Palazzo di Varignana, Bologna, Italy | Wellbeing Escapes | Wellbeing Escapes

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Italian villa with terracotta roof tiles, green window shutters, buttermilk coloured walls and a mustard border, surrounded by green hills and landscaped grounds
Swimming pools cascaded over mutliple levels, set in stone walled terraces and overlooked by landscaped gardens
Buildings with terracotta roof tiles and stone walls, overlooking a courtyard framed by bushes
Swimming pool overlooking the green Italian countryside, next to white umbrellas and loungers
Modern hotel room with glass-door wardrobes, white bedding, a grey padded headboard and patio doors open to a furnished terrace
Garden filled with bluebells and green shrubs, overlooked by an Italian villa
Cyclist in active wear on a bike in the Italian countryside, under a blue sunny sky
Spa room with wooden walls and flooring, a circular bath and a table with wooden buckets and stalls
Indoor swimming pool with jets, in-water seating and surrounding loungers, in a large room with floor-to-ceiling windows
Man relaxing with his hands behind his head in an indoor swimming pool with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of outdoor greenery
Treatment cabin with a cushioned bed, atmospheric blue lighting and a vanity unit with a sink and towels behind it
Outdoor restaurant terrace full of diners, with red and white chequered tablecloths, next to a grass lawn
Balcony with black railings, wooden decking, two black loungers and a table and chairs made up with food and drink
Woman swimming underwater, seen from a glass window from a pool a level down
People in active wear enjoying the tennis and basketballs courts, next to the countryside
Italian villa with a terracotta roof and green window shutters overlooked manicured grounds and a stream
Terrace with black loungers overlooking a lawn, in a hotel room
Two women smiling as one takes notes in an elegant room with a floral arrangement just behind
Labyrinth surrounded by manicured grounds in the sunshine
Softly lit restaurant with neutral coloured table cloths and floor-to-ceiling windows with a countryside view
Swimming pool surrounded by white umbrellas and loungers, lit up under a darkening sky
Stylish reception at Palazzo di Varignana, with the name of the resort on a sign on a marble wall and a wooden desk
Sleek seating area with dark wood walls, cosy neutral armchairs and sofas, and velvet rugs
Woman in Nike trainers and a grey t shirt running on a treadmill in a bright gym with full-length windows
Italian villa with terracotta roof tiles, green window shutters, buttermilk coloured walls and a mustard border, surrounded by green hills and landscaped grounds
Swimming pools cascaded over mutliple levels, set in stone walled terraces and overlooked by landscaped gardens
Buildings with terracotta roof tiles and stone walls, overlooking a courtyard framed by bushes
Swimming pool overlooking the green Italian countryside, next to white umbrellas and loungers
Modern hotel room with glass-door wardrobes, white bedding, a grey padded headboard and patio doors open to a furnished terrace
Garden filled with bluebells and green shrubs, overlooked by an Italian villa
Cyclist in active wear on a bike in the Italian countryside, under a blue sunny sky
Spa room with wooden walls and flooring, a circular bath and a table with wooden buckets and stalls
Indoor swimming pool with jets, in-water seating and surrounding loungers, in a large room with floor-to-ceiling windows
Man relaxing with his hands behind his head in an indoor swimming pool with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of outdoor greenery
Treatment cabin with a cushioned bed, atmospheric blue lighting and a vanity unit with a sink and towels behind it
Outdoor restaurant terrace full of diners, with red and white chequered tablecloths, next to a grass lawn
Balcony with black railings, wooden decking, two black loungers and a table and chairs made up with food and drink
Woman swimming underwater, seen from a glass window from a pool a level down
People in active wear enjoying the tennis and basketballs courts, next to the countryside
Italian villa with a terracotta roof and green window shutters overlooked manicured grounds and a stream
Terrace with black loungers overlooking a lawn, in a hotel room
Two women smiling as one takes notes in an elegant room with a floral arrangement just behind
Labyrinth surrounded by manicured grounds in the sunshine
Softly lit restaurant with neutral coloured table cloths and floor-to-ceiling windows with a countryside view
Swimming pool surrounded by white umbrellas and loungers, lit up under a darkening sky
Stylish reception at Palazzo di Varignana, with the name of the resort on a sign on a marble wall and a wooden desk
Sleek seating area with dark wood walls, cosy neutral armchairs and sofas, and velvet rugs
Woman in Nike trainers and a grey t shirt running on a treadmill in a bright gym with full-length windows

Palazzo di Varignana

Bologna, Italy

This beautifully resorted 18th-century villa is perched among hills and vineyards, offering elegant rooms, expansive gardens, and one of Italy’s most impressive spa complexes. The menus spotlight produce from the estate’s own farmland, and the culinary and cultural treasures of Bologna are within easy reach.
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CONTACT OUR WELLNESS EXPERTS FOR YOUR PERSONALISED QUOTE  

RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS

  • Retreat programmes guided by Annamaria Acquaviva and her dedicated team, with personal attention before, during and after your stay.
  • Ginkgo Longevity Restaurant - where the science of longevity meets pleasure, with carefully designed menus and produce from the estate
  • An Italian countryside setting where gardens, movement, art and Varsana Spa bring the wellbeing experience to life.
GREAT FOR
SPA
FITNESS
DETOX
WELLBEING
WEIGHT LOSS
YOGA

Exclusive & Special Offers

Free Spa Credit
can be used Monday to Friday

  • Min 3 nights: £50 per room 
  • Min 6 nights: £75 per room 

Repeat guests
For those who visited the hotel with us in the past
  • Complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability on arrival)
Free Return Airport Transfers
Min stay 6 nights

  • Free return airport or train station transfers

CONTACT OUR WELLNESS EXPERTS FOR YOUR PERSONALISED QUOTE  

About Palazzo di Varignana

At its heart is a noble family’s country castle from 1705, with four traditional towers. Around it, former farm buildings have been rebuilt in local stone, creating a small village with 150 rooms and suites, five restaurants and the 4,000 m² Varsana Spa.

The resort is surrounded by a 900-hectare agricultural estate, with vineyards and olive groves. Thirty hectares of parkland and gardens include Villa Amagioia, part of the Great Italian Gardens network. Award-winning extra virgin olive oil and farm-to-table ingredients enrich the retreat menus.

Open all year round, Palazzo di Varignana offers dedicated retreat programmes within a wider countryside resort. Art, history and beauty are part of the experience, including the authentic 1921 Royal Train carriage, where the Acquaviva Method journey begins.

Hotel does welcome families with children. There is a kid's club and an outdoor playground. 

Wellness at Palazzo di Varignana

The Acquaviva Method is a whole-person approach combining Western science with evidence-based Eastern practices through five pillars of health: nutrition, inner harmony, physical activity, sleep and rest, and nutritional and cosmetic supplementation. Annamaria Acquaviva is an experienced dietitian with a degree in Pharmacy and over 20 years in clinical practice. As scientific director and creator of the Acquaviva Method, she combines longevity science, lifestyle education and personal guidance. With her dedicated team, she helps guests restore balance, develop their potential and care for their wellbeing.

Personal guidance, every step of the way

Before arrival: a questionnaire, requested clinical information and relevant test results help the team understand your needs and prepare your programme. A video consultation is available.

During your stay: personal consultations, named contacts and a daily Good Morning Check with the Acquaviva Method team provide continuity and personal attention. Guided by chronobiology, meals, activities, treatments and rest are aligned with each guest’s rhythms.

Back home: a practical plan, personal routines and a 30-minute follow-up video call help you continue independently. Weekly menus and shopping lists can be included if needed.


Varsana Spa offers 4,000 m² for relaxation and personal care, with pools, heat and water experiences and functional treatments. Access, consultations, assessments and follow-up arrangements are detailed in your chosen programme.


Read about Palazzo di Varignana in the The Observer here.

CONTACT OUR WELLNESS EXPERTS FOR YOUR PERSONALISED QUOTE  

PROGRAMMES

Exclusive Wellbeing Booster
Exclusive Wellbeing Booster
Our signature wellbeing booster programme promises to relax your body and soothe your soul. Enjoy lovely spa treatments, two private activities of your choice as well as daily 3 hours access to a vast spa area. Minimum 3 nights stay.
Exclusive Comprehensive Wellbeing Booster
Exclusive Comprehensive Wellbeing Booster
If you are looking for an ultimate spa experience look no further! This comprehensive package pampers you from head to toe with 2 massages of your choice, facial, signature treatment with the olive oil, relaxing ritual and calming head & neck massage. On top of this you will get fit with 3 sessions of activity of your choice. Min stay 5 nights.
Exclusive Flexible Fitness
Exclusive Flexible Fitness
Our signature flexible fitness programme gives you a choice of 5 private fitness activities. Each class is 50 minutes long and you can mix and match the way you like. Increase your overall fitness, try something new or simply have fun! Massage is also included as well as daily 3 hours access to vast spa facilities. Minimum stay is 5 nights.
Detox
Detox
The Detox Retreat programme is a customised 'transformative' journey that, through the 5 pillars of health of the Metodo Acquaviva, helps detoxify the body and rid it of toxins, excess fluids and counteracts the effects of stress, and provides the tools to promote an ideal body weight. The programme combines a strategic diet plan designed by Dr Annamaria Acquaviva, a nutritionist dietician, with detoxifying and draining spa treatments, and physical activity with our personal trainers. Mindfulness activities and nature therapy sessions promote purification of the mind, stress management and inner harmony.
Deep Sleep
Deep Sleep
Deep Sleep is a programme designed by Dr. Annamaria Acquaviva with a holistic approach and with the aim of raising awareness about sleep disorders. It includes a complete innovative well-being plan based on the most recent scientific findings: functional and chronotype-based nutrition combined with a personalised physical activity plan and specific spa treatments. The programme promotes metabolic activity and good quality rest, fights oxidative stress and supports the immune system.
Golden Age
Golden Age
Enhance your charm. A retreat dedicated to women to enhance their full splendour and potential in the menopausal and pre-menopausal phase. An unforgettable holiday in which to experience a new dimension of well-being, harmony and lifestyle strategies that promote fitness and give you even more charm.
In Forma
In Forma
Discover a correct lifestyle with your health coach, Dr. Annamaria Acquaviva, to find your optimal shape. A journey of knowledge to find out which type of diet, sport and activities are indicated to redefine and improve your physical shape. Retreat is s highly innovative and based on the most recent scientific findings, aims to stimulate metabolic activity, fight oxidative stress and support the immune system.
La Dolce Vita
La Dolce Vita
The charm and wellness of Italian savoir vivre. An authentic holiday dedicated to wellness and the heritage of the Italian lifestyle, surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes. Mediterranean diet, excellent gastronomic specialities, handmade pasta, millenary history and culture, fashion and Italian lifestyle. A unique retreat for those who want to get to know Italy through a wellness holiday.
Leadership Retreat
Leadership Retreat
Leadership Retreat is an experiential journey designed for those who wish to cultivate authentic, conscious, and sustainable leadership, starting from psychophysical wellbeing as the foundation of performance and personal expression. Set within an atmosphere of quiet and natural beauty, Palazzo di Varignana becomes the ideal place to reconnect with one’s potential, strengthen self-confidence, and refine communication and relational skills by integrating body, mind, and emotions. The retreat is rooted in the principles of the Acquaviva Method, developed by Dr. Annamaria Acquaviva, which views wellbeing as a strategic driver of both personal and professional growth. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the program guides participants in enhancing their uniqueness, improving stage presence, and developing a leadership style that is coherent, credible, and long-lasting.
Radiant Woman
Radiant Woman

A retreat programme designed to enhance women's glow and awaken their feminine energies through detoxing experiences for beauty, balance, and vitality.

Slim
Slim
Ideal for the most intensive weight loss and silhouette reshaping. The Slim Retreat programme is a personalised transformative journey that, through the 5 pillars of health, helps to achieve effective and lasting weight loss, geared to a long-term strategy for maintaining a healthier, better performing body.
Stress Release
Stress Release
A 7 nights programme to recover from a stressful period and reduce chronic stress, enhancing productivity and performance thanks to practical tools to better manage physical and mental challenges, in combination with the 5 pillars of health of the Acquaviva Method.
Yoga & Mindfulness
Yoga & Mindfulness
A 3 nights programme to become aware of your psychophysical potential through the beneficial disciplines of yoga, mindfulness and meditation, in combination with the 5 pillars of health of the Acquaviva Method.
CONTACT US TO FIND THE PERFECT PROGRAMME FOR YOU  

EXAMPLE TREATMENTS AND CLASSES

  • Personal nutrition and lifestyle consultations
  • Longevity and sleep assessments
  • The daily Good Morning Check with the Acquaviva Method team
  • Variety of pa treatments
  • Green Bathing and mindfulness
  • Breathing practices
  • Yoga and Pilates
  • Personal training
  • Guided relaxation
  • *Your programme sets out the experiences included. Additional activities can be arranged separately, subject to availability.
SAMPLE WEEKLY CLASS SCHEDULE
Download a sample weekly class schedule at Palazzo di Varignana
Please note: classes are subject to change and seasonal adjustments

What’s on the menu?

Palazzo di Varignana has five restaurants, with Ginkgo Longevity Restaurant at the heart of the Acquaviva Method retreat dining experience. Your retreat proposal specifies the meal plan and dining arrangements included. Meals included in Acquaviva Method retreat packages are served at Ginkgo, according to the chosen programme. Dining at the resort’s other restaurants is not included in these packages and can be booked separately at an additional cost.

White meat and fresh vegetables sprinkled with flowers and cheese on a white plate
Aurevo
Overlooking the pool and solarium water features, Aurevo offers a relaxed setting with a view for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Open daily, it’s the place for casual, wholesome meals.
Bitesize red meat with vegetables and herbs on a green puree-like sauce
Il Grifone
The hotel’s most sophisticated dining venue serves gourmet local cuisine. A curated wine cellar complements each dish with a choice of local and international labels. Open daily except Sundays and Mondays.
Tortellini pasta with chives and pepper in a blue bowl
La Marzoline
A classic Bolognese trattoria, La Marzoline celebrates the rich culinary traditions of Emilia-Romagna. Open daily for dinner and for lunch on weekends, it’s the ideal spot to savour regional dishes.

Your accommodation at Palazzo di Varignana

There are 150 rooms and suites at the estate, spread across seven buildings (none in the main building). Classic and comfortable, they’re decked out with warm woods, crisp white bed linen and ambient lighting. A laundry service is available at a charge.

Superior
Size: 25 to 35 square metres
These rooms come with a king-size or twin beds, a bathroom with a shower and a window with a view of the resort or countryside. Facilities include air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, an LED TV with Sky and Pay TV, a mini bar, safe, bottle of water, bathrobes, slippers, exclusive La Bottega toiletries and a hairdryer.
Read more  >
Deluxe
Size: 25 to 35 square metres
These rooms come with a king-size or twin beds, a bathroom with a shower and a balcony or terrace with a hillside view. Facilities include air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, an LED TV with Sky and Pay TV, a mini bar, safe, bottle of water, bathrobes, slippers, exclusive La Bottega toiletries and a hairdryer.
Read more  >
Deluxe Prestige
Size: 30 square metres inside, 12 square metres outside
These rooms come with a king-size bed, a bathroom with a shower and a large south-facing patio that overlooks the countryside, golf course and surrounding lakes. Facilities include air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, an LED TV with Sky and Pay TV, a mini bar, safe, bottle of water, bathrobes, slippers, exclusive La Bottega toiletries and a hairdryer.
Read more  >
Deluxe Executive
Size: 30 square metres inside, 10 square metres outside
These rooms come with a king-size bed, a bathroom with a shower and a balcony or terrace that overlooks the countryside. Facilities include air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, an LED TV with Sky and Pay TV, a mini bar, safe, bottle of water, bathrobes, slippers, exclusive La Bottega toiletries and a hairdryer.
Read more  >
CONTACT US TO FIND THE IDEAL ACCOMMODATION FOR YOU  

Things to See and Do

Nature & movement
Explore Villa Amagioia’s gardens and six walking and running routes (1.7–5.8 km) through olive groves and vineyards. Guided Green Bathing and mindfulness offer sensory experiences in nature.
Sport & Fitness
Enjoy cycling, e-biking, tennis, padel, squash and basketball, plus a 24/7 Technogym fitness centre. Retreats also feature Move & Balance, the Acquaviva Method’s personalised movement activity.
Golf
Golf facilities include an on-site driving range with 11 stations, putting and chipping greens, with the 18-hole Golf Club Le Fonti just 10 km away.
Visit Bologna
Discover the timeless charm of Bologna, one of Italy's most captivating historic cities. Renowned for its medieval architecture, elegant porticoes, and exceptional culinary heritage, Bologna invites visitors to explore Piazza Maggiore, wander the vibrant Quadrilatero food district, admire the historic Archiginnasio, and enjoy panoramic views from the iconic Sanctuary of San Luca.
Cooking demonstration
Discover the secrets of healthy longevity with the Longevity Cooking Class, created by Dr. Annamaria Acquaviva. Combining nutritional science with gourmet cuisine, this immersive experience teaches guests how to prepare delicious, wellbeing-focused dishes using innovative techniques, superfoods, and carefully balanced ingredients that support longevity, vitality, metabolic health, and natural beauty.

What We Love

  • Personal guidance that continues beyond the stay, with practical tools for everyday wellbeing.
  • Ginkgo’s combination of personalised nutrition, beautiful food and the pleasure of Italian cuisine.
  • A distinctive sense of place: the Royal Train, Villa Amagioia’s gardens and the freedom of a countryside holiday

Who Should Go

  • Solo travellers looking for personal attention, a wellbeing programme that can be adapted to their needs and time for themselves, with a named team to turn to.
  • Guests wishing to focus on stress, nutrition, sleep, women’s wellbeing or sustainable lifestyle habits, while enjoying an Italian holiday
  • Couples and friends who may have different goals.

LOCATION

Palazzo di Varignana is in the charming hills of Bologna, surrounded by three hectares of gardens, sun-dappled vineyards and miles of Italian countryside. Historic Bologna city is within easy reach, a treasure-trove of medieval churches, lively piazzas, and award-winning restaurants.


Bologna Airport is just a 25-minute drive away. You can also fly into Florence or Venice – both an hour-and-a-half drive from the estate. Travelling by train? Pick-ups are available from Bologna Centrale station.

WHEN TO GO

Palazzo di Varignana is open all year round. Best time to visit is Spring and Autumn which offer milder temperature. The summers are hot and humid. Winters are cold, partly cloudy with possible rainfalls.
6
Jan
10
Feb
16
Mar
19
Apr
24
May
26
Jun
32
Jul
32
Aug
25
Sep
20
Oct
13
Nov
9
Dec

SEASONAL PRICE GUIDE

This chart provides a guide of how room rates change by season.
Between now and Jan 1, 2027
 
Between Jan 1, 2027 and Feb 1, 2027
 
Price Guide
B&B ONLY
No B&B Only available
INCLUDING A WELLBEING PROGRAMME
From £238 pp. sharing
From £290 pp. single
Prices are based per night in low-season, and includes accommodation, wellbeing programme and meals as per programme.
Every wellbeing escape can be tailored to your preferred dates, room type, treatments, and wellness goals.
Seasonal offers and programme inclusions may influence the final price. Click on the individual programmes shown above for pricing. For personalised recommendations and personalised quotes, speak to our Wellbeing Travel Experts.
Call +44 (0)20 3735 7555
Plan Your personalised stay >
 

What our customers say

Feefo logo of 10 years of Proven Trusted Service
Beautiful setting, amazing food, wonderful staff
Anonymous
2023
Excellent, everything was perfect
Aida Rama
2021
Feefo logo of 10 years of Proven Trusted Service

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