{ daydream destination } Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily
Posted: January 12th, 2012 | Author: Jennifer | Filed under: The Travel Bug | Tags: hotels, italy, sicily, travel | Comments Off
The Location
Sicilly is as well known for its passionate people as it is hailed for its pizza. But it’s southern coastline also boasts several small but thoroughly charming villages, clinging to the cliffsides. One of these, Sciacca, is filled with baroque churches and medieval alley ways. But the sunny sandy beaches overlooking the Mediteranean are the real draw here. Februrary is a favorite time to visit, to catch a part of the frenetic Carnival festivities. Nearby the ancient town of Agrigento houses the Valley of the Temples – a UNESCO World Heritage site with the remains of eight Greek temples. This area truly has all the hallmarks of a dream vacation destination: vast amounts of sunshine, a storied past and fabulous food.
The Hotel
Sicily is probably not the first place you think of when you think of a golf destination. But it’s actually home to the stunning Verdura Golf and Spa Resort – a luxury 5-star resort that is a destination unto itself. The first resort by Sir Rocco Forte is a stunning blend of impecable service and Italian style. The hotels motto is “the art of simple luxury” and it is achieved in spades.
The resort is an outdoor enthusiasts drea. It is set on a 230 hectare estate, a 90-minute drive from Palermo airport and boast 1.8 km of private coastline. Staff are well-equipped to give guests information on walking and hiking trails.
Verdura’s 203 spacious guest rooms and suites each have a view of the sea from a private terrace. Rooms are of two distinct varieties: Courtyard and Landscape. Natural materials have been liberally used thoroughout the public and private spaces. Stone, sand and wood recall the traditional architecture of Sicilly.
The Rocco Forte Hotel’s Director of Design, Olga Polizzi, was at the reigns here. The guest rooms use a rich earth tone palette punctuated by brightly printed fabrics to reflect the spicy Sicilian spirit. A recurring motif was inspired by a classic Scillian tile design. Four poster wood poster beds are contrasted against modern polished concrete floors. High tech Italian lighting shows off the luxury bedding and furnishings. The in-room spa showers are a marvel with up to 80 different ways to spray.
The Extras
Golfing is the of course the big draw here and there is little chance of getting bored. The resort has two 18-hole championship golf courses in addition to a smaller 9-hole course. There is also a tennis court on the property should you want to switch things up.
Verdura’s Spa also goes above and beyond. The 4,000-square-meter space offers an abundance of treatments including many different types of massage (both energizing and relaxing), couples treatments as well as facial and body treatments. Take your treatment on the private outdoor terrace then wile away the rest of the afternoon in the many spa amenity rooms which include thalassotherapy pools, a covered swimming pool, hammam and sauna.
And if you are looking for a one-stop shop, this resort is a great candidate. The property’s nine different restaurants and bars will have you on your toes. The focus is always on local fresh ingredients. The four restaurants are captained by Fulvio Pierangelini a master chef and old friend of Sir Rocco. Amare is the waterfront seaside restaurant that possibly earns the most accolades for its lively and fresh cuisine.
Children are welcomed here, so feel free to bring the family.
Verdura Golf & Spa Resort
S.S. 115 Km 131
92019 Sciacca (AG) Sicily Italy
T: +390925998001
F: +390925998180
Rooms from $242.
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