Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte hotel

Owned and managed by Sir Rocco Forte, the legendary British hotelier, with a striking minimalist design by famed Italian architect Flavio Albanese and interiors by Olga Polizzi, Verdura Resort presides over an enticing stretch of Sicily’s coast—as big in size as Monaco. The five-star, 568-acre resort makes an ideal base for touring nearby Sciacca, a typical Sicilian fishing port and charming baroque town, and the ancient Greek ruins of Selinunte and the UNESCO world heritage site Agrigento.

However, most guests never want to leave the property. They’re too busy enjoying the mile of private beach, the 45 holes of Kyle Phillips–designed golf, the 46,000-square-foot luxury spa, and the nine bars and restaurants overseen by Michelin-starred Executive Chef Fulvio Pierangelini. Like the restaurants, the buildings’ low-profile designs tie everything to the land through clean modern lines and furnishings, the colors and textures of the surrounding countryside, abundant terraces, sea views, and art and artifacts that incorporate centuries of Greek and Sicilian culture.

Meeting planners find not only an ultimate incentive retreat but also an ideal destination for corporate business gatherings. In addition to the 203 guest rooms and suites, the property provides ten versatile venues totaling 21,520 square feet. These include a double-height ballroom for up to 300 delegates, seven conference rooms of various sizes, and an open-air amphitheater seating 500 people.