Verdura Resort has underlined its long-term commitment to the environment by implementing a new programme to further enhance the green credentials and eco-sustainability of the award-winning luxury venue.
The top Sicilian resort was recognised by the Italian Golf Federation two years ago for its renaturalisation work in recreating an authentic and traditional Sicilian golfing experience, and is introducing new ways to identify and improve key environmental elements across the resort and its three golf courses.
Working closely in partnership with the University of Palermo’s Agriculture and Forestry Department on a number of long-term projects, Verdura – host of the 2012 Sicilian Open – is undertaking specific studies and work to enhance and protect the resort’s natural properties.
At the heart of the latest programme is the installation of a new water recycling system which, coupled with the use of solar panels, will ensure that the resort’s golf courses are irrigated and maintained to the highest standard in the most efficient and sustainable way possible.
University experts have also helped Verdura to further recognise the key environmental factors to ensure the successful long-term preservation of the environment, with particular focus being paid to the climate, agronomy, vegetation, natural flora and fauna and landscape to improve growing conditions on and around its courses.
Gianluca di Biase, Golf Manager at Verdura Resort, said: “Verdura has made social and environmental responsibility one of its core principles since opening in 2009.
“The golf courses have a significant role in the long-term protection of the environment and surrounding landscape, and studies like the ones we have recently undertaken are vital to the long-term success of the eco project here.”
The improvement work is the latest to be carried out at Verdura as the resort – a Rocco Forte hotel – continues to deliver on its promise of providing the best experience possible for golfers and guests.
Having already recreated areas with more than 200 native species of Sicilian plants and improved wetland areas to allow plant life to flourish around the resort – set in 230 hectares of breathtaking landscape overlooking the Mediterranean – Verdura completed a major conversion programme from rye grass to Bermuda grass on all 36 holes of its East and West courses last year to reduce the amount of water used.
In addition, a major bunker reconstruction programme to improve drainage and playability was completed in the spring while the award-winning venue – which employs a no-car policy and only uses electrical transportation – also replaces all of its 8,300 light bulbs in outdoor areas with eco-saving LED bulbs.
Named as Italy’s best golf resort in a recent industry list of continental Europe’s top 100 golf resorts, Verdura’s world-class golf facilities include two outstanding 18-hole championship courses – the East Course and West Course – as well as a par-three nine-hole course, double-ended driving range and first-class academy.
Built to the highest specifications, the resort’s three links-style layouts offer a golf experience to remember, with tee times arranged at 12-minute intervals to ensure free-flowing play, five sets of tees making the courses playable for golfers of all abilities and one of its courses dedicated daily to two-ball play only.
Situated on Sicily’s southern coast between Agrigento and the fishing city of Sciacca, an 80-minute drive from Trapani and Palermo airports, Verdura Resort features 203 rooms and suites – all with a sea view.
Away from the fairways, the resort features an array of other luxury sports and lifestyle facilities while guests also have the opportunity to sample a taste of the gastronomy, wine, history and culture that has made Sicily famous across the world.
For more information on Verdura Resort and to book a stay, phone +39 0925 99 8180 or visit www.roccofortehotels.com