With a short flight time and fabulous climate, Sicily deserves its reputation as one of Europe's fastest growing golf hotspots, and golfers can experience the best that the Mediterranean's largest island has to offer at Sir Rocco Forte's deluxe Verdura Resort this spring.
The top European venue, named 'Best Golf Hotel in Italy' at the 2015 World Golf Awards, boasts an array of world-class facilities including three golf courses and is serving up a treat for players over the coming months - with package prices starting from €189 (approx £135) per person per night.
Host of the Sicilian Open in 2012 and nestling adjacent to the Mediterranean in 230 hectares of stunning landscape, Verdura has everything needed for a relaxing golfing break and features two outstanding 18-hole championship courses – the East Course and West Course – as well as a par-three nine hole course.
Designed by world-renowned architect Kyle Phillips, all three layouts have been the subject of a recent six-month winter improvement programme, and temperatures in the mid to late twenties make late spring and earlier summer the ideal time to experience one of Europe's elite golf and luxury lifestyle destinations.
Available from May, the resort's four-night break costs from €756 per person (approx £580) and includes daily breakfast, two rounds of golf, access to the luxury spa facilities including sauna, steam bath and swimming pools, as well as full use of the resort's extensive golf practice facilities.
Alternatively, a seven-night package in the Sicilian sunshine with four rounds of golf is available from €1,323 per person (approx £1,015) including breakfast and the same leisure privileges. Prices are based on two people sharing a twin or double standard room, are valid for new bookings only and are subject to availability.
Built to the highest specifications, Verdura's three links-style layouts offer agolf experience to remember, with tee times arranged at 12-minute intervals to ensure free-flowing play, five sets of tees making the courses playable for golfers of all abilities and one of its courses dedicated daily to two-ball play only.
Complementing the courses are extensive practice facilities including a double-ended driving range and excellent golf academy, while players can also take advantage of the latest state-of-the-art TaylorMade equipment when they hire clubs at the resort after a significant recent upgrade of its rental service. Prices start from €55 (approx £40) for a two-round package.
Situated on Sicily's southern coast between Agrigento and the fishing city of Sciacca, an 80-minute drive from Trapani and Palermo airports, Verdura Resort features 203 rooms and suites – all with a sea view.
Away from the fairways, the resort – a Sir Rocco Forte hotel – features an array of other luxury sports and lifestyle facilities while guests also have the opportunity to sample a taste of the gastronomy, wine, history and culture that has made Sicily famous across the world.
