About us.
Ruwanthi and Michael’s story about Ninada Jala and GlenMyu Estate.
The how’s, why’s, when and what brought us to Sri Lanka.
Our story starts around twenty years ago.
Writing a story about us does not come naturally to either Ruwanthi or Michael.
We are both introverts although we often come out of our shells as we are inspired by the guests we host at both GlenMyu Estate and Ninada Jala Villa. So, it has been left to Michael to write this account of our partnership and marriage together.
It may be worth fact checking with Ruwanthi some of what I write to see how much I have got right and the numerous things I have probably mis-remembered!
We met on the dance floor!
So many of our guests met online.
I’m afraid that online dating was in it’s infancy in 2004 and I was a little shy about adding and promoting myself on the web (remember I’m really quite an introvert).
Ruwanthi was working in London from time to time in clothing and merchandising and one of her colleagues suggested that she accompany her to a Ceroc dancing class.
Ceroc is a mixture of salsa and jive – the steps are quite simple (a vital requirement for Michael!).
Michael had been dancing at several Ceroc venues in and around London and ISH (International Student House) next to Great Portland Street Tube station was where Ruwanthi and Michael first met.
A little more about our backgrounds
Ruwanthi is Sri Lankan and spent many years in the garment industry working in Sri Lanka and across Asia and Europe.
She spent 16 year in London during that time she met Michael.
Michael was born in Scotland but spent most of his school and working life in England and London. He spent most of his career in Banking.
Ruwanthi did mention to Michael in the early days of the relationship that she did plan to move back to Sri Lanka and live with her parents. Michael may or may not remember this conversation!
During annual holidays spent in Sri Lanka we toured the country looking for a piece of land for Ruwanthi to purchase.
After many dead ends and red herrings Ruwanthi purchased the land that was to become GlenMyu Estate in 2011.
A five year plan was extended to a seven year plan to move to Sri Lanka.
In 2016 we moved to Sri Lanka and in 2018 we started developing the five acres into what eventually became GlenMyu Estate.
GlenMyu Estate was established in 2022.
Building in Sri Lanka is not the easiest endeavour and the task was left mainly to Ruwanthi to manage and deliver as she had the advantage of speaking the language.
Actually, developing an organic farm with guest accommodation was Ruwanthi’s dream. Michael did help a little from his experience of funding property developments in the UK, but I assure you most of the hard work, stress and strain was on Ruwanthi’s shoulders.
A few hiccups along the way
GlenMyu Estate was opened to guests in 2022.
Ruwanthi and Michael did not have a history in hospitality, however we had travelled a lot and knew what we liked. We hoped that our guests would like what we had to offer.
Actually, we didn’t know whether we would like the business and could have been closed almost as soon as we opened if it wasn’t for us.
It turned out that we loved it!
Our guests really enjoyed their experience at GlenMyu Estate and their reviews of their stay reflected this. They were happy to recommend their friends and make return visits themselves.
We were amazed and truly thankful for the support that we got from our guests. One of the aims was to make GlenMyu Estate a place where you felt like you were visiting some friends.
We love the interactions and relationships we build with our guests.
Tell me about Ninada Jala
There was originally a cowshed on the estate which had fallen into disrepair. What was left was a base and some of the remnants of the walls.
We originally rebuilt the cowshed to host some of the animals that we have/had on the estate. The local builder who contracted the stone walls created a special place for the animals. It hosted chickens, cows, ducks and a plant nursery.
However, as Ruwanthi carried out her garden tours of the estate, many guests remarked that the cow shed could be converted into guest accommodation.
The idea was in our minds for some time and in the meantime we did move the animals to more appropriate accommodation on the estate.
Ninada Jala was built over a long period and we hosted our first guests from the Netherland in mid January 2026.
Where did the name Ninada Jala - Whispering Waters Retreat come from?
The name Ninada Jala comes from Sanskrit and the phrase translates in English to “Sound of water”.
The new villa is situated next to the stream that borders the property and you will hear the gentle sound of water during your stay.
What our guests say about Ninada Jala
We have mainly hosted several small families with one or two small children since we opened.
They love the finish and the space.
Being away from the main house, they are more relaxed with their children as they are less concerned with other guests being disturbed.
The families also love the outside bath (there has been a family of four all sharing the tub!).
Please read the wonderful words that the guests have written on their Google reviews for their stay to see what else they have said.
Honeymoons, a creative space, and a couples escape.
Ninada Jala is certainly good for families.
However, Ruwanthi and I did have a bath in the outside tub, accompanied by a glass of fizzy stuff given as a present by our friends.
The experience in the night was amazing.
So, we do see Ninada Jala being popular with honeymooners or couples that just want to get away and spend time together.
The environment around Ninada Jala is inspiring and therefore we also see it being used by artists wanting to draw, sketch or paint.
We have hosted several guests at the main house who have been writing or editing their book. Therefore we also think Ninada Jala is a great place for authors looking for a retreat and inspiration whilst being spoilt by Ruwanthi with amazing meals.
We look forward to finding out what you think of this new offering at GlenMyu Estate.