Verdura targets world golf awards treble

Sicily’s Verdura Resort has it's sights set on enhancing it's repuation as one of  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.

For further details about the World Golf Awards and to vote for Verdura Resort, visit http://worldgolfawards.com/award/europe-best-golf-venue/2015

For more information on Verdura Resort and to book a stay, phone +39 0925 99 8180 or visit www.roccofortehotels.com