Sicily’s five-star Verdura Resort is aiming to enhance its position among Europe’s premier contemporary luxury golf and lifestyle destinations after being shortlisted for three top honours at the 2015 World Golf Awards.
The multi award-winning venue has established itself as one of the new stars on the continent since opening six years ago, and is one of only nine resorts in the running to be named ‘Europe’s Best Golf Venue’ at the awards ceremony, which will take place in Portugal in November.
Verdura, a Rocco Forte hotel, is also a leading contender in two other categories, with the resort included on the shortlist to be named ‘Italy’s Best Golf Hotel’ and its highly-respected East Course among the nominees to be awarded the accolade of ‘Italy’s Best Golf Course’.
Set in 230 hectares of stunning landscape overlooking the Mediterranean, with 1.8km of private coastline, the resort features 203 rooms and suites and is a paradise for golfers, with outstanding facilities including two 18-hole championship courses and a nine-hole par-three course, all designed by world-renowned golf architect Kyle Phillips.
Verdura was the host venue for the European Tour’s 2012 Sicilian Open and its three links-style layouts have been built to the highest specifications, providing a truly unforgettable golf experience.
Early highlights on the East Course include the short par-four third and the early water holes at the fifth and sixth, each with stunning outlooks. From the 13th hole onwards, the course turns seaward, sweeping across glorious links terrain towards the Mediterranean, before finishing with a fabulous par-four set, driving from an elevated tee along the craggy coastline.
Also a par-72, the West Course features one of the most memorable finishes anywhere in the world with the final four holes set alongside the Mediterranean, and complementing the two layouts are outstanding practice facilities including a double-ended driving range and excellent golf academy.
Marcello Della Vecchia, Director of Golf Sales at Verdura Resort, said: “It is always an honour to be shortlisted for an award so to be nominated in three categories is a great privilege for the resort and a further illustration of our standing in the global golf industry.
“We are very proud of what we have achieved in a relatively short space of time. Our golf courses and other facilities are among the best with anything else in the luxury golf market and we will continue to strive to deliver an unparalleled, modern five-star experience to our golfing guests.”
Verdura, also a member of Leading Hotels of the World, has won widespread recognition across the luxury global travel industry since opening with honours including a ‘Golden Award for Golf’ at the 2015 Voyages & Hôtels Readers Awards and being named ‘Best Family European Golf Resort’ by the 2011 Tatler Travel Guide.
Located on the southern coast of Sicily between Agrigento and the fishing city of Sciacca, an 80-minute drive from Trapani and Palermo airports, the resort’s other sports and leisure facilities include six tennis courts, a 60m two-tiered infinity pool, a 170sqm fully-equipped gym and an award-winning 4,000sqm spa complex.
In addition, guests can sample an authentic taste of traditional Sicily with an array of locally-sourced dishes at one of Verdura’s four first-class restaurants.
Since opening in 2009, Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte hotels resort, (www.roccofortehotels.com) has quickly established itself among Europe’s premier contemporary luxury golf and lifestyle destinations.
The resort is set in 230 hectares of stunning landscape overlooking the Mediterranean with 1.8km of private coastline, and offers golfing guests and families an unparalleled modern five-star experience on the largest island in the Mediterranean. The resort is located on the southern coast of Sicily between Agrigento and the fishing city of Sciacca, a 80-minute drive from Trapani and Palermo airports.
Verdura features 203 rooms and suites, all with sea view, and is a paradise for golfers, with its outstanding facilities. Golfers from all over the world come to enjoy the two 18-hole championship courses and a nine-hole par-three course, all designed by world-renowned golf architect Kyle Phillips and playable all-year-round. Verdura was the host venue for the European Tour’s 2012 Sicilian Open and its three links-style layouts have been built to the highest specifications. The resort’s East Course is ranked as one of the finest in continental Europe while its beautiful West Course, also a par-72, provides the ideal complement and features one of the most memorable finishes anywhere in the world with the final four holes set alongside the Mediterranean. The courses are matched by outstanding practice amenities including a double-ended driving range and excellent golf academy.
Verdura’s other sports facilities include six tennis courts; a 60m two-tiered infinity pool; numerous watersports, one football pitch; a 170sqm fully-equipped gym and a collection of running trails through olive and lemon groves. The resort’s award-winning 4,000sqm spa complex includes 11 treatment rooms, gym, yoga studio, a 25-metre indoor lap pool, four outdoor Thalassotherapy pools, a double-height steam room, male and female saunas and a spa bar for healthy alternatives.
Guests can sample an authentic taste of traditional Sicily with an array of dishes at one of the resort’s four restaurants and five bars – with fresh, organic produce sourced straight from Verdura’s own garden. In addition, visitors can enjoy an array of cultural and culinary experiences where they can discover the secrets of Sicilian cooking, with menus inspired by celebrity chef Fulvio Pierangelini, and taste the many famous wines of the region. There is also plenty to keep the younger members of the family entertained with dedicated kids and teen clubs providing a variety of fun-packed activity programmes throughout the year.
Verdura Resort has received widespread recognition through numerous awards including a ‘Golden Award for Golf’at the 2015 Voyages & Hôtels Readers Awards and named ‘Best Family European Golf Resort’ by the 2011 Tatler Travel Guide.