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The Rocco Forte Private Villas reopen for the season with a bespoke itinerary for sunset chasers

Offering tranquillity, seclusion and sweeping views, the Rocco Forte Private Villas have reopened for the season, inviting guests to experience the ‘Chasing the Sunset’ itinerary across Sicily’s western coast. Guests can take in unforgettable sunset views, from the rosy-hued Trapani Salt Pans – awaiting UNESCO World Heritage status – to the golden glow that bathes the ancient ruins of the Valley of the Temples. The itinerary, which can be booked in its entirety or by selecting just one of the proposed experiences, includes one stop per day.

THE SECRET GARDEN OF THE VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES | The itinerary begins in a secluded citrus grove, originally cultivated by Cistercian monks in 1740, offering an exclusive getaway to the iconic archaeological site of the Valley of the Temples. Amid ancient citrus trees and fragrant herbs, guests can indulge in a chic-nic experience, savouring traditional Sicilian specialities as the sun slowly sets over the ruins. The itinerary also includes a private visit to the Valley of the Temples, with evening tours available during the summer months.

TORRE SALSA NATURE RESERVE | The next stop is the WWF Torre Salsa Nature Reserve, a pristine sanctuary occupying 1,880 acres of unspoiled coastline. Home to cliffs, rolling dunes and wild orchids, the reserve teems with biodiversity, showcasing the timeless beauty of Sicily’s landscapes. The guided walk to the reserve ends at sunset at Bovo Marina beach, where guests can savour local dishes at a lively restaurant that lies a few metres from the shore.

A HAMLET PERCHED 950 METRES ABOVE THE SEA | The hamlet of Caltabellotta is perched atop a mountainside amid rocky ridges, offering panoramic sunset views stretching from Agrigento to Marsala. The experience includes a guided tour through the hamlet’s narrow streets and alleyways, visiting the Cathedral and the Castle of Queen Sibilla. The itinerary also takes in a local pastry shop where guests can savour cannoli, traditional Sicilian deep-fried pastry tubes filled with cream.

SUNSET VIEWS OF ISOLA LUNGA – A CONTENDER FOR UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE RECOGNITION | The fourth stop invites guests to discover the serene beauty of Sicily’s salt marshes. Just an hour from the Resort lie the Ettore and Infersa Salt Pans, where a private guide sheds light on the area’s centuries-old salt-making tradition. From there, guests cross the shimmering Stagnone Lagoon to reach the otherworldly landscapes of Isola Lunga within the Trapani and Marsala Nature Reserve, which recently applied for UNESCO World Heritage status. At the Fra Giovanni salt pans – no longer active for salt production – guests can indulge in a unique wellness ritual, floating in tanks of varying salinity, or reclining directly on the mineral-rich salt crust. Designed to nurture both body and spirit, this restorative experience concludes with a professional photography session or a sunset aperitivo, surrounded by the quiet magic of the salt pans.

ROCCO FORTE PRIVATE VILLAS | The ‘Chasing the Sunset’ itinerary starts and ends at Rocco Forte’s elegant 3- and 4-bedroom Villas, perched on a hillside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding Sicilian countryside. As well as two new restaurants and an impressive redesign for 2025, Verdura Resort has launched three new experiences that celebrate the magic of dusk. The first is sunset yoga, with individual and group sessions led by an experienced yoga teacher in the Resort gardens or on the Villas’ sea-facing terraces; the second is “InVilla Bubbles Tasting”, a sunset aperitivo experience led by Nando Papa, sommelier of Verdura Resort and one of the world’s leading champagne experts; finally, an unforgettable stargazing experience guided by an astrophysicist to discover the night sky.