Tucked along Sicily’s southwest coast, Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel, has unveiled a pioneering Longevity Programme at its award-winning Irene Forte Spa—an initiative deeply rooted in a groundbreaking discovery: the nearby mountain town of Caltabellotta has been identified as an emerging Blue Zone. This rare classification, earned through nearly two decades of research by Professors Gianni Pes and Calogero Caruso, highlights regions where inhabitants enjoy exceptional longevity thanks to a unique blend of lifestyle, diet, and environment.
Caltabellotta, just 22 km from Verdura Resort, offers more than stunning views. It embodies a life rhythm that supports graceful aging—something Irene Forte has long sensed through her personal ties to the village. “To now see it recognised through such rigorous science is deeply moving,” she shares. “It confirms what we’ve always felt in our bones—this place has something special.”
The new Longevity Programme invites guests to connect with this essence. It begins with diagnostics such as blood panels, Vega food sensitivity testing, and a Wellness Age™ check, offering insights tailored to individual health. From there, every experience—from nutrition to movement—is personalised, drawing from both modern science and time-honoured Mediterranean traditions.
Signature activities include a guided trek through the Sicani hills followed by a traditional longevity lunch, immersing guests in the landscapes and flavours that define the region’s vitality. Spa treatments incorporate Irene Forte Skincare, a brand already renowned as the “Mediterranean Diet for the Skin,” and one that harnesses the power of Sicilian botanicals to promote skin health and radiance.
Nutrition is at the heart of the programme. Celebrated chef Fulvio Pierangelini, in collaboration with nutritionist Giancarlo Giammarresi, has crafted the “Nourish” menus. These meals are more than delicious—they are functional, recalibrating the body to desire what truly fuels it. Fresh produce, local ingredients, and holistic culinary techniques combine for meals that restore and delight.
Movement is equally important, with both private and group sessions offered to enhance strength, mobility, and mental clarity. Yoga, guided walks, and fitness classes take full advantage of the resort’s natural setting, offering a chance to move and breathe amidst citrus orchards and the salty Mediterranean breeze.
Guests enjoy access to thalassotherapy pools and spa treatments designed to encourage circulation, detoxification, and relaxation. The approach is restorative rather than prescriptive—each element of the experience is aimed at nurturing the body and spirit without intensity or restriction.
