inspiration Archives - GlenMyu Estate Luxury Bed and Breakfast

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 »

An inspirational landscape to paint

Accommodation, Holiday, Life in Sri Lanka, Photography, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

An inspirational landscape to paint in Sri Lanka

An inspirational landscape to paint in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

This landscape need painting and photographing!

The continual changing view from GlenMyu Estate really needs to be captured in paint or by camera.

Using painting a stress relief.

Focusing on painting allows mne’ mind to relax and let go of all the problems and demands that may have led to stress.
Creating something beautiful through painting stimulates the creative mind while also relieving mental strain.

A comfortable temperature in an inspirational landscape

The temperature in the hill country means that it is easy to paint outdoors for a long part of day.

It’s worth bringing a hat as the sun can be intense at midday.

The best light is in the early morning an mid to late afternoon.

Whether a portrait, landscape, cloudscape, flora or fauna, there is something to fit most interests at GlenMyu Estate.

The elevation delivers a unique and inspirational landscape

GlenMyu Estate is around 1,000 metres above sea level. Sometimes the clouds are above a below the house. At certain times of the year the mist touches the glass windows for a while providing a unique atmosphere.

The colours in the sky change throughout the year providing an array of colours or shades of grey during the rainier months.

Whatever the weather, this inspirational landscape is inspiring and needs to be captured.

There are lots of opportunities around the five acre estate to find yourself a quiet place to practice your art.

The changes in light in the Sri Lankan Hill Country and the array of colours provide you with a varying landscape.

Looking for the best light

Capturing the colours as the light goes down, especially the we have a beautiful sunset sky would be a good way to record your stay at GlenMyu Estate .

A distraction to everyday life

Painting on holiday serves as a distraction to everyday life and gives some balance in your life.

It allows you to get into a flow and focus your attention on the job at hand. It gives you time to disconnect from the real world and have time for yourself.

An inspirational landscape - Surrounded by nature.

Our natural spring fed swimming pool is a place to relax and get some inspiration.

One of our guests spent time with her pencils and sketchpad and spent some hours drawing next to the pool. It was a relaxing experience whilst carrying out her passion which she couldn’t do in her busy workalike at home.

Animal and bird photography

There are lots of opportunities for bird and animal photography around the estate. We can’t guarantee what visitors we will have but you are likely to see a variety of birds and two types of monkeys during your stay.

Surrounded by inspirational landscapes.

There are also many places near to GlenMyu Estate that need to be captured on canvas.

Inspirational places like Horton Plains National Park, Diyaluma and Bambarakanda Waterfalls and Lipton’s Seat are all iconic places.

I dint remember seeing any paintings or drawings of these vistas. and therefore, perhaps you can be the trailblazer artist in the area.

Pack all your painting equipment when you come on holiday.

Make sure that you have all that you need for painting or drawing on your holiday to capture this inspirational landscape.

In the Hill Country you will not be able to pick up a spare brush or paint easily.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and practice your art.

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and get inspired by the landscape and surroundings.

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.

An inspirational landscape to paint Read More »

A writers retreat in Sri Lanka

Accommodation, Life in Sri Lanka, Photography, Sri Lanka, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By Mikeez

A writers retreat in Sri Lanka.

A writers retreat in Sri Lanka.

Where can I stay when I want the peace, tranquility and inspirations to write when on holiday in Sri Lanka?

We have been asked by several guests whether we would offer a discount for a longer term stay at GlenMyu Estate.

The main reason a writer would request a longer stay is to be in a place which is comfortable for that length of time.
It also provides the opportunity to write or pursue their artistic endeavour.

Some guests have been completing or editing their book whilst staying at GlenMyu Estate.

During this stage of the writing process you need to be in a place of tranquility where you can concentrate on your masterpiece. Having the occasional guest of travellers pass through on their exploration of the island provides some relief and conversation from the endeavours of work.

As long as our internet speed is fast enough for you, and you don’t mind the odd dog or two breaking up the monotony of the day, we are happy to accommodate writers and artists.

What does a writer want from a writing retreat?

A writing retreat could be just what you need to start that novel, finish your chapter, book or poetry. Perhaps it’s a time to revise the short story you’ve been meaning to send out.

The main thing is that your writing retreat gives you a focused break from the trivial distractions of life that keep you from deep diving into the big picture of your personal story.

At GlenMyu Estate we offer a peaceful environment where you can concentrate on your artistic endeavours.

As there will be other travellers coming and going during your stay, you will have the opportunity to meet new, interesting people, outside your normal circles. You never know what conversations may generate an idea or storyline for your to develop.

A chance to get over what's in the way of you finsing your book.

One of the best ways to handle any and all writer issues is to take some time out for a writer’s retreat. Shutting your outside world out and go on a writing vacation may help you progress your writing or get some new inspiration.

A change in environment may help you and the Sri Lankan hill country offers something different that being at home.

You can unwind and not be concerned about distractions of everyday life. Escaping from all the responsibilities and sentiments for a short while will enable your to give 100 per cent to your writing.
No need to worry about the next meal, Ru will make sure you are fed with great home cooked food.

An inspirational landscape.

We believe that the landscape in the Sri Lankan Hill country has not been the subject of many paintings and drawings. It’s a landscape that appears to asking to be recorded.

The variation in the vista from the lounges with clear skies turning into fluffy clouds. Sometimes mist touching the windows of the house makes it a view that novel gets boring.

A temperature range that won't send you to sleep.

In the tropics, it’s easy to get into the habit of a siesta in the balmy weather.

The Sri Lankan Hill country however, is not as warm as the coasts and cities like Colombo, Galle and Kandy.
As the average annual temperature in Beragala is 21.3 °C ( 70.4 °F)/maximum temperature of 26.1 °C ( 78.8 °F ) you will not be knocked out by the heat.

Wake up and be ready to write after a dip in the swimming pool.

A swim in the natural spring fed swimming pool will also provide you with a refreshing wake up. This will ensure that you are ready to write. The natural surroundings may even inspire you writing your next chapter.

Press that WhatsApp button and contact us about a longer stay.

The peak season in Sri Lanka is from mid December to Mid April. During this period it will be more difficult to accommodate a longer stay at GlenMyu Estate.

We only have three bedrooms and we are finding that we are receiving some booking a year in advance.

Therefore we would recommend that you provide us with as much notice as possible to enquire about a longer stay.

Please press the WhatsApp button on our website to make your enquiry.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and write your book or paint the landscape.

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.

A writers retreat in Sri Lanka Read More »

What gets you up in the morning?

Holiday, Photography, Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

What gets you up in the morning?

Well, sometimes you need a little bit of inspiration.

Fortunately in the Sri Lankan Hill Country you just never know what you might get.

Is this worth waking up early for? You bet!

When in Sri Lanka, get up early and see the Country at its best.

I know that it’s a tough ask to get up early when you are on holiday, however, I assure you that it is just worth it.

Any photographer, worth his salt, would tell you that the light is the kindest to the camera either in the early morning or as the sun goes down.

It’s just boring when the sun comes up and goes down around the same time everyday

When I was living in the UK I remember having various conversations with friends and them saying that they really like the seasons and wouldn’t want to live in a place where the seasons didn’t change during the year.

I must admit that I would probably have agreed with them for most of my life.

I remember being young and really looking forward to the rugby season from September to May after a long and uneventful Summer.

I wasn’t a cricketer, athlete or sailor so my summers were very long and I looked forward to the grounds getting softer to make hitting the floor a bit more palatable.

A beer or two and an exaggerated story or three in a pub when it is chilly inside and you are being warmed by a pint or four of Guiness is a thing of beauty to a rugby player.

The optimism of Spring, where the weather becomes more pleasant and the evenings get longer, are a thing that was eagerly awaited.

So, seasons were really important for me.

However, as age crept up on me, I longed for a stretched summer and a concentrated winter where Jack Frost would throw his javelins of icicles at me.

As I sit in Sri Lanka and can forgive the sunset at six p.m.

Compromise is what a lot of life is about.

I have given up those long, comforting summer evenings which were full of excitement and optimism for a twelve hour life in shorts and t-shirt all year round.

I feel that I am the victor in this choice.

Every time I get a little melancholy for what I had in the past I bring back the memory of the challenge of getting from Bank Station to my office on a bleak November morning with blast of cold and driving rain accompanying me on my way. I felt abused and uncomfortable at the end of that tumultuous journey and that awakens my senses to appreciate what I have in this Paradise Island.

My wife wakes me up from time to time

My wife is great at sleeping.

I say this and I am just jealous of her.

I had difficulty sleeping when living in the heart of London.

As soon as it got dark in the darker months I would want to go to bed and sleep – it’s just natural for me but at 6 p.m. in the winter it’s a bit of a problem. A disturbed night as sirens from police cars, ambulances and the drunken shouts of a late night reveller would ensure a broken night.

In the warm nights of Summer when it was dark at midnight and light at four a.m. I would have sleep deprivation as when there is light “I am awake!”

Every so often when I do get a good nights sleep I am awaken before my body is ready by my wife saying “look”.

From my slumber my bleary eyes slowly focus on a thing of beauty that nature has delivered to us and I survey the view of the hills below which are bathed in a beautiful light whilst I am reclining in our bed.

I feel guilty if the I am too drowsy to really appreciate what mother nature has put before my eyes and I then make an incredible effort to rouse myself so that I don’t miss this snapshot of our life.

I, however, am comforted that I will be able to enjoy another magical view on another morning when I am more engaged in life.

Wake up early, you won’t regret it.

I urge our guests to leave the blinds in their rooms open and be woken up by the light in the early morning and take their chance to see the potential heartwarming view in the morning. I can’t guarantee a splendid view as mother nature is in charge of the daily event and it is up to her to deliver, our guests have the option of turning over and going back to sleep and getting up when their body tells them it is ready. It appears to me to be a win-win situation.

Experience spectacular mornings from the comfort of your bed (sometimes) at GlenMyu Estate, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

We have three kingsize bedrooms at GlenMyu Estate which have floor to ceiling windows which look out onto the valley below towards the South Coast of the Island.

Waking up to a spectacular view is a great start to a day.

If you want to find out more about a stay in the Sri Lankan Hill country please visit our website via the link below.

What gets you up in the morning? Read More »