The Colony offers relaxed boutique accommodation in the heart of Tangalle within easy reach of the many picturesque beaches of the region. Named not only in reflection of the island's former colonial past, The Colony also represents the coming together of like-minded people seeking comfort, fabulous cuisine and free flowing conversation! A pretty 1920s British period bungalow characterised by black and white interiors, The Colony is set within a grassy palm-shaded garden overlooking the Indian Ocean, just off the main road leading into Tangalle. On its discovery the property was in a devastating condition, but the present owners extensively restored the house and garden retaining many original features such as pillars, archways, window and door frames whilst installing designer bathrooms, a modern kitchen and an infinity-edged salt-water swimming pool.

The Colony houses four rooms, each of which are named after former colonies in Africa and Asia and decorated with art work, fabrics, wood and in colour schemes that are in some way reminiscent of their exotic titles. Three of the rooms and the kitchen open into the middle of the house where a series of open plan living and dining areas offer comfort in the form of squashy monochrome sofas or formality at the modern locally crafted Mara dining table. A few steps from here takes you to the fourth room and down to an ocean-view terrace with built in sofas from where you can comfortably admire the views, get lost in a book or aided by a Colony Arrack Sour let the conversation flow whilst waiting for your delicious dinner to be served.

The Colony's walking distance from Tangalle gives guests the opportunity to be absorbed by this southern fishing town whilst at the same time offering total privacy from within. While away your day swimming in the velveteen water of the pool, dry off whilst watching the fishing boats out at sea and observe the strange patterns of the birds in the trees as the crimson blush of sunset begins to emerge.

Noted for its fresh and lively taste, The Colony offers a range of cuisine featuring flavours typical of the south coast. As much as possible, all of the produce is sourced locally and since most of the farmers in the vicinity use traditional farming methods, fruit and vegetables are typically seasonal and organic. Fishing is a major livelihood for residents of Tangalle so expect to indulge in yellow fin tuna, sear fish, red and white mullet, lobster, prawns, crab, squid and mussels all freshly caught from the ocean or nearby lagoon and sold in the local markets daily. Chicken and pork are also delicious since they are free-range.

Wake up to a full English or tropical breakfast accompanied by plenty of tea, coffee and exotic juices. While guests' preferences are taken into account, meals at The Colony usually go according to a daily menu, based on the availability of fresh produce that day. Lunches are typically light while three-course dinners where guests can either sit formally on the dining table inside or informally on the alfresco ocean-facing terrace may start with a chilled soup and move onto grilled fish, large seafood salads or even authentic rice and curry spreads if you are feeling hungry. A small selection of delicious desserts followed by tea and coffee typically round off any meal.

The owners' background in the wine industry means that a good selection of wine from the New World and Europe is always available as well as local spirits although if there is anything specific that you would like it is best to inform the management in advance. Cocktails - especially the Colony Arrack Sour - are a must. Each of the four evocatively named rooms at The Colony has their own characteristic far-flung flavour since they are enhanced by inspiring fabrics, costumes and canvasses brought back from the owners' ventures to Africa, Asia and beyond. The largest rooms - Malacca and Pondicherry - are located towards the front of the property just off the living areas. Mandalay is the third room to be reached from the living areas while Zanzibar, the smallest room, is more privately entered from the ocean-view terrace.

All rooms have spacious, modern en-suite bathrooms and come with air conditioning, ceiling fans soft mosquito nets, luxury linen and plenty of hot water. The Colony sleeps a maximum of eight.