Turnberry Resort could have had awful food, terrible public areas and a tiny pool and we would have still loved it. That would be thanks to the views this grand old dame boasts out over a swathe of the Ayrshire coast with the hulk of the Arran Hills and the volcanic rock plug of Ailsa Craig vying for attention with the coast of Northern Ireland shimmering in the distance.
For the record the food is excellent, the public areas deeply impressive and the good sized pool just the place for enjoying those views.
Golfing Pedigree
Turnberry dates back to the days when the moneyed classed of Scotland took the train down to Ayrshire to check in to its luxurious charms and enjoy a round of golf. Today golf is still the main attraction with the courses here so good they regularly stage the British Open.
Nostalgic Journey
Stepping inside the hotel takes you immediately back to those grand old days of romantic travel. The grand lobby is awash with hardwoods, smooth leather sofas and plenty of marble, not to mention an expanse of glass to make the most of those views.
The hotel overflows with eating and drinking options. We liked the informal Ailsa Bar for family dining.I tucked into a gorgeous Orkney Gold beef sandwich My young daughter enjoyed proper fish and chips. She also enjoyed a quick game of snooker, available free of charge in one of the bars!
Sublime 1906 Restaurant
Our favourite eatery was undoubtedly 1906. Dinner here was sublime. As the sun set over the isles we tucked into West Coast oysters and chunky scallops, the latter caught just across the water off Arran. The main course was even better, perfectly cooked Scottish lobster, simple as it should be with butter and capers.
With an Australian chef at the helm it was no surprise that it was cooked in a barbeque, which gave it a juiciness and softness often lacking in lobster.
The Slovenian sommelier was also spot on matching a surprisingly dry rose with the lobster before a sturdy port to stand up to the Snickers Bomb for dessert. Yes I did say Snickers. It was superb, seriously.
Lands of Turnberry
We chose to stay in one of the newly revamped Lands of Turnberry apartments. This was a wise choice in terms of space with two kids and gran in tow, but these apartments don’t feel as luxurious and as polished as the hotel.
Service was also an issue and they struggled to get a breakfast down to us one morning. All in though they are a great family option, especially as they now come with their own kitchen.
Not Just for Golfers
It would be a mistake to write Turnberry off as just a hotel for golfers. My kids loved the good sized pool, with its separate children’s area and the sweeping golden sand beach that lay just the other side of the golf courses.
Then there was the spa. I enjoyed two hours of ‘ESPA time’. No simple massage this as you get a full consultation, choose which oils you like and then the treatment is tailored for you. I had a soothing footbath and a reviving full body massage, before finishing things off with a moisturising facial and a scalp pressure point massage.
We left Turnberry feeling as you should do after a good family break. Our refreshed, relaxed party of two kids, two parents and gran drove out without having hit a golf ball, charmed both by the setting and a resort hotel that hits impressive number of bases.
Turnberry Resort, Maidens Road, Turnberry, Ayrshire, KA26 9LT. Tel: +44-(0)1655-331000. www.turnberry.co.uk
InsiderScotland Rating [effortless-gm address=”[Turnberry Resort, Maidens Road, Turnberry, Ayrshire, KA26 9LT”]
For Families 8/10
For a Romantic Break 8/10
For Food 8/10
For Business People 8/10
InsiderScotland.com Rating 8/10
