Palaima Hotel — Hotel in Utena County

Having travelled extensively around the globe staying in many of the best hotel (including the only 7 star hotel in the world, The Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai) its always with a little anticipation and expectation when you arrive at each new destination and book into each new hotel on your journeys. So image the "giddy" excitement when a new place exceeds those expectations. Well that exactly what happened when Edita and I "rocked" up to PALAIMA LAKE SIDE RETREAT - ANYKSCIAI . Everything about the PALAIMA LAKE SIDE RETREAT - ANYKSCIAI is par excellent from the incredible host and owners Stefon and Karen to the fantastic staff who each without exception made our stay so enjoyable and one to remember.The breathtaking scenery the beautiful hotel in the the traditional Swiss style building on the shores of Lake Rubikiai were the hotel restaurant serves up the finest of food including local products.Please do yourself a favour and come and stay with these amazing people in their incredible hotel. O and by the way pets are not only welcomed they are loved by all the staff.Will Edita and I return?...

Stayed the night, it was a delightful experience! The restaurant is just ridiculously good, I tried a few Michelin recognized places and I'm surprised the chef at Palaima does not have any Michelin recognition(yet). The food both in taste as well as presentation were exquisite. I was eager to try the whole menu, but an appetizer, hot meal & a dessert was more than enough, will have to revisit! Hotel was very cozy & quiet. It's not much, but the small things like tea at reception, a little snack when going to the sauna makes a big difference experience-wise. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. The location is very remote and has beautiful scenery. My only dislike were the beds - single beds, side-by-side. I do not like the grand canyon opening in between the beds if you roll to the center too much. :D all in all...

While roadtripping through the Baltics we decided to have a "proper lunch" and took the turn from the main road to Palaima. Less than 10 minutes drive and you are in a wonderful setting! Stylish house, green grass, next to the lake. The whole place is so relaxing that you immediately forget about everything, and you will be ready to fully enjoy the delicious food. We tried the fish soup, trout, venison which were all up to a very high standard. My son had the polenta dish - and even though he hates porridges, he finished his plate fully! The place is very dog-friendly, you can just let your pet off the leash, and while you are enjoying your food the dog can wonder around the grass!

So even if you are just passing by on the main road, make that turn, and you will...