Having defeated the likes of Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal during his career, Dominik Hrbaty boasts a world-class tennis pedigree, and fans of the game can discover what it takes to beat the best when the Slovakian star hosts an exclusive tennis academy at Sicily's Verdura Resort in October.

Players of all ages and abilities have the chance to train and improve their racquet skills under sunny skies with personal tuition from the former world number 12 at the leading European sports and leisure resort from October 9-15.

Hrbaty won six ATP tournaments during an impressive career on tour, with other highlights including reaching the semi-finals of the French Open and enjoying further victories against tennis greats Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi.

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.

Guests can choose from a range of four and six-night training packages in October, with prices starting from €698 per person (approx £580) for a four-night stay in a Deluxe Room including three tennis lessons from Hrbaty.

Daily breakfast, access to the resort's award-winning five-star spa and free use of bikes around the resort are also included, with all prices based on two people sharing a room and inclusive of VAT.

As well as receiving expert tuition on all areas of the game, the luxury tennis breaks give players the opportunity to enjoy Verdura's wide array 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 

Note: Terms & Conditions: Offers are subject to availability. Rates are per person, for a stay in double occupancy, VAT included. €473 (four nights' package) and €709.5 (seven nights' package) added as extra charge for a stay in single occupancy. Sciacca's city tax (€3,50 per person, per day) is not included. Verdura Resort reserves the right to withdraw the offer at any time.

Ends

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 Anna Malvezzi at amalvezzi@roccofortehotels.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, most recently, winning the title of 'Italy's Best Golf Hotel' at the 2015 World Golf Awards', retaining its place in Golf World's benchmark 'Top 100 Courses in Continental Europe 2015/16' rankings and claiming a 'Golden Award for Golf' at the 2015 Voyages & Hôtels Readers Awards. In addition, it was also named 'Best Family European Golf Resort' by the 2011 Tatler Travel Guide, Modern Course in Italy' by leading Italian magazine 'Il Mondo del Golf'. In addition, Verdura claimed a 'Golden Award for Golf' at the 2015 Voyages & Hôtels Readers Awards and was 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

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