3-Day Detox and Wellness Reset in the Hills of Bologna

The Detox Retreat is one of a series of health programmes at Palazzo di Varignana, all designed by Dr Annamaria Acquaviva, a dietitian nutritionist and pharmacist. Her Acquaviva Method rests on five pillars—and detox is one of the flagship offerings. It’s aimed at people who feel heavy, sluggish, or stressed after a period of overindulgence. The programme combines a strategic diet with draining spa treatments and light physical activity to tackle toxins, excess fluid, and the effects of stress, while giving you tools to get to a healthy weight.

The most distinctive part is access to Dr Acquaviva herself. During the stay you’ll have a mindful lunch with her, and the whole programme is personalised: she and the staff set up your detox menu, your spa treatments, and your exercise based on an initial consultation. There’s also a mandatory longevity consultation (€280 extra) with bioimpedance analysis that looks at body composition, oxidative stress, bone density, stress level, and sleep. The meals at the Ginkgo Longevity Restaurant are the scientific core of the stay—no boring diet food, but haute cuisine designed around anti-inflammatory, low-FODMAP, gluten-free, and dairy-free principles.

The setting is a big part of the appeal. Palazzo di Varignana is a working resort on a hilly estate with vineyards, ornamental gardens, and lakes. The spa is huge—including a saltwater pool, Finnish and Mediterranean saunas, a Turkish bath, and a grotto called Cava d’Oro Bianco. Even if you only came for the facilities, it would be a memorable weekend. But the structure of the programme—meeting with doctors, getting treatments, being guided through nature—means you’re not just floating around; you’re actually doing something for your health.

Reviewers are mixed on service and room condition, but almost everyone praises the spa and the grounds. Some guests found the rooms dated for the price, and the breakfast at the main restaurant underwhelmed a couple of visitors. That’s worth knowing, though the detox programme’s meals happen at the dedicated Ginkgo restaurant, which gets more positive attention. Best for: anyone who needs a few days of serious rest and structured support, willing to follow a plan rather than improvise.

What's included

- 2 nights accommodation in a Superior, Deluxe, or Deluxe Prestige room (single use) - Personalized detox menu: healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the Ginkgo Longevity Restaurant - Wellbeing aperitif on arrival, served in the Royal Train - 3-hour daily admission to the Varsana SPA path, incl. pools, saunas, and steam rooms - 1 mindful lunch with Dr. Annamaria Acquaviva - 1 nature therapy session in the Ornamental Gardens (60 min) - 1 guided sleep-induction training with binaural waves (45 min) - 1 masterclass 'Well-being strategies in everyday life' (60 min) - 1 Waters of Longevity Ritual with antioxidants - 1 detox relaxation at Cava d’Oro Bianco - 1 skin check-up analysis - 1 oleaster body treatment with Varignana olive oil (50 min) - 1 draining massage (50 min) - 1 personalized physical activity session with a personal trainer (60 min) - 1 bio walking session in the vineyards (30 min) - Welcome kit: bathrobe, slippers, Acquaviva tracksuit, sleep tracking band - Sleep kit: beauty pillow, sleeping mask, relaxing infusions - Free parking, luggage storage, Wi-Fi - (Book 'Health Revolution' by Dr Acquaviva included for retreat guests)

What's not included

- International or domestic flights - Airport transfers (available for €85 per car) - Travel insurance - Mandatory longevity consultation with Dr Acquaviva (€280) - Additional spa treatments or activities not listed - Meals and drinks outside the detox programme - Personal expenses