The status of British tennis has never been higher with Andy and Jamie Murray both sitting proudly at the top of the world rankings, and lovers of the game can launch their 2017 seasons in style by taking part in a new tournament at Sicily's deluxe Verdura Resort next spring.

Taking place from March 17-20, 2017, the inaugural 'Verdura Tennis Trophy Deluxe' offers men and women of all abilities the chance to brush up their techniques and compete under sunny skies in a range of different categories.

Players can participate in a variety of singles and doubles competitions during the four-day event at Verdura's first-class tennis academy, with pre-tournament practice and expert post-event analysis training also included in the five-star programme.

Packages start from €630 (approx. £545) per person which, as well as including tournament entry, feature an array of benefits including three nights' full-board accommodation in a Deluxe Room and complimentary access to the resort's award-winning spa facilities.

All prices are based on two people sharing a room and include VAT.

Set amongst a rich natural backdrop of rocky mountain ranges and Sicilian olive and orange groves, Verdura's tennis academy features six outstanding floodlit clay courts and is the ideal location for a sporting break.
As well as serving up the perfect way to launch the 2017 tennis season, the new luxury competition also gives players the opportunity to enjoy Verdura's wide selection of other five-star facilities.
Nestling next to the Mediterranean in 230 hectares of stunning landscape, Verdura Resort – a Rocco Forte hotel – has quickly risen to become one of Europe's elite contemporary, luxury sports and lifestyle destinations since opening in 2009.

Set on Sicily's southern coast between Agrigento and the fishing city of Sciacca, an 80-minute drive from Trapani and Palermo airports, the resort features 203 rooms and suites – all with a sea view. As well as tennis, guests can enjoy numerous other sports and leisure facilities including two 18-hole championship golf courses and extensive practice amenities, an array of different watersports, a 60m two-tiered infinity pool, a 170sqm fully-equipped gym and an award-winning 4,000sqm spa complex.

For more information on Verdura Resort and to book, phone +39 0925 998001 or visit www.roccofortehotels.com

Ends

Terms & conditions: These offers are subject to availability. Rates are per person and include: VAT, buffet lunch at Torre Bar, three-course dinner (soft drinks included), Tennis Trophy programme and one Verdura Wilson shirt. Sciacca's city tax (€3,50 per person, per day) is not included. Verdura reserves the right to withdraw the offer at any time.

Information for journalists

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/ luke@theazaleagroup.com or email Daniele Trombacco at dtrombacco@roccofortehotels.com. 

Verdura Resort
Since opening in 2009, Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte hotels resort, (www.roccofortehotels.com) has quickly established itself amongst 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 international recognition and won numerous awards since opening. Among its most recent honours, it was ranked fourth in Golf World's inaugural list of the 'Top 100 Golf Resorts in Continental Europe' and named by Golf Digest as a recipient of an 'Editors' Choice Award for Best International Resorts 2016. In addition, the resort won the title of 'Italy's Best Golf Hotel' at the 2015 World Golf Awards'; retained its place in Golf World's benchmark 'Top 100 Courses in Continental Europe 2015/16' rankings and claimed a 'Golden Award for Golf' at the 2015 Voyages & Hôtels Readers Awards. It was also named 'Best Family European Golf Resort' by the 2011 Tatler Travel Guide, while it was the recipient of two accolades at the 2015 Spafinder Wellness Travel Awards in the 'Best for Couples' and 'Wow Factor' categories.

Rocco Forte Hotels
Established by Sir Rocco Forte and sister, Olga Polizzi in 1996, Rocco Forte Hotels is a family of 10 individual hotels and resorts. All of the hotels are landmarks, both old and new, occupying magnificent buildings in exceptional locations. Led by a family who has been in hospitality for four generations, the hotels are united by their distinctive approach to service ensuring guests experience the best of the cities and surrounding areas.
Rocco Forte Hotels comprises: Hotel de Russie, Rome; Hotel Savoy, Florence; Verdura Resort, Sicily; The Balmoral, Edinburgh; Brown's Hotel, London; The Charles Hotel, Munich; Villa Kennedy, Frankfurt; Hotel de Rome, Berlin; Hotel Amigo, Brussels; Hotel Astoria, St Petersburg.

Future opening: Jeddah in 2016, Shanghai in 2018, Rome in 2018

www.roccofortehotels.com
Media Enquiries:
Rosie O'Brien, Group Communications Director
Rocco Forte Hotels
Email: robrien@roccofortehotels.com