A perfect weekend spent at Palazzo di Varignana Resort and Spa. Nestled at the crossroads of Emilia, Romagna, and the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, Palazzo di Varignana is a luxury hotel that exceeds all expectations.
Finding flaws here is truly a challenge.

Imagine strolling through the alleys of a charming village, where time seems to stand still and the beauty of the past blends seamlessly with the comfort of the present. That’s exactly what awaits you at Palazzo di Varignana Resort and Spa.

The beating heart of this little slice of paradise is Palazzo Bentivoglio, a 17th-century villa dating back to 1705, lovingly restored to preserve its timeless charm while honoring its incredible history.

But the villa isn’t the only star of the show. Surrounding it are lush gardens, sparkling water features, and breathtaking views that set the perfect stage for an escape into nature. This resort is a shining example of sustainable hospitality, where every corner is designed to make you feel at home—with an added touch of indulgent luxury.

There’s no doubt about it: at Palazzo di Varignana, you’ll feel pampered in every detail!

Palazzo di Varignana Resort e Spa

Via Ca’ Masino, 611 A

40024 Varignana di Castel S. Pietro (BO)

Tel: 051 19938300

info@palazzodivarignana.com
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The Offer at Palazzo di Varignana Resort and Spa

I spent a spontaneous weekend here, taking advantage of the region’s “yellow” COVID-19 status at the time.

Two days of relaxation in a now-familiar blend of a quick getaway and staycation.

Initially, the package included three hours in the Spa. However, following the latest government regulations closing communal wellness areas, I was promptly contacted by the staff. They offered to adjust my package to include 50 minutes in a private Spa experience instead, featuring a Hammam session and a Suntory Japanese ritual at a pre-arranged time.

The Venue

The resort resembles a small, luxurious village nestled amidst rolling green hills and picturesque landscapes straight out of a painting. It boasts 140 modern rooms, three private villas, two restaurants, a 3,700 m² Spa with five outdoor pools, a gym, sports facilities, a state-of-the-art conference center, and event spaces.

We parked our car in a scenic lot and took a short stroll through the pavilions before reaching the reception. The attention to detail here is extraordinary—sophisticated, refined, and welcoming. The staff greeted us with exceptional professionalism and introduced us to the resort’s map and a list of must-see attractions, akin to an open-air gallery blending art and nature.

The Room

An attendant escorted us to our room, guiding us through the lounge bar, the shop, the Spa reception, and a maze of indoor corridors connecting the pavilions—ideal for reaching the Spa in a robe without stepping outside.

Nothing here is left to chance. Every corridor and corner is thoughtfully designed, from the cozy reading areas with oversized, plush armchairs to the art-filled halls adorned with calming, muted-toned paintings.

Our room was part of the “Le Terrazze” complex, featuring a balcony with breathtaking views of the lush hills. The decor matched my taste perfectly: simple yet elegant. The room was spotless, complete with a sanitation certificate. The bed was large and soft—I couldn’t wait to sink into it! The bathroom was fully equipped, featuring luxurious touches like double sinks, a hairdryer, and an enormous walk-in shower with a view of the terrace through its adjustable curtains.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tasting

After checking in, we headed straight to an extra-virgin olive oil tasting. Francesca, our host, introduced us to a world of flavors I had never experienced—some bitter, some spicy—exploring the mono-varietal oils produced by Palazzo di Varignana Food.

This experience reflected the resort’s dedication to reviving local history, traditions, and agriculture while offering a line of high-quality artisanal products.

Dinner at Ristorante Aurevo

Following the olive oil tasting, it was time for dinner. We had reserved a table at Aurevo Restaurant, recommended by the reception and located near the lounge bar and shop.

For an in-depth look at their menu and my impressions, I invite you to read my dedicated review.

The Culinary Project

Palazzo di Varignana spans over 300 hectares of land in the hills south of Via Emilia in Castel San Pietro Terme. Of this, 150 hectares are dedicated to olive groves, producing high-quality extra-virgin olive oil recognized throughout Italy.

The resort also features 42 hectares of vineyards with native grapes, 3,000 m² of vegetable gardens, a one-hectare almond grove, a strawberry field, a fruit orchard with apples, pears, apricots, and cherries, 4,000 m² of goji berries, a terraced herb garden with 42 aromatic plants, and even rare saffron production.

The produce is the foundation of the resort’s cuisine and the cornerstone of their artisanal product line, including five types of EVO oil, Sangiovese Superiore DOC wine, jams, fruit juices, and saffron. These products are local, eco-friendly, and crafted using innovative yet traditional techniques.

Breakfast

The morning began with a gentle wake-up call from sunlight streaming through the window—a perfect start to the day.

Breakfast was a feast. The buffet, safely enclosed behind glass, offered an array of cakes, fruit, yogurt, and croissants—plain or filled with a variety of creams. I highly recommend their house-made hazelnut spread, reminiscent of Nutella, which I had already noticed in the shop. Beverages, including coffee and cappuccinos, were served at the table by the attentive staff.

After breakfast, I took advantage of the two hours before my Spa appointment to explore the park’s many scenic viewpoints. The trails led to enchanting spots like the labyrinth, the archway, the vineyard, and the ancient olive tree. Unfortunately, two hours wasn’t enough to see it all—time is a thief!

Varsana Spa

By noon, I arrived at  Varsana Spa. Impeccably clean and serene, the Spa reflected the high standards of the entire resort. The treatments, divided into 25-minute slots, began with the Hammam Ritual—a Middle Eastern purification experience. Warm steam and black soap exfoliated my skin, boosting circulation and leaving me refreshed.

Next, I entered the Suntory Ritual room, designed in traditional Japanese style. Here, I enjoyed a light skin scrub, a cold rinse, and finally, a soak in a wooden hinoki tub at 38°C—a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Final Thoughts

Even before arriving, I had a sense that Palazzo di Varignana Resort would be extraordinary. I had heard glowing reviews, but the experience exceeded all expectations.

I urge you to see it for yourself, as words cannot capture every detail and feeling that made this weekend so special.

Have you been here? Would you like to go as soon as possible? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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