Great Places to Stay
- Westin Turnberry Resort, Golf Course & Spa
Golf Courses and the Colin Montgomerie Links Academy
"Not just a hotel on the Ayrshire coast, more a way of life centred on golf". Pete Irvine, "Scotland the Best", 2002The Marquess of Ailsa would no doubt be proud of how Turnberry has expanded into one of the most important golf resorts in the world, one hundred years on since he first mooted the idea to create a golf course.
Today there are two championship 18 hole golf courses, the Ailsa and the Kintyre. The Ailsa, re-opened after wartime closure in 1951, was host to its first major event in 1963, the Walker Cup when America beat Great Britain, 12 -6. Thereafter the Open Championship took place here in 1977 (featuring Niklaus and Watson in a classic final duel), and also in 1986 and 1994.
With this track record for world class golf at Turnberry, it was decided to develop a unique Links golf Academy, designed by Colin Montgomerie and Donald Steel.
"For me, golf is a game to be enjoyed. And the better you get, the more you enjoy it. The Academy at Turnberry is a world's first and our aim is to help people to get the most of their game. I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead a team of people who will teach first class techniques for links golf in a first class setting." Colin Montgomerie
There is a range of programmes, lessons, tuition and tournaments, specially designed to suit every golfer, from the scratch player to the first timer, adults and children, individuals and groups.
Golfing students will find the best of facilities to perfect their game in both indoor and outdoor teaching areas, an audio visual theatre for group tuition, driving and pitching ranges, covered bays, simulators and swing analysers and a special nine hole academy course.
Not content with the Ailsa course and a Golf Academy, Turnberry then believed a second 18 hole course would put the icing on the cake. Designed by Donald Steel, the new Kintyre course stretches above the sand dunes to the north of the Ailsa, past the famous lighthouse. Seven of the greens have been created on a stretch of high ground called Bains Hill, offering terrific views out to sea for the golfer. The treacherous 8th hole in a cove beside the beach is followed by a difficult drive along the shoreline to reach number 9. Avenues of gorse and heather add some protection from wind blowing straight off the sea.
"To be given the opportunity of opening a new course at Turnberry to match the quality and popularity of the Ailsa was an enviable challenge. Combining natural splendour and dramatic scope for change has resulted in a golf course of the highest standard " Donald Steel , golf course architect.
The Spa
You don't have to play golf to enjoy a fabulous time at Turnberry. The Spa, described as "an oasis of peace and tranquility", is a purpose built pavilion just a few yards from the hotel and has a 20 metre leisure swimming pool, with loungers all around for a chill out session. There is also a jacuzzi and separate children's pool and 3 saunas. For the energetic there is a gymnasium, squash courts, solarium, beauty salon offering dozens of treatments, and a hairdresser.
In our busy stress-filled lives, the revitalising world of the Spa has now become a valuable part of a holiday or weekend away from routine at work and home. Health and beauty treatments are not just for women wanting a facial. More and more men too are seeing the benefits of regular massages to ease muscular pain, sports injuries and generally to keep the skin in good condition. Based on both ancient remedies and contemporary products by E`SPA and Kanebo, using natural oils to relax and revitalise the body, there are treatments to cleanse, purify, moisturise and detoxify the skin and entire body. Therapists are highly trained in aromatherapy, skincare, reflexology and special chakra and meridian techniques for the complete holistic MOT - for your mind, spirit and body.
The Outdoor Activity Centre
For those who do not wish to play golf or indulge in spa treatments there is a host of other activities to keep the whole family entertained and exercised.
Within the 800 acres of the Turnberry resort you can take part in Quad and mountain biking on a cross country course, or perhaps try your hand at 4x4 off road driving on a specially designed course with 45 degree slopes and a challenging track occasionally barred by logs and water. Horse-riding is always popular with guests of all ages and what fun to go riding along the beach as well as trekking up the hills. There are local lochs and rivers for trout and salmon fishing and facilities for a range of other sports such as archery, clay target shooting and falconry.
All sports are supervised by qualified instructors so that older children can safely go off for an afternoon to enjoy themselves and let parents have time to golf, swim or have a Spa treatment.
The Kid's Club
Children are more than welcome at Turnberry, which has developed as a very family oriented resort, particularly now that there are lodges and cottages with children in mind. The hotel offers every service and assistance for the care of babies and children of all ages. Baby-sitting, children's menus, toys and books, high chairs, computer games and bedtime stories.The Turnberry Resort - In a Nutshell
For nearly one hundred years the Turnberry Hotel has welcomed guests to the beautiful, unspoilt Ayrshire Coast to refresh the spirits in the salt sea air. The traditional values of the original 5 star Edwardian country house hotel are still maintained today yet combines seamlessly with the relaxed informality and fun of a contemporary upmarket leisure resort designed for the 21st century.
Scottish charm and hospitality, golf at its world's best, good health and total harmony with nature for that get-away-from-it-all feeling.
Getting There
Turnberry Resort is very accessible from across the UK, Europe and the United States. It is 55 miles south - one hour's drive - from Glasgow, with direct flights to the USA and major European capitals. Prestwick International Airport is just 20 miles north, which is used by Ryanair, with direct flights from London, Germany, France, Ireland.
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