ROCCO FORTE HOTELS PRESENTS THE SICILIAN ODYSSEY | News
Created exclusively for guests of Villa Igiea and Verdura Resort, The Sicilian Odyssey is inspired by the epic story of Homer and the Sicilian landscapes associated with Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film, set to hit theaters in July. The route offers three distinctive ways to discover the mythology, cinematic landscape and extraordinary natural beauty of Sicily:
The first stop is the island of Mothia, located in the Stagnone Nature Reserve and long associated with Sicily’s ancient Mediterranean history. After a leisurely stroll through the surrounding Grillo vineyards, guests will visit the Whitaker Museum, home to the famous Ephebe of Mothia, a remarkable sculpture from the 5th century BC, before enjoying Sicilian specialties such as couscous and caponata in a secluded garden setting.
The second chapter of the journey is the Zingaro Nature Reserve, accessible via a two-hour yacht cruise from Villa Igiea or Verdura Resort. Sailing along Sicily’s dramatic coastline, guests pass towering sea stacks, rugged cliffs and legendary sea caves before anchoring in secluded coves for a dip in crystal-clear waters.
The final stop is Favignana Island, whose rugged coastline and turquoise bays have made it a captivating setting for cinematic interpretations of the Mediterranean. Highlights include Cala Rossa, Cala Rotonda, Cala Azzurra and Cala del Bue Marino, in addition to the town’s charming harbor and the historic Tonnara Florio, a powerful testament to the island’s centuries-old tuna fishing traditions and the legacy of Vincenzo Florio, who made Favignana a leading center of tuna production in the 19th century.
The three stops offer an immersive exploration of Sicily’s mythology, landscapes and cultural heritage, inviting guests to experience the Mediterranean through the lens of Rocco Forte Hotels and the warmth of Sicilian hospitality. The journey continues at Villa Igiea and Verdura Resort, where a photo exhibition featuring a selection of striking images from the film set, courtesy of Universal Pictures, provides a captivating end to the experience.
SICILIAN ODYSSEY is available exclusively to guests of Villa Igiea and Verdura Resort and can be customized for one, two or all three experiences. For bookings: Concierge Villa Igiea – Concierge Verdura Resort.
Villa Igiea | Villa Igiea, a hotel in Rocco Forte, located between Monte Pellegrino and the Gulf of Palermo, combines the city’s rich cultural heritage with contemporary luxury. The historic building is set against the breathtaking Sicilian landscape and offers 72 rooms and 28 suites. The meticulous restoration of the hotel was led by Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen of Paolo Moschino, Ltd in collaboration with Olga Polizzi, design director of Rocco Forte Hotels. Dining options include Florio Restaurant, Igiea Terrazza Bar and Alicetta Bistro, serving authentic Sicilian cuisine curated by Fulvio Pierangelini and cocktail creations by Salvatore Calabrese.
Verdura Resort and Rocco Forte Private Villas | Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte hotel is spread over 230 hectares of olive groves, citrus groves and 1.8 km of private coastline, between the Valley of the Temples and Sciacca on the south-west coast of Sicily. The resort combines modern architecture with Sicilian tradition, with 203 rooms and suites and 20 exclusive private villas: luxury hilltop residences with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The diverse dining options range from specialty cocktail bars and all-day casual dining to luxury dining, each highlighting the best of Sicilian cuisine, with an international twist. The flagship Irene Forte Spa offers a 4,000 m² retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. Kyle Phillips’ two award-winning 18-hole golf courses make Verdura Resort a premier destination for golf enthusiasts.
