As the autumn harvests fade into memory and trees are festooned with fairy lights in place of fruit, we continue to curate experiences to enthral clients and offer an unrivalled sense of place. From an exclusive Sicilian culinary journey to an exceptional chocolate workshop in Brussels, each of the following experiences are distinctly emblematic of the country in which they take place.
Olive oil harvesting in Sicily
Late autumn in Sicily sees the olive ripen. Your clients will no doubt have tasted this prized delicacy, an essential part of la cucina Italiana. Now, gastronomes can gain a deeper insight into the journey from branch to bruschetta with Verdura Resort. Accompanied by a U Canuscituri (local insider), clients will visit the quaint hilltop village of Sant’Angelo Muxaro in the Sicani mountains where, with a local family, they’ll partake in the olive harvesting, reaping the olives from the branches with the same implements used since antiquity, before catching their prize in large nets. After witnessing the pressing and extraction phases of production, they’ll prepare and enjoy a seasonal lunch together with their hosts, featuring the fruits of their labour.
Chocolate crafting in Brussels
Home to an estimated 2,000 chocolatiers, Brussels is known as the chocolate capital of the world. Courtesy of Hotel Amigo, your cocoa-loving clients can not only sample some of the finest sweet treats in the city but also get behind the scenes to learn the art of crafting chocolate from a renowned local Maître chocolatier. In the warm, cocoa-scented surrounds of Laurent Gerbaud’s Atelier, they’ll discover the secret to blending chocolate with various fruit and spices to exotic effect – the Maître’s extensive travels in the Far East inspired his innovative recipes and guests can expect to use kumquats, apricots, lemon peel, figs, grapefruit, nuts and more. Not only will they take home their own creations, but each attendee will also carry away a deluxe collection of seasonal chocolates made by the Maître himself.
Book your 2020 stay at Verdura Resort by emailing reservations.verdura@roccofortehotels.com or calling +39 06 32 888 630.
Book your stay at Hotel Amigo by emailing reservations.amigo@roccofortehotels.com or calling +7 812 494 5770.
Agrigento’s roots run as deep as the gnarled olive trees that dot its landscape, stretching back over 2,500 years to its founding as Akragas, one of the greatest cities of the ancient Greek world. Set against a breathtaking coastline, this once thriving cultural and political hub was praised by the Greek poet Pindar as “the most beautiful city of mortals”. Today, this splendour is immortalised in the Valley of the Temples.
Verdura Resort is home to two of Europe’s finest championship links courses, where rolling fairways and manicured greens stretch to the rugged shores of southern Sicily. Designed by acclaimed golf architect Kyle Phillips, these courses embrace the island’s dramatic beauty, offering sweeping Mediterranean views and an exhilarating golfing experience. Now, with an ambitious investment programme enhancing every element of play, the resort welcomes a new season of golf.
Along Italy’s dazzling southern coastline, two Rocco Forte Hotel retreats prepare to welcome spring’s arrival. Each destination, from Puglia’s rolling hills to the sugary shores of Sciacca, exudes charm and space to unwind while offering personalised onsite activities and local experiences.
