Our Marketing Manager, Natalie, headed off to stunning Sicily to check out the luxurious Verdura Resort and reports back on her visit:
What were your first impressions when you arrived?
Well, I was pretty much in love with Sicily before I even got to Verdura Resort - it was my first visit and loved the scenery along the way - miles and miles of lush countryside, mountains and orchards. So beautiful. And then arriving at Verdura was pretty much the icing on the cake. It has a long, sweeping driveway so you can take in all its beauty as you reach the reception - the Mediterranean sea views, the immaculate links golf courses, the stylish design - I smiled from ear to ear as I just knew that I was in for a total treat. What a gorgeous way to feel at the start of your spa holiday eh?
What do you think makes the resort so special?
I'd say the team - seemingly the Sicilian's pride themselves on their warmth and hospitality and it shows. Everyone we met was very friendly, smiley and 'on it' - you can tell that they are all highly trained and the service is excellent without being stuffy. Plus, the landscaping and sense of space are wonderful - there are so many areas to chill out in that you could never really feel crowded out by other people. The spacious spa is in its own stand-alone building so it's ideal if you are on a wellness programme as everything is in one place - the treatment rooms through to the Thalassotherapy pools.
What was your favourite treatment?
I tried a Sicilian Aroma Massage which was 50 minutes of sheer bliss - I swear the therapist, Veronica, had magic hands and it was one of the best massages that I have ever had! It uses local olive oil and oranges and aims to promote healthy skin and tissue and a deep sense of wellbeing. My skin felt amazing afterwards and the knots in my shoulders and back were so soothed that I literally felt like the weight of the world had been lifted. The treatment rooms are very inviting in soft tones and purples and I thought the spa 'protocols' were excellent too - the therapist checked that the room temperature was correct and that I was comfortable before starting and was very discreet throughout so I was totally relaxed.
What was your favourite activity?
There are almost too many to mention. I loved riding a bike round the resort - there are racks of bicyles outside every room and you just pick one and head off. I did a circular route every morning before breakfast and liked heading in the direction of the tennis courts. I enjoy tennis and the clay courts are very impressive. I also tried my hand at golf for the first time which was great fun. The pros were so patient and friendly that before long I was putting and driving and enjoying every second. And, of course, I have to mention the glorious spa where I spent a lot of time. It has four Thalassotherapy pools that you do in strict succession to stimulate your circulation - watch out for the last one as it's cold and it's best just to plunge straight in! They are wonderfully therapeutic and then there are sun loungers dotted all around so you can soak up the sun afterwards.
How was the food?
Divine - it's Italy so say no more but I loved the sheer range of restaurants and food. It's far more interesting to be somewhere where you can try different types of cuisine and perfect if you don't want to venture out. The breakfast is delicious with plenty of healthy options and then you are spoilt for choice for the rest of the day. I loved the yummy salads at the Pool Bar, the traditional Sicilian meals at Liolà (think the real McCoy pizzas and pasta dishes) and the gourmet food at La Zagara which truly deserves its Michelin stars. All the restaurants are different in style from relaxed to 'posh' but all have friendly service and amazing food.
Be sure to have drinks on the Granita Bar terrace before dinner as the sunsets are beautiful as are the views across the huge swimming pool framed by palm trees. Oh yes and the bar in the spa (open from mid May to September usually) has delicious juices and salads so do try those as well.
What was your favourite aspect of the resort?
Well my bedroom was pretty special - I was in a grand suite and it had a beautiful terrace overloooking the lawns and sea complete with a swaying hammock where I whiled away many a happy hour with my book. Plus an interior courtyard with a huge lemon tree. All the rooms are very lovely though - Sicilian colours and fabrics have been used throughout and they are stylish and spacious. Rooms are in 'blocks' so you either have an upstairs room with a balcony or a downstairs one with a terrace. I loved the 'Ortigia products in the bathroom too which are natural and contain local olive oil. They smell divine and are inspired by the colours and aromas of Sicily.
Who would you recommend the resort to?
Anyone who appreciates La Dolce Vita - it's luxurious (in an understated, very stylish, Italian way), the service is top-notch, the spa and treatments are sublime, the team are genuine and warm, the food is exquisite and there is plenty to occupy you. Or, of course, you may just want to spend your days by the swimming pool or on the beach! I'd be very happy here alone as I'd hang out at the spa or it would suit couples and groups of friends. It's also a brilliant option if you have a golf-loving partner yet you prefer other activities - win/win. There is plenty to see in the local area - maybe head out to visit Planeta vineyard or Sciacca which is a fishing port renowned for its ceramics.
Just go - I'm very sure that you will love it. I'm already plotting my return visit. For personalised advice, please call our expert wellness team on 020 3735 7555.
Why Wellbeing Escapes?
