A double celebration took place at Turnberry on May 17 as the world-famous resort marked its 115th birthday on the same day as hotel restrictions finally eased.
As constraints on hospitality and mixing with others were relaxed in Scotland, guests took full advantage of the extensive five-star experiences once again, including the new Turnberry Spa which has undergone a £4m transformation and offers ESPA’s Modern Alchemy range of harmonising treatments and spa products.
Intensive work had been taking place behind the scenes as the staff prepared for the return of visitors and ensured the facilities had gone above and beyond Covid-compliance to meet the optimum standards.
It was fitting that the date coincided with the day the hotel first opened its doors to the public – when it was the Station Hotel – back on May 17, 1906.
Among those luxuries on offer in the early 20th century, were electric lighting, central heating, hot and cold running water, and saltwater plunge baths for guests to enjoy the finer things in life.
And while extensive modernisation and expansion has since seen Turnberry achieve its recognised status as one of the leading five-star resorts in the world, the main building itself has maintained much of its original charm with the classic combination of white plasterwork and red pan tile roof – still very much in evidence today.
General manager, Ralph Porciani, said: “As we know all too well throughout the industry, it has been a difficult period – at times, it’s felt like we’ve had to wait 115 years to be able to reopen!
“But it was fantastic to be able to welcome back our first guests again on Turnberry’s birthday. The history and heritage of Turnberry is something we treasure and is always worth celebrating.”