Close your eyes and conjure images of swaying olive trees and orange groves, ruffled by Sicily’s soft sea breeze. Though travel may be restricted for the time being, we can still dream of summer holidays on the scenic coast. We look forward to welcoming guests to Verdura Resort’s secluded haven of idyllic countryside and white-sand beaches from the 18th March, 2021. Until then, bring the magic of Verdura Resort’s 230 hectares of pristine coastline to you, with cultural recommendations from our expert sommelier Nando Papa and local concierge team.
The Leopard by Tomasi di Lampedusa
Recommended by Emanuele Venezia, Concierge
Cosy up by the fire and delve into Tomasi di Lampedusa’s wonderful tale The Leopard, regaling the life of the Salina family and the eccentric Sicilian prince Don Fabrizio and his decadent experiences during the Italian unification.
Sicilian wine tasting journey
Recommended by Nando Papa, Head Sommelier
The island’s sun-kissed coastline and welcoming climate offer up some fantastic local wines. Inspired by our Sicilian wine tasting journey, our head sommelier Nando Papa will accompany you on a "journey of the senses" at home. Begin with a glass of Nerello Mascalese, considered the Pinot Noir of southern Italy. Next, sip the sweet nectar-like texture of Malvasia delle Lipari. Finish with Nero d'Avola, an imposing and austere wine considered by gourmands to be "king of the island". Let these unusual wines speak to every emotion.
The Sicily Cookbook by Cettina Vicenzino
Recommended by Flavia Mazzarini, Head of Guest Relations
Sicilian cuisine is a triumph of flavours, enriched over centuries by a variety of culinary traditions. Hone your skills at home with Cettina Vicenzino’s sensational recipes, or dream ahead to summer and book an authentic culinary experience with our executive chef. Look forward to learning how to make some of Verdura’s most popular dishes using our garden-fresh produce.
Cinema Paradiso
Recommended by Flavia Mazzarini, Head of Guest Relations
Enjoy pure escapism with Salvatore Di Vita as he side-steps the struggles of daily life and instead immerses himself in the imaginary world of Cinema Paradiso, where he falls instantly in love with the world of film thanks to a welcoming projectionist, Alfredo.
Look forward to afternoons spent exploring Verdura Resort’s idyllic coastline and book your Easter escape by emailing reservations.verdura@roccofortehotels.com or calling +39 06 32 888 630.
Vivacious, glamorous, powerful. Few figures encapsulate the effortless grandeur of the Belle Époque quite like Donna Franca, our Sicilian muse. Famed for her petite frame, thick dark hair and an exquisite fashion sense that has endured for over a century, Franca was the epitome of an era that placed beauty and high fashion at its forefront.
The festive season brings its own kind of sparkle - a flurry of celebrations, feasts, and time with those who matter most. To make gifting simple, we’ve curated a selection of bespoke experiences to delight everyone on your list. From candlelit dinners and Italian wine tastings to tranquil spa escapes and moments devoted to yourself, each experience thoughtfully crafted to offer moments of joy.
In a time when beauty shaped every facet of life — from the curve of a staircase to the vivid bloom of a painted iris — Italy’s Stile Liberty captured the optimism of a new century. Across Europe in the late 19th century, the Belle Époque blurred the line between art and the everyday, celebrating craftsmanship, elegance, and expressive freedom. Now, a new cultural itinerary, From Mucha to Florio, traces that movement between Hotel de la Ville in Rome and Villa Igiea in Palermo, two different cities, two glorious expressions of the same artistic impulse.
