A 30-minute drive from the resort lies Caltabellotta, a small village off the beaten track, perched just below the peak of Mount Kratus. After nearly two decades of research, Professor Gianni Pes and Professor Calogero Caruso have identified this mountain community as an emerging Blue Zone — a place where a remarkable number of locals are living well into their 90s, exceeding both regional and national averages.
Many of the factors that contribute to the longevity and good health of the locals are also central to the golf experience at Verdura Resort. We know that the value of a round of golf goes far deeper than fun and games.
Walking is a natural part of daily life in the Blue Zone, whether navigating the village’s winding streets or tending hillside gardens. Golf offers the same gentle, sustained movement. A round at Verdura’s two championship courses can see you covering several kilometres at an unhurried pace — engaging muscles, improving circulation, and allowing the mind to reset, all in an environment of sea air and Mediterranean light.
Diet plays an equally important role in both Caltabellotta’s longevity and the Verdura experience. After a morning on the course, guests can enjoy meals inspired by the same principles: fresh vegetables, locally caught fish, Sicilian olive oil, seasonal fruit, and grains. This Mediterranean pattern of eating is not only delicious but has also been consistently linked to reduced risk of chronic disease and improved overall wellbeing.
Social connection is another hallmark of Blue Zone living. In the mountain village, community is woven into daily routines. At Verdura, golf is as much about companionship as competition — conversations between shots, shared moments on the fairway, and the post-round ritual of gathering at the clubhouse. These interactions create a sense of belonging and purpose, both recognised by researchers as vital to a longer, healthier life.
Even the setting itself mirrors the low-stress environments found in Blue Zones. Verdura’s courses stretch across a serene, car-free landscape, with the distant hum of the sea and the scent of wild herbs drifting on the breeze. Time here moves at a different pace: one that encourages mindfulness, presence, and restoration.
In this way, golf at Verdura doesn’t just entertain; it aligns with the very same pillars that help Caltabellotta’s residents thrive into their ninth and tenth decades. It’s a reminder that the sport, at its best, is an experience for both body and mind — a chance to slow down, connect, and live well.
Discover how golf at Verdura can be part of your own path to wellbeing. For enquiries and bookings, contact reservations.verdura@roccofortehotels.com
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