For bridal parties swapping novelty sashes for silk robes, Palazzo di Varignana offers a new kind of celebration; a mix of wine, wellness and slow Italian luxury.
For bridal parties or best friends seeking understated glamour, Palazzo di Varignana is rewriting what a getaway can be. Perched in the rolling hills of Emilia-Romagna, just 25 minutes from Bologna, this 18th-century estate has been transformed into a sanctuary of spa rituals, fine dining, and vineyard views, the kind of place where the chaos of a traditional hen weekend feels worlds away.
Set across 500 acres of cypress-lined gardens, vineyards and olive groves, the resort feels cinematic. Terracotta villas are scattered across the hillside, infinity pools shimmer over the valley, and guests drift between yoga sessions and aperitivo hour with an ease that only Italy can deliver.
A standout feature is the EVER Destination Concierge, Palazzo di Varignana’s digital concierge service that turns a luxury weekend into something truly bespoke. Designed for groups who value style and substance, EVER curates everything from poolside lunches and private villa dinners to e-bike rides through the hills. Beyond the resort, it unlocks experiences few tourists ever see — truffle hunting in Savigno, seafood cookery classes on the Rimini coast, ceramics workshops in Dozza, and even behind-the-scenes access at Ferrari’s Motor Valley headquarters. It’s like having your own in-the-know planner on speed dial.
Accommodation is where the magic continues. Suites pair soft neutrals with marble bathrooms and deep soaking tubs, while private villas are fitted with infinity pools, kitchens, and panoramic terraces which are ideal for groups who want privacy without sacrificing luxury. Villa Amagioia is the one to book for bridal parties: a secluded five-bedroom home with its own pool, gardens and dining room perfect for a pasta-making class or a four-course private chef dinner.
Days tend to revolve around the Varsana Spa, a vast haven of thermal pools, saunas, salt caves and relaxation zones. Treatments use olive oil, grape seeds and lavender grown on the estate, while the private spa suite blends 2 worlds; inspired by Japanese onsen and Moroccan hammams and perfect for small groups who want to unwind together and enjoy quality time.
When it’s time to dine, Le Marzoline Trattoria serves hearty regional dishes while Palazzo Bar is the spot for perfectly balanced cocktails. Produce comes straight from the property’s Agrivar estate, where organic wines, award winning extra virgin olive oils and honey are made on-site. Sustainability here isn’t a slogan, it’s a quiet, luxurious thread running through everything from energy use to spa ingredients.
For those craving exploration, Bologna and Florence are within easy reach, while Emilia-Romagna’s famed gastronomy, from balsamic vinegar to fresh truffles; sits right on the doorstep. But truthfully, most guests find little reason to leave.
For groups looking to celebrate connection over chaos, Palazzo di Varignana delivers something rare: a blend of sophistication and stillness that feels indulgent yet intentional. Between vineyard tastings, spa rituals and long al fresco lunches, this Italian estate redefines what a weekend away can mean — a moment to slow down, raise a glass, and savour la dolce vita.
Rooms from £340 per night; villas from £1,200 per night (sleeps 8–12)
Via Ca’ Masino 611A, Varignana, Bologna, Italy
Discover more: palazzodivarignana.com
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