Sicily / Verdura Resort, A Rocco Forte Hotel

Reclining on 570 acres of beachfront miles away from the overpopulated suntraps, Rocco Forte’s first venture into building its own hotels is a crowd-pleasing, private affair.

As Italian tradition dictates, food is taken seriously here – gourmet events range from monthly village fairs featuring guest celebrity chefs to olive oil and wine tastings from local suppliers. Meanwhile, in the cookery school, Sicilian pizza and pasta making is washed down with a mixology masterclass at the bar. When you don’t feel like cooking for yourself, the several organic, immersive dining experiences (including a beachfront restaurant with local seafood and a clifftop trattoria), offer an authentic taste of Sicily.

The perfect antidote to all this indulgence is now found in the Rocco Forte Fit health plan. A tailor-made strategy involves hiking up the hills surrounding the resort (the views are worth it), one-to-one sessions with resident trainer, Marcello, and a choice of classes such as Pilates and hydro-running – all of which are followed by a Sicilian Aroma body massage and health-focused dinner of fresh, seared fish and light salads. For families there’s junior football, swimming, fencing and other sporting academies.

Travel notes:

• 197 rooms and suites; 6 pool villas
• Luxurious eco-friendly architecture amid olive trees and orange groves
• Surrounded by charming villages and ancient Greek and Roman ruins
• Spa with indoor swimming pool and 4 outdoor thalassotherapy pools
• 2 championship golf courses, tennis and water sports, all with expert tuition