Palazzo di Varignana–The Sustainable Italian Escape Just 3 Hours from London

Looking For A Chic Getaway Less Than 3 Hours Away? Here’s Why Palazzo Di Varignana Should Be On Your Radar

Bianca Alleyne

Set in the Emilia-Romagnan countryside, Palazzo di Varignana blends timeless Italian elegance with modern sustainability. From vineyard e-bike rides to farm-to-table dining and restorative spa rituals, this is slow luxury done right. Just a 25 minute drive from Bologna, Palazzo Di Varignana is the place for a weekend break.

Nestled in the hills just outside Bologna, Palazzo di Varignana is where history and modern sustainability meet. The resort unfolds across 500 acres of vineyards, olive groves, and landscaped gardens, with the restored 18th-century Palazzo Bentivoglio at its heart. What could easily have been another opulent country estate has instead become a model for conscious luxury, where design, dining, and wellbeing all revolve around the rhythm of the land.

Located less than three hours from London—with flights into Bologna taking just over two hours and the resort a short 25-minute drive from the airport, it’s an easy yet elegant escape. And for travellers who’ve outgrown the crowds (and price tags) of Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna offers all the beauty, food and authenticity of Italy’s heartland at a fraction of the cost.

Palazzo di Varignana’s approach to sustainability is integrated rather than performative. The resort’s Agrivar agricultural estate produces much of what guests experience during their stay—from organic olive oils and wines to the fresh produce served in its restaurants. Photovoltaic systems power much of the property, while water-saving initiatives and eco-conscious mobility options, like e-bikes and electric shuttles, further reduce its footprint. This careful balance between comfort and conscience defines the resort’s ethos.

A Different Kind of Luxury

Here, luxury feels effortless. The accommodations are a blend of elegant villas, modern suites, and the historic palazzo itself, all designed to bring the outdoors in. Large windows open onto sweeping countryside views, interiors mix warm stone with contemporary Italian craftsmanship, and the atmosphere is serene rather than ostentatious.

At the heart of the property lies the Varsana Spa, a 4,000-square-metre wellness sanctuary inspired by the healing traditions of water and nature. Guests move through sensory showers, saunas and hydrotherapy pools before emerging into open-air spaces overlooking the hills. Treatments use natural ingredients derived from the estate’s crops; including the resort’s own olive oil—ensuring every ritual feels rooted in the landscape.

They have a large number of spa packages offering something for all; from self-led treatments, perfect for groups, to weekend-long breaks rooted in slowness for couples.

Experiencing the Land

Palazzo di Varignana offers an impressive variety of experiences that bring its surroundings to life. For those seeking movement, e-bike rides through the vineyards and olive groves offer a truly exhilarating way to explore the terrain. The pace is slow enough to take in the scent from the neighbouring fields and the panoramic views that seem to stretch endlessly across Emilia-Romagna.

At Agrivar, guests are invited to discover the flavours of the estate through guided wine and olive oil tastings. Led by experts, these sessions explore the craftsmanship behind each product; from soil composition to bottling, include pairings of local cheeses and cured meats, creating a sensory journey that celebrates the region’s agricultural heritage.

Even the culinary offering reflects this deep connection to place. Ginkgo Restaurant, one of several dining spaces on the estate, offers a mindful lunch experience built around balance and simplicity. Seasonal vegetables, estate-grown olive oil, and locally sourced ingredients take centre stage in dishes that are light yet deeply satisfying.

A Destination for Every Kind of Traveller

What makes Palazzo di Varignana particularly special is its versatility. The resort caters to a range of travel styles without ever losing its core identity.

For those seeking a wellness retreat, the resort’s Acquaviva Method programmes combine nutrition, movement, and relaxation to promote holistic balance. Guests can choose from tailored experiences like Stress Release or Deep Sleep, supported by expert-led therapies, yoga, and personalised meal plans.

Food and wine lovers are drawn to the estate’s culinary escapes, where sustainability and gastronomy intertwine. Cooking classes, olive oil workshops, and vineyard tours allow visitors to engage directly with local traditions. Meanwhile, couples looking for romance and tranquillity can retreat into one of the private villas, each offering secluded gardens, pools, and in-room spa treatments.

For families or groups, the estate’s luxury villas—complete with multiple bedrooms and panoramic terraces—offer privacy without isolation. Days can be spent exploring the countryside, playing tennis or paddle, or relaxing by one of the resort’s pools, surrounded by olive trees and birdsong.

Sustainability with Substance

Palazzo di Varignana’s commitment to sustainability runs deeper than design—it’s a philosophy that shapes every aspect of the guest experience. The estate’s architecture blends seamlessly into the hills, while its kitchens champion true farm-to-table dining using produce grown just steps away. In the spa, oils and creams are made from the estate’s own olive and grape extracts, turning by-products into something restorative. Renewable energy systems and biodiversity projects help revive native plant life; the resort’s environmental approach feels purposeful, not performative.

The Essence of Slow Luxury

At its core, Palazzo di Varignana redefines luxury as a state of balance — where comfort, craft and consciousness meet. It’s an invitation to slow down, to taste, to breathe, and to reconnect. Whether guests come for wellness, gastronomy, or the calm of the countryside, they leave with a renewed sense of clarity and connection.