A NEW, 16-room hotel will open on July 11 outside Girvan... just in time to offer luxurious accommodation for visitors to the British Open Golf Championship at Turnberry.
And it also aims to attract stay-at-home Scots by promising adventure, relaxation and gentle pampering.
The stunning Woodland Bay Hotel is a £1 million-plus investment by the Forbes family who own the popular Woodland Farm Shop and Restaurant ju
st south of town on the A77.
It will create 12 new jobs and offers 16 luxury Ocean View bedrooms. Already, they are almost sold out for the British Open, with bookings coming in from as far afield as New Zealand, Sweden and the USA.
Director Gillian Forbes said: "We're helping to put Girvan back on the map as a fantastic holiday destination for couples, golfers, families, overseas visitors flying Ryanair into Prestwick...even honeymooners!
"The Woodland Bay Hotel offers four-star quality at affordable three-star prices. It's an oasis of calm, comfort and cosseting. Prices start from only £30 per person per night and include freshly-cooked Scottish breakfast using the very best of our own and other local produce."
The hotel is located on an 800-acre Site of Special Scientific Interest - SSSI - special for plants, animals, habitats, rocks and landforms.
Said Gillian: "We have fantastic sandy beaches with a rich variety of birds and sea-life, opportunities for sea angling, trout fishing and hillwalking, and beautiful walks along the Ayrshire Coastal Path with breathtaking views.
"Woodland is a working farm with child-friendly piglets and lambs, and thirty-one golf courses within an hour's drive. So we're far enough from the city for complete relaxation, yet near enough for easy access.
"And another plus point – you can bring your dog or your horse! All pets are welcome."
All the rooms have been decorated to a high standard and offer 6ft, king-size or twin beds, colour TVs with satellite channels, broadband access, telephones, ironing centres, hospitality trays and en-suite double shower rooms with heated towel rails and hairdryers. Superior rooms are larger and more luxurious, offering stunning ocean views and magnificent sunsets.
Mezzanine and Honeymoon Suites also offer DVD/CD players, fridges, towelling bathrobes and slippers and a fine range of luxury toiletries.
All rooms are non-smoking and can accommodate a cot. Some rooms are able to sleep up to three or four adults, ideal for wheelchairs or respite care.
Gillian added: "We can accommodate wedding receptions, company parties, private parties, dinners and other evening events for up to 50 dining, and for certain events we can cater for larger numbers in marquees."
See www.woodlandbayhotel. co.uk for more details.
