovery ngo for a few years that built 250 boats for the local fishing fleet) personally I’m interested in strategies to support innovative artists find new audiences and develop new business models - sometimes through co- creation with the public. In that regard I’m a big fan of Theaster Gates. I work with some uk festivals promoting commissioning and residencies and mentor lecture and sometimes programme. I’m 71 and still surfing - and enjoying the amazing Lost Shore surf resort in Edinburgh
Great listen! Inspired, as always by Sofie + Ed’s story + outlook xx
Indeed 🙏
Love this brings back great memories of Soul & Surf Ahangama community 🪷🏄🏽💖🫶🌴🐒