HIDDEN GUEST: Hotel Premier Aqua

Fruška gora is among the oldest national parks in former Yugoslavia, protected by law since 1970. The area is protected because of the immensely diverse flora and fauna and a favourable climate. In the heart of Fruška gora lies Vrdnik, a village long considered home to the oldest coal mine in this part of Serbia. Due to extensive mining, locals uncovered thermal springs, which spearheaded modern tourist development. Although time-worn from years of operation, one of the pioneering spa resorts here, Termal Vrdnik, still welcomes guests year-round. The leading position of tourist development was taken over by Fruške Terme, a company that debuted Premier Aqua Hotel here, the first adults-only hotel in Serbia. Later other tourist facilities filled the gap, all under the brand Fruške Terme. The hotel is tucked away in the heart of Vrdnik in a natural amphitheatre across from the old thermal spa resort. Its location is ideal as a starting point for uncovering the natural and cultural highlights of this Serbian region. We recommend visiting one of the abundant wine cellars that act as a magnet for luring visitors to this region.

Fruška gora’s silhouette is easily discernable, rising proudly above the Pannonian plain like an island. Reaching the hilly landscape, dividing the riverbanks of the Danube and Sava rivers, is straightforward. Novi Sad is only a half-hour away (24 kilometres), and Belgrade is also nearby (74 kilometres). After the interception at exit Ruma, you will drive across picturesque roads of Srem, seeing corn and rye fields, orchards and vineyards as you whizz by. Even though there are some signs leading to the hotel, you can easily lose your way in the narrow streets. Upon reaching the hotel, you will find a well-tended outdoor parking and underground garage. Guests arriving by plane will also find the nearby Surčin Airport a suitable alternative. Only 64 kilometres, mostly across freshly asphalted motorways, separate the hotel from the airport. In other words, you can reach the hotel in one hour upon reaching the airport. Public transport is a different matter altogether. You may find some form of public transport, but it is unreliable. We recommend the hotel put up more signage guiding guests to the hotel, so as not to misguide them to the wrong hill.

Hotel Premier Aqua was constructed in 2012 in a style typical of the period. It was given a slight facelift in 2020 with a minimalist, cosy cafe. With limited space, the architects had to use every available square metre. The monolithic, often seen amphitheatre-like hotel building is dominated by a central tower, adjoined by two hotel wings and an annexe reserved for the restaurant and wellness. The design was carefully crafted to offer stunning views of the lush greenery of Fruška gora’s hillsides from every hotel room. The glass public surfaces of the hotel are airy and exude spaciousness. In this respect, the hotel restaurant seems almost like a winter garden. Although the hotel’s design seems thought out, it feels unnatural and in no way extraordinary. The surroundings are just as unusual, including an eclectic mix of weekend houses, apartment blocks, overly ambitious builds and a decaying spa resort across the road. Luckily, pristine nature is a stone’s throw away, a sight for sore eyes, its natural harmony serving as an oasis of peace.

If there is one stand-out feature in this hotel, it must be the professional and kind staff. The receptionist went the extra mile to make a great first impression. She knew how to present the advantages and features of the hotel. At breakfast, we were surrounded by excellent staff, too. Perhaps the breakfast was enough to meet the expectations in Serbian hotels, but it would fall short of expectations internationally. A five-star hotel that would want to compete with globally renowned hotels would need to add an a la carte offer, freshly squeezed juices, more local dairy products and a vegetarian offering. That is why we evaluate the breakfast as a golden classic, advising the management to focus more on this segment. Not least, because this is a boutique five-star hotel that is dedicated to demanding guests.

We were most impressed by the cleanliness and tidiness of the hotel. Finding a piece of debris from breakfast on the carpets is nearly impossible. In addition, the immensely kind Tunisian-born concierge can help with any demand. He is the best brand ambassador of the hotel. The final impression is equally important as the first impression, right?

Hotel rooms

We must start with the bed and bed lining. We had not slept in such a quality and premium bed in a long time. You will sleep like a baby in this hotel. In addition, the room’s size is above standard, measuring just over 30 square metres. The balcony further added to the feeling of spaciousness. The design can be dubbed hotel classic: the room features elegant colourful flooring that unfortunately does not pair well with the pastel-coloured walls and furniture. The yellow lounger and quality workspace are praiseworthy. Classic easy-to-manage lighting is great (less is more). There are also plenty of power outlets. A well-equipped bathroom is one of the highlights of the room. It seems it was recently renovated. The tiles in dark and light grey shades exude elegance. Hotel cosmetics are prestigious as well. Perhaps not the most spectacular, the room nonetheless meets the expectations of a five-star hotel.

Meetings centre

The hotel is home to five conference halls, with the largest, Vrdnička kula, accommodating up to 110 attendees. It is complemented by two smaller halls, Piva and Tara, each with a maximum capacity of 40 attendees. They can also be interconnected to merge into one large hall. Event organisers will appreciate the central restaurant with a capacity of 100 as well. The popularity of this hotel among event organisers is matched only by the Mövenpick Resort and Spa Fruske Terme, some five minutes away. The latter hotel boasts 11 halls and is home to one of the largest Serbian conference centres.

DESSERT – The extras

The boutique wellness centre can spice up any event. We were most impressed by the saunas, which were, luckily, not overcrowded during our stay. If you seek more, you can visit the gigantic Termalna Riviera Fruške Terme. The excellent thermal complex comprises 12 pools (7 outdoor and 5 indoor pools), stretching on a surface of 2500 square metres. The largest sauna world in Serbia is also a part of the complex, complemented by numerous massages and treatments.

FLOP – NEGATIVE SURPRISES

The sound isolation in the rooms is poor. If you have raucous neighbours, you will have trouble sleeping. The signage leading to the hotel could be better, too. We would not be surprised to learn that many guests lost their way while travelling to the hotel.

TOP – POSITIVE SURPRISES

Vrdnička kula is an ethnographical village that doubles as a restaurant. The spacious restaurant stretches 540 square metres and can be divided into three smaller halls. We suggest you organise a part of your event in this unique venue.

SUSTAINABLE ENDEAVOURS

Sustainability does not seem to be on display in this hotel. Yet, within the hotel chain Fruške Terme, there are numerous sustainable initiatives. The hotel owners, for instance, brew their own beer and rakia and store the products in a dedicated cooling room. The unique Vrdniča kula venue also promotes local tradition, heritage and cuisine.

Hotel Premier Aqua was a pioneer of the new tourism wave in Vrdnik. It opened its doors twelve years ago and quickly rose as one of the most sought-after conference hotels in Serbia. Today, it faces stiff competition even within its own house, the Promont Group, which has been increasingly investing in this part of Serbia (Fruške terme). Our visit led us to believe the hotel is ageing well, retaining its quality. It is still among the best in Serbia and we have no doubts the owners will ensure it remains there. Still, the hotel can improve its offering and focus on partnering with the local community. Considering the structure of hotel guests, they would much appreciate a hotel shop that would highlight the wine story of Fruška gora. We expected more information about the healing effects of thermal water, too. Nonetheless, this is a hotel with a loyal base of fans and we have almost no remarks.

FINAL GRADE: 4.87 THREE MEETING STARS⭐⭐⭐Resort Meeting Hotel 

3 MEETING STARS⭐⭐⭐ final score from 4.81 to 5.00
2 MEETING STARS⭐⭐ final score from 4.61 to 4.80
1 MEETING STAR⭐ final score from 4.41 to 4.60