Irene Forte's insider guide to Sicily

The skincare expert takes a sunrise swim, hikes through olive groves, dines on red prawns and, as the sun sets, picnics amid ancient temples
Where is your favourite destination and why?

Sicily, in particular the island’s south-west coast, is my favourite place in the world.

The light, the scents of orange blossom and sea salt, the warmth of the people — everything feels alive and profoundly authentic there.

Sicily is at the heart of Irene Forte Skincare.

The colours of its landscape inspired our packaging; the Mediterranean diet inspired our ingredients; and the Sicilian philosophy of balance and longevity shaped our approach to long-term skin health.

We source our principal ingredients from our organic farm, work closely with local artisans and farmers, and support the Sicily Environment Fund.

Every element of the brand — from the materials we use to the treatments we create — is rooted in this extraordinary land.

When was the last time you were there, and who were you with?

I go back often — it’s where I feel most relaxed.

We spend around four weeks there every summer, and the last time was with my husband and our two children.

What has been your favourite meal?

The busiate with shrimp from Sciacca and local pistachios at Amare at Verdura.

I also adore MATES in Caltabellotta, a small, family-run restaurant that serves the best pasta alla Norma I’ve ever had, made with local aubergines and ricotta salata.

What would you do if you only had 24 hours there?

I’d start with a sunrise swim in the sea, followed by breakfast and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice from our farm.

I’d then drive up to Caltabellotta — where I’m an honorary citizen — for a hike to the Norman Cathedral where I got married, taking in the 360-degree panoramic views.

After a quick bite at MATES, I’d head back to the Irene Forte Spa for a Peptide Power Facial.

A peaceful walk through the olive groves would follow, before watching the sun set over the Mediterranean with a cocktail at the Scirocco Bar, and ending the day with dinner at one of Verdura Resort’s wonderful restaurants.

What are your three favourite restaurants?

I love Amare at Verdura Resort for the freshest local seafood, MATES for honest, heartfelt Sicilian cooking and La Scogliera in Siculiana Marina — set by the Torre Salsa Reserve (where I also like to go hiking).

This traditional restaurant features fresh local dishes such as Mazara del Vallo red prawns.

What is the one unmissable thing you recommend doing?

Visit the Valley of the Temples at sunset, ideally with a picnic.

The golden light over the ancient ruins is absolutely breathtaking.

They’re the best-preserved Greek temples outside of Greece.

Caltabellotta, a little hilltop town about 30 minutes from Verdura.

It’s incredibly peaceful, with panoramic views stretching from the mountains to the sea.

It was recently recognised as an emerging Blue Zone, thanks to the longevity and vitality of its community — shaped by a Mediterranean diet, active lifestyles and strong social connection.

Where do you let your hair down?

During the summer, there’s a weekly Serata Siciliana at Verdura Resort — a big family affair with an incredible buffet, plenty of wine and wonderfully cheesy music.

Who do you call to have a good time?

It’s mostly family — but there’s always our extended family around too, so cousins, siblings, aunts, etc.

It’s a big, happy mix.

In Sciacca, I love Nocito Gioielli — coral jewellery unique for its deep orange-pink hues.

In Palermo, Manima creates delicate hand-embroidered pieces, and of course Toni Gurreri, the ceramicist from Sciacca whose bowls we use in our spa rituals.

My mother’s own boutique, Boutique Mariù, at Verdura Resort offers summer dresses and shirts made with lace and local materials — a beautiful expression of Sicilian craftsmanship.

A ceramic acorn from Sciacca — a small symbol of luck and prosperity that perfectly captures the island’s artisanal soul.

And bottles of olive oil from the organic farm at Verdura.

What is your favourite wellness spot?

The Irene Forte Spa at Verdura Resort — it’s my sanctuary, filled with natural light, sea air and the scent of orange blossom.

Every treatment reflects our philosophy of long-term skin health and mindful rejuvenation, uniting natural ingredients from our farm with over 40 years of biomedical research.

We blend manual techniques with cutting-edge technology.

What is your packing essential?

My full Irene Forte Skincare routine — the Almond Cleansing Milk, Helichrysum Toner, Hibiscus Serum, Olive Eye Cream and Hibiscus Night Cream — always comes with me; I never travel without them.

For clothes, it’s usually Luisa Beccaria, La DoubleJ and Mariù dresses, paired with a Blazé Milano linen blazer for cooler evenings.

Is there a song that reminds you of the place?

Meravigliose Creature by Gianna Nannini — she sang it at our wedding at Verdura.

What is your dress code for the destination?

Flowing dresses (by above-mentioned designers), minimal make-up and always SPF.

What building would you like to live in?

Do you have a favourite memory there?