Playing golf by the Ibar River - Construction of four hotels, youth camp, sports and recreation complex and entertainment center in Mataruska Banja

(Mataruska Banja)

It may sound incredible to some, but Mataruska Banja did not have the status of a spa resort until recently. This place in the vicinity of Kraljevo, famous for its mineral water since 1907, was given the status of a spa resort by a decree of the Serbian government on February 4th.

This was preceded by a study on "determination of the area of Mataruska Banja," which was prepared by the C.T.D.3 company from Belgrade at the request of the City of Kraljevo. It is defined in this study that the "new" spa resort in the vicinity of Kraljevo occupies an area of 1,369 hectares and features 12 hectares of parks, villas and hotels.

An intergral part of the study is a proposal for further development, that is, construction of new villas and hotels and the reconstruction of existing ones, construction of a high-class suite complex with a golf course, youth camp, sports and recreation center, entertainment center with a natural beach on the Ibar River as well as mountain and hunting lodges.

- The new status of Mataruska Banja creates a new potential for the development and expansion of existing amenities. This spa resort lies on the Ibar River, which represents another big potential, with mountains Stolovi, Goc and Troglav in the hinterland, so that there are excellent conditions for mountain hiking and cycling. The plan is to build a golf course at the bank of the Ibar that would be connected with the spa park. This 72-hectare complex would comprise an 18-hole course, four-star hotel and suites. With the construction of this complex, Mataruska Banja would become the first spa resort to have a golf course, thus attracting wealthy guests – Svetlana Dragic, director of C.T.D. 3, says in a talk with eKapija.

Construction of another hotel at the entrance to the spa resort as well as a large aqua center featuring several swimming pools is also in the pipeline.

- The plan is also to build a youth camp with all accompanying facilities such as sports courts, internet club, discotheque. Mataruska Banja should also obtain mountain and hunting lodges. According to a program proposed in the study, accommodation capacity should be increased with the construction of 596 rooms with over 1,000 beds. Construction of two three-star and two four-star hotels is also in the pipeline – says Dragic.