Vita Health- New Wellness Center at Rocco Forte Verdura Resort, Sicily

Rocco Forte Verdura Golf and Spa Resort, SicilyLast fall, Rocco Forte’s Verdura Resort in Sicily unveiled a new wellness center called Vita Health, upgrading its already stellar spa, which is a beautiful indoor/outdoor space with hydrotherapy pools, hammams, and cocooning treatment rooms. (Luxury Travel Advisor was there after the resort first opened in 2009, and we were quite impressed with the spa.) In launching the wellness center, the Rocco Forte resort teamed up with Dr. Nyjon Eccles, internationally recognized for his contributions to the medical field, in designing programs that promote a balanced approach to wellness with clinical assessments and nutritional consultations. In short: These aren’t your average detoxification and anti-ageing programs.

A recent article in The Financial Times provides an excellent assessment of Vita Health, and describes the “fundamental paradigm shift at the top end of the spa industry over the past few years – one that has seen conventional regimens of massages, facials, and low-calorie meals complemented (and in some cases replaced) by medical analysis and treatment, cutting-edge light and laser technology, hormone and intravenous infusion therapies, and surgical procedures.”

Prior to arrival at Vita Health, the guest undergoes medical tests, before getting a pre-arrival consultation with Dr. Eccles by phone or Skype. While at the resort, guests enjoy meals devised by executive chef Fulvio Pierangelini in partnership with nutritionist Amelia Freer- with most produce coming from the resort’s organic garden. The Financial Times concludes “it is on the nutrition front that Vita Health has a real ace up its sleeve.”

We say: a divine setting to kickstart your health resolutions for 2013 (and beyond). For more information, visit  www.verduraresort.com.