ROCCO FORTE HOTELS PRESENTS THE SICILIAN ODYSSEY | News
Created exclusively for guests of Villa Igiea and Verdura Resort, The Sicilian Odyssey draws inspiration from Homer’s epic tale and the Sicilian landscapes associated with Christopher Nolan’s forthcoming film, arriving in cinemas this July. The itinerary offers three distinctive ways to discover Sicily’s mythology, cinematic scenery and extraordinary natural beauty:
The first stop is the island of Mothia, set within the Stagnone Nature Reserve and long associated with Sicily’s ancient Mediterranean history. Following a leisurely walk through surrounding Grillo vineyards, guests visit the Whitaker Museum, home to the celebrated Ephebe of Mothia, a remarkable 5th century BC sculpture, before savouring Sicilian specialities such as couscous and caponata in a secluded garden setting.
The second chapter of the journey is the Zingaro Nature Reserve, reached via a two-hour yacht cruise from either Villa Igiea or Verdura Resort. Sailing along Sicily’s dramatic coastline, guests pass towering sea stacks, rugged cliffs and legendary sea caves before dropping anchor in secluded bays for a swim in crystal-clear waters.
The final stop is the island of Favignana, whose rugged coastline and turquoise coves have made it a compelling setting for cinematic interpretations of the Mediterranean. Highlights include Cala Rossa, Cala Rotonda, Cala Azzurra and Cala del Bue Marino, alongside the town’s charming harbour and the historic Tonnara Florio, a powerful testament to the island’s centuries-old tuna fishing traditions and the legacy of Vincenzo Florio, who established Favignana as a leading centre of tuna production in the 19th century.
Offering an immersive exploration of Sicily’s mythology, landscapes and cultural heritage, the three stops invite 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 photographic exhibition featuring a selection of striking images from the film set, courtesy of Universal Pictures, provides a captivating finale to the experience.
SICILIAN ODYSSEY is available exclusively to guests of Villa Igiea and Verdura Resort and can be tailored to include one, two or all three experiences. For bookings: Concierge Villa Igiea – Concierge Verdura Resort.
Villa Igiea | Nestled between Monte Pellegrino and the Gulf of Palermo, Villa Igiea, a Rocco Forte hotel blends the city’s rich cultural heritage with contemporary luxury. Set against the breathtaking Sicilian landscape, the historic property offers 72 rooms and 28 suites. The hotel’s meticulous restoration was led by Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen of Paolo Moschino, Ltd in collaboration with Olga Polizzi, Rocco Forte Hotels’ Director of Design. Dining options include Florio Restaurant, Igiea Terrazza Bar, and Alicetta Bistro, offering authentic Sicilian cuisine curated by Fulvio Pierangelini and cocktail creations by Salvatore Calabrese.
Verdura Resort and Rocco Forte Private Villas | Set across 230 hectares of olive groves, citrus orchards, and 1.8 km of private coastline, Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte hotel lies between the Valley of the Temples and Sciacca on Sicily’s southwest coast. The resort blends modern architecture with Sicilian tradition, featuring 203 rooms and suites, and 20 exclusive Private Villas—luxurious hillside residences with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. The diverse dining options range from specialty cocktail bars and casual all-day dining to upscale dining, each highlighting the best of Sicilian cuisine, with an international twist. The flagship Irene Forte Spa offers a 4,000m² sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation. The two award-winning 18-hole golf courses by Kyle Phillips make Verdura Resort a premier destination for golf enthusiasts.
