luxury destinations Archives - GlenMyu Estate Luxury Bed and Breakfast

Veganuary 2023

In 2022, at GlenMyu Estate we launched our Vegan menu in support of Veganuary and to reflect the changing requirements of our customers. We are revamping our Vegan menu in support of Veganuary 2023.

How was our Vegan menu launched in 2022 received?

Our guests really enjoyed the dishes that Ruwanthi has devised.

When our guests arrive we normally offer a small range of meal options and lots pick our Sri Lankan Paratha Sharing Platter.

The platter varies depending on seasonal items available and normally consists of:

Freshly prepared parathas

Aubergine curry

Jackfruit curry

Kohlu curry

Passionfruit leaf salad

We had two ladies from Austria who said that they had not eaten as delicious food in Vienna.

A couple from Melbourne, Australia really enjoyed their Vegan meals as they had found that Vegan meals had mainly been just eating rice and curry around the Island.

And we have also been surprised on the number of guests who have either been Vegan or Vegetarian who have stayed at GlenMyu Estate in 2022.

If you want to view our existing Vegan Menu please click the tab

We are not Vegan but…

At GlenMyu Estate we still offer meat, fish and vegetarian meals.

We feel we need to do this to reflect the requirements of our customers.

However, we are pleasantly surprised of the amount of people that have stayed with us that are vegetarian or vegan.

We will continuously adapt our Vegan and Vegetarian Menus with a plan to establish a reputation as a place to go for Vegan and Vegetarian food.

A change is coming

There are several factors which has led us to come to the conclusion that there will be more requirements for Vegan food in the future.

The events of early 2022 should result in the change in peoples habits being quicker to take place.

We list some of the events that have led us in our thinking.

Inflation and rising costs

The economic crisis in Sri Lanka had led to change in habits for people on the island.

The lack of fuel available earlier in 2022 lead to goods not being able to be transported around the island.This led to us looking at substitutes for things like butter and milk leading us to more use of fresh coconuts.

Import restrictions and the depreciation of the Rupee led to a shortage of chicken feed which in turn reduced the number of eggs being produced. A forecast food shortage led to the Government encouraging people to grow more fruits and vegetable in their gardens, in pots on windowsill and other means to try to fill this expected gap.

Inflation has skyrocketed here.

CCPI based headline inflation recorded at 64.3% on year-on-year basis in August 2022.

It is a real challenge for people to cope as wages have not increased and this has led to many missing meals as it is unaffordable.

The Current Situation

A fuel quota system has been introduced so we are seeing supermarket shelves filled again and those stales are in reasonable supply.

The costs of some staples have been reduced however are significantly higher than last year. For example rice was around 110 rupees per kilo and now is 240 per kilo.

A fertiliser ban was revoked and is now imported and being donated by other countries. This should lead to an increased production of crops such as rice next season.

The Country wants to go down the organic route and we think it will achieve this in the future however it must be phased in slowly.

An increase in Tourist numbers

We were pleased to see that in August 2022 most Foreign Office advice was lifted by many countries and it was considered okay for tourists to visit this paradise island again.

There have also been press about the number of airlines that will start flying to Sri Lanka again from early November.

The country really needs to generate more foreign income to try to get the economy back on track so we really appreciate tourists coming wherever they stay in Sri Lanka.

So, we at GlenMyu Estate, are looking forward to welcoming guests and them sampling the menus we have to offer.

Veganuary 2022 - The Numbers

According to the Veganuary website the good news is that.

629,000 signed up

228 Countries & Territories took part

1,540 new vegan products and menus launched

There is a free celebrity recipe booklet to download if you sign up with your e mail.

On the website there are also Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks and Sweet Treats recipes that you can try and experience homemade Vegan food for yourself.

Maybe sampling some of our Veganuary 2023 will start you on your Vegan journey.

Although we still eat meat, chicken and fish we have changed our own diets so that it is much more plant based. Our aim is to do our bit for the environment along with eating healthier.

As more of our guests opt for Vegetarian and Vegan dishes this reflects what we tend to eat also.

When I was growing up in the UK there was very little in the way of offering for Vegetarian and Vegan food. I’m delighted that there are so many tasty options nowadays and we hope that your experience at GlenMyu Estate will provide a reason to consider a change of lifestyle.

Experience our Vegan menu supporting Veganuary 2023 at GlenMyu Estate

You can contact Ruwanthi at GlenMyu Estate for bookings via the green WhatsApp button or write to Michael by E-mail michael@resortglenmyu.com

Here is a taste of what GlenMyu Estate is all about;

3 Kingsize Double Bedrooms with Spectacular Views

2 Spacious Lounges with views over the hills below the house

A Natural Spring-Fed Infinity Swimming Pool

5 Acres of land to explore

Delicious bespoke meals freshly prepared by the host

A selection of places to dine

A place to relax and be closer to nature

Within reach of the following tourist sites:

Diyaluma Waterfall and Upper Diyaluma Pools

Horton Plains National Park – Mini Worlds End, Worlds End and Bakers Falls

Adisham Bungalow

Lipton Seat

Dambetenna Tea Factory

Bambarakanda Waterfall

Thangamale Bird Sanctuary

Ella Town

9 Arch Bridge

Little Adams Peak

Ravanna Waterfall

Please also visit our website for further details and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Veganuary 2023 Read More »

All I want for Christmas is……..a comfortable chair!

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

All I want for Christmas is...... a comfortable chair!

What is it about a comfortable chair?

If a chair is comfortable enough its a great place to:

read the newspaper and pick up on yesterdays goings on and all the gossip

get stuck into a book and never lift your head

take in the view and just feel that you are so lucky

think without any distractions

have a conversation with a friend or loved one

have a delicious cup of tea or coffee, whichever is your poison

have a glass or two of something a little stronger

or perhaps to have a much deserved forty winks!

I really like the idea of having a chair that’s so comfortable you can just nod off.

Surely, that’s just bliss!

I have been to many hotels over the years where there isn’t a comfortable chair in the room.

Mostly there is only one chair so, being a Gentleman, my wife tends to be the recipient of the desirable object.

I have a theory that, if there are comfortable chairs in the bedroom, guests are unlikely to leave the room, and therefore provide the hotel with an opportunity to make sales.

This really makes sense but it’s just not what we are about in the Hill Country.

No compromises at GlenMyu Estate, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

An important requirement for me when furnishing the house at GlenMyu Estate was to have comfortable chairs in all the bedrooms and in the lounges.

If I wasn’t comfortable sitting in the chair, I didn’t want to offer it for a guest to sit on!

I just think that this is fair to the customer.

Sometimes we have given up a bit of style for comfort, however, I really believe that it’s a compromise worth making.

A little bit of research which opened up various rabbit holes!

As I was thinking about a comfortable chair I decided to do a few searches on the internet and see what I could find.

Well, it led me to some crazy but interesting places!

The Chesterfield

One of the most desirable sofas is the famous Chesterfield.

I found a “History of the Chesterfield Sofa” on timelesschesterfields.com

It talks about that they are one of the most world renowned sofa designs. They are defined by their large, rolled arms that are the same height as the back.

The Chesterfield design allowed gentlemen to sit comfortably without creasing their suits.

Chesterfields date back to the mid-1700’s when Lord Philip Stanhope commissioned a piece of furniture that evolved into todays Chesterfield sofa.

Lord Philip Stanhope was the fourth Earl of Chesterfield and this is where the name comes from.

For more information on the history please visit

There are several factors which makes a chair comfortable and they are outlined in the following blog.

https://www.residencestyle.com/the-types-of-chairs-what-makes-a-chair-comfortable/

Music and comfortable chairs???

The Comfortable Chair album by The Comfortable Chair

I was surprised to find that there was a California based pop psychedelic sextet called “The Comfortable Chair” which was formed in 1968 and only released one self titled album that year.

The name of the band refers to sitting in a comfortable chair while meditating.

They feature in a Bob Hope and Jackie Gleason comedy movie called “How to Commit Marriage” and played a rock group associated with the young people in the plot. They performed a protest song called “A Child’s Garden”.

Their songs can be found on YouTube.

The Kooks - The Sofa Song

Ed Sheeran - Sofa Lyrics

“The 7 Best Songs about Furniture EVER”

Now this is getting a bit silly!

Here is the link if you are interested in finding out more!

https://www.piecebypieceinteriors.com/blogs/the-7-best-songs-about-furniture-ever/the-7-best-songs-about-furniture-ever

Comfortable Chairs and Sofas at GlenMyu Estate, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

We have leather sofas, comfortable armchairs, wooden chairs with rounded backs, metal chairs

Even the metal and wooden chairs we have are comfortable.

A little bit more about GlenMuu Estate.

We would be delighted if you would spend some time at GlenMyu Estate to enjoy this unique experience with us.

For more information, rates and availability please visit our website and contact us either by telephone, whatsapp or by email.

All I want for Christmas is……..a comfortable chair! Read More »

Relax by the Natural Spring Fed Swimming Pool at GlenMyu Estate, Hotel and Bed & Breakfast, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

Top 10 Hotels in Haputale

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

Top 10 Hotels in Haputale

We are delighted at GlenMyu Estate, Haputale, Sri Lanka to be featuring on the Top 10 Hotels in Haputale on the Agoda website.

We are new - Opened in 2021

GlenMyu Estate, Hotel and Bed & Breakfast, was opened in 2021 during the middle of the pandemic.

Therefore we are still a really new hotel in the Haputale area as there was limited opportunities to host guests due to lockdowns and the wait for the vaccine rollout.

Experience GlenMyu Resort before the word gets out! - top 10 hotels in Haputale

As we have had few guests in 2021 due to the pandemic we are really just getting started. The guests that we have hosted so far just love it here and the reviews on Google support their feelings about our place in the Hill Country.

We are getting more and more enquires and bookings and we are looking forward to a busy December and a great 2022.

Why are we one of the Top 10 Hotels in Haputale?

Well, we don’t have any input into why we are on the list, however we think we provide a unique experience and environment for our guests. We are just really proud that we feature on the list.

What, where and why?

There are plenty of questions to answer about our wonderful piece of this Paradise Island so I will try to outline the answer to the question “What is GlenMyu Estate?”

Set in five acres - top 10 hotels in Haputale

The property is situated within five acres of the Sri Lankan Countryside. There is a feeling of being connected with nature and there is plenty or flora and different fauna that visits the land.

Being in a green space is a great feeling coming out from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Three Luxury Bedrooms with views of the Southern Hills.

The house at GlenMyu has three king size en suite bedrooms which look out to the valley below and has an ever changing view.

The bedrooms have floor to ceiling windows that allow you to wake up to the sun brushing over the hills.

Don’t worry – we have mirror stickers on the outside of the windows in the bathrooms keeping your privacy!

The two bedrooms on the middle floor have concrete baths which are a delight to soak in and watch the stars at night.

Spacious, comfortable lounges

The bedrooms are attached to the comfortable lounges on the middle and lower floors each of which gives a different aspect of the view.

We have two snugs, one on each floor, which are great places to have a drink or a snack and a chat.

We have deliberately chosen comfortable sofas and chairs and it wouldn’t be unusual to nod off for a while after a hard days vacation!

Dining in the House with a view or alternatively Al Fresco around the property

There are different options on where to dine in and around the house.

The dining table is situated on the ground floor and has some great views of the valley below. Watching and listening to the birds as you are eating breakfast in the morning is just blissful.

A Natural Spring Fed Swimming Pool - top 10 hotels in Haputale.

We just love our swimming pool!
The pool is long enough to have a good swim and as it is filled with fresh spring water. It is a really refreshing experience.
We love to swim around 8 am and 4 pm as both are a completely different experience.

The swimming pool is surrounded by a sea of greenery and just feels a real luxury and a joy to be living with nature.

The birdsong provides the music while you swim and is an experience not to be missed

Walking and exploring the Estate

We have several walking pathways around the estate for you to get a little bit of exercise. You will also see the different planting we are continuously doing around the land.

We are reintroducing endemic plants to the estate and planting fruit trees to feed the variety of animals, birds and insects.

Our overall aim is to increase the biodiversity on the land making it a comfortable place for you and our daily visitors to be!

Eat Well

We have an organic garden at GlenMyu Estate and we try to use as much as we can in the meals that we provide for our guests.

Papayas appear to grow well here and there is nothing like a Papaya and Banana Smoothie to set you up in the morning.

We also provide Kola Kanda early in the morning and we collect the herbs in the nutritious porridge drink from the land early in the day making it as fresh as possible.

Ruwanthi is a great cook (you only have to look at her husbands stomach as proof!) and she will discuss what you want to eat on the day as all meals are freshly prepared.

There are plenty of places to visit if you fancy an outing from the Estate

GlenMyu Estate is well located for;

Visits to a waterfall: Diyaluma or Bambarakanda.

A hike – Horton Plains/Worlds End/Bakers Falls or Lipton Seat

A visit to the town of Ella to see Nine Arch Bridge, Ravanna Falls and so on.

Where is GlenMyu Estate located

We are located four kilometres from Beragala towards Wellawaya at the 185/14 Kilometre post.
Here is where we are located on Google maps

Why go to GlenMyu Estate, Haputale, Sri Lanka

A new experience, need to relax, be closer to nature, to breathe in the fresh air in the hills, to eat delicious food, a change in environment and so on!

There are too many reasons to come.

Hopefully we will meet you soon and you will be able to let us know why we are on the Top 10 Hotels in Haputale listing.

Swimming in Sri Lanka – A different experience

Holiday, Natural Swimming Pool / By Mikeez

Swimming in Sri Lanka - A different experience.

GlenMyu Estates Natural Spring Fed Infinity Swimming Pool - a different experience

If you want a different experience Swimming in Sri Lanka, we think that we have a good option for you.

Our Natural Spring Fed Infinity Swimming Pool was something that I didn’t want to start until we had finished the building of the house at GlenMyu Estate.

We were living in a building that we had constructed consisting of one bedroom, one bathroom and attached garage to house our car. I didn’t want there to be any delay in building the main house however Ruwanthi was adamant that we start the swimming pool in conjunction with the main build.

I was a little worried that we would run out of money to complete the main house as prices were rising of both labour and materials.

However, Ruwanthi insisted and the builder ploughed on creating the concrete box that we eventually become our swimming pool.

Another good decision by my wife!

Of course once the swimming pool was complete and we started using the pool on a regular bass I was really pleased that she had insisted that we build the pool at the time we did.

It’s hard to explain the feeling of swimming in cool refreshing spring water surrounded by a sea of greenery whilst listening to the birds provide the background music.

Some cheeky Sri Lankan Hill Swallows would sweep over the water and take a sip or two whilst we were swimming. It’s amazing that they take the risk of drinking the pool water rather than from the stream next to the pool. Maybe they have a preference for clean spring water too?

Whilst living in the UK it was always a desire to swim regularly.

The want was never fulfilled either due to a lack of facilities nearby or the hassle of parking and level of chlorine you had to endure.

I like to swim either early in the morning (around 8 am) before the sun starts to increase its’ intensity and attack my bald spot on my head!

The other time I like to swim is around 4.30 pm where the cool water wakes me up towards the end of the day in conjunction with zapping my energy as I complete my target lengths.

I just feel that I am held strongly by mother natures secure and comforting hands and she dazzles me with the natural surroundings bringing me closer to her.

Swimming in Sri Lanka - The surroundings are stunning - but we are not finished yet

We are still landscaping the surroundings of the swimming pool so that when you swim your eyes will delight in the colours we plan to pepper the slope opposite.

Over the next few planting seasons we will be adding plants and trees that will mature into a fruit forest which will feed us, our guests and the biodiversity that we aim to attract to the area.

We believe in sharing what we grow with the animals that visit the land.

A ray of light hits the water at our Natural Spring Fed Infinity Swimming Pool.

Sometimes you will have the pool just to yourself

Our Natural Spring Fed Infinity Swimming Pool just feels like a bit of luxury.

As we only have three guest bedrooms at GlenMyu Estate you are likely to have the pool to yourself on periods during your stay.

Our Natural Spring Fed Infinity Swimming Pool is surrounded by nature and you can feel quite indulgent having a use of the pool to yourself.

As we only have three bedrooms for guests at GlenMyu Estate, there will be times where you will be the only people staying at the estate or other guests will use the pool at a different time than you.

I feel so lucky when I swim on my own. It is a time to think, off load excess energy and just have a bit of me time.

Our pool creates a different experience swimming in Sri Lanka.

Colours as the sun goes down

The Natural Spring Fed Infinity Swimming Pool has beautiful colourful reflections on it when we get a good sunset.

Occasionally we swim a little late and enjoy the kaleidoscope of light that the Sri Lankan sky delivers.

However, once the bats decide the airways are theirs I tend to make an exit and return to the luxurious bathroom in our bedroom for a warming shower.

Experience our pool for yourself - Swim in Sri Lanka.

If you want to experience the luxury of swimming in our natural spring fed infinity swimming pool please contact GlenMyu Estate for details of our rates and availability.

Please click on the following link to find our contact details.

When is it safe to Swim in Sri Lanka.

It is important that if you are wanting to swim in the sea then you consider what time of year you visit the island.

Experience Travel Group has a good article on when it is best to visit if you are swimming at the beach.

Swimming in Sri Lanka – A different experience Read More »

How did I get here?

Birds, Holiday, Our dogs, Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

I sit on the balcony and just wonder “how did I end up here?”

It is a December morning with Christmas fast approaching.

About an hour ago I was woken up by the early morning light that washes over hills below our bedroom window which has a view towards the Southern coast of this Paradise Island.

My balcony sits below a glorious Sri Lankan Fig Tree which is bathed in a kaleidoscope of light.

Music is provided freely by the winged visitors that whistle, tweet and call to each other appearing to be saying “Good morning World!”.

My peaceful start is disturbed by three of my four legged friends that want to join the party.

Mans, and my best friends, are acknowledged by a gentle pat on their heads and then they settle at the balcony end to also enjoy the view.

I look at my temperature gauge and smile as I see the digits twenty three point nine degrees celsius.

Not many years ago I would be fighting my way through the throng of London’s Underground network targeting arriving in the office on time.

I would be wrapped up tightly to ward off the icy blasts of that the European Winter would throw at me.

Approaching the box that would be my coffin for the coming eight or so, hours I automatically pick up a generic coffee which is encased in a ,less than environmentally friendly, disposable cup and my blood pressure would eventually settle after being tormented on the start to a traumatic day.

My coffee today has been picked from the Estate, processed and roasted on a skillet over an open fire. Bean to cup has travelled about two hundred metres.

However I got here, I am just thankful.

To experience a relaxing morning listening to birdsong and being surrounded by a blanket of green come to the beautiful Sri Lankan Hill Country and spend some deserved vacation at GlenMyu Estate, Hotel and Bed & Breakfast, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

Please click on the following link to find out more details.

How did I get here? Read More »

Making Memories

Holiday, Natural Swimming Pool, Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Making Family Memories

I sit and listen to the screams of the three young girls that are braving the swimming pool early in the morning.

They are screams of delight and bravery as they contend with the fresh water that flows into our pool which is sourced from an underground spring.

The wind is making it a bit more of a challenge however I glance at the parents overseeing their daughters at play.

I have a feeling of great satisfaction that we have created an Oasis at GlenMyu Estate where this family can create these memories that they may well talk about in years to come

Earlier in the morning the family had walked to the lower part of the property to feed the monkeys with left over or spoilt papaya. It’s not a practice that I agree with however my wife appears to be committed to the cause and the guests certainly enjoyed being closer to nature.

I watched momentarily from the kitchen and saw the family sitting on the rocks enjoying the sound of the stream. Then the father was guiding his daughters holding a hand over the rocks in the stream. This is what family memories are made of. Just a simple thing, but so important for that close bind between parent and child.

I think back to my younger days in England where the family holiday was a long trip to Devon or Cornwall to a Caravan near the coast. We would spend our time trying to catch fish with our small inadequate nets in the streams or at the seashore. We would jump and leap from rock to rock as it we were mountain goats with nothing to fear.

(My steps are a lot more considered at this age!).

These were joyous simple times that are a warm memory of a childhood.

Yesterday evening the guests arrived at around five in the afternoon and experienced the sunset as a family standing in a row on the balcony. The stunning view and light provided by mother nature did not disappoint.

There were family photographs and a number of selfies taken that will be despatched around the country and the world to family and friends so that they can be part of the experience also.

A special place.

We didn’t expect that what we had created in the Sri Lankan Hill Country would be such a special place for families and we are delighted to be educated by our guests on what we have really provided.

The family were a little nervous of our pack of seven dogs however it did not take any time for introductions and friendships to be made. Within a couple of hours there were selfies and more photographs with the dogs. An unplanned benefit of getting nervous individuals more comfortable with mans best friend is an added bonus from spending time here.

"The House with the Seven Dogs"

We are known as the “House with the seven Dogs” by a previous family that loved the experience so much that they came back for another holiday here within a couple of months. The families two daughters were delighted to reacquaint themselves with the dogs and they had remembered all their names.

Make your own family memories at GlenMyu Estate, Hotel and Bed & Breakfast, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

We have three double bedrooms (one can be converted into a triple room), which have stunning views of the Sri Lankan Hill Country below the house,

There are lots of walkways around the five acre estate to explore and enjoy.

There are rocks to climb and streams to wade in.

Food is freshly prepared by Ruwanthi and the menu is adapted to the guests requirements.

Reconnecting with nature, relaxing and having some time together to strengthen relationships throughout the family are something that appears to come naturally here

Please visit our website, Instagram and Facebook page for more information and to read some guest reviews.

We are also on booking.com and you can also contact us directly via WhatsApp or on telephone 0094 0752999272

Making Memories Read More »

Birds of Sri Lanka – what you might see at GlenMyu Estate, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

Birds, Birdwatching, Holiday / By Mikeez

What kind of birds live in Sri Lanka?

What birds will I see when I stay at GlenMyu Estate, Haputale, Sri Lanka?

We are lucky at GlenMyu Estate to have an environment that is attractive to birds and we have a variety that we regularly see here foraging, nesting and swooping around the land.

Here are some pictures and videos of birds that I have seen visiting the Estate.

Unfortunately my camera and video are great for capturing the birds and if you visit the estate with better equipment you will no doubt get much better pictures than I have!

Here are some videos that I have taken of some birds that visited the estate.

We are also very lucky to have a neighbour who has a lifelong interest in birds and bird watches daily. She has identified a large number of the 34 endemic species of birds that visit this part of Sri Lanka.

How do I find out more about Birds of Sri Lanka?

If you want to know more about the endemic birds of Sri Lanka, the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka has a complete list pf birds and additional interesting information in the following link https://fogsl.cmb.ac.lk/list-of-birds-of-sri-lanka/

Another website where a community identifies birds is https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/birds-of-sri-lanka

Avibase – The World Bird Database gives details of the birds and also some examples of bird song https://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/avibase.jsp?lang=EN

The Ceylon Bird Club is another good resource http://www.ceylonbirdclub.org/endemic_birds.php

Books?

I use “A Photographic Guide to theBirds of Sri Lanka” by Gehan De Silva Wijeyaratne which I find has some good pictures to help identify the birds.

Find out more about GlenMyu Estate, Hotel and B & B, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

There are three king size on suite bedrooms for guests which all have superb views of the hills below.

A natural spring fed swimming pool is available for the use for guests and is a great place to have a refreshing swim or just hang out listening to the nature that passes by.

Where is GlenMyu Estate?

You can find out where we are on the map below.

Birds of Sri Lanka – what you might see at GlenMyu Estate, Haputale, Sri Lanka. Read More »

Hotels in Haputale

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

Hotels in Haputale - A new place to stay in 2021 and 2022.

Opened in 2021, GlenMyu Resort and Hotel is a new luxurious venue enveloped in nature and set in five acres of land in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

The newly built hotel has three luxurious bedrooms all of which have splendid views of the Southern Sri Lankan Hills where you can relax and be at one with nature..

You can see the views from the lounges on the middle and lower floors.

You can also wake up to the glorious vista in the morning from your bed!

Relax, refresh and renew in the Natural Spring Fed Swimming Pool set in a sea of green.

It is really a unique experience swimming in this refreshing water surrounded by the trees and listening to the bird calling each other.

Explore the Estate, watch the ducks, meet our dogs and be at one with nature.

There are plenty of places to explore on the Estate and we have put in seating areas around the land to allow you to sit be and be with nature.

We have around a dozen ducks at the Estate and they are a joy to just watch and see them go about their day.

Where is GlenMyu Estate located?

We are located around 10 km from Haputale Town and Railway station. It takes a total of around 20 minutes to drive down the hill from Haputale to Beragala and the 4 km from Beragala junction to the Estate.

Hotels in Haputale Read More »

The House at GlenMyu Estate, Hotel and Bed & Breakfast, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

Ayurveda in the Sri Lankan Hills.

Ayurvedic medicine and plants, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Ayurveda in the Sri Lankan Hill Country - developing an Ayurvedic Garden.

When my wife purchased the 5 acres estate in Viharagalla, which she later named GlenMyu, it had been uncultivated for many years.

Historically it had been part of the larger Viharagalla tea estate and then used to grow sugar cane.

The land had become overrun by Guinea Grass which was brought in to the country as a fast growing foodstock for cattle. Unfortunately Guinea Grass is invasive and dominates local endemic species of plants and the land was in a poor state.

Lots and lots and lots of work.

There were however, several trees and shrubs that had managed to compete with the invasive grass and there were Jackfruit, Avocado, Coffee, Pepper and Cinnamon growing wild on the land.

Our priority was to build a property for ourselves so we could then develop the estate growing fruits and vegetables for our own consumption.

The Kitchen Garden

We did build a kitchen garden close to the original shack that was on the property and started growing some vegetables early on. Little did we realise that we would be fighting a battle with a host of creatures that wanted to eat our crops.

Monkeys, Wild Boar, Parrots, Bulbuls, Porcupine and an array of insects were challenges to our wish to eat wholesome locally grown organic food.

No drugs, no chemicals, just relying on Mother Nature (and a bit of hard work).

It took some time to protect the vegetable garden and work out what chemical free pest control would keep the insects away. Our steadily increasing collection of orphan dogs were an unexpected part of the solution guarding the land from would be diners.

The estate at GlenMyu is around 100 metres in elevation from top to bottom and the farming practices in the past had made the land vulnerable to erosion. It was essential that we secured the land so whatever we built did not end up at the bottom of the hill.

Neighbours who had restored and maintained their properties were really helpful in giving advice on how to manage and secure the land which we remain truly thankful.

We started planting a variety of trees around the land, ensuring that we had diversity and included a mixture if wood and fruit trees which would lead to a greater level of biodiversity and encourage wildlife to feed and live in security at the estate.

We also contacted to local agricultural department and sourced a variety of trees and plants through them including clove trees, cinnamon and ginger.

Fast Forward Three Years.

Fast forward almost three years since we started developing GlenMyu we visited the Ayurvedic Plant Nursery in Bathgoda which is located around six kilometres away.

We went to purchase a few plants to add some local diversity around the estate with a view to learning about this ancient art and eventually developing an Ayurvedic Garden which would be interesting for visitors to the estate.

We were still getting a bit of unseasonal rain in July which us normally the start of the dry season here in the hills and therefore we though we would make the best of the opportunity and establish some plants in some of the areas we had recently cleared of Guinea Grass.

A larger than expected purchase.

We ended up purchasing over 180 plants and therefore we were committed to the cause. Fortunately we had a night of rain and therefore we could start planting straight away.

My wife knew some of the plants we purchased and some would need research before being sunk into the ground. These plants will be planted around the land and add diversity to the plant stock we have and it will be interesting to see how they develop in their new environment.

The site for our Ayurvedic Garden for visitors is in the process of being cleared and made ready for planting and therefore is a project which will be developed later in 2021. We plan to have a variety of Ayurvedic plants that will be interesting but relevant to our guests and therefore we will be doing a lot of research and preparation during the latter half of the year to ensure we have another place of interest and place to relax with nature on the estate.

The 180 Ayurvedic plants that we purchased are already in the ground which will give visitors a wide variety of species to look at and also provide diversity around the Estate.

Oh No - we need more plants.

It looks like we will be visiting the Ayurvedic Nursery a little later this year again to plant in our Ayurvedic Garden – I wonder how many plants we will purchase on that trip and whether we will break 180 again!

Where is GlenMyu Estate, Hotel, B & B located?

Ayurveda in the Sri Lankan Hills. Read More »

A Beach or the Hills? – the choice is yours.

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

Where should I go on my holiday to Sri Lanka? - I want experience something different and new.

A beach resort or hanging out in the Hills? Different options in Sri Lanka

The idyllic image that comes to mind of Sri Lanka is pristine beaches edged by Palm Trees looking out onto the azure sea with gently rolling waves.

My early experiences of visiting this wonderful Paradise Island reflected the normal pattern of tourists spending their holidays.

The usual tourist thing.

We would arrive at Bandaranaike Airport which is situated on the West Coast of the Island and, after reacquainting ourselves with my wife’s family, we would hug the coastline and visit some of the beach resorts of the West such as Negombo, Bentota, Kalutara and on the South such as Hikkaduwa, Matara or Galle.

In later trip we ventured towards the splendid East Coast visiting Arugam Bay, Passikuda and Trincomalee.

We stayed at Maalu Maalu Hotel in Passikuda and enjoyed a pristine beach with very few other tourists https://www.themeresorts.com.

Each beach has its own unique personality and vibe. Some are great for surfing, some are great for swimming and some are just a place to lie on a subbed and soak up the sun.

A word of warning

It is important that you are aware of the timing of the North Eastern and South Western Monsoons which hit the Island annually so that you can plan what side of the island you should visit on your holiday. The weather and waters are not that friendly depending upon what time you visit.

The Centre of the Island, Cultural Sites, Safaris, National Parks, Hiking, Tea Plantations and Waterfalls

If you are not a sun worshipper and want to wander away from the beaches Sri Lanka has an abundance of things to see and do if you venture inside the Island.

Around 60% of people that visit the Island do not explore the interior.

Do something different!

What people normally do (which is just fine).

Typically a tour would be clockwise around the Island and enjoy a mix of reconnecting with nature, enjoying spectacular scenery and visiting cultural sites.

The itinerary would normally be as follows:
Land at Bandaranaike Airport and stay at one of the beach hotels in Negombo.
Travel towards Kandy and stop at the Pinnawella Elephant Orphanage.

Stay in Kandy and visit the Temple of the Tooth.

Head towards Dambulla and visit the rock temple.

Travel to Polonnaruwa and then Anaradhapura to visit the many ancient temples.

Travel to Nuwara Eliya and visit the tea country and take in a tea factory tour to see how the worlds favourite beverage is made.

Go South and do a safari at Yala National Park.

Visit the former Dutch port of Galle and then head back to Colombo.

It sounds quite exhausting does it?

I have known friends who did this type of trip as part of their honeymoon and then went on to the Maldives for a week of doing nothing on one of those beautiful Islands.

Perhaps it’s my age and energy levels but I always thought that I would need a week of doing nothing if I was going to endure this trip.

Sri Lanka may be a small island however it can be quite exhausting travelling around as it can take quite a while to get from one place to the next.

A stay in the Hills

Being from the UK and experiencing a week or two (if we were lucky) of weather of 25-30 degrees celsius during the summer where we would be complaining about the heat after a few days I am pleased that we ended up in the Hill country.

A pleasant temperature.

I can handle a day or two at a beach resort but I find that I need to get to a place where the temperature is a bit more comfortable for me.

Where we live at GlenMyu Estate the temperature ranges from around 22 degrees to 30 degrees during the day. It can get cooler at night and we provide a duvet for our guests.

Our neighbours advise that we are living in the closest thing to a Mediterranean climate and that is really soothing.

I read some reviews of other hotels in the area before we built GlenMyu where the guest wished that they had stayed there for more than one night as they loved the scenery and climate.

So - do something different and visit the Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is located in the Hill Country of Sri Lanka. The Hill Country is also commonly known as Up Country.

The nearest town is Beragala which is located on the main A4 road towards Welawaya.

The nearest larger town is Haputale which lies 400 plus metres above Glenmyu.

If you enjoy peace and relaxation we believe that there is no better place to be.

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.

A Beach or the Hills? – the choice is yours. Read More »

Holiday in Sri Lanka in 2021

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

Holidays in Sri Lanka 2023 - do something different!

GlenMyu Estate is located in the Hill Country of Sri Lanka. The Hill Country is also commonly known as Up Country.

The nearest town is Beragala which is located on the main A4 road towards Welawaya.

The nearest larger town is Haputale which lies 400 plus metres above Glenmyu

If you enjoy peace and relaxation we believe that there is no better place to be.

Three Luxury Bedrooms

The house has three luxury bedrooms with on-suites and they all have views of the spectacular hills leading to the southern coast of the Island.

In this changing world we believe holidaying in a property which is spacious, luxurious and private for smaller groups of people is the way forward.

New in 2021

The building was completed in early 2021 and we are continuing to improve our offer to our guests by landscaping around the fives acres of land creating special places to experience and generate life long memories.

Western and Asian dining

We lived in the UK before moving to Sri Lanka and are comfortable providing meals to suit the local palette and also visitors from outside Sri Lanka.

Ruwanthi lived in the UK for 14 years and developed her cooking skills there and her learning was supplemented by completing a short Cordon Bleu course.

I am proud to say that our home was the place that everyone wanted to come to for dinner parties.

We have had superb reactions to the food that we have prepared for the guests that have stayed at GlenMyu.

Food sourced from and organic garden.

We have developed an organic garden at GlenMyu and base our menus on the food we produce which we know has had no chemical or non-organic fertiliser has been used. We source as much of the foods that we do not produce here as locally as possible keeping the food miles down and doing our bit for the planet.

Aiming towards a Plant Based Diet

We have personally being moving towards a Plant Based Diet and are developing a menu to cater for the growing demand to live a healthy lifestyle and reduce the amount of meat, poultry and fish consumed.

A flexible menu

We have a sample menu on our website however we tend to discuss with our clients what they would like for their meals and prepare and cook them on the day. We find that this results in less waste and avoiding overeating which I was guilty of whenever I went to a large hotel with an irresistible buffet table!

Swim in our Natural Spring Fed Swimming Pool

Our pool at GlenMyu is surrounded by a beautiful green landscape and is filled with refreshing spring water.

Most visitors swim in the seas off the gorgeous beaches on the coast in Sri Lanka or in heated pools.

Our pool is really refreshing as the water is cool and warms up naturally during the course of the day.

Whether it is an early morning dip or an afternoon swim before retiring for a delicious meal we provide a different experience of Sri Lanka at GlenMyu.

Meet our dogs and reconnect with nature

We have several friendly rescue dogs on the estate which have been great protecting the food that we are growing.

We also have several ducks that roam the estate and provide us with a regular supply of eggs we use for meals and in our cooking.

There is a wide variety of birds that visit the estate on a daily basis and we often have two kinds of eagles circling above in search of their next meal.

Come along and experience something different and new!

We are enjoying welcoming guests and we have had great feedback on the stays to date.

If you are interested in staying at GlenMyu our rates and on our website and if you want to contact us please follow this link.

Where we are located.

Holiday in Sri Lanka in 2021 Read More »