Palazzo di Varignana, Bologna, Italy | Wellbeing Escapes
Wellbeing Escapes, The Wellbeing Holiday Experts

Palazzo di Varignana

Bologna, Italy

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

Overview

Palazzo di Varignana is an 18th-century villa that’s been restored to its original glory. Nestled in rolling hills on Bologna’s outskirts, it’s in a sweeping estate of more than 30 hectares – an emerald blanket of gardens, vineyards, and olive groves.

The retreat’s showpiece is the Varsana Spa – a 4,000-metre healing haven with indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, a Turkish bath, salt quarry treatments, and lots more. You’ll find five more pools spread among the manicured grounds – including one just for little ones – along with areas dedicated to yoga, Pilates, tennis and fitness classes.

Foodies can savour Italian dishes crafted from the estate’s own produce, including award-winning extra virgin olive oil, estate-grown fruit and vegetables, and zero-mile ingredients from the on-site farm. Beyond the estate, Bologna – Italy’s gastronomic heart and the birthplace of ragù – charms with world-class restaurants, terracotta hued porticoes, and artisan shops.


*** Traditional Path of Varsana SPA will be unavailable from 22 - 29 May. Instead guest will be enjoy following at no additional cost: 1 hour of private Hammam & 1 hour of Suntory Short experience (tea ritual not included) ***


When to go

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

What we love

  • Ofuro tub, which invokes a traditional Japanese atmosphere, is heated to 39 degrees. Before you dive in, a bamboo body and face scrub is provided for a deep skin cleanse
  • Remarkable gardens, which are part of the 'Great Italian Gardens', perfect for a quiet walk with low walls, terraces, fountains and an infinity pool
  • Bologna is within easy reach and just the place to experience the meaning of 'la dolce vita'!

Who should go

  • Anyone looking for history combined with a luxurious spa holiday
  • Independent solo travellers who want to enjoy a quiet spa break in their own company
  • Couples, friends or mothers and daughters – enjoy the hotel facilities and head to Bologna for culture or shopping!

Offers

  • Free spa credit per room (credit can be used Monday to Friday)
  • - £50 for min stay 3 nights 
  • - £75 for min stay 6 nights
  • Free return airport transfer (or train station) with minimum stay 6 nights
  • Repeat guests who visited the hotel with Wellbeing Escapes in the past: All above + free room upgrade (subject to availability at the time of arrival) 


Have a question?
This hotel is not fully available from 24/03/2026 until 31/03/2026, from 15/04/2026 until 21/04/2026, from 01/07/2026 until 06/07/2026, from 20/07/2026 until 21/07/2026 and from 21/09/2026 until 28/09/2026. Please email or call us on +44 (0)20 3735 7555 to find our more details about availability.

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.
£865
per person
What’s included

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.
£1,235
per person
What’s included

La Dolce Vita 7 nights retreat

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.
£3,203
per person
What’s included

In Forma 7 nights retreat

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.
£3,341
per person
What’s included

Deep Sleep 7 nights retreat

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.
£3,187
per person
What’s included

Slim 7 nights retreat

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.
£3,290
per person
What’s included

In Forma 3 nights retreat

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. This retreat is designed for 3 nights.
£1,584
per person
What’s included

Golden Age 3 nights retreat

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.
£1,678
per person
What’s included

Golden Age 7 nights retreat

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.
£3,600
per person
What’s included

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.
£1,409
per person
What’s included

Slim 14 nights retreat

Ideal for the most intensive weight loss and silhouette reshaping. The Slim Retreat programme is a personalised transformative journey of 14 nights 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.
£5,975
per person
What’s included

Yoga & Mindfulness 3 nights retreat

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.
£1,664
per person
What’s included

Yoga & Mindfulness 7 nights retreat

A 7 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.
£3,152
per person
What’s included

Detox 2 nights retreat

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.
£1,334
per person
What’s included

Stress Release 7 nights retreat

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.
£3,303
per person
What’s included

Leadership 3 nights 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.
£1,865
per person
What’s included

Wellness

The Varsana Spa concept combines ancient rituals from Japan, Morocco and Rome with modern wellness innovations. The objective? To restore balance and harmonise your mind and body. Awarded Best Spa in Italy at the 2020 European Health & Spa Awards, it offers a holistic menu of treatments for every need.

For a deeper experience, guests can join the In Forma retreat. Supervised by in-house nutritionist, Annamaria Acquaviva (meet her here), the programme is personalised and rooted in scientific evidence, designed to boost metabolism, combat stress, support immunity, and restore self-esteem. Other programmes centre on the likes of yoga, detox, weight loss and leadership presence.

The spa facilities are hugely impressive here. Guests can follow the Traditional Path, a circuit of sensory showers, bio and Finnish saunas, a Turkish bath, ice waterfall, sound pool, Kneipp path, indoor pool with jets, hydromassage seats, salt quarry, and mud cave. Additional facilities include a hammam, Japanese onsen, spa stream, ofuro (sitting) tub, and a relaxation area with a herbal tea corner. There’s a fully equipped fitness centre for workouts, too. Outdoor yoga and Pilates sessions are available on request.

Example treatments at Palazzo di Varignana
  • Facial treatments by Sarah Chapman
  • Facial and body treatments by Tauleto
  • Facial and body treatments by Dr Joseph
  • Chakra massage
  • Drainage
  • Shiatsu (Japanese bodywork)
  • Rituals
  • Yoga and Pilates

Activities

Activities available at resort
  • Squash
  • Paddle court
  • Tennis
  • Nordic walking 
  • Mountain biking
  • Hiking
  • Walk around gardens
  • Vegetable garden

Activities available at the surrounding area
  • Golf
  • Town of Bologna
  • Castel San Pietro Terme
  • Dozza
  • Ravenna
  • San Marino
  • Fidenza village for shopping 

Sample Weekly Class Schedule

Please note - Classes are subject to change and seasonal adjustments

Rooms

There are 140 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.
Hotel room with crisp white bedding, dark-wood furnishings and ceiling beams, and a window with pictures on the walls
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.


Hotel bedroom with neutral walls and curtains, white bedding and a dark-wood feature wall with a TV
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.


Hotel room with crisp white bedding, a table and chairs, a TV on the wall and patio doors that open to a furnished terrace
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.


Balcony with black railings and surrounding cobbled stone walls, with a table and chairs and a bedroom with a bed with white bedding beyond
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.

What’s on the menu

The hotel has three restaurants and an atmospheric lounge bar with an outdoor terrace, ideal for after-dinner tipples. Food-wise, expect traditional Italian dishes from the Emilia-Romagna region, along with a selection of international options.

Much of the produce comes from the hotel’s own fruit and vegetable gardens, with homemade olive oil, jam, and chutneys. Guests on the In Forma retreat enjoy a specially designed full board menu, created by the in-house nutritionist and chef to support metabolism and immunity. This menu is also available to pre-booked full board guests.

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.

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.

Oli’s Trip to Palazzo di Varignana: Wellness & Longevity Retreat in Italy
Join Oli’s journey at Palazzo di Varignana in the hills of Bologna, Italy—where holistic wellness programmes, spa rituals, longevity methods, and Italian charm converge to rejuvenate body and mind.

Families, Children & Infants

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

Reviews



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Why Wellbeing Escapes?

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Our team of wellness travel experts have visited the retreats themselves and include trained holistic therapists and yoga teachers. Their expertise in the wellness field and the retreats allow them to match you with the best retreat and programme for your individual needs.
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As the most established specialist wellbeing travel company we are able to provide excellent added value with our exclusive benefits including reduced prices for single travellers, free spa credits, complimentary transfers plus free nights and additional benefits for our repeat clients.
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With over 15 years of experience, we have come to understand what our clients need from a wellbeing holiday. We treat each client as an individual and provide a personalised concierge service organising all aspects of your stay from spa and treatment programmes, transfers and flights with an efficient and friendly approach. Our continuous awards for customer service speak for themselves.
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