Palazzo di Varignana is a 4 star resort set in the rolling countryside of the Bolognese hills, and it has become a popular pick for a countryside escape near Bologna. If you're booking for the setting, you won't be disappointed. On a clear day the views stretch out to the Adriatic Riviera and the foothills of the Alps, and the estate has real heritage behind it. Even so, you're only 15 miles from the historic centre of Bologna, so swapping spa time and terrace dinners for porticoed streets, food markets and some of Italy's best cooking is never a long transfer away.
For golfers, it's a smart choice if you want a trip that feels like more than a round and a clubhouse. Start with a relaxed breakfast, head out for your game, then come back to an indoor or outdoor pool and a wellness centre built for easy recovery. It works especially well for mixed groups, where a few in the party would rather wander Bologna's trattorias and markets than play every day. The countryside setting keeps evenings calm and unhurried, which suits a group that wants to talk through the round over a glass of local wine rather than head for the nearest nightclub.
Who is this for?
Groups where not everyone wants to play every day, couples who want golf with a spa finish and families looking for space and resort downtime.
Who is it best for?
Golfers who want a scenic, higher-end base near Bologna with wellness facilities and strong dining, rather than a golf hotel where everything revolves around the clubhouse.
