Boasting over 500 acres of sun-kissed Mediterranean coastline, this Rocco Forte resort on Sicily’s South Coast is everything you could want from a family holiday.
Beach, pool, countryside, spa and golf – it’s a match made in heaven for families looking to escape the British summer. Offering everything under one sunny and private spot, parents can enjoy themselves just as much as their children here thanks to an impressive kids club warranting a guilt-free night of cocktails and fine dining, or an afternoon of relaxation in the spa.
But that’s just the beginning. Citizen Enfants embarked on an Italian adventure at this stand-alone sanctuary.
The Vibe
Set amongst Sicilian countryside and olive groves, Verdura Resort provides the perfect laid-back Italian holiday, one where you can curl up by the pool or beach, sipping Sicilian margaritas whilst the children are pampered at the Verdùland Kids Club. The beauty of the resort is the space it offers – although set amongst a huge plot of land, there are only 203 rooms and suites, so you don’t feel like you’re living on top of hundreds of tourists flocking in search of the same Italian dream. There are plenty of buggies helping you to easily float around the resort, but you’ll enjoy the walk between spaces too – with crashing waves on one side and a picture-perfect golf-course on the other. It’s clear why plenty of well-known names spent time hunkered down at the hotel last summer.
The Rooms
The rooms are divided between buildings and villas made from sandy, honeycomb stone that blends into the untouched natural environment. Some have private outdoor spaces with large terraces and sun loungers looking out across the immaculately groomed lawns and down to the sea, ideal for those wanting to contain their own slice of heaven. Inside, rooms are designed by Sir Rocco’s sister Olga Polizzi’s in a signature mod-ethnic design style softened with lots of natural materials like wood, stone, textiles and earthy colours. Four-poster beds, whitewashed ceilings and bathrooms made from local stone really set the scene for this Sicilian stay. There are family rooms and suites that offer up to 100 square metres of space and two king-sized beds, as well as private villas for larger groups, set slightly apart from the main resort. Guests will have their own large private pool and kitchen and use of golf carts and electric bikes.
The Food + Drink
There are four restaurants and two bars, from fine dining to a laid-back pizzeria, and there’s something for everyone – even fussy little eaters who will love the Sicilian pizza with tomatoes, breadcrumbs, pecorino cheese, salami and basil. Eat fresh seafood beachside at Amare with live cooking stations and the finest local produce, or at the low-key Liolà in the Medieval Torre Verdura. Relaxed and rustic, this traditional Sicilian trattoria will be a hit with the whole family, and offers clifftop views over the sea. Mornings are spent at Buongiorno, where you’ll find an impressive buffet of freshly-baked cakes and pastries and locally-cured meats and cheeses, or order à la carte for chef-delivered eggs. The orange juice is freshly squeezed from the resort’s Verdura oranges. Zagara is a romantic, adults-only spot offering gourmet cuisine in a glamorous setting. Feast on the likes of mozzarella, tomato and basil, tagliolini with squid and sage and traditional tiramisu. For sunset cocktails or a post-dinner wind-down, order a Tommy’s Margarita at Granita, the main bar with views of the pool and sea. The not-so-secret ingredient is Sicilian lemon, giving you a margarita you’ll likely savour forever.
The Child’s Play
Known for its exceptional kids’ programme, the resort welcomes children of all ages, with activities tailored for all different age groups from babies to teenagers. Children will receive a personalised Rocco Forte Kids passport and welcome treats at check-in, as well as mini bathrobes, slippers and animal cuddly toys. Older guests can enjoy bespoke itineraries created by the hotel’s concierge team, from special spa treatments to interactive entertainment in their rooms. The kids’ club, Verdùland, is an interactive space open during the high season that offers everything from cooking, science, arts and crafts, culture, sports and more. There’s a playground, outdoor pool, indoor play area and 24-hour babysitting available on request. Your little ones can have their own personal turn-down service too, by Verdu’s Hedgehog Teddy Mascot.
The Spa
The Irene Forte Spa is really something quite special, and a selling point for parents looking for ‘me time’ amongst the family fun. Set over 4,000 square metres with an open-air courtyard and weaved amongst palms, orange groves and olive trees, you can revive your mind, body and soul in the heart of the Mediterranean. There are 11 treatment rooms, four outdoor thalassotherapy pools, infrared and Finnish saunas, a double-height steam room and an indoor lap pool – a range of experiences to lift your physical and mental wellbeing. There’s an impressive Technogym-equipped gym and fitness studio for exercise buffs, and a large menu of face and body treatments using Irene Forte’s innovative skincare products, which have already achieved B Corp status and been awarded the Butterfly Mark by Positive Luxury for sustainable excellence.
The To-Do List
Activities are endless at Verdura Resort and won’t leave you at a loss for how to keep kids entertained for even a second of a week-long holiday. Adrenaline-filled watersports, horse riding through the vineyards, cooking lessons and beach games are just a few of the experiences available on-site, but family activities outside of the resort can be arranged too, including pottery making and a visit to a playful toy museum. It’s bound to be a memorable stay for the whole brood.
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