Rocco Forte Hotels will launch its first set of branded villas at its Verdura Resort in Sicily on April 1.

Rocco Forte Private Villas will feature 20 independent residences set on a hillside overlooking the rest of the resort.

Villas will be divided into two categories with three or four rooms respectively and will incorporate the features of a traditional Sicilian ‘baglio’ building, with wooden beams, flat roots and external stairs. Each villa will be set over two floors and feature a living area, fully equipped kitchen, bedrooms with balconies, a private swimming pool and a landscaped garden. 

Rocco Forte Hotels said the new residences would provide “ultimate privacy and security” for clients seeking exclusive accommodation combined with the services of a hotel.

Villa guests will be able to use the resort’s private beach, bars, restaurants, spa, championship golf courses, tennis courts and kids’ clubs. They will also have access to a personalised concierge service, which can arrange weekly fresh produce from Verdura’s gardens, private in-villa dinners and sightseeing trips around Sicily.

Services such as in-villa check-in, exclusive use of golf buggies and electric bikes, two rounds of golf per villa and daily servicing are included in each stay.  

“This is our first venture into villa accommodation and we have carefully studied the market to ensure we deliver the highest standards of design and service,” said Sir Rocco Forte, chairman of Rocco Forte Hotels.

“The same meticulous attention to detail which we provide in all our hotels will be enhanced by an added level of tailored opportunities. 

“The villas will offer further choice to our Verdura guests, enabling them to enjoy an even greater level of privacy whilst still having full access to all the amenities of the resort”.