Castel San Pietro Terme, ItalyVarignana
Varignana Palace Resort & Spa
Agricultural wellness estate
Varignana Castel San Pietro Terme, Italy
Opened
2013
Price
$$$
Rated for
Wellness Resort LocalOutside the door
The house
Palazzo di VarignanaAgricultural wellness estate
The estate functions as an active farm, where hillside olive groves and vineyards surround a vast thermal spa.
What it’s good at
Remarkable
A thermal spa circuit with sound grottos and telescopic glass-covered heated saline pools.
Remarkable
Seven outdoor pools and dinner served inside a restored 1921 royal train carriage.
Notable
An agricultural estate pressing its own olive oil beside traditional regional pasta kitchens.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
A large resort in a quiet, panoramic and slightly out-of-the-way location, comprising several buildings, including the elegant, stylish and luxurious Villa Amagioia where the most beautiful and exclusive rooms are situated.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
The grounds look out across the rolling Calanchi hills, a half-hour drive southeast of Bologna.
The rooms
Guest rooms are built into the terraced hillside, while the most private quarters occupy standalone country villas.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Multi-level swimming pools cascade down stone terraces, flanked by parasols, sun loungers, and hedges facing the valley.
The thermal baths
Blue overhead rain lighting illuminates an indoor hydrotherapy bath. Steps away, a Finnish sauna is lined with slatted timber benches.
The gym and courts
Stationary bikes and treadmills look out through wide windows in the gym, which adjoins tennis and padel courts.
Lounge Bar
Guests gather beneath a mirrored ceiling for evening cocktails, or step out onto the panoramic hillside terrace.
At the table
Outdoor dining terraces look over the surrounding grounds, where kitchens serve hand-rolled pastas and dishes dressed in estate olive oil.
How it began
Carlo Gherardi bought the ruined 1705 palazzo in 2005, restoring its baroque frescoes and reviving the surrounding farmland.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.