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 Varginana is set in the hills of the glorious Bologna countryside, offering a point of stillness far away from hectic daily life. The hotel, which is a restored 18th century villa, represents Italian sophistication with its lush gardens (part of the network called 'Great Italian Gardens'), delicious and healthy food and a vast spa. The spa is a true gem and highlight of the hotel. With 5 swimming pools and recently refurbished facilities, it is an oasis of relaxation and tranquility. For more serious wellness guests the In Forma retreat, led by in-house coach Dr Annamaria Acquaviva, can tackle your lifestyle issues to find your optimal shape. The cultural city of Bologna is within easy reach which makes this hotel a perfect spot for a restorative spa break with a city flavour. 

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 cleansing
  • Remarkable gardens, which are part of the 'Great Italian Gardens', are perfect for a quiet walk with low walls, terraces, fountains and an infinity pool
  • Town of Bologna is within easy reach and is a perfect place to experience a real meaning of 'la dolce vita'!

Who should go

  • Culture vultures who want some history combined with a luxurious spa holiday
  • Independent solo traveller who wants to enjoy a quiet spa break and does not mind their own company
  • Perfect spa break for couples, girlfriends or mother and daughter - enjoy 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.
£868
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.
£1,240
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.
£3,210
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.
£3,348
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.
£3,194
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.
£3,297
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.
£1,587
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.
£1,681
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.
£3,607
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.
£1,414
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.
£5,989
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.
£1,667
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.
£3,159
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.
£1,336
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.
£3,310
per person
What’s included

Wellness

The Varsana Spa created a new concept that blends all aspects of wellbeing with the ancient rituals of Japan, Morocco and Rome which are combined with the high-tech innovations of 21st century. This formula aims to restore your balance and harmonise your mind as well as body. In 2020, Varsana won the Best Spa in Italy award at the prestigious European Health & Spa Awards.

You can chose your treatments from a holistic spa menu but if you wish to go deeper you can also participate in their 'In Forma' retreat. These retreats are highly personalised and are supervised by Annamaria Acquaviva - the in-house nutritionist. Te programme is innovative, uses the latest scientific findings and its aim is to stimulate metabolic activity, fight oxidative stress, restore self-esteem and support the immune system. 

For more details on Annamaria please read a blog about her here. 

At the Varsana Spa the facilities are extensive and you can enjoy a 'Traditional path' which is a circuit consisting of bath and sensory showers, bio-sauna, Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, ice waterfall, sound pool, Kneipp path, indoor pool with jets and blade of water, hydromassage seats, salt quarry, mud cave. Other spa facilities include hammam, Japanese onsen, spa stream and ofuro tub. The spa also has a relaxation area with a herbal tea corner. 

The hotel has 5 outdoor swimming pools that are open in the summer (between April and September), including a separate pool for children. The fitness center is equipped with the latest technology. The hotel is perfect for sports with tennis court, squash, basketball, padel court, biking and hiking trail. Outdoor yoga or Pilates sessions can be organised. 



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
  • Shiatzu
  • Signature treatments
  • Rituals

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 

Typical Group Classes

  • Yoga 
  • Guided tours of the gardens

Sample Weekly Class Schedule

Please note - Classes are subject to change and seasonal adjustments

Rooms

Palazzo di Varignana is a 18th century villa which has been restored to its original glory. There are 140 rooms and suites in total, ranging from standard rooms to one bedroom or a presidential suite. Rooms are divided in 7 different buildings and there are no rooms in the main building. Higher room categories have balconies or patios offering different views of surrounding landscapes. All rooms are classic and stylish, combining a linear design with warm shades. 
Hotel room with crisp white bedding, dark-wood furnishings and ceiling beams, and a window with pictures on the walls
Superior
Superior rooms, 25-35 SqM. 

They offer views of the resort and surrounding land spaces. 

Bedroom has a king size bed which can be split into twin beds.

Bathroom has a shower.

Room facilities include wi-fi, air-conditioning, LED TV with Sky and Pay TV, minibar, safe. bottle of water, laundry (extra cost), hairdryer, bathrobe, slippers, La bottega dell’albergo for Palazzo di Varignana bathroom toiletries. 

Hotel bedroom with neutral walls and curtains, white bedding and a dark-wood feature wall with a TV
Deluxe
Deluxe rooms are 25 - 35 SqM.

Rooms has spacious balconies or patios with views of the hills and private grounds. 

Bedroom has a king size bed which can be split into twin beds.

Bathroom has a shower.

Room facilities include wi-fi, air-conditioning, LED TV with Sky and Pay TV, minibar, safe. bottle of water, laundry (extra cost), hairdryer, bathrobe, slippers, La bottega dell’albergo for Palazzo di Varignana bathroom toiletries. 

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
Deluxe Prestige rooms are 30 SqM with 12 SqM of patio.

Large patio is southerly positioned and offer views on natural surroundings, golf course and lakes. Room itself is ideal for those seeking privacy. 

Bedroom has a king size bed and bathroom has a shower.

Room facilities include wi-fi, air-conditioning, LED TV with Sky and Pay TV, minibar, safe, Nespresso coffee machine bottle of water, laundry (extra cost), hairdryer, bathrobe, slippers, La bottega dell’albergo for Palazzo di Varignana bathroom toiletries. 

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
These rooms are 30 SqM + 10SqM of terrace space. 

Rooms are contemporary offering views of the nature. 

Bedroom has a king size bed and bathroom has a shower. 

Room facilities include wi-fi, air-conditioning, LED TV with Sky and Pay TV, minibar, safe. bottle of water, laundry (extra cost), hairdryer, bathrobe, slippers, La bottega dell’albergo for Palazzo di Varignana bathroom toiletries. 

What’s on the menu

The hotel has 3 restaurants and a lounge bar with outdoor terrace where you can get a refreshing beverage and relax after a busy day. Cuisine consist of traditional Italian dishes showcasing flavors of Emilia-Romagna region but you will also find a range of international dishes. Aurevo Restaurant has a healthy salad menu which is available all year long.  The hotel has a large fruit and veg garden and produces its own high quality extra virgin olive oil as well as own jams and chutneys.

If you are booked on the In Forma retreat you will be having a special full board menu which was carefully designed by the in-house nutritionist and a chef. Food on the menu aims to stimulate your metabolic activity and support your immunity. You can also choose to eat from this menu if you pre-book full board. 


Aurevo
Aurevo
This informal restaurant is overlooking the pool and water features of solarium. Aurevo is open daily for relaxing lunch and dinner. Your breakfast will be served here.
Il Palazzo
Il Grifone
Elegant restaurant is the most sophisticated dining venue at the hotel. Gourmet dishes are a representation of the local cuisine. There is also a wine cellar offering a selection of local and international labels. Not open Sundays and Mondays.
La Marzoline
La Marzoline
La Marzoline is perfect for those who love culinary tradition of Emilia-Romagna region. Restaurant is a typical 'trattoria' of the bolognese area. Restaurant is open daily for dinner and also for lunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

Location

Th hotel is set in charming hills of Bologna surrounded by nothing but gardens, vineyards and miles of Italian countryside. Historic Bologna is within easy reach. The town is a perfect getaway for 'la dolce vita' with medieval churches, ancient squares, market and restaurants. in 2015, the hotel adjoined 3 hectares of gardens which is a part of important Italian network 'Great Italian Gardens'. 

Nearest airport

Nearest airport is Bologna which is about 25 minutes drive away. Second nearest airport is Florence or Venice, both are 1 and half hour away. 

You can also be picked up from Bologna train 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



Feefo Product Rating image, read our independent reviews for this hotel


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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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