Trump Turnberry, Ayrshire
STYLE AND SUBSTANCE
Driving up to the five-star hotel is akin to arriving at a party hosted by Jay Gatsby, except we are on the Ayrshire coast rather than Long Island.
Turnberry surely has one of the most magnificent exteriors, matched by spectacular views onto the Firth and Clyde and lighthouse that was built on the ruin of Robert the Bruce's castle.
The Ailsa Course is a renowned bucket list golf destination but if you bear to tear yourself away from afternoon tea in the opulent Edwardian interiors the vast resort offers a myriad of other activities including horse riding and carriage rides, clay pigeon shooting, kayaking as well as a gym and infinity pool.
The spa offering signature ishga treatments and Cryo21 technology, which claims to help reduce body fat, tighten skin and rejuvenate the skin.
The rooms are spacious and very well equipped with a concealed Nespresso machine and 24-hour room service.
The hand-carved giant walnut burl mahogany bed wouldn't look out of place in a presidential suite and is up there with the most comfortable I've experienced in a luxury hotel. Bathrooms are suitably indulgent with a deep marble bath, gold-leaf detail and twin sinks.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The resort's fine dining restaurant 1906 is named after the year the hotel opened and is worth a trip to Turnberry alone.
The menu makes good use of the locally sourced ingredients with options including poached Scottish lobster, brandy butter and brioche croutons.
Vegetables are grown just a few miles from Turnberry at Dowhill Farm and delivered fresh to the Turnberry kitchens daily, while fish come fresh from Troon.
Prepare to breakfast like a King (or a president) with Bircher muesli and fresh fruit compotes, fine cheeses and meats among the buffet options. There is table service for hot meals including the signature Burns Breakfast: Arran cheddar hash potato with haggis, fried egg and hollandaise.
ABOUT THE AREA
Set amidst the rugged Ayrshire coastline in 800 rolling acres, Turnberry is 55 miles (75 minutes by car) from Glasgow and five miles from Girvan train station.
NICE TOUCH
The service at Turnberry is outstanding: friendly and attentive but never over-bearing.
Instructors at the stables praised working conditions and Eric Trump's commitment to improving the equestrian offering and overall guest experience.
Double rooms from £521, year-round with breakfast included.
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