A fresh alternative to city hotels and villas, Villa Talangama is located just half an hour away from Colombo’s city centre, set amidst the serene Talangama Wetlands which is a fantastic place for birdwatching in Sri Lanka. This three-bedroom villa is earthy, with rough walls, cement floors, open-air bathrooms and colonial-style verandas, but it fitted with all modern comforts, so the result is a fusion of old and new. The front veranda was built using traditional materials, including coconut columns, and is a perfect place to chill out with a good book and a cup of tea. There are also formal living spaces (a lounge and dining area), courtyard and open-air guest bathroom on the ground floor, and a pool in the garden. Upstairs is a lounge area with TV, DVD player and collection of films, CD player and small library containing books about Sri Lanka. Villa Talangama has Wi-Fi and can comfortably accommodate five adults.