When traveling, going back to a hotel should not mean that the day’s thrills are over. In Lithuania, there are multiple lodging options that are attractions by themselves, including a Swiss-style holiday home, an off-the-grid wooden hut, and a 19th-century manor.
October XX, 2022. If you enjoy seeing new places, staying in a hotel that offers much more than simply a place to sleep at night can be the highlight of your entire trip. These lodgings, which range from an Art Deco villa to traditional yurts, wooden huts, and even a yoga house, will turn an average stay in Lithuania into an experience of a lifetime.
Here is a list of the 10 most unusual accommodations in Lithuania for an unforgettable stay.
Swiss-influenced getaway. While traveling around the Baltic states, Swiss Stefan Bollinger and his wife Karin fell in love with the area and made the decision to settle here. In 2019, their journey led to the creation of the Palaima Homestead, a haven of nature designed for a romantic getaway for two or a tranquil retreat alone, taking in the unspoiled landscape and peaceful lake. There are many different leisure activities available, including walking, mountain biking, water skiing, canoeing, and even trekking with alpacas. In the winter, there are also plans to provide ski trips to those who stay here.
Disconnecting from city life. For those looking to escape from civilization, there is a getaway called Miško Rojus that is situated in the middle of the forest near the Rietavas region. This magical forest even has a meditation area with a meditational cupola and an audio installation near the river for resting the mind. The Gyvybės Slėnis house — one of the most distinctive out of the three houses for its highly-detailed wooden exterior — doesn’t have any internet which might disrupt its quaint surroundings, though electronic devices can be charged using solar panels. A cozy patio adjacent to the lodge above the pond allows visitors to kick back and observe the vast expanse of the surrounding forests. The diversity of the flora enchants every visitor: from botanists to photographers to painters or anyone who loves the music and wonderful smells of woodlands. In addition, the hot tub located on the roof of the house offers a rejuvenating way to spend chilly autumn evenings and take in the campground's ambiance.
Yurts amidst Lithuanian wilderness. The Yurt Village provides all-season lodging in roomy yurts constructed of natural wood and wool next to the still Lake Medinis in Kurtuvėnai Regional Park. The entire complex is a true glamping experience hidden away in nature — the lack of urban infrastructure in combination with traditional architectural styles feels like a portal into a time gone by. Each yurt features a fridge, a dining table, a fireplace, and numerous beds. The sauna and hot tub are also available for a cost. Visitors can view the great stretches of the night sky as it outside the city becomes heavily decked with stars thanks to the skylights found in every yurt.
Up close to Interwar Modernism. An exquisite piece of Art Deco architecture looms over Kaunas, the country’s second-largest city. Constructed in 1938 in on a slope in Žaliakalnis, an elite and green neighborhood that rose in prominence during the interwar period. The mansion built by architect Stasys Kudokas is a one-of-a-kind gem of the city’s distinct style of modernism. The rooms open for rent feels as much of a museum as it is an accommodation, housing multiple authentic furniture pieces — dark glassware, electric blue seating, and Bauhaus lamps — that capture the spirit of modernism, Being a hilltop villa, it features a patio that looks out over the city center and a private garden. Located close by is the house museum of Chiune Sugihara, a Japanese hero who helped save countless lives.
A jewel box in the heart of the capital. The Joseph is located a few minutes walk from Cathedral Square, the heart of Old Town Vilnius — the capital of Lithuania. A passion project of famous former DJ Ignas Vanagas, the hotel is brimming with exclusive and highly-researched pieces by renowned designers — from the onsite sound system to mid-century interior details. The owner of the hotel is often present and awaiting to warmly greet incoming guests or cook them breakfast. Its design choices meld new-age trends with classic, homely styles, reflecting Vilnius’ timeless energy.
In search of inner peace. Only a short walk from the Vilnius Town Hall, the Mai Ram Yoga House is situated in a former Augustinian monastery on a peaceful street. Apartment interiors accurately replicate authentic 19th-century elements while adding a modern spin. The Mai Ram Yoga Ashram, where a heritage of disseminating the true, ancient teaching of yoga originated, includes the house in Vilnius. It aims to provide a healthy, tranquil, and pleasant atmosphere for anyone who wishes to learn about and practice yoga, eat a mostly plant-based diet and see the most significant landmarks in the city.
A spot for pilgrims to rest. The remains of Archbishop Jurgis Matulaitis, who received Pope John Paul II's blessing, are buried at St. Archangel Mykolas Basilica in the town of Marijampolė. Pilgrimage treks to the site continuously take place, attended by pious travelers all throughout the year. Those making their way toward the resting site make a point to stop at the Domus Beati guesthouse. Although pilgrimage is not a requirement for those who want to lay their head here — being just a four-hour drive away from the border of Poland — travelers of all kinds retreat to its walls. Multiple parks surround the area, lending themselves for a leisurely walk. The Old Town and other main attractions are also accessible by foot from the main building, which also features a library and 16 rooms available for visitors to stay in.
A cornerstone of national heritage. There are still a few distinctive country homes with barns in Lithuania. One of them is Pagulbis, a distinctive rural home that was revived to commemorate the restoration of the state of Lithuania, where you get a feeling of historical grandeur. The aroma of freshly baked bread, the sight of the sun's rays dancing on the bookshelves, and the stillness of the forest. It is a unique location with a welcoming ambiance where visitors may escape from the daily grind and find tranquility and childhood memories.
A 17th-century-style retreat. The Paliesius Manor's stone walls preserve the old secrets from the 17th century, and guests may enjoy a wonderful sense of tranquility here. The former manor supervisor's home now houses a hotel, spa, and restaurant, including former stables that were transformed into a concert space, inviting well-known Lithuanian and international singers. However, the wooden structure present on site is the most significant aspect of the house, as this is where the manor owners established the Paliesius physical treatment clinic, is the most significant aspect of the house. Patients seeking physiotherapy classes and athlete recovery programs travel outside Lithuania for the manor’s renowned expertise in the field. In the nearby forests, there are pathways for biking and hiking as well as ski tracks in the winter.
A 19th-century manor for the new age. Behind the crisp architectural lines of a historic vacation home in Palanga — a famous seaside resort — lies the exquisite Vila Komoda. While the building was never envisioned as a hotel, yet goes above and beyond as an establishment today. From the moment one enters the romantic, French-style garden leading up to the entrance, they are captured by the villa’s opulence beaming off its bright white façade. Situated on Meilės Avenue in the center of the resort town, the restored building features a rooftop terrace, a snack and drink area, and a restaurant serving seasonal fresh cuisine that is run by a world-renowned chef. The menu at the Villa's restaurant varies with the seasons, and makes an effort to find the freshest, most ethically produced, healthiest local ingredients possible.