Property of the Week: Rocco Forte Private Villas at Verdura Resort

Sicily has long been celebrated for its sunshine, its food and its layers of ancient history. But lately the island has been drawing a new kind of crowd, and in doing so, pushing it even further into the spotlight. Dua Lipa and Callum Turner chose it as the backdrop for their wedding this summer, bringing with them a crop of other A-listers – everyone from Charli XCX to Elton John. But it isn’t only the celebs who are flocking to the island: tourism rose by 23% in the first quarter of 2025 alone.

Why Now?

While there’s no denying that Sicily is an increasingly popular destination for a holiday, there is also a growing demand for a different kind of stay. And potentially, a more permanent one. Knight Frank reports a 140% rise in Italian property transactions this year, as buyers seek homes that offer both lifestyle and flexibility. On the island’s south-west coast, between the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and the fishing town of Sciacca, Rocco Forte Private Villas offer exactly that. Its 230 hectares of coastline are home to 67 turnkey and off-plan private villas.

Getting there is easier than ever, too. Major airlines are adding new routes from the UK, Europe and the US. Meanwhile, the €13.5 billion Strait of Messina Bridge has been given the green light and will link Sicily to the Italian mainland for the first time. The once far-flung escape is now becoming a natural part of any Italian itinerary.

A First for Sicily

For all the island’s newfound popularity, there is only one place in Sicily where you can buy a home that comes with the ease of life of a five-star hotel. Rocco Forte Private Villas are the island’s sole branded homes, while also being the brand’s first foray into residential development. But this is no newcomer, rather a brand steeped in history and expertise. Sir Rocco Forte and his sister Olga Polizzi founded Rocco Forte Hotels in 1996, building on four generations of family experience in hospitality. Today, the collection spans 15 properties across Europe, from Brown’s Hotel in London to Hotel de Russie in Rome. For owners at Verdura Resort, that pedigree brings peace of mind. The attentive service, privacy and security that hotel guests have come to expect can now be extended to your own front door.

Homes with a View

Perched atop rolling olive groves and Sicilian hills, with sweeping views out to the Mediterranean, the villas blend into the landscape while simultaneously standing apart from the rest of the island. Their design takes after the island’s traditional houses: clean, geometric lines and swathes of warm terracotta, ochre, local stone and timber. Inside, open-plan rooms spill out onto terraces and gardens – the ultimate indoor-outdoor living experience. For those ready to move in, completed three- and four-bedroom villas come with meticulously maintained gardens and secluded pools. Alongside them, the off-plan homes have been designed by ASA Studio Albanese with Olga Polizzi, the group’s Director of Design. The next phase of villa development will feature four- to six-bedroom villas, set in an elevated hillside position closest to the sea. These villas provide buyers the opportunity for creative input in their home. 

Demand has been so strong that in September Rocco Forte Private Villas announced it would fast-track four of its largest villas: one four-bedroom, two five-bedroom and one six-bedroom, ranging from 474 to 648 square meters. Each is set over two floors and opens onto landscaped gardens, wide terraces and an infinity pool, with even private gyms in the larger homes. Cameron Avery, Real Estate Sales Director at Rocco Forte Private Villas, comments: “The level of interest we’ve seen this summer reflects the enduring appeal of these spectacular residences, which offer the rare combination of generous living spaces, privacy and a privileged position along one of Sicily’s most desirable coastlines.” The new villas are due for delivery in late 2028, with prices from around €6 million.

A Resort as Your Back Garden

While the villas may be so beautiful that you’d never want to step foot outside again, the neighbouring resort may just persuade you otherwise. Mornings could begin strolling along the private mile-long beach, or, for something more active, a round of golf. Widely regarded as Italy’s leading golf destination, Verdura Resort has two championship 18-hole courses and a new clubhouse beside a 16th-century Saracen tower, and owners receive two years of complimentary membership. Tennis, padel and basketball courts, along with watersports, mean there’s no shortage of ways to keep moving. For something new, the recently opened Sport & Experience Hub will fill the calendar further. You can ride on horseback across the hills and along the shore or even take an alpaca on a walk. There’s also a traditional bolentino fishing trip, part of the resort’s Bluefishers sustainability project, which ends the night with a bluefish dinner.

Afternoons then could be spent at the Irene Forte Spa. Its Longevity Programme draws on research into the nearby Sicani Mountains, recently identified as an emerging Blue Zone, where residents are known to lead long and healthy lives. And while you take care of your body, somebody else can take care of the kids, with a kid’s club nearby and babysitting services available. Then, as the sun sets, the choice is yours across 10 restaurants and bars celebrating Sicily’s vibrant flavours.

The garden-to-glass experience provides a tour of the resort’s blue agave garden followed by a cocktail masterclass in the comfort of your own villa. And for owners who like to venture further afield, exclusive savings and offers at Rocco Forte hotels worldwide await. Meanwhile, the Rocco Forte Rental Management Programme, which a number of owners have already joined, lets their villa earn its keep while they’re away. 

There is currently a selection of Rocco Forte Verdura Private Residences on the market, with an array of villas and sizes to choose from. 3-bedroom private villas start from €3,010,000.

Find out more about the property via roccofortehotels.com and contact Cameron Avery, Tel: +39 347 513 9534 for further sale enquiries.