The Irene Forte Spa, at the Verdura Resort, provides a range of unique and distinctive experiences in the serene Sicilian countryside. The spa offers a range of Mediterranean-inspired treatments and experiences in collaboration with the Irene Forte Skincare brand.
The Irene Forte Spa, by the Rocco Forte Hotel group, is a 4000-square-metre pavilioned spa set around an open-air courtyard, and imbibes the luxurious Italian ambience of the resort. The picturesque Sicilian property features palms, olive trees, and orange groves whose floral scent fills the air.
Irene Forte, the founder of the Irene Forte Skincare brand, is the Wellness Consultant of Rocco Forte Hotels and an Advisory Board Member of the Global Wellness Summit. Irene’s family originates from Italy, but Sicily has been a home-from-home since early childhood; since she first stepped foot on the island in 2003.
Irene devoted a year working at the organic farm, that later became Verdura Resort, when it opened in 2009. Today, the bountiful produce of this organic farm is the brand’s principal source for its ingredients. When Irene launched the Irene Forte Spa in 2014, in partnership with the Rocco Forte group, she was frustrated by the absence of spa formulations with the characteristics she desired.
She therefore teamed up with Dr Francesca Ferri of EffegiLab in Trento to develop a range of natural skincare products. Dr Ferri and her team had over 35 years of research and development experience when they distilled the sun-soaked richness of Sicilian plant extracts into formulations that are scientifically sound and extensively tested. The Irene Forte Skincare brand has achieved B Corp status and has been awarded the Butterfly Mark by Positive Luxury for sustainable excellence.
The Irene Forte Skincare products are complemented by the spa’s innovative, technological know-how, which it has integrated into the selection of facials and relaxing body treatments. The latter are carried out by an expert team of specialists at the spa.
Among the spa’s signature facials is the ‘Etna Age-Defying Facial,’ which integrates hot and cold volcanic stones from Mount Etna with a triple facial massage technique to rebalance, revitalise and defy ageing. The ‘Sicilian Earth & Sea Toning Treatment’ is a luxurious full-body toning treatment that starts with the Trapani Sea Salt body scrub and is followed by a nutrient-rich algae and clay mud wrap to extract impurities.
Technology-based treatments include the ‘Rigenerante Zemits Facial,’ which is designed to lift and plump the skin using oxygen, microcurrent and LED. Guests can also opt for the ‘Endosphères’, a non-invasive treatment for body contouring, muscle toning, lymphatic drainage, and pain relief.
The spa has eleven treatment rooms and a double treatment suite. There are four outdoor thalassotherapy pools, an indoor lap pool, a double-height steam room, an infrared sauna and a Finnish sauna. There is a relaxation area, and a bar serving nutritional food, juices and infusions. The spa’s gym has Technogym equipment and a fitness studio.
The Irene Forte Spa’s combination of premium skincare products and high-tech wellness know-how combined with the luxurious ambience of the resort and the serenity of its Sicilian setting come together to offer a truly unique wellness experience in the heart of the Mediterranean region.
