The Colony

The Colony is a beautiful British period bungalow which has been converted into a small boutique hotel with only four rooms and views out onto the Indian Ocean and along the Tangalle coastline.

The style of the property mixes old worldly charm with extremely contemporary design. Locally made antique furniture blends harmoniously with the bungalow’s striking black and white theme which runs throughout.

WHAT ITS GOT

There are four bedrooms in the property, three doubles and one twin. Zanzibar is perhaps the preferred choice because although it is the smallest, it enjoys views over the pool and down to the ocean. It is light and airy with a queen sized double bed carved from Jackwood and some exquisite pieces of furniture.

The only foreseeable downside to Zanzibar is that it opens directly onto the communal veranda and so perhaps not ideal for early nights and lazy mornings. Opt instead for one of the others Mandalay or Malacca. Pondicherry is the twin.

The highlight of the Colony's is the beautiful veranda that sits elevated above the infinity pool and provides great views of the ocean. Guests have the option to dine here or just sit and enjoy a cold gin 'n' tonic.

FOOD & DRINKS

Owner Michael Forbes says that his aim is to create a bit of a foodie’s paradise at the Colony, doing the absolute best within the limitations of their surroundings. The food we tried was good and there were difficulties with supply given that it was a full moon day, but not necessarily up to European standards just yet. The tomato and mozzarella salad to start was classic, simple and therefore delicious and the main course of chicken with chargrilled vegetables was very nice.

Regular trips to Colombo ensure a good selection of wines starting at £16 a bottle and the house cocktail the 'Colony Arak Sour' is a must. This aspect of our dinner was fantastic and with such a superb host in Michael we couldn't fail to have a delightful evening.

Light lunches, salads and sandwiches cost from £3.
3 course dinner is £14 per head.

FUN & GAMES

Tangalle (on the south east coast) is beautiful and undeveloped with stunning coastal beaches both in and out of season. There is limited swimming at the Colony itself, but Michael and Alison also own a nearby property call 'Ernest' which has an absolutely marvelous beach and they will happily take you there for the day on request. The hotel is also ideally positioned for trips up to Yala Safari Park, Ude Walawe, Dondra Lighthouse and several local turtle hatchery.

DRAWBACKS

There is a danger that guest may feel obliged to eat together in a group, but this is really not expected, just there if you feel you would like to.

Occasionally noise can be heard from the road outside, but only in the bathrooms to the rear of the property.

WHAT OTHERS THOUGHT

"Having stayed in some top notch places, this was the best two nights' sleep we had in two weeks in Sri Lanka. Great hosts! Great beaches! A truly lovely place to stay and unwind."
(January 2006, Alan & Donna Armitage)

"Thanks for the great hospitality, food, conversation and boogie boarding. Wonderful place, company and view. Had a great time." (August 2006, Danny Barnard)

ESSENTIAL EXTRAS

Rates are per night, room only, based on high season (Dec-April & July-Sept). Minimum 2 night stay. All rates are subject to a 16% government tax and 10% service charge.

Single Occupancy - £72
Double Occupancy - £83
Whole Villa - £360

Peak Season - Christmas, New Year and Easter are subject to a 25% surcharge and a minimum stay of 3 nights.

Low Season - May-June & Oct-Nov is subject to a 20% discount.

The hotel does not accept children under the age of 12 unless the whole villa is booked.

Click for more information on: Sri Lanka Holidays, Sri Lanka Villas, Sri Lanka Hotels, Sri Lanka Tours. Better still give us a call on 0207 112 0019 or email srilanka@fleewinter.com for free independent advice on the best places to stay.

Notes
1. Price guide at high/peak times for indicative purposes only – please contact us for a specific quote.
2. Prices quoted “per night” are usually for one room based on 2 people sharing and breakfast is also often included
3. Prices “per week” are for entire property on a self-catering basis.  Extra days are charged at 1/7 th of the weekly rate.
4. All properties are fully equipped, including bath towels and bed linen.
5. Whilst every effort is made to keep details up to date individual owners may make alterations and improvements as they see fit. Clients are advised to seek confirmation for specific aspects that are particularly important to them.
6. All bookings made with Fleewinter are fully bonded under a UK Government approved scheme managed by the Association of British Travel Organisers Trust.  Our ABTOT membership is 5133 and more info can be found at www.abtot.com or by calling (UK) 0845 4504 618.