The popularity of Sicily's deluxe Verdura Resort amongst golfers in the UK is set to soar in 2016 with the impending launch of a new flight route from London Heathrow to Palermo.

From April 30, 2016, British Airways will operate a new twice-weekly summer service from Heathrow's Terminal Five to the Sicilian capital, with fares for the new flights starting from £61 each way including complimentary hold luggage allowing for the free carriage of golf clubs.

Situated on Sicily's southern coast between Agrigento and the fishing city of Sciacca and an 80-minute drive from Palermo and Trapani airports, the new service will make Verdura more accessible than ever to the UK golfing market – with easyJet and Ryanair already operating regular direct flights from England's capital to Palermo.

Marcello Della Vecchia, Director of Golf Sales at Verdura Resort, said: “The UK is a very important market for us and this is great news for the resort and the island.

“British Airways is one of the world's most well-known and respected airlines and the timing of the launch of the new route couldn't be better, with the fantastic Sicilian climate ensuring that our golf courses will look and play at their best.

“The new route will play a big part in helping us showcase Verdura and the many things we have to offer to an even bigger golfing audience in 2016.”

Set next to the vivid azure waters of the Mediterranean in 230 hectares of stunning landscape, Verdura – host venue for the 2012 Sicilian Open and a Rocco Forte hotel – offers three links-style courses, all designed by world-renowned golf architect Kyle Phillips and built to the highest specifications.

The resort features two outstanding 18-hole championship courses – the East Course and West Course – as well as a par-three nine hole course. Tee times are arranged at 12-minute intervals to ensure free-flowing play, five sets of tees make the courses playable for golfers of all abilities and one of its courses is dedicated daily to two-ball play only – a refreshing change amongst modern golf resorts.

Complementing its golf 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.

The resort features 203 rooms and suites – all with a sea view – while away from the fairways, guests can enjoy numerous other sports and leisure facilities including six tennis courts, a 60m two-tiered infinity pool, a 170sqm fully-equipped gym and an award-winning 4,000sqm spa complex.

In addition, visitors can sample an authentic taste of traditional Sicily with an array of locally-sourced dishes at one of Verdura's four first-class restaurants while there is plenty to keep younger members of the family entertained with the resort's dedicated kids and teen clubs.

For further details on the wide range of golf packages available at Verdura Resort, go to https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/verdura-resort/promotions/.  

For more information on the resort and to book a stay, phone +39 0925 99 8180 or visit www.roccofortehotels.com  

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Press release written and distributed by The Azalea Group.

•    High-resolution images of Verdura Resort may be downloaded for editorial purposes from https://goo.gl/whK5xs    

For more information on Verdura Resort contact Luke Frary on 01730 711920 or email luke@theazaleagroup.com  

Verdura Resort
Since opening in 2009, Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotels resort, (www.roccofortehotels.com) has quickly established itself among Europe's premier contemporary luxury golf and lifestyle destinations.

The resort is set in 230 hectares of stunning landscape overlooking the Mediterranean with 1.8km of private coastline, and offers golfing guests and families an unparalleled modern five-star experience on the largest island in the Mediterranean. The resort is located on the southern coast of Sicily between Agrigento and the fishing city of Sciacca, a 80-minute drive from Trapani and Palermo airports.

Verdura features 203 rooms and suites, all with sea view, and is a paradise for golfers, with its outstanding facilities. Golfers from all over the world come to enjoy the two 18-hole championship courses and a nine-hole par-three course, all designed by world-renowned golf architect Kyle Phillips and playable all-year-round.  Verdura was the host venue for the European Tour's 2012 Sicilian Open and its three links-style layouts have been built to the highest specifications. The resort's East Course is ranked as one of the finest in continental Europe while its beautiful West Course, also a par-72, provides the ideal complement and features one of the most memorable finishes anywhere in the world with the final four holes set alongside the Mediterranean. The courses are matched by outstanding practice amenities including a double-ended driving range and excellent golf academy.

Verdura's other sports facilities include six tennis courts; a 60m two-tiered infinity pool; numerous watersports, one football pitch; a 170sqm fully-equipped gym and a collection of running trails through olive and lemon groves. The resort's award-winning 4,000sqm spa complex includes 11 treatment rooms, gym, yoga studio, a 25-metre indoor lap pool, four outdoor Thalassotherapy pools, a double-height steam room, male and female saunas and a spa bar for healthy alternatives.

Guests can sample an authentic taste of traditional Sicily with an array of dishes at one of the resort's four restaurants and five bars – with  fresh, organic produce sourced straight from Verdura's own garden. In addition, visitors can enjoy an array of cultural and culinary experiences where they can discover the secrets of Sicilian cooking, with menus inspired by celebrity chef Fulvio Pierangelini, and taste the many famous wines of the region. There is also plenty to keep the younger members of the family entertained with dedicated kids and teen clubs providing a variety of fun-packed activity programmes throughout the year.

Verdura Resort has received widespread recognition through numerous awards including a 'Golden Award for Golf' at the 2015 Voyages & Hôtels Readers Awards and named 'Best Family European Golf Resort' by the 2011 Tatler Travel Guide.