Verdura Resort

The grounds of the Verdura comprise a series of low adobe buildings surrounded by orange and olive groves, pine trees, and impeccably manicured lawns and golf courses. Indoor areas are nearly as open and sprawling as the outdoor spaces. The bright, open lobby has vaulted ceilings decorated with artistic and colorful hanging lamps and is set with a number of connected couches. There's an enormous covered patio with low, soft couches and, like just about every other location at the resort, magical views of both the sea and of the hills in the distance. There's a massive outdoor swimming pool between the hotel and the beach that's surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas spaced widely apart. Four restaurants and five bars each have sprawling patios and terraces with great views. Amare Restaurant, with its bamboo roof, and Crudo Bar are right on the beach. The Trattoria Liola has a colorful indoor seating area and an open and spacious patio and the Torre Bar features unique hanging lamps that resemble bird cages. Every hole of both golf courses has a striking view of the sea or distant hills.

Situated on a beautiful stretch of beach on the southwest coast of Sicily, Verdura Resort, in spite of being completely self-contained with restaurants and every amenity, is rather isolated, lying about 20-minutes away (by car) from the seaside town of Sciacca and about 30-minutes from the town of Agrigento. The Valley of the Temples, featuring several ancient Greek temples, is about 25 minutes away and there are several vineyards within 25-minutes of the hotel. The city of Palermo is just over an hour’s drive and Palermo Airport, offering flights to and from most major European cities, is about an 80-minute car ride away. The smaller Trapani Airport is about 90-minutes away and getting to Catania takes about two- and a-half-hours. The resort has a helicopter landing pad so direct service via helicopter is also possible along with trips to and from the pristine Aeolian, Egadi, and Pelagian Islands. 

With 203 rooms spread out over many acres, even the most economic of the rooms (the Deluxe Rooms) are remarkably spacious. New and clean, the beds all have breezy canopies giving the rooms a tropical feel that's accentuated by private patios or terraces with lounge chairs and (in some rooms) hammocks that look out on the sprawling beach, pool, and palm trees. Each room is equipped with a quality flat-screen TV, a seating area, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms come with separate showers and large jetted tubs, plush robes, slippers, and high-end toiletries. Higher-category rooms have spa cushions. Some units are equipped with kitchenettes, complete with kettles, small stovetops, and utensils, although some non-kitchenette rooms lack tea- and coffee-making facilities. Full room service is available in all units can be interconnected for families and large groups.

The hotel added three villas in summer 2017, which provide multiple bedrooms, separate living spaces, and decks with sea views and private pools. The largest, Villa Acacia, includes three terraces: one with a private pool, one with a Jacuzzi, and one with an alfresco dining area. Guests staying in villas get extra perks like free airport returns, full bars, and Segafredo coffee machines.

Not only does the Verdura offer private helicopter tours to the Aeolian, Egadi and Pelagian Islands and bird’s-eye views of nearby Mt. Etna, but the resort also leads several heritage, historical, adventure, wine, and culinary tours. There's a large children’s play area with daily activities. The two 18-hole golf courses alternate daily and are each creatively designed and well-maintained, with top-notch clubs available to rent. Guests have access to two sprawling swimming pools (one indoor and one outdoor), a set of tennis courts (hefty fee for racket rentals), and a full-service spa offering facials, body treatments, and massages. The pristine beach is equipped with lounge chairs and umbrellas and the resort has a number of bikes for getting from one end to the other, free for guest use. The breakfast buffet includes fresh omelets, yogurt, pastries, and large spreads of local fruit and cheeses. Airport transfers and car/limo services are available along with laundry, dry cleaning, and babysitting. Parking is free and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.