This Seafront Sicilian Resort Has Private Pool Villas, 3 Golf Courses, and Acres of Vegetable Gardens Where You Can Pick Your Own

"Our visit to Montevago, with communication courtesy of Google Translate, was eye-opening. Our cugino (cousin) welcomed us heartily and then drove us around to see the remains of the original town that had been destroyed by a 1968 earthquake. Like several other decimated communities in the area, Montevago was rebuilt nearby, and murals now adorn many of the crushed stone walls and buildings. We met other family members, shared espresso and cookies in their traditionally decorated home, and promised to keep in touch."

"Another first on this trip was renting a car, with a bit of trepidation, and driving to the island's southwest coast where we began our vacation with three days of absolute luxury at Verdura Resort, a Rocco Forte Hotel. Set on 568 acres bordering the Mediterranean Sea, the resort has guestrooms, suites, and villas spread throughout the property. We stayed in a three-bedroom villa, each of us enjoying a spacious bedroom, balcony, and ensuite bathroom."

A traveler returned to Sicily with a sister and a long-time friend to visit relatives and explore ancestral connections. The group located a distant cousin in Montevago using Google Translate, toured the ruins of the town destroyed in the 1968 earthquake, and observed murals on rebuilt structures. The visitors met other family members, shared espresso and cookies, and exchanged contact promises. The travelers rented a car and stayed three luxurious days at Verdura Resort on the southwest coast, occupying a three-bedroom villa. Days included the private heated pool, spa treatments, golf buggy rides, shopping, and meals by chef Fulvio Pierangelini. The resort's large organic garden supplied produce and inspired casual vegetable tasting.

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