Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa

The five-star Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa in Sicily opened in summer 2010, situated in the beautiful area of Donnafugata, a natural reserve just an hour by car from the Catania International Airport and only few kilometres from the Baroque city of Ragusa. It is unique, a place to take a relaxing golf holiday in one of the most enchanting locations in Sicily.

With its two golf courses, the resort is situated amongst pristine beaches such as Marina di Ragusa, Punta Secca and Camarina as well as other areas of outstanding historical interest. The resort is also a fantastic point of departure to discover tourist attractions and cultural sites of this stunning area of Sicily. You can also visit the lovely towns and cities of Ragusa, Modica, Ibla, Noto and Scicli. All of them are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site which preserves many remains of the Sicilian Baroque style in a sparkling atmosphere.

The pride of the resort is it's two golf courses, The Parkland and The Links. The mild winter climate and hot, but always airy, summer climate of Sicily make playing these two courses a delight throughout the year. Both courses enjoy a natural setting and have been respectfully integrated into the local flora and fauna.

The Player designed Parkland Course winds through olive groves and carob trees typical of the Ragusa countryside that can be seen all around the plateau up to the slopes of Ragusa. The course represents a very natural design - when played, you feel little has been done to tamper with the natural lie of the land. The stone walls typical of the area can be seen alongside of many holes, which complements the view of the course. Few barriers of sand exist along the fairways bordered by trees, tricky greens and well defended by deep bunkers. Each hole is unique and represents it's own individual challenges, presenting the player with a variety of potential strategic solutions.

Possibly the better course is the Franco Piras layout, which runs up and down two large valleys, each one with a lake for a challenging game every time. The course is inserted as a link between two nature reserves, the sea and horizon and the island of Malta. Opened in 2010, the course has already reached a maturity well beyond its years.

Franco commented, 'I was delighted to be asked to design the links course at Donnafugata. The land was exceptionally well suited for golf and it was a privilege for me to be able to bring my vision to bear here. The whole project was handled beautifully and we are delighted with the result.'

The Links course is more open for general play, with water and changes in elevation making for a more varied golf experience. The fairways, carved in re-naturalized areas, bring out forms, colours and scents that change according to the seasons, recreating the original atmosphere of the place. A large pine tree is the only place where large bunkers define the fairways.

The course could very well look like a links if it were not for the presence of two large, artificial lakes that serve as irrigation reserves and also from the natural oasis for migrating birds. Indeed, many species are finding and recovering their natural habitat at Donnafugata Golf Resort.

The course is very exposed to the breeze coming in from the sea and the presence of many tees per hole can make the course different day by day. Changes in elevation and the unpredictable winds help to make the course a stern test of one golf, yet whatever you score it will remain a enjoyable golfing experience.

A veritable wellness oasis surrounded by the beautiful colours and intense fragrances of a magical land, the Donnafugata Resort Spa is comprised of six bright and airy treatment rooms for beauty care and body care.

The luxurious treatment rooms look out over the incredible surrounding scenery, allowing clients to totally immerse their mind and body in nature and enjoy the simple luxury of setting time aside for oneself to the full, by giving themselves over completely to expert hands that will restore the right physical and emotional balance.

The extensive range of treatments gives clients the choice of a multitude of options, including programmes specifically dedicated to golfers needs. A beauty centre, sauna, steam bath, multi-sensory showers and heated indoor swimming pool, in which to relax immersed in three different types of whirlpool areas, offer days devoted to beauty care and pure relaxation.

The complex also houses a state-of-the-art fitness centre featuring cardio-fitness and weight training equipment for fitness training specifically designed for golfers.

Play golf, swim in the Sicilian sun in the wonderful outdoor pool, sunbathe on the private beach just a few minutes from the hotel (to which a free shuttle is provided), or go out and explore the marvellous local area around it. At Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa, the luxury experience becomes unique and exclusive with the numerous opportunities that the natural and cultural heritage of this unique area can offer guests.

Donnafugata welcome families, groups of golfers and couples seeking a relaxing break. The resort is 5 star throughout, smart, elegant, yet very relaxed and laid back. On a practical level - From the UK flights are available daily via EasyJet & BA to Catania Airport. The transfer to Donnafugata is approximately 1 hour, but many may wish to hire a car and take advantage of the many beautiful towns and sites this beautiful island has to offer.

The resort offers guests 202 rooms which include Classic, Deluxe, Superior and Suites, characterised by their large size, attention to detail, elegance and sophistication. Equipped with modern comforts and a tastefully furnished decor, all rooms offer breathtaking views of the stunning natural scenery surrounding the resort. There are 10 suites in all, each one unforgettably unique, exclusive and feature a large private terrace.

Sicily is a land of unique colours, flavours and fragrances. Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spas three restaurants treasure the precious culinary tradition of Sicily, offering guests sophisticated, innovative cuisine that highlights the richness of the local food and wines around which Executive Chef Salvatore Pullaras centres his dishes.

Donnafugata's Il Carrubo is the resorts fine dining restaurant. Striking a delicious balance between tradition and innovation, the cuisine of Il Carrubo centres on two different pathways that guests can explore with the regional menu or the Mediterranean gourmet menu. The cellar is stocked with the best Sicilian wines, as well as the finest wines from the rest of Italy.

Sicily's fine culinary traditions and wine's can also be sampled at the Wine Bar, a cosy lounge where special wine and food sampling can be arranged for up to 40 people, seated around big tables as it would have been in past times.

Guests will generally start their day in The Fico d'Inia where they will be welcomed by the breakfast smells of Sicily coffee and croissants homemade by the chef, a rich buffet of sweet and savoury specialities prepared befor guests will get every day off to the perfect start.

After a round of golf a visit to the Golf House is highly recommended. The Golf House features simply cooked Mediterranean cuisine and is perfect for eating in after an enthralling round of golf, or for sipping a cocktail together with friends.