Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte hotel, has been named Europe’s Best Golf Hotel at the 2025 World Golf Awards, confirming its reputation as one of the continent’s leading destinations for golf and hospitality.
Now in its twelfth year, the World Golf Awards recognise excellence across the global golf tourism industry, honouring destinations, resorts and courses that set the standard for quality and service. Part of the World Travel Awards programme, they are widely regarded as among the most respected distinctions in international golf hospitality.
Located on Sicily’s southern coast, Verdura Resort brings together exceptional sporting facilities, understated design and thoughtful service. Conceived by Sir Rocco Forte and designed by Olga Polizzi, the resort’s architecture was created to blend with the surrounding landscape, using natural materials and low-lying buildings that frame views of the Mediterranean.
Sir Rocco Forte, Chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels said: “This prestigious award recognises the exceptional dedication of our team, which consistently strives to deliver a high-performing course for our members and guests. Our commitment to excellence leads us to create golf experiences that are both high-end and deeply immersed in the destination. At Verdura, that philosophy is reflected in everything we do”.
Set across 230 hectares of olive groves and coastline, Verdura features 203 rooms and suites, each with private terraces overlooking the sea, alongside 20 Rocco Forte Private Villas. Facilities include two championship 18-hole courses and a nine-hole par-three course designed by Kyle Phillips, seven restaurants and four bars, a private beach, tennis and padel courts.
Verdura’s East Links and West Shore courses continue to attract golfers from around the world, recognised for their conditioning, playability and coastal views. Supported by a modern golf academy and Italy’s only European Tour-approved Performance Institute, they provide an experience that matches the quality of the resort’s other facilities.
At the heart of the resort’s lifestyle amenities is the Irene Forte Spa, a relaxing retreat offering thalassotherapy pools, a 25-metre indoor pool, Finnish sauna, hammam, state-of-the-art fitness studio and outdoor relaxation areas surrounded by Sicilian flora. Treatments draw on organic ingredients grown locally and are complemented by a full calendar of fitness and wellness classes.
Dining at Verdura reflects Sicily’s culinary heritage. Zagara offers elegant regional dishes using seasonal ingredients, Liolà provides a relaxed trattoria setting and Amare serves freshly caught seafood within touching distance of the Mediterranean. Guests can also enjoy lighter options at the Clubhouse or visit one of the resort’s well-appointed bars.
For guests wishing to make the most of the facilities, Verdura Resort’s Unlimited Golf and Family Golf packages provide tailored opportunities for every type of player, alongside access to practice facilities, coaching programmes and the wider resort experience.
For the first time, Verdura Resort will open its golf facilities for a special winter season, welcoming players on weekends throughout the winter (excluding the festive period), before the resort. Golfers will have access to the championship courses, Pro Shop, Clubhouse Lounge and private or group lessons with Verdura’s professional coaches.