Inspired by Raymond Blanc
Inspired by Raymond Blanc (and others!)
There are so many elements that inspired us as we developed GlenMyu Estate. Raymond Blanc, Geoffrey Bawa and Peter Kuruvita and many more.
Are there any unique ideas and new thinking? Aren’t most things a spur or inspiration from another idea?
Both my wife and I are humble creatures and are happy to deflect and shine the limelight elsewhere.
However, we do believe that we have created something unique in our little part of the Sri Lankan hill country.
The affect that our little paradise has on so many of our wonderful guests is amazing.
It inspires us to strive harder for everyone who stays with us.
Inspirations that live in my head and dreams
There are so many elements and people that have and continue to inspire us.
Nature now is a main driver as we aim to increase the level of biodiversity at the estate. Growing trees and plants that create a habitat and food for wildlife is our focus.
In order to meet the cost of our ambitions, we have three guest bedrooms that generate the income we require.
I am happy to admit that I have been inspired by Raymond Blanc. However, I’m a little embarrassed that one of the main places drove the inspiration is a place that I have never been.
Perhaps, some things are better left in our dreams.
There are elements of GlenMyu Estate that have been inspired by or influenced by many ideas my wife and I had over the years.
Sri Lanka’s influential architect was also an inspiration and elements of his style can be found at GlenMyu Estate. Again, I have never visited the Kandalama Hotel. I have only seen photos of it in the Bawa books that we own.
Peter Kuruvita is another inspiration for us. We believe that Sri Lankan food is not in the position that it should be as a world cuisine. The beautiful way that Sri Lankan food is presented, in his book Serendip, should be the standard. It would lift the food to another level.
Raymond Blanc - Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons
I just love the whole idea of Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons.
It is one of the reasons why I always tried to stay in the hotel where the reception of the many weddings that I attended over the years. The idea of having a good meal, function or just a good time, and being able to wander up the stairs to bed is my idea of luxury.
I did attend a few weddings where I stayed in a cheap B & B as close to the venue as I could. The frustration of waiting for a taxi to take me to inadequate accommodation was not worth the saving in cost.
At Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons the idea of arriving and having a Michelin Star meal in the early evening. Then retiring to a comfortable room, and knowing that a superb breakfast awaits in the morning is just heavenly.
Not a Michelin Star of Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons
GlenMyu Estate does not and have, or aspire to achieve, a Michelin Star.
What we want to provide is a comfortable place to stay, with amazing freshly prepared meals. And, of course, a short distance to a comfortable bedroom.
Inspired by a great Sri Lankan architect (and others)
We bought several of Geoffrey Bawa’s books when we were living in London in our small flat.
They were beautiful pieces of art that were not studied, but dipped into from time to time.
As mentioned, I have not been to Kandalama Hotel.
However, you will see that we have incorporated several rocks inside the building at GlenMyu Estate.
Some were inspired by Bawa some were by accident, but Ruwanthi can explain this further when you meet her.
And Sri Lankan food
I say that I was brought up on South Indian and Bangladeshi curries when I was living in London. A staple “British Cuisine” and I loved them all.
However, when I tasted the curries made by my mother in law on my annual trips to Sri Lanka, I was amazed at the difference.
Most Sri Lankan curries use coconut oil as a base rather than Ghee. I feel that Sri Lankan curries have a cleaner taste than the “Indian” curries that I was used to eating in the UK. Rather than being smothered by a sauce (delicious of course) I could really taste the individual dishes in a Sri Lankan curry.
So many tears
Quite often there are tears in the eyes of our guests as they leave us to explore more of the wonderful island.
It’s emotional for us too.
We do get really attached to our guests in a short space of time.
They provide so much colour to our lives sharing their experiences of Sri Lanka, their home and lives.
We were moved recently when two separate German guests sent us messages and photos letting them know that they think back to the experience that they had at GlenMyu Estate.
Experiences reflected in our customer reviews
We are humbled very often by what our guests write about their stay with us.
Whether they have written their review on Booking.com, Airbnb, Tripadvisor or Google.
We are always amazed that they would take the time to write about their experience.
Surely, they have more important things to do!
We are so grateful and soak up the words which provide us with inspiration to make every guests stay as wonderful as we can.
Stay at GlenMyu Estate and see what inspired us
GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.
Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country
See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.
We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.
The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more.
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