Set amidst the serene rolling hills of Emilia-Romagna, Palazzo di Varignana is a nature- and food-lover’s paradise. The 850-acre countryside estate is enveloped by landscaped botanical gardens, farmland, vineyards and olive trees.

Surrounding the 18^th century renovated castle and contemporary village, a variety of crops are grown on the 1,200 acres of land. Sustainability centers around the recovery and revitalization of historic buildings, abandoned rural lands and farmhouses, along with crops that had been long discontinued.

One of those crops, the revived ancient varieties of olive trees, are today producing internationally award-winning extra virgin olive oils.

The 2022/23 harvest collection features five types of oils, including three monocultivars—Claterna, Vargnano and Stiffonte—and two blends, Blu and Verde. Each takes the palate on a sensory journey. If you’d like to get a little taste of the olive groves at home, you can also buy them directly on the resort’s website.

Soulful cuisine embraces farm-to-table delights

Resort guests are invited to experience the orchards and gardens on their own, or with a guide. There are more than 240 acres of wellness trails onsite allowing you to explore the estate by bike or foot.

The strong connection with the earth constitutes the soul of the cuisine served within the resort’s three restaurants.

Each embraces a farm-to-table concept, using ingredients grown onsite. For instance, the Aurevo Pool Restaurant pays tribute to extra virgin olive oil, known as the “green gold” of these lands, with its soulful contemporary and sustainable cuisine. Other inviting options include Il Grifone or Treno Reale, as well as Marzoline Trattoria for something more casual. Look for special gastronomic experiences called Flavorful Escapes, with tasting menus for two at the eateries, as well as spa access.

In addition to the olive oil, prominent items on the restaurants’ ingredient list are also harvested on the estate, including four kinds of wine, jams and fruit juices from its signature Goji berries.

Guests can stay in one of the 150 rooms and suites or opt for one of the new luxury villas recently transformed from vintage farmhouses.

The property’s sprawling indoor-outdoor Varsana Spa is deeply inspired by the elements of nature surrounding it.

Between treatments, you can luxuriate amidst seven pools, a Turkish hammam, a Japanese ryokan, a water circuit with soaking tubs, sensory showers, a bio-sauna, a Finnish sauna, a steam bath, an ice waterfall sound bath, and a Kneipp circuit. palazzovarignana.us