Though it is known today as Turnberry, a Luxury Collection Resort, the life of the Station Hotel that began in 1906 continues.

In the mid-20th century, when Turnberry was owned by British Transport Hotels (BTH), there was a national concern that the upkeep of this established, luxurious hotel would not be maintained. After a number of disappointing years of low occupancy, BTH placed Turnberry on the market. Over the next few decades, a number of different proprietors made significant investments in guest rooms, conference amenities and spa facilities that raised Turnberry’s profile. In particular, Turnberry’s dedicated centre for health and relaxation was extremely innovative when it was introduced in the 1980s—and put the resort on the modern-day map.

The new millennium brought a new owner: Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. Starwood’s vision for Turnberry included a variety of improvements. The red-roofed houses by the roadside, originally built as staff accommodation, have been converted into guest lodges, offering space and seclusion to large groups. The state-of-the-art Colin Montgomerie Links Golf Academy and the newly built Kintyre course have commenced operations. And the Outdoor Activity Centre—which allows guests to make the most of Turnberry’s 800 acres and the Ayrshire countryside beyond—has completed Turnberry’s transformation from a largely seasonal, golf-focused resort to a year-round destination with an abundance of activities that appeal to a wide audience.

Leisurecorp, a division of Dubai World that is one of the world’s most innovative and renowned golf development entities, took ownership of Turnberry in October 2008 and closed the hotel immediately for a dramatic refurbishment ahead of the 138th Open Championship that will be held in July 2009. Internationally renowned interior designer Mary Fox Linton has been appointed to lead the renovation, which, with the help of a heritage consultant, will see the 103-year-old hotel restored to the vision of its original architect while accommodating the needs of the modern guest. The property is now a member of Starwood’s Luxury Collection® portfolio.

It is the intention of Leisurecorp, with the contributions of its partners, to make Turnberry the top golf and resort experience in the world.