The Organic Garden at GlenMyu Archives - GlenMyu Estate Luxury Bed and Breakfast

Planning your Christmas Vacation in Sri Lanka

Accommodation, Food and Drink, Holiday, Sri Lankan Cooking, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Traditional British Sunday Dinner, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda / By Mikeez

A Christmas Vacation in Sri Lanka

A Christmas Vacation in Sri Lanka.

Planning to spend your Christmas vacation on a paradise island?

Why Sri Lanka is a good option.

Sri Lanka is a popular place to visit during Christmas vacation.

It’s a great place to escape the miserable weather in Northern Europe and the US.

The island offers a variety of things to do for most travellers.
Whether you are a beach lover, want to see wildlife and culture or like to hike, we have it all.

Find out why you should consider a holiday in Sri Lankan for your Christmas vacation this year.

The best places to visit in Sri Lanka during your Christmas vacation

The weather is the key factor when deciding the places that you should visit in Sri Lanka in December.

Did you know that the island has two monsoon seasons?

The good news is that during December you can visit quite a lot of the country.

You will need to avoid the East and North coast in December if you don’t want to get wet!

The Meteorology Department of Sri Lanka is a good place to do some research on what the weather will be like when you visit the island.

Go to the section “Climate Seasons” to read about the monsoon seasons.

As you will see the Northeast Monsoon hits the country from December through to February. Therefore if you want the beach you should stay on the south and west coasts during your Christmas vacation.

A Christmas Vacation in Sri Lanka. So, where should I go in December?

The Southern and Western beaches on the island are great places to visit during the Christmas vacation for some sun and surfing.

You can also visit the Central Hills, Nuwara Eliya and Ella during this period. Lots of our guests at GlenMyu Estate love the hike at Horton Plains National Park.

The cultural triangle, in Sri Lanka’s central plains which consists of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and Dambulla are also good to visit.

Kandy and the Cultural Triangle

Sri Lanka’s Cultural triangle is situated in the centre of the island.

It covers an area which includes the World Heritage cultural sites:
The Sacred City of Anuradhapura, the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, the Ancient City of Sigiriya, the Ancient City of Dambulla and the Sacred City of Kandy.

In Kandy to visit the Temple of the Tooth and Peradeniya Botanical gardens.

Kandy is also a popular place to catch the train to Ella and enjoy the stunning scenery on the way.

You must see Ella and Nine Arch Bridge

Ella is one of the most popular tourist spots in Sri Lanka. Historically it was difficult to get to and the main travellers were backpackers.

Since its development and better travel links the town has boomed.

Crowds visit Nine Arch Bridge, which is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country.

A selfie as a train goes over the bridge is a must and you will see a throng of people waiting in anticipation of the train. Beware though, it is common that Sri Lankan trains run late!

Your Christmas Vacation in Sri Lanka -Away from the crowds

If you want to be away from the crowds, as GlenMyu Estate only has three guest bedrooms, you can have a unique Christmas in the Sri Lankan Hill country.

Within reach of Ella, you can do a day trip and see the sights around the town.

There are also some fabulous things to see and do near to GlenMyu Estate.

Some of our guests just stay at the estate and get some real downtime in a peaceful landscape.

Please read our reviews on Booking,com, Airbnb and Google.

Christmas at GlenMyu Estate

GlenMyu Estate was only opened in late 2021 so we now have a few Christmases under our belt.

Throughout the year our several of our guests enjoy our Traditional Roast Chicken dinner. For the festive season we jazz it up to reflect the colours and tastes you would expect over the holidays.

We cater for Plant Based, Vegan and vegetarian diets, so don’t worry, you won’t miss out on the festivities.

The house is decorated to reflect the season and lots of the trinkets are made on site by the staff from natural products from the estate.

A Christmas Vacation in Sri Lanka

So, if you are looking to have a unique Christmas vacation on a tropical island, then Sri Lanka is a good choice.

We would recommend booking early as Sri Lanka’s tourist numbers are increasing rapidly. Arrivals doubled in December 2023 compared to the previous year and the country has ambitious targets for the coming peak tourist season.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate over the festive season and explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

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,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Planning your Christmas Vacation in Sri Lanka Read More »

Newly opened in 2021 - GlenMyu Resort, Hotel and B & B, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

Inspired by Raymond Blanc

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

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.

Inspired by Raymond Blanc Read More »

Cashew Sauce Recipe

Ru’s cashew sauce recipe from GlenMyu Estate.

Cashew Sauce Recipe

Our Cashew Sauce Recipe

At GlenMyu Estate we are happy to share our recipes.

Our guests love our cashew sauce.

Dipping our home-made roast paan into the sauce is a delight and taste that you will remember for a long time.

Cashew Sauce Recipe

We normally serve our cashew sauce with our mushroom or prawn dishes at GlenMyu Estate.

If you want to find out more about the food we serve please click on the link for our food menu below.

This is what Ali wrote when he stayed at GlenMyu Estate in July 2024.

Ali lives in Dubai and therefore has a good selection of cuisines at his doorstep. His words make us immensely proud.

“we ate the best food cooked by Ru. The food prepared by this lady is better than many food we have tasted in micheline star restaurants around the world”

(booking.com – July 2024)

Our guests love the food that we serve at GlenMyu Estate.

We are humbled when they write their reviews about their stay and how much they enjoyed what Ru and the team served them to eat. You can read the reviews on Booking.com, Airbnb, Google and Tripadvisor.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and sample our other recipes

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.

Cashew Sauce Recipe Read More »

A New Year's resolution - to swim every day.

How to relax

Animals that live at our visit GlenMyu Estate., Ayurvedic medicine and plants, Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Music, Natural Swimming Pool, Our Animals at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lanka, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Travel / By Mikeez

How to relax.

How to relax.

Reading relaxation tips recommended by Mind Organisation.

I was not surprised to see many tips that relate to GlenMyu Estate.

We find that our guests really need some downtime on their holiday. It can be quite tiring rushing around the country visiting the tourist spots in the heat.

As they leave ready for their next adventure, we can see that they are relaxed and energised for the next part of their trip around this paradise island.

What were the tips on how to relax in Mind Organistaions' article?

The tips were as follows:

Take a break
Try active relaxation
Focus on your breathing
Get creative
Spend time in nature
Picture yourself somewhere serene
Listen to music
Do a tech check

What is Mind Organisation?

Mind Organisation say that “We’re Mind. We’re here to fight for mental health. For support, for respect, for you”.

They are an organisation that aims to get support and respect for people experiencing a mental health problem.

What tips on how to relax relate to GlenMyu Estate?

As GlenMyu Estate has evolved over the last two years since opening, we have found that our guests naturally do several of the items on the list whilst they are on holiday here.

Taking a Break

Clearly being on holiday, guests are taking a break from their normal everyday lives.

However, we also find that many of our guests take a break from their travel and exploration of the island when they are here.

Often, they decide to chill out at the five acre estate rather than packing too much in on their holiday.

As the Sri Lankan hill country has a temperature more akin to a UK summer, some find it a relief to get away from stifling heat.

Many of our guests say that that they get their best nights sleep at GlenMyu Estate on their holiday. We do not use air-conditioning at the property as it is not required as it does not get too hot.

Active relaxation - what's that?

Active relaxation is gentle exercise such as walling (at your own pace), classes such as Yoga, Pilates or gentle stretching.

At GlenMyu Estate for guest enjoy walking around the garden.

The property is on a slope and therefore you automatically do some gentle exercise by climbing up the pathways and stairs. I often find myself creating a little heavier due to the slope.

Getting creative

GlenMyu Estate is an environment which inspires creativity. We have had several guests bring their sketchbooks or paints with them to spend time on their art.

Picking up the camera to take some photos and videos.

Some authors have stayed at the estate and worked on their books without the detraction of home.

It delights us that we have created an environment that guests can relax and get creative.

Spending time in nature

At GlenMyu Estate we have tried to work with nature and plant species that enhance and repair the biodiversity that was wiped from the land.

Historically the estate was part of a larger tea plantation and subsequently used to grow sugar cane. After being abandoned for many year it was full of Guinea Grass, fast growing cattle fodder. This took all the light and nutrients in the soil from other plants.

After years of replacing the Guinea Grass with endemic species and planting to develop a food forest for animals and humans GlenMyu Estate was open to guests.

Our guest love the garden tour and seeing what we fruits, vegetables,and spices are grown.

For some, it is a revelation on where their food comes from and the work entailed to get to onto their plate.

There is also plenty of wildlife to see, whether it is the animals and birds that are regular visitors or the residents on the land.

Picture yourself somewhere serene

There is no need to picture yourself, because you are there in the moment.

GlenMyu Estate is a beautiful environment reflecting the nature that surrounds us.

Listen to music

We find natures music to be the soundtrack that we listen to at GlenMyu Estate.

Whether it its the streams full of water blocking out unwanted noises.

Or the birds that let you know that it’s time to get up in the morning or that they are off to bed.

Natuure’s soundtrack helps you to relax.

Do a tech check

Although we do have free Wifi at GlenMyu Estate, we are always delighted on how little our guests spend on their devices.

We also do not have televisions at the estate. Who needs to watch poor quality programming anyway. Netflix will be waiting for you when you get home!

This allows you to live in the moment, reduce stress and really enjoy your holiday.

Relax on Holiday at GlenMyu Estate

We love it when our guests are truly relaxed after their stay at GlenMyu Estate.

It is really important for you to make sure you allocate some downtime during your vacation. Hopefully you will visit GlenMyu Estate and switch off in this environment delivered by nature.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and immerse yourself in the Sri Lankan Hill Country

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and 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,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

How to relax Read More »

6 reasons why holidays are good for your health

Birdwatching, Holiday, Honeymoon, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Natural Swimming Pool, Photography, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By Mikeez

6 reasons why holidays are good for your health.

Our 6 reasons why holidays are good for your health.

Reset and recharge at GlenMyu Estate in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

We find that lots of our guests have the plan to go out and explore the wonders of the Sri Lankan Hill country. However, we have found that several guests charge they plans and spend the day at the five acre estate.

It is important that you plan some downtime as you travel around the island. Many guests have found that GlenMyu Estate is the ideal place to reenergise, relax and give some time for their wellbeing.

However, if you want to explore, hike or walk, there are plenty of opportunities to satisfy these needs.

1.Opportunities to be more active

You are naturally more active.

Completing your 10,000 steps each day on holiday feel so much easier than at home.

One the things that is great to do on holiday is explore and take in the sights. The ‘distraction’ of taking in all of the picturesque scenery takes your mind away from how many steps you have completed.
You will probably end up walking most of the day.

Strolling around the city visiting museums, art exhibitions and seeing historic properties, or just enjoying exploring a new place is a great way to exercise whilst focussing on other things.

Accidental exercise

There are so many places in the Sri Lankan Hill country to get some “accidental exercise”.

You may also find yourself doing activities such as swimming in our natural pool at GlenMyu Estate a few times a day and expending lots of energy.

There are plenty of opportunities of hiking nearby. Lipton’s Sea, Horton Plains National Park and Upper Diyaluma Waterfall are all at a high elevation. You will find that you work your body a little harder than nearer to sea level.

Surely, accidental exercise is the best form of exercise!

2. A chance to recharge your batteries

Going on holiday provides plenty of opportunities to recharge your batteries and get away from it all.

One of the main reasons we love to travel is so we can relax on holiday.

Even just planning the vacation can boost your feeling of happiness. It also gives you something to look forward to.

Being away from your usual day to day pressures can reduce stress levels.

Relaxation helps to drop your blood pressure. This in turn reduces the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in your blood.

So, there is no harm in spending as much time by the pool as you like!

Downtime on holiday is also great for giving your mind some respite.

The key element is to spend quality time doing whatever it is that helps you decompress.

Getting a good nights sleep is another thing many of us don’t get enough of.

A holiday usually gives you the opportunity to both sleep and rest.

At GlenMyu Estate we find that our guests manage to get a good nights sleep. The temperate in the Sri Lankan Hill country means that we do not need air conditioning. Many guests are not used to air conditioning and have not slept well as they are disturbed by the sound. They also get dehydrated which also upsets their sleep.

The temperature at night at GlenMyu Estate is within the range that scientists recommend which helps you have a good nights sleep.

3. You can experience something new

Whether you take a city break, or a trip to the country, you will find plenty of new scenery to enjoy.

By travelling abroad you will meeting new people and experience a new culture. You will also meet fellow tourists to share your experience with and get some recommendations on what is great to see and visit.

Adapting to new situations in a country where your language is not their first language can stimulate and engage your mind. This is both helpful for your mental health and also has the benefit providing a sense of creativity and wellbeing.

Many of our guests find that Sri Lanka is a soft entry into Asia. Although you will come across some challenges with communication in some parts, mostly the island is easy to navigate your way around. People in Sri Lanka go out their way to help you and are not necessarily looking to be rewarded financially for their assistance.

Here are our Australian guests enjoying the sunrise at Lipton’s Seat.

This is a memory that will stay with them for many years to come.

It’s moments like this that are good for you, your relationship and your health.

4. Get closer to nature and embrace the elements

For many of us, a change in the weather is reason enough to go on holiday!

Lots of travellers visit Sri Lanka during the cold Northern Hemisphere winter. Mid December to early April is the peak tourist season on the island. The weather is good on the south and west coasts. You can top up your tan during at the beaches on there coasts.

There is a good reason to spend time in the sun. Science has revealed that being in the sun (in moderation of course!) gives your body a boost of vitamin D. This can promote strong bones and create a more effective immune system along with boosting energy levels.

It is important to ensure you stay well protected in the sun. Use a high SPF sunscreen and avoid the sun when it is strongest.

5. Time to think and a chance to reset

Spending time away can give you a good chance to reset.

Perhaps you have noticed that you have developed some bad habits over time. It can feel overwhelming trying to rectify them indoor usual setting. But a holiday can provide us with the break and time to reassess your current situation.

6. Holidays are good for mental health

It is becoming clearer that holidays are hugely beneficial for our mental health.

Where else can you spend doing the things that you love, than being away on holiday?

Whether it’s by yourself or with loved ones you will have more time to be in the moment with them.

A family holiday creates an opportunity to reconnect and strengthen bonds.

Solo travel provides a time alone where you have time to think without everyday distractions.

It can be incredibly healing and provide an escape from a busy schedule.

Being away can give you the time to enrich your mind, reset and focus on your mental wellbeing.

6 reasons why holidays are good for your health - Summary

Opportunities to be more active.
A chance to recharge your batteries.
You can experience something new.
Get closer to nature and embrace the elements.
Time to think and a chance to reset
Holidays are good. for mental health.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and focus on your wellbeing.

A stay at GlenMyu Estate will provide an opportunity to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country. Visit sights like Horton Plains National Park, Mini Adams Peak, Lipton’s Seat and many more.

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,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

6 reasons why holidays are good for your health Read More »

Practice Friluftsliv in Sri Lanka in 2024

Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Life in Sri Lanka, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Little Adam's Peak, Natural Swimming Pool, Sri Lanka, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Practice Friluftsliv in Sri Lanka in 2024.

Why you should practice Friluftsliv in Sri Lanka in 2024.

The Swedish concept of friluftsliv (open-air living) is something we aspire to do at GlenMyu Estate.

It’s not just Sweden, this practice is also a common philosophy in Denmark, and Norway.

Unwinding outdoors is engrained in the culture in Norway.
Some firms make it part of their working week.
Going for a jog or a walk during your lunchtime, despite plunging temperatures is a common sight.

What is Friluftsliv?

Frilufstliv was first popularised in the 1850s by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen in his 1859 poem “On the Heights”.

The concept is much older.
Its literal translation is “free-air life”, but Ibsen used it to convey a spiritual connection with nature.

To modern Norwegians, it means participating in outdoor activities, but also has a deeper sense of de-stressing in nature and sharing in a common culture. Could this outdoor life hold the key to Norwegians’ health and happiness?

Friluftsliv is not a specific activity.

Hiking in the forest, kayaking along the fjords and skiing in the mountains could all be part of it, but so could picking cloudberries or simply sitting in the woods.

How do I practice Friluftsliv?

Unwinding in the open air is so ingrained in the culture, some companies build it into the working week.

I make sure that I take some time out every day to spend time on the five acres we have at GlenMyu Estate. As the land is in the Sri Lankan hill country walking up and down the inclines can increase the heart rate. The lowest part of the land is around 90 metres lower than height at the entrance gate.

Walking around the pathways and surveying what grass cutting and weeding needs to be done. I get ideas on what we should plant or whether we should put in another seat to enjoy the surrounding nature.

Swimming in the natural spring fed swimming pool surrounded by the hills and the birds providing a musical backdrop is another way that I practice Frilutftsliv.

Friluftsliv and GlenMyu Estate

An outdoor culture is a bit easier in the tropics due to the climate.

Unless you really suffer from the heat or sunburn, being outdoors is the natural place to spend your time in Sri Lanka.

Spending time at the beach or hiking through the rainforests or the tea estate of the Pekoe Trail all reflect friluftsliv.

In our opinion, swimming at the pools at Upper Diyaluma Waterfall is the perfect way yo practice Friluftliv.
After the twenty minute hike to the top of Sri Lanka’s 2nd tallest waterfall you will enjoy the cold water pools.

Being out in an unspoilt natural environment will make this a memorable experience.

We normally send guests off after breakfast from GlenMyu Estate so that they can enjoy the nature before the larger crowds arrive later in the day.

Horton Plains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of our favourite places in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

Walking through the fresh air, at an elevation of 2,200 metres is exhilarating. The beauty of the flora and fauna in this montane cloud forest is amazing.

It is certainly a place where you can practice friluftsliv.

Even our staff at GlenMyu Estate practice Friluftsliv.

One of our staff members at GlenMyu Estate always takes the long way round to the house rather than a direct approach.
When asked why, he said that it was beautiful walking on the far side of the land.
It’s something we encourage him to do as we know that it is good for him.

Enjoy the outdoors at GlenMyu Estate.

Average annual temperature in Beragala is 21.3 °C / 70.4 °F.

The temperature range in at Beragala is a maximum of 26.4 °C/(79.5) °F in July.
Minimum night time temperature is 16.5 °C
(61.7) °F.

This means that you can enjoy the temperatures during the day and get a good nights sleep.

Connect with nature

As you walk around the five acres at GlenMyu Estate you will come across some animals, birds and insects.

There is a large variety of birds that visit the estate. We also have to types of monkey that regularly visit the trees to forage (and annoy our dogs!).

Connecting with nature is an important part of the enjoyment when you stay at GlenMyu Estate.

Spend time with our dogs, ducks, chickens and cows.

Guests love the connection that they make with the rescue dogs that we have on the estate. Clove will give you a great welcome. The other dogs will say hello and them leave you alone as they go about their day (or sleep!).

The ducks forage around the estate and swim in the ponds that are scattered around the estate.

One of my favourite images of 2023 was seeing a French executive lying on the ground, looking upwards to the trees whilst petting one of the dogs.

He really loved the dogs whilst he was here and really connected with them.

We really enjoy guests that connect with our animals.

A Swiss lady arrived in early 2024 and had a passion for cows. I suppose that Switzerland has an abundance of the animals eating lush grass in the mountains.

Whilst showing the couple around the garden at the estate we had to wait for a while. It was the time for the cows to be put to bed in the cowshed. We waited for our new bull calf to arrive.
He was petted by his new admirer before heading to his bed.

It was a beautiful sight and a great memory for both the guest and also myself.

A walk around the garden

Ru normally does the garden tour.

I also do to but I miss quite a few plants of interest because Ru designed and planted most of the grounds.
Of course, I am very proud of how my Jackfruit, Mango and Avocado trees are coming on, but there is much more to see.

It’s a delight when guests smell the leaves of the mandarin and lemon trees trying to guess what it is.
The curry leaf gets a variety of reactions.
If someone bites onto one of the pepper pods they are normally seeking some water to cool them down

You walk, you see, you learn.

I love it when guests discover that a pepper is grown as a vine.
The amazement that green coffee on the tree becomes a breakfast drink.

Seeing a Jackfruit on the tree and then eating a Jackfruit Burger later on is an experience.

Harvesting sap from the Kithul Tree becomes the syrup that they pour over their breakfast for sweetness.

Some people are a little embarrassed that they didn’t know where some of the food they eat comes from. I was the same.

I used to enjoy cloves in my mulled wine over the festive period when living in the UK. I didn’t have a clue about where a clove comes from .

Here, at GlenMyu Estate, we have planted thirty clove trees. In around five years we will be harvesting our own cloves from the trees we have planted.

When I was living in London, I had no idea about where my food come from and how much work went into producing it.
I thought that peanut grew on a tree.
I’m sure that I got this belief from an advert I saw in television as a child.

They are grown on the ground. I was amazed when we grew them and how delicious they tasted.

Removing the shells however, is another story and I appreciate the work that went into producing the packet of peanuts that I enjoy with a Lion lager!

Are you ready to practice friluftsliv?

We think that everyone should be able to practice Friluftsliv.

GlenMyu Estate and the places you can visit on a day trip are ways that you can get closer to nature on holiday in Sri Lanka.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and practice friluftsliv.

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and 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,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Practice Friluftsliv in Sri Lanka in 2024 Read More »

Podcasts that I love, enjoy and tolerate.

Life in Sri Lanka, Photography, Sri Lanka, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By Mikeez

Podcasts that I love, enjoy and tolerate.

Podcasts that I love, enjoy and tolerate.

Life on a paradise island in the Indian ocean. Passing time, learning & amusing myself in Sri Lanka in the Sri Lankan Hills.

When the rest of the world is watching Netflix, my preference it to listen to a podcast.

I was addicted to TV when I was living in the UK. However, I have now eased myself off the screen and I feel that I have a lot more time my hands.

Listening to podcasts as I work around the estate is so much better and healthier than sitting and watching the square screen.

You can subscribe to Netflix in Sri Lanka, and many of my neighbours do. However, after a taste of Netflix in Melbourne, we were put off and look at other options to pass the time.

Of course some of what we listen to is educational, motivational, emotional and sometimes shocking.

Variety is the spice of life and we think that to is important to have a wide range of podcasts which have differing views, so we can make our minds up ourselves.

We are trying to baulk the algorithms so we are not fed the same old same old and things that Big Brother assumes we will like.

Educational podcasts - ones to help me grow.

As I was a Banker in the UK, educational podcasts are swayed towards business topics.

Since living in Sri Lanka, I have become more interested in the environment, growing plants for the garden and

One of my favourite television programmes when I was in the UK was Dragons Den.
Nowadays I only see clips on Facebook of some of the pitches which is enough to keep may interest.

One of the newer dragons, Steven Bartlett, has a podcast called “Diary of a CEO”. It’s really interesting learning business techniques from a range of different people.

One particular thing that I learnt from one of the episodes is that you should also listen to people that you don’t agree with.
I have taken this on board and it gives me an insight of someone else’s view that I may not have ordinarily heard.

When I want to catch up on the news, I make sure that I read a wide range of online newspapers to get writing from different standpoints.

It's not about the money - but it is.

The Rest is Money is hosted by business journalist Steph McGovern and economics guru Robert Peston.
I enjoy the relationship that the two hosts have, which helps listening to a subject, that could easily be a little boring.

Newspaper podcasts

Following the theme of getting different perspectives I regularly listen to the Guardian and the Times podcasts.

The Guardian is historically a more left leaning newspaper whilst the Times is part of Rupert Murdoch’s empire. I enjoy both the Guardian Podcast “Today in Focus” and also the Times Podcast “Stories of our Times”.

A step to the left.

For a proper left wing view from a legendary comedian, I listen to the Alexei Sayle Podcast. This really does show me a view from the other side and it is quite enlightening.

On a completely different theme, I love his BBC Podcast “Strangers on a Train”. I find this such a comforting Podcast, especially when I live so far way from the UK. It is a gentle and interesting podcast where Alexei interviews random passengers on train journeys in the UK. It is one of my favourite podcasts.

A bit of politics

The Rest is Politics with the former Downing Street Director of Communications and Strategy Alastair Campbell and cabinet minister Rory Stewart

I like to keep up to date with both UK and World politics. Having hosts who are from the opposite sides of the spectrum makes it interesting and enjoyable listen.

Food and Drink

Out to Lunch was hosted by food critic Jay Rayner and now is hosted by Ade Edmonson.

Accompanying the host is a famous celebrity and the mix of conversation and discussion about food works well. It’s a good advert for the restaurant and I keep adding them to my wish list.

Sport

I love sport and don’t get to watch much in Sri Lanka due to the time difference to the UK.

Rugby

Rugby was my sport when I was in the UK. I used to play, catch and support my local team. Twickenham was a regular event in the calendar during the six nations.

The BBC Rugby Weekly has a good vibe and the hosts, a broadcaster and ex rugby players are a good mix.

My favourite rugby Podcast however, is Flats and Shanks. I love this because it is more about book and tv recommendations rather than rugby.

Football

My New Football Club is my favourite football podcast. It is hosted by comedian David Earl and Jon Beer who support Exeter City FC. The 49 year old and 22 year old make a good team and have created a funny and interesting podcast.

I listen to the BBC Daily Football Podcast to keep myself up to date with the drama and the theatre of the English Football league.

Radio 5’s 606 phone in podcast is hosted by ex football players Robbie Savage and Chris Sutton. A good combination of (I’d better not says as I will get in trouble!).

Gardening

Roots and All podcast is the only gardening podcast that I regularly listen to. Hosted by horticulturist, Sarah Wilson, there are interviews with guests from all areas of gardening and around the world.

Ones that I dip in and out off

There are lots of Podcasts that I have listened got regularly in the past but have taken a break.

As much as I enjoyed them, sometimes you need a little variety. I do dip back into them from times to time.

Distraction Pieces with Scroobius Pip.
Reasons to be Cheerful with Geoff Lloyd and Ed Milliband.
Full Disclosure with James O’Brien
The Political Party with comedian Matt Forde
The High Performance Podcast with Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes.

Just for Laughs

I’m not a parent but during the pandemic I started listening to Lockdown Parenting Hell with Josh Widdicome and Rob Beckett.

The name has now changed to Parenting Hell and I still love listening to the podcast. They have interesting, funny guests and also give an insight to their own parenting challenges weekly.

Their section Boomer Parenting stories is a must listen.

I also listen to The Wolf and Owl Podcast with Romesh Ranganathan and Tom Davis. It is bizarre, and passes the time making me laugh.

Awkward but funny

I have listened to Geoff Lloyd and Annabel Ports’ podcast “Adrift” from the start. A podcast titled “A comic tragedy for anyone flailing in the sea of their own inadequacy”.

I find that listening to podcasts like this help my empathy levels for others and make me more accepting of the uncomfortable moments in my life.

How do you find the time?

There are some podcasts that are a must listen to and some that I can miss and not feel guilty.

If you scan the amount of podcast that are available to listen to, you would never be able to skim the surface.

It really depends on what I feel like at the time and this determines what I will listen to.

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Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and 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,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Podcasts that I love, enjoy and tolerate. Read More »

Swim as the sun goes down in fresh water

The best places to swim in Sri Lanka.

Bambarakanda Waterfall, Sri Lanka., Holiday, Life in Sri Lanka, Natural Swimming Pool, Sri Lanka, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda, Waterfalls / By Mikeez

The Best Places to swim in Sri Lanka

The best places to swim in Sri Lanka.

We love swimming on our Natural Spring Fed pool in the Sri Lankan Hill Country at GlenMyu Estate.

Okay, we are a little biased because of where we live and what we like.

However, here are our favourites.

GlenMyu Estate is located in the Sri Lankan hill country and provides a unique experience for swimming on your holiday in Sri Lanka.

We like the coolness of the water which we find quite refreshing and encourages you to swim. It’s a great place to get some exercise and work off some of the calories from the delicious meals served by Ru.

I love swimming either in the morning or in the evening (or both).

It’s a great way to start and end the day.

5 of our best places to swim on you holiday In Sri Lanka.

Our 5 best places to swim when on holiday In Sri Lanka.

Here are our five best places to swim in Sri Lanka.

1.The Natural Spring-Fed Infinity Swimming Pool.

Our natural spring fed swimming pool at GlenMyu Estate is a really special experience.

We do not use chlorine in the pool so you come out from your swim smelling refreshes rather than with that chlorine smell.

The pool is located a small walk away from the house and you are not overlooked by other guests.

I love it when the birds provide the background music as I swim surrounded by nature.

2. Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda

As Upper Diyaluma is located just forty minutes drive from GlenMyu Estate.

There are lots of pools to swim in as you descend from the top of the waterfall. It’s an amazing experience, especially as it is relatively untouched.

It is becoming a favourite Instagram spot as there are stunning carvings in the rocks to sit and admire the views.

Upper Diyaluma is the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka,

3. Maalu Maalu Hotel, Pasikuda

The East Coast of Sri Lanka is a less touristy detonation on the island. More hotels have been built in the last ten years or so and it is becoming a more popular place to holiday.

The beaches are best to visit during April to September while the rest of the island is experiencing monsoonal rains.

Although my wife and I are not massive sun worshippers we like the beaches in the East Coast of Sri Lanka.

There are less people at the beach, it safer as there is a shallow shelf and the scenery is stunning.

We really enjoyed our stay at Maalu Maalu Hotel by Thema Collection.

4. Bambarakanda Waterfall

Bambarakanda Waterfall is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka and has a beautiful pool it’s foot.

It is a stunning place to swim in the cooler waters.

Bambarakanda Waterfall is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka. It’s quite easy to access and is just around an hours drive from GlenMyu Estate.

5. Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay, on the South East coast of Sri Lanka is a great place for swimming and surfing.

During the season, there is a good buzz as the number of surfers inhabiting the town increase.

Although we are not surfers, we like the atmosphere and the stunning location.

There are lots of great beaches around this island.

Our five places to swim in Sri Lanka are just our preferences. Not being sun worshippers we really enjoy the freshness of the water in the waterfalls within reach of GlenMyu Estate.

Many of our guests arrive from the South Coast through December to April and rave about their time at the beautiful beaches.

We are building a number of beaches that we want to experience from our guests recommendations.

Rekawa, Hiriketiya and Talalla beaches are our current top three that we want to visit in 2024.

We have a special spot in our hearts for Negombo beach because we got married at one of the hotels there.
Our friends, who attended our wedding, had a great time there, especially at the bride v groom cricket match we arranged at the beach.

Our 5 best places to swim in Sri Lanka.

GlenMyu Estate Swimming Pool
Upper Diyaluma Waterfall
Pasikuda on the East Coast
Bambarakanda Waterfall
Arugam Bay

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy our Natural Spring-Fed Infinity swimming pool.

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and 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,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

The best places to swim in Sri Lanka. Read More »

A view from the lawn of the the house at GlenMyu Estate, Hotel and Bed & Breakfast, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

5 things I love about gardening.

Holiday, Life in Sri Lanka, Natural Swimming Pool, Our Animals at GlenMyu Estate, Our dogs, Sri Lanka, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Travel, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

5 things I love about gardening.

5 things I love about gardening.

From London banker to unpaid gardener in Sri Lanka.

The money is lousy but I wouldn’t change it for the world!

When I moved to Sri Lanka, I did not envisage ending up changing my office job for one outdoors.

A career banker, based in and around London, I had no idea where I would end up.
My destination was working for free on the 5 acre estate in Sri Lanka that we have developed into GlenMyu.

I had little experience as a gardener in London. Why would I when the only outside space was a small terrace? There was very little room to plant anything at all!
I had little idea also that I would end up having a love for gardening and don’t find it like work at all.

1. Things I love about gardening- Gardening is my form of meditation.

I get lost in my thoughts as I use my brush cutter keeping the pathways and lawn in good shape.

It’s amazing how calming and relaxing it is. I do make sure that I am alert enough not to have an accident though, so it’s not like I’m in a trance.

Maybe the hum from my brush cutter through the ear plugs I use gives a sense of comfort.

Trying to get the grass as even I as I can do, on the hill country slopes, is my continuous focus.

I don’t practice meditation, however, this is the closest I get. I love it!

2. Making the GlenMyu Estate garden look good, makes me feel good!

I take a lot of pride in my work and try to make the grounds as attractive as possible.

When guests say that the garden looks good, I feel good. Actually I feel great. It makes all my efforts worth it.

I say my efforts, however there is a team at GlenMyu Estate who all contribute to making the garden look good.

Ru is the designer of the garden (and most things) at GlenMyu Estate. Some of our daily workers are so adept at using the besom to sweep up the grass cuttings and leaves, I could never be as efficient or fast.

Doesn’t everyone like a pat on the back for the work that they have done?.

3. I get to feel closer to nature and I feel that I am improving the estate as a home for wildlife.

One of our aims at GlenMyu Estate is to restore the land from an abandoned tea estate to a home for wildlife. Encouraging biodiversity on the land which makes it a healthy place for plants and animals to visit and live.

GlenMyu Estate was part of a larger abandoned tea estate prior to being bought by my wife. It had also been a sugar cane estate which had failed when the government started to import sugar cane.

Over the years the land was overrun by Guinea Grass which was brought in during Colonial times as a fast growing cattle feed. This fast growing plant takes th light and nutrients from the endemic plants of Sri Lanka and dominates the landscape. It is not a good environment to welcome biodiversity.

Out with the old, in with the new. Things I Love aboutgardening

We have slowly removed the Guinea Grass over the years and replaced the plants with a fruit forest to feed us and the animals. Hundreds of endemic species have been planted and are starting to establish themselves on the five acre estate.

We regularly see dragon flies during the day, a variety of butterflies and some fireflies at night. This, we understand, shows that the land is healthy.

There are no chemicals or pesticides used at the estate and everything that we grow is organic.

4. Things I love about gardening -Getting to enjoy the fruits of my work.

It’s a pleasure walking around the garden on attractive paths and weed free borders.

The order calms the mind and allows me to concentrate on the nature that surrounds me.

Listening to the birdsong, watching the parrots flit from tree to tree and the Kingfisher fish in our stream.

The sound of the water softening any vehicle noise, the feel of the ground on my bare feet and playing with the dogs on the lawn.

A landscape that could be painted.

An inspiring landscape which brings out my hidden artistic side which was out of sight during my banking career.

One of the best things about GlenMyu Estate is our swimming pool.

The pool is fed by a natural spring and the only heating is from the daytime sun.
We don’t add chlorine to the water so I swim in a completely natural environment.

An evening swim is refreshing and eases the muscles that I have used during the day.

Finishing off the evening with a well deserved bottle of local Lion lager beer puts icing on the cake!

Our dogs turn up from time to time looking for a petting.
Maali our cow comes over and looks for her head to be patted. It’s as if she just wants me to remember she is around.

I sometimes have to chase the Eagles when it perches on branch eyeing our chickens and ducks.

Moving on the monkeys when they are trying to eat our Jackfruits, Mangos and Avocados when they are in season (don’t worry there is plenty for them to eat on the periphery of the estate).

There are lots that I love about gardening at GlenMyu Estate.

It's more than just cutting the lawn.

I don’t just cut the lawns and paths around the estate in my gardening duties.

Cutting and replanting coleus, cutting down fallen branches and general weeding is all part of my day in the garden.

It’s great to get variety in my day.

5 things I love about gardening - Summary

Gardening is my form of meditation.
Making the GlenMyu Estate garden look good, makes me feel good!
I get to feel closer to nature and I feel that I am improving the estate as a home for wildlife.
Getting to enjoy the fruits of my work.
The reward of a swim at the end of the day (and perhaps a Lion lager!).

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy the gardens.

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and 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,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

5 things I love about gardening. Read More »

5 reasons why we are a great place to relax.

Holiday, Natural Swimming Pool, Sri Lanka, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Travel / By Mikeez

6 reasons why we are a great place to relax.

Are you looking for the ideal place to get away from the humdrum of everyday life, de-stress, relax and switch off?

We find that many of our guests at GlenMyu Estate are able to relax so well that they often ask to extend their stay.

We only have 3 guest bedrooms at GlenMyu Estate and therefore you will be away from the crowds in larger hotels and B & B’s .

Here are some of the many reasons why our guests can unwind and switch off at GlenMyu Estate.

Here are 6 reasons which are listed in no particular order of importance.

1. Sleep well in our bedrooms.

We have three guest bedrooms at GlenMyu Estate.

They all are en suite and have fabulous views looking towards the Southern coast.

The landscape is relaxing in itself and we think that connecting with nature helps you de-stress.
Monkeys traverse across the trees in the morning, birds add background music when they wake, and the clouds make ever-changing patterns in the sky.

King-Size beds provide you with plenty of room to stretch out and not disturb your partner.

Comfortable mattresses that are made in Sri Lanka. I think that this is the best mattress I have ever slept on.

Crisp locally made bedlinen has a feeling of luxury to the touch.

Snuggly duvets on the beds for those times where the temperature drops to around 61.7 degrees Fahrenheit (16.5 degrees Celsius) which helps with a good nights sleep.

As we are in 5 acres there is little light pollution to disturb your sleep.

The temperature helps you sleep.

Anecdotally, lots of our guests have commented on how well they sleep when they stay at GlenMyu Estate.

Maybe it’s because they are on holiday and are able to relax.

Perhaps it’s because they don’t have the stress of work and the daily commute.

However, I had listened to one of many podcasts and the speaker mentioned that a temperature of around 18 degrees is best to get a good nights sleep.

Real Simple state in their article “Yes, There’s an Ideal Temperature for Sleep—and Here’s Why It Matters” states that ‘Temperature for sleep recommendations can vary slightly, but the general rule of thumb is that 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius) the perfect place to set your thermostat for optimal sleep’.

Healthline in their article of August 2023 “Scientists Say This is the Best Temperature for a Good Night’s Sleep” states that ‘New research shows the ideal sleep temperature among the aging population is between 68 degrees Fahrenheit to 77°F (20 t0 25 degrees Celsius).

Night time temperature at GlenMyu Estate.

According to Climate-Date.org the minimum temperate in Beragala is between 61.7 degrees Fahrenheit to 67.5°F (16.5 t0 19.7 degrees Celsius) during the year.

This is a good temperature to relax and get a good nights sleep.

2. Relax in our lounges.

Our lounges are spacious and light.

The view looks out onto the hills below the house towards the southern coast.

This scene is ever changing with clouds, colours and the birds that enjoy the open spaces.

Some guest sit for hours watching the clouds drift by – it’s like a form of meditation.

Others get up early and do some yoga looking onto to this spectacular view.

In the evenings you may get lucky and see a glorious sunset.

If you open the sliding doors you will hear natures soundtrack getting ready to turn in for the night.

It’s a great space to spend time with friends, family or fellow travellers discussing your experiences on this paradise island.

Comfortable places to sit.

One of the important things for us at GlenMyu Estate is that there are comfortable places to sit.

We believe that this helps you to relax and we have chosen comfort over style.

If you are able to fall asleep on one of our sofas or comfy chairs, it makes us very happy!

3. Get closer to nature on the 5 acre estate.

A walk around the garden.

Ru regular offers guests a walk around the garden at GlenMyu Estate to show guests what we grow.

You will see Jackfruit, Mango,, Banana, Avocado, Curry Leaf Trees and many more.

Ru will show you spices including pepper, cardamon, cloves and the famous Sri Lankan cinnamon.

Vines holding Passion Fruit, Giant Passion Fruit and Luffa are included in the tour

The vegetable garden and green-houses.

Sometimes Ru will takes you through the vegetable garden when she is picking leaves for salads or some of the vegetables she will be using in the meals she prepares.

4. While away the hours by the Natural Pool and soak up the rays.

Swim in our pool or soak up the rays.

Our swimming pool is located a short walk from the house which provides you with more privacy when you go for a swim.
Not being overlooked from the bedrooms or lounges at the house is something our guests like.

Surrounded by nature.

The different shades of green that encircle the pool and the birdsong providing music on the background is truly relaxing.

We love it when guests sit and read a book or draw whilst sitting by the pool. It’s something that you would rarely have the opportunity to do at home.

5. Eat great food cooked by Ru and the team.

We have great food reviews at GlenMyu Estate.

You can read our reviews at Booking.com and Airbnb and our review website such as Google and TripAdvisor.

Here are a few snippets to whet your appetite:

“The homemade food served was a delightful surprise – and with homemade I mean also ingrediance/fruits from the own garden. ” – Philipp.

“he food was just impeccable and the quality was top-notch! All the dishes are widely diverse and so tasteful. My husband is normally very critical if it’s about food but he loved every single dish” – Michelle.

Take part in our complimentary Sri Lankan Cookery Demonstration and eat the delicious food that you have watched being made.

Ru’s mother is the chef leading our Sri Lankan cookery demonstration.

So, sit back, relax and let other people do the cooking (and the dishes!).

6. Pet our dogs, watch our ducks and meet our cow.

We have been surprised how quickly our guests have built connections with our dogs.

A warm welcome from Clove.
Clove was our first dog and I am ashamed to say that she was spoilt a little too much. We think that she believes that the visitors to GlenMyu Estate are coming to meet her! She makes such a fuss when she meets new people and gets very excited.

Normally Clove will say hello and then sit herself on the balcony surveying the estate, as if to protect our new guests.

Our dogs will pay you as much attention as you desire.

I find watching the ducks meditative. They are amazing creatures and I love watching them go about their day as they roam around the estate. When they go into the stream to bathe and forage in the reeds its a very relaxing sight.

Meet our crazy cow.

Maali is our rescue cow who arrived in December 2022. She has become an important part of our landscape at GlenMyu Estate. We don’t milk her, she grazes on the land and provides us with some natural fertiliser!

Read about Maali in our article “We got a Cow”.

Maali may also have a friend by the time you visit!

There are many more reasons why GlenMyu Estate is a great place to relax.

We haven’t mentioned the places to sit around the five acre estate. Nor the free pedicure you get from the small fish in the streams.

There are many more experiences at GlenMyu Estate that will help you relax and we will leave the rest for you to find out when you stay.

6 reasons why we are a great place to relax. - Summary

Sleep well in our bedrooms.
Relax in our lounges.
Get closer to nature on the 5 acre estate.
While away the hours by the Natural Pool and soak up the rays.
Eat great food cooked by Ru and the team.
Pet our dogs, watch our ducks and meet our cow.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to visit Horton Plains National Park.

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and 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,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

5 reasons why we are a great place to relax. Read More »

Ru' Sri Lankan Egg Hoppers with a twist.

5 reasons Trying New Food is the Best part of Travelling

Cookery Courses, Holiday, Life in Sri Lanka, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

5 reasons Trying New Food is the Best part of Travelling.

5 reasons trying new food is the best part of travelling.

We all love traveling. There’s so many good elements to that two-week break and it’s good for your heart and soul.
Some of the benefits are:

Sight-seeing
Meeting new people
Exploring new places.
Getting away from everyday life at home.
Resting and reenergising.

and let’s not forget about the endless amounts of Instagram posts.

But the best part of all is the food.

Different countries of the world have so many new flavours and dishes that you would not come across at home. It’s unlikely that you would try these dishes at home and travelling gives you the inspiration to get out of your comfort zone.

It’s probably not the main thing that you research before you go on holiday and the beauty is getting out of your comfort zone a trying new tastes.

We find that our guests at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lanka are really open to trying new dishes that Ru serves. The delight and discussion about the new flavours are music to our ears.

Here are why we think that food is the best aspect of traveling.

1. You Discover Foods You Have NotTried Before.

There are so many dishes in other countries that you would never try if you do not traveled outside you own country. And my what would you have missed if you didn’t sample some of these amazing flavours!

Traveling somewhere new provides you with the opportunity to opens your eyes and your taste buds to a new world of flavour.

In Sri Lanka, even eating local Mangos, Papaya and Avocados (which have not done those food miles) are a discovery. At GlenMyu Estate we have experienced guests’ joy at eating something that tasted different in their home country.

Fresh coconut juice from a King Coconut is delicious and good for you.

Sri Lankan food is favoured with lots of different spices that are grown on the island. If you pop into a supermarket you will see that there is only a limited range of groceries on offer.

As a result Sri Lankans use very little processed food and favour locally grown fresh ingredients.

Even on a small island like Sri Lanka, there are regional variations of the way food in prepared, the ingredients used and how it is served. So on your holiday in Sri Lanka you will experience different flavours around as you travel.