Throughout 2025, guests staying in one of Rocco Forte’s twenty private villas can enjoy a bespoke itinerary designed to embrace the beauty of Sicily’s stunning sunsets.
From scenic hillside treks to secluded gardens and protected nature reserves, the itinerary concludes with a stargazing experience enjoyed from the comfort of each villa.
Offering tranquillity, seclusion and sweeping views, the Rocco Forte Private Villas have reopened for the season, inviting guests to experience the ‘Chasing the Sunset’ itinerary across Sicily’s western coast. Guests can take in unforgettable sunset views, from the rosy-hued Trapani Salt Pans – awaiting UNESCO World Heritage status – to the golden glow that bathes the ancient ruins of the Valley of the Temples. The itinerary, which can be booked in its entirety or by selecting just one of the proposed experiences, includes one stop per day.
THE SECRET GARDEN OF THE VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES | The itinerary begins in a secluded citrus grove, originally cultivated by Cistercian monks in 1740, offering an exclusive getaway to the iconic archaeological site of the Valley of the Temples. Amid ancient citrus trees and fragrant herbs, guests can indulge in a chic-nic experience, savouring traditional Sicilian specialities as the sun slowly sets over the ruins. The itinerary also includes a private visit to the Valley of the Temples, with evening tours available during the summer months.
TORRE SALSA NATURE RESERVE | The next stop is the WWF Torre Salsa Nature Reserve, a pristine sanctuary occupying 1,880 acres of unspoiled coastline. Home to cliffs, rolling dunes and wild orchids, the reserve teems with biodiversity, showcasing the timeless beauty of Sicily’s landscapes. The guided walk to the reserve ends at sunset at Bovo Marina beach, where guests can savour local dishes at a lively restaurant that lies a few metres from the shore.
A HAMLET PERCHED 950 METRES ABOVE THE SEA | The hamlet of Caltabellotta is perched atop a mountainside amid rocky ridges, offering panoramic sunset views stretching from Agrigento to Marsala. The experience includes a guided tour through the hamlet’s narrow streets and alleyways, visiting the Cathedral and the Castle of Queen Sibilla. The itinerary also takes in a local pastry shop where guests can savour cannoli, traditional Sicilian deep-fried pastry tubes filled with cream.
SUNSET VIEWS OF ISOLA LUNGA – A CONTENDER FOR UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE RECOGNITION | The fourth stop invites guests to discover the serene beauty of Sicily’s salt marshes. Just an hour from the Resort lie the Ettore and Infersa Salt Pans, where a private guide sheds light on the area’s centuries-old salt-making tradition. From there, guests cross the shimmering Stagnone Lagoon to reach the otherworldly landscapes of Isola Lunga within the Trapani and Marsala Nature Reserve, which recently applied for UNESCO World Heritage status. At the Fra Giovanni salt pans – no longer active for salt production – guests can indulge in a unique wellness ritual, floating in tanks of varying salinity, or reclining directly on the mineral-rich salt crust. Designed to nurture both body and spirit, this restorative experience concludes with a professional photography session or a sunset aperitivo, surrounded by the quiet magic of the salt pans.
ROCCO FORTE PRIVATE VILLAS | The ‘Chasing the Sunset’ itinerary starts and ends at Rocco Forte’s elegant 3- and 4-bedroom Villas, perched on a hillside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding Sicilian countryside. As well as two new restaurants and an impressive redesign for 2025, Verdura Resort has launched three new experiences that celebrate the magic of dusk. The first is sunset yoga, with individual and group sessions led by an experienced yoga teacher in the Resort gardens or on the Villas’ sea-facing terraces; the second is “InVilla Bubbles Tasting”, a sunset aperitivo experience led by Nando Papa, sommelier of Verdura Resort and one of the world’s leading champagne experts; finally, an unforgettable stargazing experience guided by an astrophysicist to discover the night sky.
Verdura Resort and Rocco Forte Private Villas | Set across 230 hectares of olive groves, citrus orchards, and 1.8 km of private coastline, Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte hotel lies between the Valley of the Temples and Sciacca on Sicily’s southwest coast. The resort blends modern architecture with Sicilian tradition, featuring 203 rooms and suites, and 20 exclusive Private Villas—luxurious hillside residences with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The diverse dining options range from specialty cocktail bars and casual all-day dining to upscale dining, each highlighting the best of Sicilian cuisine, with an international twist. The flagship Irene Forte Spa offers a 4,000m² sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. The two award-winning 18-hole golf courses by Kyle Phillips make Verdura Resort a premier destination for golf enthusiasts.