Solar Crab.

Hidden away from the bustling outskirts of Negombo, the Solar Crab is your idyllic lagoon getaway hemmed with picturesque views, good food, a splash of serenity and some phenomenal hospitality.

Accommodation

At Rs. 15 000 a night (BB basis, per double room), Solar Crab provides contemporary comforts to its local guests and the same is offered to foreign guests for Rs. 30 000 (per double room) and upwards. It's a three-bedroom villa which can accommodate six guests at a time, but even if you book one room, the entire villa is yours. Now that's a pretty solid deal! 

(The prices change depending on the season and timings, number of guests and deals available. Therefore, check booking.com for updated rates.)
Our room was very well equipped. Featuring a comfortable, plush, queen-sized bed, a chair, clothing racks, and plenty of cupboards to keep your belongings, it was stylish, neat and incredibly cosy. The brownish-red hue presented by the hardwood floors enhanced the look of the room even more; by adding a rich, natural and elegant touch to it. 

The room is covered with floor-to-ceiling, movable glass walls from three sides, allowing you to gaze at some magnificent views of the Negombo lagoon; from mangroves and blue waters to occasional Korawakkas (White-breasted Waterhen) and Kiri Kokas (Cattle Egret) flying by. 
Well-appointed, spacious and spotlessly clean, the bathroom was partially open and flooded with natural lights. 

At night, it opens you up to the view of the shimmering Negombo sky. 

Ambience & Service

The homely vibe at the Solar Crab is truly enchanting. It's like a home away from home, and would make sure that you're perfectly relaxed and heartened. 

The villa has a whole bunch of common areas for its guests to hang out. All of them are well-lit up with natural lights emanating through glass windows and aligned with comfy, cushy chairs. 

You might be on your vacation but if you still need to get some work done, they've got a dedicated spot for that on the upper floor. 

Overlooking the Negombo lagoon lies the verandah of the villa. Whether it be diving into a good book, sipping a cuppa, indulging in a good meal or just savouring the moment, this place suits, encourages and favours all that. 
Laced with all shades of green, this property also extends to a canopy of mangroves and other trees wreathed in vines, alongside the lagoon waters which you can actually set your foot in. The mellow rays of sunlight illuminate the ground with a crisp green-gold colour during the day and cast a vibrant orange hue upon the trees during the dusk.

You can enjoy all that as you take a dip in their pool, while listening to the mild rustling sounds of the brittly branches, and letting the gentle breeze caress your hair. 

The hosts at the Solar Crab were welcoming and happy to help in any way they can to make our stay even wonderful. 

Dining

The menu at The Solar Crab covers both Sri Lankan and Western aspects. They don't serve any alcoholic beverages at the moment but planning to get their liquor license (for beer) in the near future.

Dinner

Our dinner was kicked off with a Mushroom Soup. Perfectly creamy, slightly grainy, and thoroughly mushroomy, it was a bowlful of warmth and happiness, awakening your taste buds for the main course. There were subtle notes of garlic and onions popping through, shaping up its flavour even more. 

As for our mains, we got a serving of Garlic & Herb Chicken Pasta and a Mixed Grill. 

Cooked al dente, we enjoyed catching a whiff of garlic and herb in the fusilli. It certainly can use a bit more of both, but we're not complaining. They hadn't skimped out on the chicken, so every forkful was rich and flavourful. Coupled with the dusting of pepper, it was a simple dish, very filling, and had a very homemade taste to it.

The Mixed Grill was an assortment of chicken, pork, prawns, mullet and served with a side of potato salad.

Gently rubbed with sauces, the meats and seafood looked a bit burnt from the outside, but that didn't stop us from gorging on them. With a caramelised skin, they were positively juicy, smoky and delicious from the inside; especially with the sweet and tangy sauce they served with it.

Cubes of well-boiled potato and carrots seasoned with a drizzle of mayo, pepper and parsley, the potato salad was a good accompaniment for the meats. 

We loved the Hot Butter Calamari at Solar Crab. Packing a potent spicy punch drawn from chilli flakes, chunks of capsicum and red chillies, it also had a subtle swirl of sweetness pulling through. Golden brown in colour, the batter encasement was light, slightly crispy and well-seasoned, while the calamari itself was chewy, but not overly so, and cooked to perfection. This one would make a lovely combo with a glass of frothy beer. 

Breakfast

Our breakfast was comprised of String Hoppers, Dhal Curry, Kiri Maalu Hodi (Milky Fish Curry) and Pol Sambol. What a brilliant way to start the day, noh?

Every element in this spread was on point. With lots and lots of curry notes to boot, the dhal curry had just the right amount of milkiness, and its flavour and aroma were further improved by the sticks of cinnamon they had thrown in the fray. 

The Kiri Maalu Hodi was top-notch; definitely one of the best we've had in a while. Dunked in a gravy that's milky and light, the pieces of fish were quite flavoursome, thanks to having soaked up all the flavours in the gravy. The green chillies swimming about did a very nice job in adding a bit of spicy kick to the dish. Paired with the fluffy string hoppers, it's a match made in heaven. 

The breakfast ended with a plate of freshly cut fruits; pineapple, papaya, watermelon and banana. 

Conclusion

Solar Crab is the ideal pick in Negombo, if you're looking at a peaceful, quiet vacation in a secluded setting, along with a breath of sea-salted air and tranquillity to your heart's content. It provides an experience that's totally worth the money you pay for it. We absolutely recommend. 

*Photographs courtesy of: @raveen.re
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Across Borders: A Culinary Bridge Between India and Sri Lanka Through Peshawri’s Timeless Flavors

By Vimasha Vishvadari Peshawri, a renowned restaurant chain, originated from the iconic Bukhara restaurant in

Highlights Kamu

Tenkū – a hidden Gem of the Japanese Cuisine

By Vimasha Weerawansha Ambience  The Kingsbury Rooftop offers a breathtaking panorama of the cityscape and

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Kamikura: A Journey into Authentic Japanese Cuisine

dBy Sharon Nonis Welcome to Kamikura, where the essence of Japanese cuisine meets the heart

Kamu

Full’R Burgers is Flipping into Maharagama

by Vimasha Vishvadari If you're on the lookout for the ideal burger spot in the

Kamu

Yi Jing Unveiled: Sri Lanka’s Top Chinese Dining at ITC Ratnadipa Blends Tradition with Modern Flair

By Poornima Bandara Yi Jing Unveiled: Sri Lanka’s Premier Chinese Dining Experience at ITC Ratnadipa

Highlights Kamu

Seafood Watti Rice: A Flavorful Feast from Fathi’s Spice Attic

Watti Rice is a delightful Sri Lankan dish that combines various meats, such as seafood

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

Mount Lavinia Hotel Hosts Traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony, Welcomes the Christmas Season with Festivities and Special Offerings

Mount Lavinia Hotel welcomed the festive season in grand style with its traditional Annual Tree

Trending

From Dusk Till Dawn: The Visionary Behind Sri Lanka’s nightlife revolution

By Vimasha Weerawansha  If you’re into nightlife and crave bold, unforgettable flavors, Sheran de Fonseka’s

Highlights Trending

Shangri-La Colombo Ushers in the Festive Season with a Spectacular Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The festive spirit came alive at Shangri-La Colombo as the hotel hosted its much-anticipated Christmas

Trending

Discover Global Tastes: A Flavorful Adventure at The Kingsbury Buffet

By Sharon Nonis The Kingsbury Colombo offers one of the finest buffet experiences in the

Trending

Authentic Fusion Paella at Ocean

From November 5th to 30th, Ocean at The Kingsbury, invites guests to enjoy an authentic

Trending

Radisson Hotel Kandy Achieves Safehotels Certification

Radisson Hotel Kandy joins Radisson Blu Resort Galle and Radisson Hotel Colombo in proudly achieving

Trending

Yamu Guide.

9 Unisex Gift Ideas for Your Friends

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Finding the perfect gift for your friends can be a delightful

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

9 Must-Read Self-Help Books for Personal Growth

By Jordain De Mel In recent years, people have turned to self-help books to serve

Highlights Yamu Guide

Top Restaurants with the best Cashback offers from Mintpay

With Mintpay, have a gastronomic journey and earn cashback rewards as you go! Every taste

Highlights Yamu Guide

10 Places To Celebrate Father’s Day 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya, Father’s Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring fathers and celebrating

Highlights Yamu Guide

Top 10 Places to Work or Study in Colombo in 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Hey there! Feeling the walls closing in at home while you work

Highlights Yamu Guide