The most talked-about luxury resort in Italian golf is in contention for new global recognition after receiving a double nomination at the 1st World Golf Awards, which will take place in Portugal in November.

Donnafugata Golf Resort & SPA has been shortlisted to be named as Italy's Best Golf Resort in 2014, while its renowned Links Course, designed by Italian Franco Piras, is among the nominees to be voted Italy's Best Golf Course in 2014.

Host of the 2011 Sicilian Open, Donnafugata's recent accolades include becoming the first course in Italy to join IMG Prestige, an exclusive collection of some of the world's most celebrated golfing venues, and having both its 18-hole championship layouts named in Golf World's latest biennial list of the 'Top 200 Courses in Continental Europe'.

The five-star luxury resort opened a new Darren Clarke Centre of Excellence, the first facility of its kind in continental Europe, earlier this year and director of golf Guy Roberts believes the World Golf Awards nominations are further evidence of the significant progress Donnafugata is continuing to make in the UK, Europe and beyond.

Bookings at the deluxe resort from UK golfers are up by around a record 60 per cent this year while the deluxe Sicilian venue has revealed that it has experienced an overall rise of 85 per cent in the number of rounds played with rental clubs since nearly trebling its number of hire sets at the start of the year.

Roberts said: “The Resort continues to go from strength to strength and it is wonderful news that all our hard work has been recognised by these nominations.

“Donnafugata has firmly established itself as a leader in Europe's luxury resort sector. The last few years have been fantastic for the resort and we have made great progress in that time, but we're determined that the success story doesn't end there.”

Featuring two 18-hole championship courses – the Parkland and the Links – and extensive practice facilities, Donnafugata Golf Resort & SPA has won widespread acclaim across the golf industry since opening in 2010.

Located just 15 minutes from Comiso airport and set in the beautiful area of Donnafugata, a natural reserve and famous tourist destination known for the imposing castle which bears the same name, the Resort also boasts a number of fantastic historical cities nearby. These include Val di Noto, the heart of Sicilian baroque; Ragusa Ibla, Modica, Noto and Scicli. All are deemed fitting of UNESCO World Heritage status.

As well as its outstanding golf facilities, Donnafugata Golf Resort & SPA has 202 rooms, an award-winning spa and health club, swimming pools and three restaurants offering a broad selection of gastronomic delights, well accompanied by perfect Sicilian wines to enhance flavour.

Voting for the awards is open until October 6 with the winners set to be crowned at a lavish gala ceremony at the Conrad Algarve, Quinta do Lago, on Saturday, November 15.

For further details about the 1st World Golf Awards and how to vote, please click here .
For more information on Donnafugata Golf Resort & SPA or to book a stay, call 00 39 0932 914 200 or visit www.donnafugatagolfresort.com. 

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Information for journalists

Press release distributed by The Azalea Group.

Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa
The five-star luxury Donnafugata Golf Resort & SPA (www.donnafugatagolfresort.com) is the perfect starting point for discovering the hidden treasures of Sicily, one of Italy's most fascinating regions. A real paradise for golfers the Resort hosted Sicilian Open tournament in 2011 and it is at 15 minutes' drive from the international airport of Comiso and located in the heart of Sicilian baroque with pure beaches. Ideal location for relaxing holidays and important events in exclusive surrounding. The Resort has 202 rooms, 900mq spa and health club, two swimming pools, three restaurants, eight meeting rooms and two golf courses.

Donnafugata Golf Resort & SPA, Contrada Piombo – 97100 Ragusa
Tel: +0039 0932 914 200
Fax: +0039 0932 914 222
Email: nhdonnafugata@nh-hotels.com 
High-resolution images of the resort are available for download from http://goo.gl/ggxHM. 

For further information:

Pete Simm at The Azalea Group on +44 (0)1730 711920 or email petes@theazaleagroup.com or

Donnafugata Golf Resort & SPA
Glenda Pirovano
Marketing Manager
Ph.: +39 02 575551
Mobile: +39 342 3164908
E-mail: g.pirovano@nh-hotels.com