ACTIVITIES

When you stay at Balkan Retreat, whether for creative processes, team-building or simply a holiday, there is plenty to do. Come join us in our rural paradise and discover how being far from the beaten track doesn’t mean you are far from fun and inspiration!

9cda13_84ab6fb960f043848841096964243304~mv2.jpg

Swimming in the lake

01

Bešenovo lake (#Bešenovačko Jezero) is only 10 minutes walking distance and is clean, cool and perfect for swimming in the hot days of summer.

02

HIKING

The Fruška Gora National Park is on our doorstep and the marathon passes through our village once a year. There are plenty of hiking trails you can access via apps and marked trees.

https://fruskac.net/

HORSE RIDING

03

#Salaš kod Dragčeta in Bešenovo village (5 min drive from us) is a horse riding school with beautiful trails around the area. You will need to reserve in advance.

NATURE CONNECTION

04

Vivien, co-founder of the Balkan Retreat, is developing a mindful nature walk with activities designed to help you de-stress and boost overall wellbeing. Private and group walks must be booked in advance.

05

VISIT MONASTERIES

According to the Orthodox Church, the Fruška Gora mountain is a deeply spiritual place. There are 17 monasteries to visit, each with their own unique history and architecture. Pictured is Bešenovo Monastery, located in our village, Bešenovački Prnjavor. Prnjavor means a small settlement with a monastery.

06

VISIT
RESTAURANTS

Try our two closest restaurants, Lugarnica and Ruža Vetrova, both with local specialities and stunning views, in the neighbouring village of Mala Remeta. For more choice, head to Vrdnik, our local spa town, famous for its 5-star wellness centres. Vrdnik hosts an abundance of restaurants and is only 20 minutes drive from Balkan Retreat.

07

WINE TOURS

The Fruška Gora is a notable wine region with a history stretching back to the Romans. Bermet, a delicious sweet wine from this region was included on the wine list of the Titanic! Discover Vinarija Deurić locally, or head to Sremski Karlovci for wine tours and 36 wine cellars to explore.

08

E-BIKES

Coming soon! We will be purchasing e-bikes for the exclusive rental of our guests. Recently, four e-bike charging stations have been placed around the Fruška Gora and we are very excited by this development!

09

GYM (HOMEMADE)

Our Balkan Retreat-style gym is made from new and repurposed materials, in keeping with our vision. We love to get creative with what we find!

10

SAUNA
(IN PROGRESS)

Coming soon is our very own mini sauna! Don’t expect Finnish perfection, but something makeshift and creative with charm and character!

11

HAMMOCKS

You might want to lie in a hammock for hours on end - reading, listening to the melody of bird song, or napping amidst the sweet smells of flowers. Doing nothing is strongly encouraged at the Balkan Retreat. We know how important it is for our happiness and wellbeing.

12

BOARDGAMES

If you're coming with a group, nothing beats a bit of playful competition. We have a decent selection, ranging from the traditional Chess and Risk, to the less known Eurobabble or Party & Co.

13

STICK GAMES

A family favourite, Mölkky (a Finnish outdoor game) can be enjoyed by people of all ages. You just need to be able to count!

14

LIBRARY

Our library is packed with literature, plays, books on permaculture and sustainability, children’s literature, poetry, history, psychology, spirituality and more! Available to those who book the main country house.

15

FILM WATCHING

Bring your laptop, connect to our projector and play your own films.

16

FIRE PIT

The Stone Age television. This fire pit has seen it all! From romantic dinners, to intercultural story sharing, musical jam sessions and late night parties. It is most definitely the best place to be after dark. And the stars look amazing!

17

BBQ + SPIT

A large standing grill which can feed 10 + people with a rotating spit.

18

KOTLIć & SAč

Serbian favourites. The Kotlić is a cauldron, perfect for preparing stews of all kinds. The Sač is a large clay casserole dish which can be placed directly onto or under coals for a slow-cook oven.

19

TAROT READING

A taste of the unexpected! A chance to explore you or your company’s dilemmas through the stories and archetypes of Greek mythology.

20

GARDENING & permaculture

The Balkan Retreat began as a sustainable small-holding. It is now maturing into a wild garden. Despite its untamed appearance, everything is lovingly tended to. If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty and want to learn something about permaculture, ask us about organised group actions - also perfect for team-building.