The chair of Rocco Forte Hotels, Sir Rocco Forte, has revealed plans for a 124m euro golf and spa resort on the south coast of Sicily.

The Vedura Golf and Spa resort development will be dependent upon the approval of a 35m euro government grant application, which will top up the rest of the funding from equity and bank debt. If this is confirmed, the resort is scheduled to open in 2007.

The resort development will involve the restoration of several existing buildings, which will be combined with new constructions that are intended to reflect the history and character of Sicily and the surrounding region.

The site will include a 200-bedroom hotel with two 18-hole golf courses designed by golf course architect Kyle Phillips, – who was responsible for the Kings Barnes course near St Andrews.

The main reception building will be situated near to the entrance to the resort and will involve restoring the existing disused Vedura station building. There will also be a restaurant in the restored Vedura Tower building.

The nearby spa complex will feature 16 treatment rooms, a gym, swimming pool, five thalassotherapy pools and a dietetic restaurant. There will also be a conference centre for up to 250 people with eight meeting rooms and a cinema plus various themed restaurants situated around the resort.

Commenting about the new resort, Sir Rocco said: "We believe the new resort will be one of the most exciting luxury resort developments in Europe for the last 25 years.

“This project will create 300 new jobs and help cement the growing reputation of Sicily as a luxury destination.

“I am very grateful for the support which the region of Sicily and Il Presidente, Onorevole Salvatore Cuffaro is giving the project." Details: www.roccofortehotels.com