Friday, 26 June 2026
Large hotels and spa resorts often face a common challenge: accommodating hundreds of guests without creating an environment dominated by noise. At Fruške Terme Resort & Residences in Serbia, acoustic design has been integrated into the architecture to improve guest comfort while supporting the operation of one of the country’s largest wellness destinations.
Located in the Fruška Gora National Park in northern Serbia, the resort is among the country’s first luxury thermal spa developments. Since one of its hotel buildings joined the Mövenpick brand in 2023, the complex has attracted a growing number of international visitors alongside domestic tourism.
Developed by Serbian investor Promont Group, the resort combines hotel accommodation with holiday residences and an extensive wellness offering. The property features 11 thermal pools, including five indoor and six outdoor pools, together with 12 saunas and steam rooms, making the water and spa facilities larger than the hotel building itself.
Managing acoustics across such a large complex became an important design consideration. Public areas including swimming pools, restaurants, spa facilities and office spaces generate continuous background noise that can affect the overall guest experience if not addressed during the design stage.
To reduce reverberation, architects from DBA – Đorđe Bajilo Architects incorporated acoustic ceiling systems throughout the development. Different ceiling solutions were selected according to the function of each space. Suspended acoustic ceiling islands were installed above indoor pools, while full acoustic ceilings were used in family pool areas where activity levels and noise are typically higher.
Relaxation zones were designed with more subdued colours and ceiling materials intended to create a quieter atmosphere. In addition to improving sound absorption, the ceiling finishes help reduce light reflection, contributing to a calmer environment for guests using wellness facilities.
The restaurant presented one of the project’s most demanding acoustic challenges. During breakfast and other peak service periods, large numbers of guests occupy the space simultaneously, increasing overall noise levels. To address this, perforated metal ceiling panels were installed to absorb sound while maintaining a clean architectural appearance. The micro-perforations help reduce echo and limit the build-up of background noise created by multiple conversations.
Similar ceiling systems were also installed in changing rooms, where hairdryers and other equipment contribute to higher sound levels. In these humid environments, corrosion-resistant materials were selected to ensure long-term durability.
Beyond guest comfort, the resort has also focused on sustainability. The development incorporates renewable energy sources, including geothermal resources and solar energy, alongside materials designed for long service life and low maintenance.
The project has received several international recognitions, including awards from the World Luxury Hotel Awards in 2023 and 2024, as well as the ESPA Innovation Award presented by the European Spa Association.
The Fruške Terme project demonstrates how acoustic planning can become an integral part of hospitality design. Rather than treating sound control as a technical afterthought, the development shows how it can contribute to the overall guest experience in large-scale hotels where relaxation remains the primary objective.
