Swim Archives - GlenMyu Estate Luxury Bed and Breakfast

The swimming pool is fabulous at this time of year

Holiday, Natural Swimming Pool, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda / By Mikeez

The swimming pool is fabulous at this time of year.

The swimming pool at GlenMyu Estate is fabulous at this time of year.

As there is more sun warming the water in early April the temperature is really appealing.

Our guests at GlenMyu Estate love it. Some prefer our pool than the warmer bath-like pools at the coast.

Surrounded by nature, and away from the crowds of Ella, GlenMyu Estate is a great alternative option providing a little bit of luxury on your holiday in Sri Lanka.

Wishing reach of so many places and things to do in the hill country most of our guests want to come back again.

What's so great about it?

There are so many things that we love about the natural spring-fed infinity swimming pool at GlenMyu Estate.

The refreshing temperature.

A place to exercise and to relax.

Soaking up the morning sun

Listening to the birds sing

Appreciating the beautiful scenery and landscape

Spending time with friends and family

Swimming by myself

An evening swim watching the changing colours in the sky

Reading a book on holiday

Drawing the natural landscape

The temperature

We really don’t enjoy swimming in a pool that is too warm. It just feels like we are swimming in a bath!

The temperature in the morning is quite cool, however, it’s a great way to start the day. If you are sleepy at all, a morning swim will wake you up!

In the late afternoon, around 4.30 p.m. the sun has gently warmed the water in the swimming pool.

It’s still a little fresh but very comfortable and a great way to the end the day

Many of our guests do a hike when they stay at GlenMyu Estate.

There are a lot of great places to explore, all within an hours drive.

One of the best things about our swimming pool is that you can swim after your hike to ease those leg muscles. Our guests love it!

What we love....

What hikes do we love to do the most at GlenMyu Estate?

We have a few favourites and there are several that we need to experience.

Horton Plains National Park (UNESCO)

A hike around the 11 kilometre circuit at Horton Plains National is one of our favourites.

The entrance fee is a little pricey for Sri Lanka, however the National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It is well managed and a lot of local people are employed to keep the park well maintained.

Upper Diyaluma Waterfall

A dip in the pools after the twenty minute hike to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall is another of our favourite things to do.

This is a less expensive outing and we love it there.

You get the benefits of both a short hike and a swim in the natural pools.

It's so new that it's on the todo list!

The Pekoe Trail

This new hike only opened in 2023 and therefore it is on our todo list.

The trail consists of 22 stages of a 300 kilometre walk starting in Kandy and going through Hatton, Nuwara Eliya, Haputale and Ella.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and swim in the Sri Lanka hill country.

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

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 swimming pool is fabulous at this time of year 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 New Year's resolution - to swim every day.

Today, I was swimming in the rain.

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

Today, I was swimming in the rain.

Today, I was swimming in the rain.

It was only a light drizzle and I was determined to carry out my pre-New Year’s resolution.

A pre - New Year's resolution?

You may well ask, what is a pre-New Year’s resolution?

I may have just made this up to fit what I wanted to do!

In essence I started my New Year’s resolution early.

Inspired by guests at GlenMyu Estate.

I had gotten out of the habit of swimming everyday.
Lame excuses were abundant and once I was out of the rhythm, it was hard to get back.

In early November 2023, we had guests from the UK who used the swimming pool once, and sometimes twice, a day.

I was impressed.

After lots of discussions it turned out that one of the couples’ parents had a swimming pool in the UK. Swimming everyday had become a habit for the family and when there is a swimming pool, they will swim!

I was a little embarrassed when they were surprised that my wife and I didn’t use the pool more often.,

Inspired by them, I was determined to swim everyday.

I would not relent, whatever the weather, and this is why today, I swam in the rain.

My ambition was to swim twice a day but, I knew that when we have guests, this would be a hard goal to achieve.

Swimming in the rain in Sri Lanka.

There are times of the year where swimming in the rain in Sri Lanka would be a challenge.

We had some uncharacteristically heavy downpours in October. I would have forgiven myself for not swimming in this extreme weather.

However, for most of the year, even if it is raining, swimming in the rain poses no difficulty.

Swim in the morning, swim in the evening.

I actually like to swim in the morning and the evening.

As our swimming pool is not heated, a morning swim is refreshing, wakes you up and you know that you are alive.

In the evening, the water has been warmed by the sun and it is a more pleasant temperature with no shock to the system.

It’s a really good way to end the day. Calmness surrounds as I am relaxing my muscles and connecting with nature as the birds start finding their nesting places for the night.

Connecting with nature - swimming in the rain.

You definitely feel more of a connection with nature and the elements when swimming in the rain or other conditions.

I a reminded of this when a couple of Sri Lankan Hill Swallows skim the water taking a sip.

And relax.

Part of the experience is to sit at the end of the pool admiring the nature surrounding you and watching the sky change colour.

It’s then that I feel lucky to be able to commit to my pre-New Year’s resolution.

Swimming, whatever the weather at the pool at GlenMyu Estate is something that you should try for yourself if you are on holiday in Sri Lanka.

I’m sure you would love it as much as I do.

Swim, whatever the weather, at GlenMyu Estate 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.

Today, I was swimming in the rain. Read More »

What’s your New Year’s resolution?

Holiday, Natural Swimming Pool / By Mikeez

New Year's resolution?

New Year’s resolution?

2024 is approaching fast!

This year I’m going to make a resolution that I can keep to!

New Year's resolution - I have failed so many times.

Do you know the feeling?
You try something but don’t see it through.

A friend asks “What’s your New Year’s resolution” and I make one up on the spot!

Most of my New Year’s resolutions have been last minute ones where I haven’t been fully committed to see them through.

Into the gym in January .....for a while.

Yes, like may other people, after the indulgence of the festive period, I have hit the treadmill at the gym for many Januaries.

Unfortunately my commitment levels have not been high. As the weather conditions got more challenging in the UK with the cold and some sleet for snow, to was easy to give up.

New Year's resolution - the one that did work for me.

One that worked for me one year was to give up sweets (candy).

I think the overload of chocolates and sweets consumed during the run up to Christmas spurred me to make a resolution to give up sweets for a year.
The tins and boxes of Celebrations. Rose’s and Quality Street were finished and I did not want any more.

After a few weeks of abstinence I lost the craving and my interest level dropped in a sweet treat. Going to the Newsagents and not picking up aa snickers or a mars bar was easy.

I got to the end of the year and succeeded in my goal.

My craving had gone and I continued going for another year and a half (two and a half years in total) before I picked up another sweet.

And on and on....

The habit and craving had dissipated and even now I have no real desire to have a sweet. When I was last in the UK I did pick up one of my favourite sweets and I was disappointed with the taste. So nowadays I hardly have any sweets.

The New Year's resolution goal?

I really need to get healthier.
Getting older, it’s easy to slip out of the exercise routine and put on a few pounds.

When I first came to Sri Lanka I was living in Colombo close to Parliament. There is a walking track next to the lake which surrounds the parliament building.

I started walking the two kilometres to the walking track. The track is almost four kilometres there and back. I would then walk the two kilometres back home.

When I was walking I would listen to music or podcasts to pass the time. The music was inspiring and some podcasts were also motivational or just for my entertainment.

I downloaded the NHS Couch to 5K and started to do intermittent jogs.
After a while I was doing some jogging as advised by the narrator.

I was felling pretty good about myself, felt healthier and had lost some weight.

A habit easily broken

When we moved to the Sri Lankan Hill country my wife and I walked every morning along the A4 road which runs by the entrance to GlenMyu Estate.

As we are at a more comfortable temperature in the hills, we really enjoyed our walk.

Then we got dogs!
Unfortunately our habit of walking in the morning was destroyed by the dogs that we have collected and now reside at GlenMyu Estate.

As the dogs are protective of us and we would meet lots of other dogs on the road, it became uncomfortable.

And that was it. Our good habit was broken.

A new good habit.

One of the best things we did at GlenMyu Estate was to build the Natural Spring Fed swimming pool.
When we calculated the cost, my wife and did a rough estimate of how many times we would need to use the pool for it to pay for itself.

A good new habit was started and we started swimming lengths weary evening.
We got fit, felt great and lost some weight.

A few excuses and the habit is broken.

Along came some feeble excuses.
It started raining in the afternoon.
We went to the UK and will start swimming when we get back – it didn’t happen.
The waters too cold.
We need to empty and clean the pool.
The guests are using the pool.

So, our good habit was broken again.

Running up to the time to make a New Year's resolution

We were back from the UK.

Of course, we had put on weight and lost fitness from overindulging when spending time with our friends and family.

The plan was to start swimming but there were unusually heavy rains Sri Lanka during late October and through November. Another excuse!

Inspiration comes when really needed.

We had consecutive guests at GlenMyu Estate that swam in the pool once or twice a day.
They loved it and were surprised that we did not use the pool daily.

One set of guests said as they left inspired us to start swimming again. It was not quite a challenge laid down, but it was all that we needed.

An early New Year's resolution!

Why wait to the New Year to start when you have no excuse?

The pool was there, it was available for me to use when our guests were out exploring the Sri Lankan Hill country or eating breakfast.

In the evening, before the sun goes down a window to swim is also open.

I have started early.

Once I had started and started marking the days and distance that I was swimming, it was easy to make swimming daily a habit.

Actually, swimming twice a day is starting to become a habit. Sometimes I do miss my evening swim as circumstances get in the way, but I don’t feel bad as I’ve completed my morning swim.

I'm excited about my progress and what's to come.

There are my first steps (or strokes!) on my journey and I already feel a bit leaner. By completing my daily swim and swims provides a sense of achievement.
I’m determined to continue my goal of swimming every day with a second swim as a bonus.

What's your New Year's resolution going to be?

I do feel lucky that we have a swimming pool at GlenMyu Estate and my resolution and goal does not have many challenges for me to succeed.
The only thing that should get in the way is me and I will not let it be an option.

I hope that you set a challenging, but reachable New Year’s resolution.
Starting the habit starts with one step, so just put one foot forward and start on your journey. Good luck!

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and swim in the natural 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.

What’s your New Year’s resolution? Read More »

Swimming in the mist – a unique experience.

Holiday, Natural Swimming Pool, Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Swimming in the mist.

Whatever the weather swimming in the natural spring fed pool at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lanka is a unique experience.

Despite the weather, swimming when the mist sweeps through the Sri Lankan Hill Country it is a great experience.

The mist provides silence apart from the sounds of the water and some birds flying around.

Water temperature is refreshing and invigorating. The feeling when I finish my swim is amazing.

Swimming in the morning before the sun comes up.

The best start to a morning is to enter the swimming pool and get my exercise out of the way early. Swimming is good for you in so many ways and my muscles get a good workout without the stress as they are supported by the water.

The birds are up and about and provide the background music. As I swim I watch the birds swoop by as they choose where they start their day.

Swimming in the evening.

At the end of the day the colours by the pool make an evening swim a special place to be.

It’s so tranquil watching the colours change as the sun goes down. Any tiredness from the day is washed away by the cool, refreshing water which has been gently warmed by the sun during the day.

Sometimes it just me at the pool. It’s a great time for reflection and giving thanks for another wonderful day in the Sri Lankan Hill country.

The Sri Lankan Hill Swallows swoop and take a sip of water from the pool. I have no idea why they really want to do this. Below the pool we have a large stream where they could drink from. There may also be the added benefit of scooping up an insect of two that are on water. Perhaps a small fish that inhabit the stream.

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.

Swimming in the mist – a unique experience. Read More »

Swimming at the natural pool at GlenMyu Estate

10 Tips for Staying Fit on Holiday in Sri lanka

Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Natural Swimming Pool, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

10 Tips for Staying Fit on holiday in Sri Lanka.

10 Tips for Staying Fit whilst on holiday in Sri Lanka.

It’s easy to overindulge on holiday and put on a few pounds. Here are our recommendations to avoid this.

Our 10 reasons for staying fit on holiday are in no particular order of importance.

1. Staying fit on holiday - Start with a Swim or a run.

Explore the local area and community early in the morning on your run or jog.

You will most likely get a different experience than you would later in the day.

By doing some exercise early in the morning you will avoid the intensity of the sun and also will have expended some energy for a well deserved breakfast.

At GlenMyu Estate it is reasonably safe to jog along the road as traffic levels are low. You will enjoy a beautiful view of the Sri Lankan Hill Country as you run along the road.

I tend to swim in the morning at the Natural Spring Fed Swimming pool at GlenMyu Estate. An early morning swim is a refreshing and energising start to the day and I feel great when I have completed my lengths.

It’s also good for your should being surrounded by natures colours and sounds as you carry out your daily exercise.

2. Plan a majority of your meals.

We think that it’s really important that you don’t deprive yourself of the wide variety of cuisines available to you on your travels.

However, planning your meals can help you regulate your intake and reduce your chances of overindulging.

Perhaps alternating between sampling local fare and having salads and healthier choices would provide a good balance. It’s easy to ditch the salad when on holiday but having a lighter meal, especially when it’s hot, makes you feel good and healthy.

We provide a healthy and substantial breakfast at GlenMyu Estate, which means that you probably will want to skip your lunch and just have an evening meal. Perhaps a small snack in the mid-afternoon will keep you going until dinner?

Have a look at our food menu before you come and you can ensure that you select a healthy balance for your meals during your stay.

3. Staying fit on holiday - Indulge, but don't overindulge.

Yes, you are on holiday and there are all sorts fo temptations.
– The buffet breakfast where you need to sample everything (my personal issue resulting in my self imposed personal ban from buffet breakfasts).
– You want to get value for the money you have spent on the all inclusive resort.
– Dessert following every meal which you would never do at home.

All the work that you have done in the gym during the year to get those washboard abs could be wasted very quickly.

The answer to staying fit on holiday and not overindulging? Self-control , discipline and balance.

If you’re going to splurge out at dinner, make sure that you eat a healthy breakfast and/or lunch to balance it out.

And those tempting drinks….

Most people tend to drink more on holiday than they do at home. Why not, it’s time for you to relax?

If you’re planning spending some hors at the bar drinking, make sure that you drink plenty of water as well.
You will feel so much better in the morning.

I experienced this when my wife and I were at a wedding in France. The wine kept coming but so did bottles of water. By hydrating as we drank the delicious wine the next morning was much more pleasant.

If you are drinking cocktails remember that there is probably quite a lot of sugar added. So one or two should really be your limit!

4. Go easy on alchohol.

In my experience it is tempting to overindulge on alcohol when you’re on holiday. The drinks are flowing, the sun is out and the conversation is flowing. My idea of a really relaxing holiday!

However, as you are aware, getting drunk can leave you dehydrated.

We are all aware that excessive drinking is not good for your health and just because we are on holiday it doesn’t give your liver a pas! Drinking to much and gettting drunk is also dangerous and risky (too many accidents happen on holiday due to overindulging).

Allow yourself to have some fun but remember, the key is balance.

5. Stay Hydrated.

Make sure that you bring a bottle of water with you to replenish lost fluids. Remember it’s hot in Sri Lanka (or on your sun holiday) and drinking water is a great way to keep healthy when you are on holiday.

Drink coconut water if you can, for optimal hydration benefits. Coconut water is rich in potassium and contains calcium and magnesium. We love king coconuts in Sri Lanka and they are readily available at lots of small shops along the roads as you travel. The shopkeeper will happily slice the top ff the coconut so you can drink it straight from the hole in the top.

6. Staying fit and healthy on holiday - Bring along your medicines, vitamins and supplements

Hopefully you will get a good level of good vitamins and minerals from the food that you eat when you are on holiday.

However, if you are on any medication please remember to bring it with you. You may be able to pick up some medicine when you are on holiday, if you do forget, however, it may not be the brand or formulae that you need.

Keeping up your regular vitamins and supplements whilst you are on holiday will help you stay fit as your body is used to it’s regular top up of foodstuffs that you normally take.

7. Incorporate movement and exercise in your daily schedule to stay healthy on holiday.

You probably do more exercise at home than you think you do. Walking up those stairs at work. Running to catch the bus. Being calories when doing the chores at home.

As you explore the country on your holiday you will no doubt be doing some light exercise unless you are on a long hike.

We would suggest that you take advantage of the facilities available to you. Walk up the stairs rather than using the hotel lift. If there’s a gym, allocate some time to try out the equipment. Book a hike to see the sights. Here a bike and cycle around the countryside. Make sure that you use the swimming pool.

Dance the night away in the local nightclub. Learn to Baila dance so you can show off to the locals.

You may be surprised that doing a mixture of things expend some energy and keep you in trim. The overall aim is to keep moving, burn calories and feel good.

8. Staying fit on holiday - Simple workouts that you can do anywhere.

There’s no excuse to give up your fitness routine when you are on holiday just because you are thousands of miles from the gym.

If your holiday is more lying at the pool catching the sun rather than hiking through tea plantations on the Pekoe Trail there are some exercise that you can do wherever you are. No equipment is needed.

We would suggest that you incorporate some or all of these exercises into your morning schedule so you have a healthy start to the day.

Squats
Lunges
Planks.
Crunches or sit ups.
Push-Ups.

9. Set aside some times to meditate and practice mindfulness.

We find that when tourists visit Sri Lanka for the first time they pack in as many activities to do and as many places to visit as they can.

Although Sri Lanka is a small island (similar in size to Ireland) it takes longer than anticipated travelling from place to place. There are also so many things to see and do on this paradise island you can openly see some highlights during your holiday. Some parts of the island are best visited at different times of the year so you will never be able to see all of the island in one trip.

Over-planning and packing too many things in on your holiday, can leave you feeling exhausted and drained. Making sure that you have regular minutes of quiet and relaxation will help you stay fit on holiday. Ensure that you allocate some good quality time for your regular mediation, yoga or stretching. Take time out to practice mindfulness.

One of our guests at GlenMyu Estate got up early each morning and did his stretching in front of the wonderful view from our main lounge.

Another regular visitor ensures that he does his evening walk on the road above GlenMyu Estate prior to having dinner. It is important to keep up the regular routine that he keeps at home.

There are lots of places around the five acre estate where you can take some time out, sit, rest and be with nature.

10. Get adequate rest and sleep.

Ambient temperature is a crucial environmental factor when it comes to falling asleep and staying asleep.

According to Sleepfoundation the best room temperature for a comfortable sleep is approximately 18.3 degrees Celsius (65 degrees Fahrenheit).

You can read more about the research on the ideal temperature range for older adults to get a good night’s sleep at Healthline quote that, according to a new study, the optimal sleep temperature in the bedroom for older adults is between 20°C and 25°C. (68 to 77 °F). Results were published in the journal Science of The Total Environment.

Night temperatures in Sri Lanka vary around the island. You will find lots of hotels have air-conditioning which you will need to use to get the night temperature down.

Temperatures at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lanka.

At GlenMyu Estate, we only have overhead fans in our bedrooms as the temperatures are cooler in the Hill Country. You can see from the data provided by ClimateData that the minimum temperature is between 16.5 °C
(61.7) °F and 19.7 °C
(67.5) °F during the year. These temperatures as typically at night and therefore within the scientific ranges to get a good night’s sleep.

Some of our guests have told us that they have had the best night’s sleep for a long time when they stay with us.

When it's dark, you get sleepy.

Sunrise and sunset in Sri Lanka do not differ significantly throughout the year. The reason for this is the proximity to the equator.

Typically during the year there will be up to approximately 12:30 hours the longest days happen to be in June. In December a night in Colombo lasts almost 13 hours.

Darkness roughly falls between 17:50 and 18:30 in Sri Lanka. Sunrise is usually between 5:45 and 6:30 depending on what time of year and what part of the country you are in. You can see further information on sunrise and sunset at WorldData.

We don’t get the late lighter nights during the Summer like those in the Northern Hemisphere.

When it gets dark outside you automatically feel sleepy. If it’s dark outside, your body naturally tells you that you should go to sleep”.

A mechanism kicks in when it is dark and floods your body with chemicals that regulates your sleep called melatonin.

When it’s dark outside, the melatonin builds up in your brain, but the daylight breaks it down.

10 Tips for Staying Fit on holiday in Sri Lanka. - Summary.

Start with a swim or a run.
Plan a majority of your meals.
Indulge, but don’t overindulge.
Go easy on alchohol.
Stay hydrated.
Bring along your medicines, vitamins and supplements.
Incorporate movement and exercise in your daily schedule.
Simple workouts that you can do anywhere.
Set aside some times to meditate and practice mindfulness.
Get adequate rest and sleep.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and keep fit.

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.

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10 Reasons Why We Love Our Swimming Pool.

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

10 Reasons Why We Love Our Swimming Pool.

10 Reasons Why We Love Our Swimming Pool.

My wife and I consider that creating our Natural Spring Fed Swimming Pool was our best decision when we built GlenMyu Estate B & B in Sri Lanka.

We love our swimming pool, for many reasons, and our guests at GlenMyu Estate feel the same.

It’s a unique experience in Sri Lanka and we encourage our guests to use it at least once a day.

The pool is a great place to spend some time after a hike at Horton Plains, Little Adams Peak or Upper Diyaluma Waterfall. It eases those muscles that you have had a workout exploring the local sights near to GlenMyu Estate.

Here are our 10 reasons which are in no particular order of importance.

1. It is natural - the water comes from a natural spring.

Our swimming pool at GlenMyu Estate is fed from a natural spring.

The water is cleaned through two natural filters, and finally through a mesh as a final barrier before it enters the pool.

The spring water drops into a shallow pool which gently warms the temperature of the water.

This water then spills into the main chamber so that there is a constant running flow of fresh water feeding the swimming pool.

The water exits from the far end of the pool (the infinity side) and drops into the stream which runs alongside.

Sounds of running water entering the pool and from the adjacent stream adds a calming sound to this natural environment.

2. Swimming surrounded by nature.

An important part of a stay at GlenMyu Estate is reconnecting with nature.

The natural spring fed swimming pool is surrounded by nature which is a feast for your senses.

The shades of green and occasional flash of colour from the flowers that envelop the pool are a delight for your eyes.

Birdsong, running water and sounds of the country are music for your ears.

The cool running water is refreshing for your skin and your touch.

It really is something that needs to be experienced.

3. It is so refreshing.

The swimming pool at GlenMyu Estate is not heated, but we don’t find this a problem at all.

Depending upon what time of day and period of the year you swim, the water can be comfortably warm or refreshingly chilling.

The temperature never gets too cold and I find that after swimming a few lengths I am warmed up.
Both my wife and I now don’t like it when a pool is too hot – it feels like you are having a bath!

The cooler water is really refreshing and I feel alive.
When I am a little tired, swimming a few lengths of the pool really wakes me up and makes me feel more energetic.

4. Morning swims and evening swims.

I really enjoy swimming when the sun is not at its’ strongest.

GlenMyu Estate sits an an elevation of around 1,000 metres above sea level. As we are near the equator the UV levels can be quite intense and it’s easy to turn a painful shade of red.

I love the light at these times of the day which changes the shades of green that surround the pool. The colour of the sky provide variety for your eyes at either end of the day.

5. Top up the tan and swim.

Our guests really enjoy sunbathing by the pool and then going for a swim to cool off.

It is a great way to relax whilst they are at the estate and when they want to have a rest day from exploring the country.

Unfortunately, despite our caution, several of our guests have turned a tender shade of pink from being in the sun too long. As GlenMyu Estate is at a high elevation the UV intensity can be quite strong and catch people out. Be warned!

6. No yucky chlorine smell.

As our water comes from a natural spring and is constantly flowing we hardly use chlorine to clean the pool as it is not required.

We occasionally use a little chlorine overnight and any smell from the chemicals are gone by the morning.

It’s such a great feeling swimming in natural water and being able to leave the pool without smelling of yucky chlorine.

7. Part of my daily fitness efforts

Inspired by recent guests at GlenMyu Estate, I am back to swimming once a day as part of my fitness routine.

I had stopped swimming regularly as I had gotten out of the habit.

Encouraged by our guests, I am now back swimming and feeling great. Sometimes I even swim twice a day. Is that indulgent?

8. Privacy -the pool is not overlooked.

We did consider placing the pool in front of the house which would have provided a wonderful view of the landscape towards the south coast.

It would have been a logistical nightmare to install and then to maintain.

The swimming pool is located a short walk away from the house next to one of the streams that goes through the estate.

We realised that siting the pool away from the house was the best place for it to be. This was reinforced by one of our French female guests that stayed shortly after we opened GlenMyu Estate. She really appreciated that no one overlooked the pool and liked the privacy that it gives.

9. No allocated times for swimming.

One of the surprises I had when I was looking at an advertisement by one of our neighbouring hotels.

They were offering a great deal to pack in the numbers. However, I was aghast at one particular line in the advert.

It stated that you would be provided with an allocated swimming time slot!

I love that we only have three bedrooms at GlenMyu Estate.
There is no need for “allocated swimming time slots”.

We have had one reach group take all three bedrooms and therefore they had the pool all to themselves.
Even if we do have different sets of guests in the three bedrooms it is only occasionally that they go to the pool at the same time.

Sometimes it is a good communal thing to to and guests like to discuss their experience they have had exploring the island and hand out recommendations for the next part of the trip.

10. Occasionally, I have it all to myself.

Maybe I’m becoming a grumpy old man!

I really enjoy swimming by myself taking in the surroundings. It’s almost meditative and although I am doing some exercise, I find it very relaxing.

The particular time of the day when the sun starts to go down and there is soft sunlight filtering through the greenery surrounding the pool is magical.

Sometimes the Sri Lankan Hill Swallows skim the surface of the pool taking in some water. At other times, the gang of parrots who are resident in one of the trees on the estate, skit from one tree to the other making lots of noise.
I love the energy that bring and conjure that they are having a bit of fun expending their last bits of energy before getting their heads down for the night.

Of course, it would be remiss of me if I didn’t say that I also like swimming with my wife (although she does tend to splash a lot when doing front crawl!).

10 Reasons Why We Love Our Swimming Pool. - Summary

It is natural – the water comes from a natural spring.
Swimming surrounded by nature.
It is so refreshing.
Morning swims and evening swims.
Top up the tan and swim.
No yucky chlorine smell.
Part of my daily fitness efforts.
Privacy -the pool is not overlooked.
No allocated times for swimming.
Occasionally, I have it all to myself.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy our 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.

10 Reasons Why We Love Our Swimming Pool. Read More »

The Natural Spring Fed Infinity Swimming Pool at GlenMyu Estate

The Joy of a morning swim

Holiday, Life in Sri Lanka, Natural Swimming Pool, Sri Lanka, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

The Joy of a morning swim

The Joy of a morning swim. I found this again in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

Inspired by recent guest from the UK I am now back enjoying a morning swim at GlenMyu Estate. Habits are easy to break. My wife and I were swimming on a regular basis before going on a short trip back to the UK.

A lame excuse!

We had an excuse when we returned.
In October it is our rainy season during the inter-monsoon.

Usually, we plan our swim for the afternoon after working on the estate when we don’t have guests. I really like swimming around 4.30 pm as the severity of the sun starts to weaken.

So, with downpours in the afternoon we made us a flimsy excuse and missed our daily swim. It’s not a great excuse and with hindsight there was no reason why we should not have swum every day.

The mornings are also good.

Swimming in the afternoon allows the sun to warm up the water a bit. This means that the first entry into the spring water fed pool is a little more gentle. We have no heating in the pool so you really have to have mind over matter sometimes, and just dive in. Once you have swum a couple of lengths then the temperature is lovely.

There are times during the year when we get a lot of sun in the Hill Country, particularly in May when the sun is directly over Sri Lanka. Also during mid June to early September it is quite warm with little rain. When there has been sun I don’t have to be as courageous and it is easy to jump in the water. Actually, during some times of the year my wife and I think that the water is a little too hot and we don’t enjoy swimming as much at those times.

A morning swim makes you feel alive!

There have been times when I have done a morning swim and an afternoon swim, depending on my workload at the estate. I feel really healthy and refreshed swimming twice a day. It is a really a joy to swim in the morning and I really feel alive.

Have a look at our YouTube videos and Shorts by visiting our YouTube channel.

During October, generally, the rains came in the afternoon. So my pathetic excuse for not swimming was not valid.

Inspiration needed, inspiration comes.

Our most recent guests have just left and their last words were that they hoped we would start using the pool and wanted to see photographic evidence!

The couple were from the UK and they swam every day during their four day spell at GlenMyu Estate. Although the inter-monsoon rains were due to be completed, it still did rain quite often during their stay. This did not stop them from swimming and they did not make up an excuse like I did.

It turns out that the husband of the couple grew up with a swimming pool at his parents house and was used to swimming every morning. It’s a good habit and excellent that this has stayed with him all his life. You could see the joy that this lovely couple had swimming every morning, and some afternoon.

Another way I was inspired to swim in our fresh water pool was from listening to one of the many podcasts I subscribe to. “The Rest is Politics” podcast is hosted by Alastair Campbell and Rory Stewart and is a regular listen. Alastair Campbell goes for an early morning cold water swim in Hampstead Heath Pond and Lido. Here is a quote from and interview with Felix Online (the student paper of Imperial College London).

“By August 2022, I was three months into my cold-water swimming obsession. I had been swimming regularly at the Mixed Pond on Hampstead Heath and, supported by the friendly lifeguards and fellow swimmers, had become hooked on the experience of immersing myself in both cold water and nature”.

Well, this was the inspiration that I needed.

The couple left yesterday and I was in the pool this morning. What a joy! The fresh start to the day was really energising and I feel so good. I regretted missing this experience which I could have enjoyed every day.

So, hopefully, this is the start to a good new habit. A joyous morning swim every day – and perhaps one in the afternoon — rain permitting!

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and swim!

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 Joy of a morning swim Read More »

Swimming at our natural pool in Sri Lanka

Why we love our swimming Pool.

Natural Swimming Pool, Sri Lanka, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Why do we love our swimming pool?

Why do we love our swimming pool? Building our Natural Spring Fed Swimming Pool was one of the best decisions we made!

Why a swimming pool?

I certainly never had the ambition to have a swimming pool.

Whenever I swam in a pool in the UK, it was either too cold, or overrun with people. I used to dislike swimming lengths as there was always either someone in front slowing me down or some speedster was on my tail.

It felt very uncomfortable and, the result was that, I really did not enjoy swimming.

This may upset a few people or raise their temperature, but I also found it a little boring. Swimming length after length for such a long time to burn those calories was not very exciting. Nothing to look at and the echo of the noises in the pool was also off-putting.

Swimming on holiday was not much better. It was great to jump in the pool to cool myself off however the UV’s hitting my Northern Hemisphere skin meant that I couldn’t stay in the water for too long. Holiday swimming pools are also mainly for leisure and not for doing a little fitness. I needed to work off those calories eaten at the buffet breakfast!

I was surprised.

My wife was really determined to have a swimming pool. After all, it is an additional attraction for guests.

I was more concerned about spending our budget on the main house and grounds. However, my wife is very determined and she got her way.

We completed the building of GlenMyu Estate during the global pandemic and Sri Lanka was not open for tourists at that time. This meant that we had GlenMyu Estate all to ourselves.

After a hard days work on the estate progressing the landscaping, we started to go for an evening swim together.

I was amazed and surprised at the experience that we had.

The luxury of few.

There was a special luxury to be able to spend the late afternoon swimming with my wife without any other people. Apart from being good for our relationships chatting as we stopped for breath in between lengthy, it was also good for the body.

The strains and stresses on our bodies, which had been used to sitting in front of computer screens for years, were relieved by our swim. We got fitter and were able to increase the amount of time we spent in the pool.

GlenMyu Estate only has three bedrooms and therefore we have no need to provide time slots for the pool like other hotels. There is a luxury to this and we find that often our guests have the pool to themselves as other residents may be out discovering the Sri lankan Hill Country.

Now I have to time my swim.

I try to time my daily swim around guests either early in the morning on late in the afternoon. This gives the guests full access to the pool when they want it.

I’m delighted to be able to share this fantastic facility with our guests.

What do you find special about the swimming pool at GlenMyu Estate?

I love swimming either before the sun is fully up around 8.30 am. It’s a really refreshing start to the day and you know that you are alive as the pool is not heated! However, i assure you the temperature is not too cold and you will enjoy it.

As we are used to the cooler pool temperature we find that when we swim in warmer hotel pools it feels more like a jacuzzi rather than a swimming pool. Our pool temperature inspires you to swim rather than lounge around and play with a beach ball.

Our other favourite time is around 4.30 p.m. when the sun is starting to go down, The pool has been warmed during the day by the midday sun and is a nice temperature. Sometimes we swim through layers of warm into cold which is quite an odd sensation.

A little later, when the sun goes down around 6 p.m. – 6.30 p.m. is another amazing experience to swim. The colours in the sky can be quite spectacular and it easy to sit for a while admiring natures delivery.

Sight and sound

Another thing we love about the swimming pool at GlenMyu Estate is that we feel more connected with nature.

The sounds of the birds that provide the background music and the array of colours from the trees, plants and flowers are something special. Sometimes the Hill Swallows take sips of water from the surface of the pool (despite there being a stream below). I also love the sound of the parrots making loud noises as they speed from tree to tree.

Why do we love our swimming pool? No chlorine!

The swimming pool is filled from a Natural Spring. The water goes through sand and rock filters before reaching the pool. As we are in a region where we get enough rainfall, spread throughout the year, we are able to empty and clean the pool fully every month to six weeks (apart from drier months in July and August).

We don’t use chlorine in the pool as the spring water constantly flows in and out the pool. It’s such a good experience to have to deal with chlorine when swimming and leaving the pool with the chlorine smell.

Sometimes, if we see the start of the build up of some algae, we do stop the water over night and add a little chlorine to clear it, however it is all gone by the morning.

We love that our guests enjoy our pool.

It is a real pleasure talking to our guests about their experience in the pool.

Several of our guests use the pool more than once during the day. Our record is by a German couple who were in the pool four times in one day. We were really impressed!

It’s also great when families spend their time in the pool with their children. I love the noise and the memories that these families create.

I let all our guests know that they have to be careful in the sun as we are around 1,000 metres above sea level. The UV rays can be quite strong and it’s easy to get burnt.

Despite my warnings there have been too many sore red shoulders and legs for my liking!

Easing those legs and the body after a hike.

Many of our guests enjoy a day trip to Horton Plains National Park and complete the eleven kilometre hike.
A dip in the pool to ease those legs is a great way to end the day.

There are some other great hikes within an easy drive from GlenMyu Estate to enjoy which may test the body. Little Adams Peak and Ella Rock near Ella Town is just over an hours drive.

There are several sections of the new Pekoe Trail near to the estate. Some of our recent guests did the hike from Haputale to Lipton’s Seat and enjoyed a swim on their return.

Nearby stages are:
Stage 11 – Horton Plains to Udaweriya
Stage 12 – Udaweriya to Haputale
Stage 13 – Haputale to St. Catherine
Stage 14 – St. Catherine to Makulella
Stage 15 – Makulella to Ella
Stage 16 – Ella to Demodara

Stay in the Sri Lankan Hill Country at GlenMyu Estate.

GlenMyu Estate is located on the Wellawaya/Koslanda Road, four kilometres from Beragala. It is conveniently situated to do day trips to Ella Town, Diyaluma Waterfall, Bambarakanda Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Horton Plains National Park and many more.

We are listed on Booking.com and Airbnb however you can enquire about direct booking rates by pressing the WhatsApp button on our website.

You can see more information about a stay at GlenMyu Estate at our website and follow us on our social media channels.

Experience our Natural Spring Fed Swimming Pool for yourselves when you book your stay in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

Why we love our swimming Pool. Read More »

One of the rescue dogs at GlenMyu Estate and Hotel, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

A dog called Clove and a Clove Tree Orchard.

Holiday, Our dogs, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu / By Mikeez

A story of the rescue dogs we have at GlenMyu Resort and Hotel, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

A dog called Clove and a Clove Tree Orchard.

Cloves remind me of both Christmas and skiing in Europe.

Oranges peppered with cloves sunk in gallons of red wine and brandy on the stove creating an intoxicating beverage on a chilly December day just gives me a glowing warming comfortable feeling.

This perfect combination is something to look forward to as the temperatures dive towards the end of the year.

It’s not a drink for Sri Lanka, apart from maybe Nuwara-Eliya, as it just doesn’t get cold enough here to do justice to this delicious beverage.

What are Cloves?

Cloves are the flower buds of the clove tree which is a tropical evergreen tree known as Myrtaceae Syzygium aromatic.

The trees are native to the Moluccus Islands, or Spice Islands in Indonesia.

Cloves have a strong aroma and a hot, pungent taste. They are used to flavour many foods and in particular meat and bakery products. It is used in Europe to flavour Christmas foods such as …… hence my picture of Christmas when I smell the aroma of cloves.

Indonesia is still the worlds largest producer of cloves followed by Madagascar, Tanzania and Sri Lanka.

An accident or fate? - How we met Clove and she found a place in our hearts

Early on during the build of the main house on GlenMyu Estate we were made aware that some of the construction workers were feeding some abandoned puppies near our gate entrance. Once of the three foundlings had already dies and there were two black waifs struggling to survive. My wife Ruwanthi went up to investigate and brought the starving creatures down to the garage.

My parents had always had dogs when I was growing up and Ruwanthi was the same however, we had not considered having any animals ourselves. We both had worked long hours in the UK and it would not have worked for us and we would not have been able to provide the care for the animals so the thought had not entered our minds.

Our small Clove Orchard

The agricultural department supplied us with around thirty trees which we planted in an area where they would get sufficient shade for them to survive during the warmer months from mid June to mid September.

Our worker dug some rather large holes before planting however as the land is very rocky it was important to provide the trees with the ability to establish their roots without too many obstacles.

Once planted they looked a bit lost as they were so small however, as we have learnt over the last few years, they require sufficient space when they are established to thrive.

Early on I planted lots of coleus around the saplings which gave them a bit of shade when needed and a bit of colour in the developing orchard.

It has taken a lot of work initially watering, clearing around the trees and occasionally feeding with organic compost made on the estate. I patiently inspected them over the months hoping that they would change from waif like twigs into something that resembles a proper tree.

In the last few months however they really appear to have got going and hopefully it will not be too long until we are ready for our first harvest.

Clove and Cinnamon were destined to become part of our family

Our outlook on not having dogs soon changed as both Clove and her sister Cinnamon became embedded into our daily life.

After the initial continual feeding, trips to the vet, injections, skin treatments and so on they became lots of fun and something both Ruwanthi looked forward to waking up to.

Unfortunately Cinnamon did not survive, which broke our hearts, and we were left with Clove who became an important member of our family.

Clove is such a lovely dog, who is so friendly with everyone it is difficult for her not to melt your heart.

Cooking with Cloves

What are Cloves used for in Sri Lankan cooking?

Clove recipes

Come to GlenMyu Estate and see what other trees, fruits and vegetables we are growing

We were lucky enough to have some established trees on the five acre Estate and we have continued to plant more trees and other plants as we have developed the land.

We have an organic garden which provides the staples to lots of the items we serve on our menu. We are also developing Plant Based, Vegetarian and Vegan Menus as an offering for guests who stay at the Estate.

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.

Please visit our website https://resortglenmyu.com for further details or contact Ruwanthi by WhatsApp.

We hope that you come an enjoy our little part of paradise and watch it grow.

Where we are located.

Can I bring my own dog to GlenMyu Estate?

We love dogs, however, as GlenMyu Estate is home to seven dogs we do not permit guests to bring their pets.

We believe that the risk, however small., would be too much and both the guests and ourselves would not be able to enjoy your stay as we would be concerned about your pet and ours.

A dog called Clove and a Clove Tree Orchard. 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 »