Two hotels, two golf courses, one chef: Fulvio Pierangelini signs the menu at Carosello in Torre Maizza and the Japanese-Sicilian cuisine of Nagori at Verdura. They are the Rocco Forte group's two golf addresses in Sicily and Apulia, and they could hardly be more different.
The Rocco Forte group has two hotels in Italy that make golf part of their programme: Verdura Resort, on the coast near Sciacca, and Masseria Torre Maizza, in Fasano. They share the same hand in the design, the same spa and the same name in the kitchen, but they offer two almost opposite ideas of golf: on one side 45 holes by a leading architect, on the other a nine-hole executive course among the olive trees.
Two hotels, one family
The interiors of both bear the signature of Olga Polizzi, Sir Rocco's sister and the group's design director. Both have an Irene Forte Spa, and a botanical thread links the two: the ingredients of the spa products at Torre Maizza come from Verdura's organic garden. The Rocco Forte Kids programme is also the same, split into three age bands: 0 to 3, 4 to 12 and 13 to 16. Then the paths part: Verdura opened in 2009 on an estate of 230 hectares, while Torre Maizza is a sixteenth-century masseria that the group restored and opened in 2019.
Verdura Resort: 45 holes by Kyle Phillips
The Sicilian resort is the more golf-oriented of the two. All three courses bear the signature of Kyle Phillips: the East Links, a par 73 of 6,763 metres renovated under his supervision, the West Shore, a par 70 of 6,547 metres, and a nine-hole Executive course. The course hosted the European Tour's Rocco Forte Sicilian Open, won in 2018 by Joakim Lagergren; the winner said that the sea is visible "from almost every hole". The clubhouse stands next to the Torre, a sixteenth-century watchtower.
The resort has a Performance Centre, which Rocco Forte presents as the only one in Italy approved by the European Tour, with two studios equipped with Trackman, SAM PuttLab and club fitting, and an academy with two PGA professionals and a junior programme for ages 6 to 16. The Golf Inclusive offer entitles guests to two green fees per room per night, on the Links or the Shore, plus the practice range and a half-hour Trackman lesson.
Course status as of 3 October 2026: the East Links is open without restrictions; the West Shore is open, but with Bermuda grass being introduced some areas may not be in their best condition until spring 2027; the Executive is closed until the same date. The resort states that this winter the clubhouse and all golf services remain open.
Verdura: rooms, spa and food
There are 203 rooms, including 15 junior suites and 35 suites, plus 20 private villas with three or four bedrooms; in 2026 the sea-facing suites were redesigned. The name comes from the Verdura family, the former owners of the land: the last duke was a cousin of Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, and every room has a copy of The Leopard.
The Irene Forte Spa covers 4,000 m² with four outdoor seawater thalassotherapy pools. At the table, Nagori is Fulvio Pierangelini's Japanese-Sicilian cuisine, in the old Saracen tower, open for dinner from June to October; the other restaurants range from Zagara with its sea view to Amare, which specialises in fish, and the trattoria-pizzeria Liolà. For children there is Verdùland, in high season, which in 2023 the Times named the best kids' club in Europe.
Masseria Torre Maizza: nine holes among the olive trees
The masseria was built in the sixteenth century as a watchtower against Ottoman and Saracen raids. Today it has 51 accommodations, according to the hotel's own listing 20 rooms, 14 junior suites and 17 suites, with hand-embroidered linens, wood, Trani stone in the bathrooms and the original vaults. The Michelin Guide awards it two Keys.
The golf is a nine-hole executive course, par 27 and 1,150 metres long, among centuries-old olive trees and almond trees, with multi-level greens and glimpses of the Adriatic; alongside there are a driving range, putting green, pitching green and practice bunker. The course is short: it is for working on the short game, not for a championship round. For 18 holes, guests go to the clubs in the area, such as San Domenico Golf, an 18-hole par 72 by the sea. Several room types, from the Superior rooms to the two-room suites, may have a view of the course.
Torre Maizza: food, spa and sea
Carosello, in the old stables, has a seasonal Apulian menu by Fulvio Pierangelini; at dinner the dress code is smart casual, with no shorts for men. The Irene Forte Spa is housed in a restored olive mill and is open every day from 10 am to 8 pm; the pool measures 20 by 14 metres. The sea is at the Lido Bambù, in Capitolo, south of Monopoli, reached by the hotel shuttle. The 120 m² Family Junior Suite has two separate bedrooms, while the spa is reserved for guests aged 13 and over.
Which to choose
Verdura is the choice for those who want more days of golf on a single course: 45 holes, an academy and a dedicated package. Torre Maizza is for those who want a charming masseria with golf as a side dish, and who are willing to travel for the longer courses. According to the hotels, the airports are about 80 minutes by car from Palermo and Trapani for Verdura, and about 40 minutes from Brindisi and 50 from Bari for Torre Maizza.
Frequently asked questions
How many golf courses does Verdura Resort have?+
Three courses by Kyle Phillips, 45 holes in all: East Links, West Shore and the nine-hole Executive. As of 3 October 2026 the Executive is closed until spring 2027.
Does Torre Maizza have a golf course?+
Yes, a nine-hole executive course, par 27 and 1,150 metres, on the estate, with a driving range, putting green, pitching green and practice bunker. For 18-hole courses, guests go to the clubs in the area.
What does Verdura's Golf Inclusive Offer include?+
Breakfast, a welcome drink, two green fees per room per night on the Links or Shore courses, the practice range and a 30-minute Trackman lesson.
Are Verdura and Torre Maizza suitable for children?+
Yes: the Rocco Forte Kids programme covers the 0-3, 4-12 and 13-16 age bands, with 24-hour babysitting for a fee. At Verdura there is the Verdùland kids' club; the spa at Torre Maizza, however, is reserved for guests aged 13 and over.
How far is Verdura from the airport?+
About 80 minutes by car from Palermo and Trapani and about three hours from Catania, according to the resort, which also has a heliport.
Who designed the interiors of Verdura and Torre Maizza?+
Olga Polizzi, sister of Sir Rocco Forte and the group's design director.
