Renowned for its opulent accommodation and world-class amenities, luxury Italian resort Palazzo di Varignana, nestled in the Bolognese hills, has won the award for Best for Weddings, Parties and Celebrations at the renowned Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2024.
Recognised by the judges for being a “masterpiece of architectural integration” and for its commitment to providing an unparalleled experience, Palazzo di Varignana stood out as a distinguished venue for exceptional events, grand celebrations and dream weddings.
The heart of the resort, Palazzo Bentivoglio, is a historic country castle with four traditional towers dating back to 1705. It has been meticulously renovated while preserving its captivating history.
Surrounded by a contemporary stone village, the main building harmoniously blends with the natural landscape across 30 hectares. The property features 150 rooms, multiple restaurants, event spaces, and cutting-edge conference facilities.
The luxurious estate boasts a 4000-square-metre boutique spa facility with seven outdoor pools, wellness courses, bars, restaurants and meeting rooms. The resort also offers an array of high-end dining options, including bespoke nutrition programmes through its renowned in-house scientific director.
Palazzo di Varignana is not just a resort; it’s an immersive experience with a variety of offerings that encapsulate an authentic Italian lifestyle, including experiences with supercars on a nearby circuit, owing to its location along Italy’s motor valley, vintage car and Vespa moped tours, truffle hunting, regatta galas, horse-riding immersion and even hot-air balloon experiences.
Beyond the resort, a visionary restoration project has revitalised the surrounding area, converting ancient farmhouses into a collection of six luxury villas.
The resort’s agricultural company spans 650 hectares, producing high-quality, locally sourced products. The dedication to restoring ancient olive tree varieties across 200 hectares has led to the production of a globally recognised extra virgin olive oil.
Guests can explore the resort’s farm, Agrivar, which also produces wines and jams. The winery is, in fact, an ideal space for tastings and events, all within the stunning setting of the Bolognese hills.
One of the highlights of the luxury estate is the ornamental garden, which is a proud member of the Grandi Giardini Italiani network. Additionally, the Amphitheatre on the Lake is a marvel of natural engineering and can host events for up to 250 people, creating a captivating setting for memorable occasions.
The prestigious awards ceremony took place at the Kimpton Fitzroy London Hotel, and the award is a testament to the resort’s commitment to providing an unparalleled experience for its guests.
“This award reflects our commitment to offering an authentic Italian lifestyle for discerning global customers that has been ingrained in our hospitality philosophy over the years,” said Vittorio Morelli, General Manager of Palazzo di Varignana.
