For those who still doubt whether it is worth vacationing in Aukštaitia, we have a new indisputable argument: a little Switzerland in the village of Macioni. The place for which Karin and Stefan Bollinger did not regret exchanging Zurich for Anykščiai shillel.
Built by a Swiss couple, the country house by Lake Rubikii gathered all the best of the two countries: traditional architecture of the Alpine region, untouched Lithuanian nature, Swiss rock, self-made handicrafts and hundred-year-old furniture, linen and alpaca wool bedding, haute cuisine and human warmth. "Watching how harmony is created step by step, we felt blessed," say the hosts. "It's a real blessing," "the discovery of the year," "a place of incredible kindness," guests write in their reviews. We will only add that the doors of Palaima are wide open for everyone who appreciates slow and conscious relaxation in the lap of nature.
Welcome to Palaima Lakeside Retreat, a Swiss Alpine style vacation home on Lake Rubik. You won't find a standard hotel interior here: each of the five rooms is furnished with a different theme, the lamps are decorated with handmade decorations, the stone washbasins in the guest rooms are like works of art, and the dishes in the restaurant are carved by the hands of the Hostess. But that's not all: the owner's grandmother's 150-year-old wardrobe and other antique furniture and elements have found their place in the interior... There are so many unique details that you can get to know them all only when you come to the place; but one thing is worth knowing in advance: guest beds are made with Lithuanian linen and alpaca wool. It is a healthy and ecological combination that ensures a high quality of sleep.
Balaima offers a peaceful retreat in a natural haven, so from September to July 1, only guests from 12 years of age are accepted here. If one group of guests book the entire house, the age policy may be different.
A couple or a group of guests (up to six people) who want more privacy can rent a separate cabin just for themselves a few hundred meters from the main house. Guests with pets and families with children of any age are welcome here. There is only one cabin, breakfast is not included in its price.
Guests are welcome all year round. To arrive with pets, please inform the hosts in advance.
For Big House guests, breakfast is included in the accommodation price and is served on the first floor of the hotel. In the second half of the day, there is a restaurant open not only to hotel guests. The buzz about the dishes created by chef Liudas attracts a lot of visitors to the restaurant, so it's worth getting a free table in advance. The menu of the restaurant is dominated by creatively prepared seasonal Lithuanian products, there are Swiss accents (duck thigh "confit") and vegan dishes (polenta with mushrooms). Monika, the restaurant's sommelier, will offer properly chilled wine to the selected dishes. In the dessert section, a flourless chocolate cake with cherry mousse and mint oil or the famous yogurt dessert with salad sorbet may appear. And if your arrival coincides with the Swiss Independence Day or one of the tastings organized by the hosts, you will also take part in a real food/wine celebration (participation in the tastings is paid extra).
Meals are not included in the small house accommodation price, but breakfast can be ordered additionally (price 5 euros / 1 person). Breakfast is served in the restaurant in the main house. In the cottage kitchen, you will also find the basic tools for cooking or warming up: oven and stove, refrigerator, dishes and cutlery.
During the season, the restaurant kitchen is open from Wednesday to Sunday (14:00-22:00); on Mondays and Tuesdays, only a plate of snacks and drinks can be ordered. During the low season, the restaurant is open on Thursdays (5-9 p.m.), Fridays and Saturdays (2-9 p.m.) and Sundays (11 a.m.-7 p.m.).
Will you be bored in Bliss? Yes, if you want to. Sometimes it is very necessary to laugh, especially in such a beautiful place as near Rubikiai. You can settle down on the terrace or on the lake shore, or on the soft sofa in the cold weather. You can also be lazy on the bars: sunbathing or swallowing with a fishing rod in hand (bringing fishing gear with you).
It is possible to take a leisurely stroll around the area with the lovely Swiss alpacas Yoshi and Malu (30 min walk 5 eur per person, minimum fee 10 eur.), Or slowly cross the lake by paddle board. If you are lucky, you can take part in a tour or painting plein air organized by the hosts, or order a handicraft educational app. Well, if you arrive in late summer or autumn, you can also gather local natural resources - berries and mushrooms are found on the shores of the lake. So, you will have something to do, just ask the hosts (or staff) which activities need to be booked in advance and which ones would be paid for.
Vilartas Stables (hiking in the surroundings), Labirintai Park and Adomynė village with fabulous energy and manor (40 km) are recommended in the area.
What’s there for children?
Palaimos big house is designed for a quiet vacation, so only families with children from 12 years old are accepted here, unless the entire hotel is booked by one group of guests. EXCEPTION: in the months of July and August, families with babies (from 0 years old) are also accepted. Children under the age of 2 sleeping in a bed with their parents stay for free.
Families with children of any age are accepted in the cottage - from the youngest to teenagers. Without a doubt, they will enjoy interacting with the friendly alpacas Yoshi and Malu. And if you want even more good emotions, the nearby Vilarta stud farm organizes horse riding in the picturesque surroundings of Niūronii, and in summer - across the Šventoja river. Another great option is a walk in Labyrinth (and other fun activities) park. Finally, you can go to the Anykščių entertainment and sports center, where the famous toboggan run operates. Adrenaline and fun mood guaranteed.
What’s there for employees?
We have a conference hall that is suitable for both seminars for up to fifty guests and workdays. The furniture configuration can be changed depending on the needs. Individual guests can also work in the restaurant area (here the internet is even faster than in the hall, download ~80 Mbps, upload ~50 Mbps) or on the terrace.
We can provide the participants of the event or working holidays with meals for the whole day and help with the organization of free time.
