Verdura Resort stretches across 230 hectares of coast and countryside on Sicily's south-west shore, between the fishing town of Sciacca and Agrigento, with nearly two kilometres of private beach. Olive trees, orange groves and an organic farm surround the low, earth-toned buildings, and all 203 rooms and suites look out to sea from a balcony or terrace. Interiors by Olga Polizzi draw on Sicilian terracotta, ochre and violet, and several shared spaces have recently been restyled. Golf is a large part of the appeal, with two 18-hole championship courses and a nine-hole par-3 designed by Kyle Phillips, and there are tennis and padel courts and water sports too. The Irene Forte Spa covers 4,000 square metres and uses botanicals grown on the estate, with thalassotherapy pools. Eight restaurants and bars range from Sicilian cooking to Nagori, where Japanese technique meets Mediterranean produce inside an old Saracen tower. A kids' programme looks after guests up to 16, and private villas sit on the estate for larger groups. The Valley of the Temples is within reach for a day.
- Nearest airport
- Palermo Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO), 46 Miles / 74 Kilometres
- Rooms
- 203 rooms and suites, plus private villas
Insider tip Let the concierge plan a day out: a tasting at Planeta's vineyards, or the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento, which is UNESCO-listed.
Why I choose it We choose Verdura for families and golfers who want Sicily with space, sea views from every room and the island's Greek temples within easy reach.