Rocco Forte’s exclusive collection of twenty Private Villas in Sicily has officially reopened for the 2025 season, unveiling a new curated experience designed for sunset seekers.
The Chasing the Sunset itinerary invites guests to discover the magic of Sicily’s western coast through bespoke daily excursions that blend nature, history, and wellness — all culminating in an unforgettable stargazing session under the Mediterranean sky.
Located within the Verdura Resort and offering sweeping sea views, the Rocco Forte Private Villas provide seclusion and sophistication in equal measure. The new itinerary encourages guests to slow down and reconnect with the land — from salt marshes and archaeological wonders to mountaintop villages and wild coastal reserves.
Day 1: A secret garden at the Valley of the Temples
The journey begins in a historic citrus grove, once cultivated by Cistercian monks in 1740. Guests enjoy a private visit to the Valley of the Temples — with evening tours available in the summer months — and a gourmet “chic-nic” featuring Sicilian delicacies beneath the sunset-lit ruins.
Day 2: Torre Salsa Nature Reserve and Bovo Marina
Guests then explore the 1,880-acre WWF Torre Salsa Nature Reserve, home to dramatic cliffs, rolling dunes and wild orchids. A guided hike through the unspoiled reserve ends at Bovo Marina, where dinner is served metres from the shoreline as the sun dips into the sea.
Day 3: Caltabellotta – a mountaintop hamlet with sweeping views
Perched 950 metres above sea level, the ancient hilltop town of Caltabellotta offers one of Sicily’s most dramatic sunset panoramas. The experience includes a walking tour through winding streets to the Castle of Queen Sibilla, followed by a stop at a traditional pastry shop for fresh cannoli.
Day 4: Isola Lunga and the salt pans of Trapani and Marsala
Travelling west, guests explore the tranquil salt marshes near Trapani. A guided tour of the Ettore and Infersa salt pans leads to a boat crossing of the shimmering Stagnone Lagoon to Isola Lunga. There, guests enjoy a unique wellness ritual floating in mineral-rich saltwater tanks or relaxing directly on the salt crust — followed by a sunset aperitivo or professional photoshoot to capture the golden hour.
Returning to the Villas
Each day’s journey begins and ends at the Rocco Forte Private Villas, where guests can unwind in luxurious 3- and 4-bedroom residences featuring sea-facing terraces and private pools. In 2025, Verdura Resort adds two new restaurants and introduces three new twilight-themed experiences:
- Sunset Yoga: Tailored group or private sessions led by expert instructors in the gardens or on the villa terraces.
- InVilla Bubbles Tasting: An intimate aperitivo hosted by Verdura Resort’s celebrated sommelier Nando Papa, showcasing champagne pairings as the sun sets.
- Stargazing Under Sicilian Skies: Led by an astrophysicist, this celestial experience reveals the night sky from the comfort of your villa — the perfect finale to a day of sunset chasing.
Whether enjoyed in full or as a series of standalone excursions, the Chasing the Sunset itinerary is designed to immerse guests in the natural rhythms and timeless beauty of Sicily — one unforgettable golden hour at a time.