Rūta Pulkauninkaitė-Macikė

Storytelling has to be genuine

Rūta tells us about bringing the tale of Hotel Pacai to life, exploring the most sustainable and authentic destinations out there, and evoking all five senses of her guests during their stay

Whether setting the scene for guests to craft their stories at Hotel Pacai, or writing her own at a remarkable resort in the thick of the jungle in Bali, Rūta Pulkauninkaitė-Macikė always has an experience to share, paired with a brilliant smile. This hospitality savant is an advocate for striking that elusive balance between a fulfilling professional life and a rich travel itinerary, using this versatility for her personal growth, and the development of the illustrious hotel where she spends her days. 

Embodying a blend of brass, leather, wood, brick, marble and concrete, Hotel Pacai is a nest of timeless wonder. Though the fascinating ways in which its materials play against each other are a source of endless inspiration for guests, the real magic starts with their relationships with its people, from the first moment they step through its doors up until their return visit.

Rūta confides that nothing is left to chance here, with every element carefully placed to awaken the senses, from the custom-made buttons on the hotel team’s carefully designed uniforms to the bespoke fragrances that grace the lobby and other common areas.  

Rūta loves the stark contrasts and subtle medleys of old & new, with 17th-century frescoes that juxtapose contemporary design features. As Vilnius itself is a medieval city, history is an irrevocable component in the DNA of Hotel Pacai and its people. On its own, a hotel cannot be unique; it’s those who bring it to life, as well as the ways in which it supports and helps to evolve its surrounding communities, that make all the difference. Intuitively going with the flow of the feeling of guests is what one would call genuine hospitality.

The true spirit of hospitality was exhibited by Hotel Pacai while it was hosting an American guest in early 2020, when Lithuania first went on lockdown. In an act of loyalty that was especially memorable for Rūta, the hotel’s doors remained open just for him, providing a true haven in which to weather the storm together. 

This avid traveller has also been on the receiving end of hospitality ‘against the odds’. Her husband, a graphic designer, and her two young children share her love for remarkable hotels around the world, which they sometimes enjoy under unexpected circumstances! 

Rūta finds Bali to be her favourite place to seek inspiration and rejuvenate both mind and body, whilst exploring a world where nature and culture blend in total harmony. Her stories here are endless, from all-bamboo retreats to facing highly unfavourable weather conditions!

On one such memorable occasion, Rūta and her husband stayed at the Rumah Pohon “Tree House” on Nusa Penida Island with their toddler-age kids during a tumultuous downpour; a treehouse with steep steps and no babies allowed!

Rainwater made its way through the roof and when morning finally broke — and the relentless storm along with it —  a local entered their abode unannounced, to offer the family a blessing with oil on their foreheads.

On a different visit, they stayed at the Bubble Hotel Bali, a magical place where they could see the stars and hear the ocean, with one small catch: an attendant would have to visit at all hours of the day, to pump air into their bubble to keep it ‘alive’!

Though she’s made many visits here, Sumberkima Hill Private Villa stands out as her favourite Balinese hotel — not so much for the property itself, which brings forth the beauty of any tropical resort, but for its philosophy: for every stay, it restores a part of the coral reef that blooms under the surface of the ocean, just off the island’s shore. Another top choice is Hideout Bali, a small resort where EVERYTHING is made of bamboo, with one-of-a-kind architecture that manages to be both contemporary and traditional; here, nothing is brought unless it is asked for, and the fire pit just next to each villa is lit every night, to be enjoyed accompanied by ceremonial palm wine. 

Places like these fall in line with the ways in which hospitality has evolved in the last 20 years. Rūta likes to both observe and take active part in these trends; Hotel Pacai is home to hospitality with an authentic feel, that goes beyond just ‘hosting’ to offer an entire inimitable experience, personalised to fit the needs of each guest whilst seamlessly embodying a certain lifestyle. 

This world traveller’s favourite hotel in Europe follows one of the most noble of current trends. The sustainable Stamba Hotel, located in a former publishing house in Tbilisi, Georgia, grows its own vegetables and produce for its dishes in a stunning vertical garden, blending ethical hospitality with sublime aesthetic and an industrial look. 

Other favourite global locales — apart from all-time-favourite Bali — are Zanzibar, Portugal and Iceland. Variety is the spice of life after all, and Rūta always sets a moment aside to visit local food markets and art museums throughout her travels. Another place to be for this lifetime wanderer during every trip is a café, adores as places that are connected with artisans of all kinds. Art, design, and many different crafts go hand-in-hand in coffee houses around the world, offering a distinct viewpoint to each new destination through the lens of a cuppa. 

Rūta’s vision for the future is to make this difference, by bringing her ideals of meaningful hospitality to life in her own, personal hotel concept. A place that provides an experience with a purpose, that gives back to the community as much as it takes in the beauty and uniqueness of the area which it is embraced by, and offers guests a sense of self through a bespoke and inviting stay.