Overlooking a sweeping stretch of the Ionian Sea, Rocco Forte Verdura Golf & Spa Resort is a luxury property encompassing 568 acres of gently undulating land in south-west Sicily. The five-star, multi-building property is comprised of 230 rooms and suites with Latin terracotta and ochre exteriors, and ecologically-friendly features such as solar energy and water-recycling. Costing around 140 million euro (about USD $195 million), the project is the brainchild of hospitality entrepreneur, Rocco Forte, and is designed by architect Flavio Albanese. It's complete with golf courses, sea sports, swimming pools and clay tennis courts among many other entertainment options for guests.

Although the complex is spacious, transport throughout is convenient and fun, with easy-to-ride bicycles at special stands within the property plus open, chauffeur-driven buggies and regular-service mini-buses. Luckily, Verdura's restaurants, spa complex, private beach, swimming pools and children's play areas are all within easy walking distance.

Located in a separate building across from the main reception area, the 4,000-square-foot spa is a delight. Mens’ and womens’ changing rooms have their own saunas and there is a shared steam room, 65-foot swimming pool, long enough to provide for satisfactory aqua exercise, and a 558-square-foot, fully equipped gym. In addition, Verdura has harnessed the qualities of local thermal underground streams and has installed four separate outdoor hydrotherapy pools with Jacuzzi-like jet-streams to ease tired muscles. Its spa has 11 treatment rooms, which use local natural resources such as salt from Trapani, olive oil, blood oranges, volcanic clay and almonds.

Outdoor sports are plentiful, with flood-lit tennis courts, soccer fields and beach with sailing and wind surfing opportunities, organized boat trips (with picnics). The hotel also organizes road trips to various destinations including ancient sites and special wine excursions, as well as helicopter tours of the region. Children are also well-catered to with their own DVD library, Sony Playstations and a Kid’s Club and Teenagers Club open every day. A private babysitting service is also available.

Golfers are in high heaven at Verdura, with an 80-yard wide driving range, two 18-hole courses designed by Californian Kyle Phillips, and a nine-hole course to choose from. Each of the greens meander around orange and olive groves and a mélange of indigenous flora for delightful views. Tee times are arranged at 12-minute intervals to ensure free-flowing play, and the clubhouse is built around a small piazza. So respected is the venue, the Sicilian Open was held here. Niall Cameron, a much-experienced and friendly Scotsman directs this aspect of Verdura’s operations, offering one-on-one lessons or group clinics with his PGA qualified staff. A former European circuit player with wide-ranging international knowledge of the game, Niall is a natural born 'seanchai' (storyteller) with golf techniques accompanied by fascinating anecdotes that help one remember the tips he offers on bringing down that obstinate handicap.

The property’s design is the work of Rocco Forte Hotels’ design director, Olga Polizzi, with one striking highlight being local handcrafted tiles, made by Sicilian company Caltagirone featured throughout the property. The rooms are pared-down, with contemporary designs in venge and white, complete with a four-poster-like bed in dark wood with sensual white muslin curtains on all sides and along the top. Throws, lampshades and cushions of various shades ranging from ochre to violet grant a sense of cozy warmth and framed collages of Sicilian ceramics decorate the walls. The bathroom itself is sandy-colored with built-in bathtub, a separate, open-style shower and a large, rectangular-shaped sink. A broad mirror covering most of the wall permits plenty of preening.

Resort guests have a choice of five restaurant options — Zagara, with a distinctly Mediterranean menu; Amare, a seafood restaurant at the beach; Liola, offering traditional Sicilian cuisine; Buon Giorno, where breakfast is served; and Granita, a casual dining and cocktail venue. Verdura specials such as the Sicilian mojito, Kalos and Coppola are well worth trying.

Buffet breakfast at Verdura's is one of the most varied — with more than forty different menu items to select from — including a large range of local cheeses, cold cuts and smoked local fish. There was even artichoke paste, an item one doesn't often see at a breakfast buffet. The wide variety of cuisine styles (a highlight of a stay at Verdura), means guests can enjoy thoroughly different types of meals on any given day, from delightfully crisp cutlet Milanese and grilled cuttlefish (sepia) at Granita, to the flavorsome traditional pasta con le sarde, sea bass baked in salt and Sicilian cassata dessert at Liola.

It’s not just by day that Verdura impresses. At night, it is equally, if not more charming. Sitting outside on the open terrace of the room, guests can enjoy a magical view of Caltabeltotta, a mountain town 1,000 meters up, and its glittering lights glowing like so many stars. The coastline also offers a fine view with lighted palm trees and the sweet scent of orange blossom wafting through the breeze.

Verdura is a suitable resort for parents with children, couples seeking a romantic getaway or individuals or groups looking for sports or golfing outlets. The property offers a multitude of choices in terms of activities and diverse dining options. It's prime location close to Agrigento — home to the Valley of the Temples, an ancient Greek archaeological site — and proximity to one of the most scenic rural drives in Sicily makes the Verdura Golf & Spa Resort an idyllic, activity-filled getaway.