Photo: Simone Nocetti We know that wellbeing is not easy to put into practice over time if it has not first been experienced within a shared context – Dr Annamaria Acquaviva, scientific director at Palazzo di Varignana

Palazzo di Varignana, in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, has created a new tailored health programme designed specifically for families.

Families with young children can visit the 650-hectare estate, located near Bologna, to experience a retreat designed by the resort’s scientific director, Dr Annamaria Acquaviva. 

A dietitian and expert in mindfulness and longevity science, Acquaviva has created the programme to help children and teenagers build healthy and lasting habits.

The experience is based on the Acquaviva Method, which includes the doctor’s five pillars of health: functional nutrition, inner harmony, physical activity, restorative sleep and targeted supplementation.

Dr Annamaria Acquaviva, scientific director at Palazzo di Varignana, told Spa Business: “In the international landscape, there's long been a lack of this kind of innovative educational experience designed to be shared. We know that wellbeing is not easy to put into practice over time if it has not first been experienced within a shared context.

“With the Family Wellbeing Retreat, we've created an experience that allows parents and children to share authentic moments of wellbeing, transforming time spent together into an opportunity for growth and discovery.

“The habits formed in childhood – from nutrition to movement, and regarding the relationship with one’s body and emotions – deeply influence future wellbeing. Through experiential activities, playful moments, cooking classes and contact with nature, we guide families towards a healthier, more balanced and conscious lifestyle, creating meaningful memories to carry with them beyond their stay.”

The two-night package includes a family cooking class and a chance to design a weekly meal schedule together. There will also be a family music and play session. 

Guests will have access to the Varsana Spa for three hours each day. The facilities include the Calanchi Grotto and White Gold Quarry, pools, saltwater hydrotherapy tubs, a music therapy pool, Finnish sauna, Mediterranean sauna, steamroom, sensory showers and a relaxation area with herbal tea infusions. 

A shared spa ritual will take place on soft water mattresses.

A nature therapy workshop and guided walks will take place in the resort’s Ornamental Gardens, olive groves and vineyards. 

Meals created according to longevity principles will also be included.

The price for one adult and one child (from 0 to 12 years old) for two nights starts from €1,547 (US$1,686, £1,315).

The price for two adults and one child (from 0 to 12 years old) for two nights starts from €1,862 (US$2,030, £1,583).