Swimming Pool. Archives - GlenMyu Estate Luxury Bed and Breakfast

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 »

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 »

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 »

Swim as the sun goes down in fresh water

Swim twice a day, is it indulgent?

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

Is it indulgent to swim twice a day?

I was swimming in the swimming pool at GlenMyu Estate and the question came into my mind “Is it indulgent to swim twice a day?”.

We had recently had different sets of guests from the UK and then from Australia that had inspired me to get back into the water.

In the past I had occasionally swum in the morning and the evening. It was something that I really enjoyed and, like many things, I had gotten out of the habit.

However, my thoughts about swimming more than once a day made me realise how lucky I am. Also, when I see guests loving using our Natural Spring-Fed Infinity Swimming Pool, it gives me great pleasure to share this unique experience.

Is swimming good for you?

Website Swimming.Org list 8 Benefits of Swimming.

They include

A fully body workout
Great for general wellbeing
De-stresses and relaxes
Burns those calories
Lowers the risk of diseases
Supports the body
Increases your energy levels
Exercising without sweat

These are all very good reasons to swim and there are of course many more you could add to the list.

One that I would add is that it makes you feel great!

Famous swimmers - I'm in good company.

There are lots of notable people that enjoy a daily swim.

America – the White House.

The website Whitehouse History has an article about “A pool for the President”. Apparently Gerald Ford was an avid swimmer. The White House Press Room was converted into a swimming pool during Richard Nixon’s Presidency.

Nixon didn’t use the pool very often. Harry Truman, John F Kennedy and Lyndon B Johnson were regular users of the swimming pool.

The original indoor pool at the White House was installed for Franklin D Roosevelt in 1933. Due to his polio diagnosis he swam for regular exercise.

I wonder how many swam twice a day?

Swimmers from the stage and screen.

Australian Actress, Nicole Kidman claims it was her favourite form of exercise. Nathalie Portman started swimming to ease muscle pain when filming the “The Black Swan” to ease the pain of rigorous training.

Kelsey Grammar, who plays Dr Frasier Crane takes about swimming for exercise.

Actress Hilary Swank was a good age grade swimmer and went on to compete in the Junior Olympics.

Even a podcast host.

In order to keep up with current events and politics in back in the UK, I listen to several podcasts.

One podcast that I subscribe to is “The Rest is Politics” is hosted by Alistair Campbell and Rory Stewart.

I regularly hear Alastair Campbell gushing about his morning cold water swim in the Hampstead Heath Ponds and Lido in London. He is quoted in the Standard Newspaper that “You can have a proper swim. We go very, very early and there’s a crowd there with some good chat.”

Swimming twice a day - I don't feel indulgent.

When we don’t have guests at GlenMyu Estate I often do a lot of manual work around the grounds.

My main responsibility (and enjoyment) is to keep the grass on the lawns and pathways looking good. I can spend hours maintaining the land and it is quite physical work for a “fiftyish” year old.

Swimming before brush cutting and then at the end of the day is really good to ease those muscles and makes me feel great.

Swimming is great after a days hiking for our guests.

Lots of our guests enjoy a day trip from GlenMyu Estate to hike at Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Horton Plains National Park, The Pekoe Trail, Lipton’s Seat, Ella Rock or Mini Adams Peak amongst others.

Most guests, although they are quite fit, find the hikes some strain other bodies. Swimming in the pool at GlenMyu Estate is an enjoyable way to ease those muscles and spend some more time with your friends or your family.

We love it when our guests swim twice, three times....and more each day.

I really like to encourage our guests at GlenMyu Estate to use the pool.

Some part of the year, when there is less sun, it is a little chilly when you enter. However, you really feel alive and it wakes you up.

The pool is situated away from the house and our guest love the privacy. Don’t you hate going to a pool with bystanders watching from their hotel rooms that look onto the pool. I admit that I was always conscious that my body was quite far from looking like the Rock Johnson or Arnold Schwarzeneggar!

We also don’t use chlorine in the pool so you don’t leave the water smelling of chemicals.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate, Swim and 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.

Swim twice a day, is it indulgent? 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 »

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 »

Wedding Photo Shoot

wedding, wedding venues / By Mikeez

A first for us - A Wedding Photo Shoot at Glenmyu Estate, Haputale.

We hadn’t considered Glenmyu Estate as a background where the Bride and Groom would have their wedding photos taken.

We do consider Glenmyu Estate to be a beautiful place and we a really proud of what we have developed here. We also are excited about the years to come where the planting around the grounds becomes more established and the continual landscaping we carry out make more beautiful spots to discover around the property.

No weddings here …… well perhaps if it is a small one.

We had not considered having weddings at Glenmyu Estate as we only have three bedrooms and insufficient facilities to cater for a large number of guests. Typically local weddings in Sri Lanka would have upwards of 100 guests and we just can’t accommodate such a larger number.

However, if in the future we were approached to hold a small wedding for up to say thirty guests, we might just be able to manage.

Our first wedding shoot

We were approached by a friend for the Bride and Groom (Dakshi and Hasitha) to take their homecoming photos at the Estate. We didn’t have any guests staying on the day and therefore agreed to the request.

It wasn’t the best day weather wise however, the photographers at Sparkle Lifetime Wedding Studio, Rathnapura were experienced and were able to get some great photos on the lawn in front of the house and also by the swimming pool.

The Wedding and the Homecoming - what’s this all about?

In Sri Lanka the wedding normally is hosted by the Bride’s family and takes places local to where the Bride’s family resides.

A few days (or longer) after the wedding ceremony there is Homecoming which is like another wedding reception. The Homecoming is given by the groom’s family and marks that the groom is “bringing home” a new bride.

Traditionally Brides left their homes and joined the groom, a practice which is still widely held in rural areas in Sri Lanka. Nowadays, most married couples choose to build their own home, however, at times there is a period where they would live at the groom’s home until there is sufficient resources saved until they move into their new home.

The Bride would also typically wear red for her Homecoming.

A gatecrasher!

As we have seven dogs on the Estate and sometimes they get excited about new visitors coming we kept them in their kennels when the wedding party arrived.

One of our dogs just loves people and is not housed in the kennel and managed to make his escape and introduce himself to the bride, groom, photographers and a few friends.

He is a lovely looking friendly dog and no-one had a problem with him gatecrashing the event.

The Thank You Card

The Bride and Groom normally present their guests with a thank you card as they leave the homecoming and the photographers downloaded the chosen picture to be printed so that they could be handed out that evening.

Photobombing - by a dog!

Well, this is the photo that …… they chose for their thank you card.

Who is that dog?

We heard a few days later that our dog was the talk of the homecoming with everyone asking “who is that dog”.

I guess that in years to come Dakshi and Hasitha will look back at this photo and it will bring back good memories.

A happy life

We at Glenmyu Estate wish Dakshi and Hasitha a long and happy marriage and we are delighted that they were the first couple to have their homecoming shoot at our place.

More photo opportunities at Glenmyu Estate

There are lots of opportunities to take great photos of your own at Glenmyu Estate.

Whether it is being photobombed by one of our dogs, taking shots of the other flora or fauna on the estate or the spectacular views from the lounge and bedroom balconies you are bound to get a keeper.

Photos of friends and family relaxing in the lounge or enjoying a meal sourced from our organic garden at one of the dining places inside or outside the property opportunities to make lasting memories.

If you want to see the post on Sparkle Lifestyle Wedding Studios Facebook Page please click on this link https://www.facebook.com/SparkleLifestyleWeddingPhotography/photos/5028648563832665

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.

Wedding Photo Shoot Read More »

An Egg Hunt ….but it’s not Easter!!!

Accommodation, Holiday, Organic, Our Animals at GlenMyu Estate, Photography, Sri Lanka, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By Mikeez

An Egg Hunt… but it’s not Easter

It’s been a really steep learning curve being new to raising ducks and only being 18 months in

It started with a ......

A spur of the moment birthday present for my wife in late 2019 brought four ducklings to GlenMyu Estate.

We didn’t know at the time that you cannot work out the sex of the duckling until it grows a bit and therefore we were unsure what mix of a batch we had picked from the retailer.

Waiting, waiting and......

We waited with anticipation and we thought that we were lucky as it turned out we had two males and two females. We thought we would have a stream of eggs coming from these pairs in the coming months.

Little did we realise that there is a rule of thumb ratio of one male to four or five female ducks however we were soon to find this out. From the markings we appeared to have two Muscovy Ducks and two ….well we don’t really know what they are!

The dominant Drake would bully the Muscovy Drake and it was pitiful to watch.

One day the Muscovy Drake decided enough was enough and flew away never to be seen again despite and extensive search by us and our team. We often think about what happened to him. Did he manage to survive or was he lunch for a mongoose or one of the other predators that may be hiding in the forests.

Anguish and agony!

The remaining Muscovy female was a little bit lost for a few days however settled into life with her duck house mates.

The Muscovy female decided one day that she was going to sit on her eggs and our egg production was reduced however, we were intrigued to see what would happen

Amazing Mother Nature.

We are amazed by mother nature and how animals, without any training or knowledge, instinctively mate, deliver and care for their offspring.

Been here....done it!

We had witnessed this with our first dog, Clove, who had been on heat whilst we were in Colombo and we missed the boat on getting her spayed to avoid adding to the already large number of dogs in the community.

Clove was so young but delivered, cleaned and fed her seven puppies to our astonishment and admiration. We were disappointed that she decided after three or four weeks feeding them was too much of a bother and handed the responsibility over to us!

Mama Duck.

Mama Duck, as she is now known, also instinctively did what was required to see seven eggs through to the emergence of seven beautiful, cute, and hungry ducklings.

Mama Duck has turned out to be quite prolific and has delivered several batches of new life since.

The Lonely Duckling.

We have one of her offspring who are now sitting on its own batch of eggs and we are awaiting to see if she are as successful as their mother is. Mama Duck is also sitting on eggs so we are expecting lots of new arrivals in late July or early August.

Both females are sitting on eggs in the security of the greenhouse and duck house. This is a first as Mama Duck usually sets up her next near our Temple Rock which is not secure from predators and we have had many nights of lost sleep concerned about her safety. We are sleeping better now knowing that they are better protected and can be locked in at night.

You have to laugh.

We joke that every morning we have to go on an egg hunt to find where the ducks have laid their eggs so we can collect them. They can lay their eggs in the most awkward of places and are really good at hiding them!

Hide and Seek!

One of the other females is now laying and hiding her eggs in anticipation of sitting on them delivering more life to GlenMyu. She has tried a few spots before settling on one place.

Around six thirty this morning I decided I would go open an egg hunt and watch where she went after her morning dip in the stream.

I kept my distance and had an idea of roughly where she was sitting.

At around midday I had a look at the spot and eventually uncovered five eggs well hidden by leaves, grass and other flora. I took a short video showing what I found.

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.

An Egg Hunt ….but it’s not Easter!!! Read More »