$30 Million Renovations to Enhance Resort
Eden Prairie, MN, January 2018 … It’s a landmark and a legend, a luxurious spa and health center, a renowned meetings hub and the place where golf in America was born. The storied Pinehurst Resort is a destination in itself, rising amid 2,000 acres of woodlands, lakes and links in North Carolina. Now, Teneo Hospitality Group, the premier global firm representing 300+ independent and luxury branded hotels, resorts and DMCs, welcomes this iconic resort to its rapidly expanding portfolio. Teneo will drive group sales for the award-winning resort and promote its $30 million Capital Refurbishment Program that will preserve its past and actively build its future.
“As Pinehurst approaches its 125th anniversary, we are looking to ensure its future and mission for another century”, says Eric Kuester, Vice President of Sales for the resort. “Our new partnership with Teneo Hospitality Group will help position Pinehurst as a complete meetings destination with a vivid history, exceptional facilities and a unique and authentic destination experience.”
“We are very proud to be supporting Pinehurst’s group meetings business as the resort engages in a far-reaching capital enhancement program,” said Teneo President Mike Schugt. “The resort enjoys a legendary past and a brilliant future. Pinehurst will offer not just the nation’s best golf, but an array of resort activities, dining options, health and wellness services, top-notch meeting and technical resources and a highly trained meetings support staff.”
Building on a Legendary History for a Brilliant Future
In the late 19th Century, health resorts were rising in popularity along the Eastern Seaboard. Quick to spot a trend, Boston soda fountain magnate, James Walker Tufts, purchased 5,500 acres of pine-filled woodlands in North Carolina. He envisioned a progressive health resort and built the Holly Inn to accommodate guests. Tufts commissioned Frederick Law Olmstead, the storied designer of New York City’s Central Park, to create Pinehurst Village with stores, stables, cottages and fine homes, and the resort has continuously taken shape around the historic village.
Tufts made another decision that changed the course of history at Pinehurst, commissioning Donald Ross to build the resort’s first four golf courses. Thanks to Ross’ work and meticulous commitment to perfection, Pinehurst is rightfully known today as “The Cradle of American Golf”, having played host to the most prominent championships in the game, including the US Open, PGA Championship, and the Ryder Cup. In an effort to preserve and share the wonderful golf pedigree of Pinehurst, the resort recently purchased Dornoch Cottage, the home that Ross built overlooking his masterpiece, Course #2. The home will be made available in 2018 for group functions and events that encapsulate the true spirit of Pinehurst and provide an in-depth look at Ross’ work through the years.
Expanding its golf options, the resort opened “The Cradle” – a nine hole par three course designed by Gil Hanse – in October of last year. The Cradle opens up entirely new possibilities for both beginning players and for groups with more limited time constraints hoping to experience a taste of golf at Pinehurst. The Cradle can be played in less than an hour at the price of $50 per player.
Today, Pinehurst is a nationally recognized destination, resort and conference hub. The new refurbishment and building projects will provide guests with experiences that are not available at any other golf resorts in the United States. With 80,000 square feet of meetings space, Pinehurst Resort hosts over 500 groups per year. Meeting planners will find a professional Event Services Team and Events Concierge who excel in crafting a world-class event from start to finish, as well as facility and technical support needed for a productive and memorable meeting in a spectacular, singular setting.
The Carolina Hotel, or “Queen of the South”, is the largest hotel in Pinehurst and the center of much of the resort’s activity. Built in 1901, its grand cupola rises over the village and its elegant ballrooms set the scene for memorable meetings and events. As part of the refurbishment program, the Cardinal Ballroom in the hotel will be restored to its Belle Époque glamour.
In addition to topnotch catering for events and meetings, Pinehurst offers a wide range of dining options with intimate dining rooms located in the Holly Inn and Carolina Hotel. Casual fare is served at The Deuce, a new restaurant that has already been acclaimed “Best New Golf Restaurant” by Golf Inc. Magazine, overlooking the famed 18th green of Course #2. The Tavern, with its famous bar brought from Scotland, is a guest favorite at The Holly Inn, serving a variety of traditional pub favorites infused with a Southern flair.
Construction has begun on the Village’s original Steam Plant, as it will become a Microbrewery and restaurant, set to open in the summer of 2018. The Microbrewery will feature original craft beers, a unique menu, and outdoor seating perfect for group dining.
Guests can choose from 428 guestrooms, located around Pinehurst. There are three historic properties: The Carolina Hotel – which also offers Villas geared toward golfers, the intimate Holly Inn and the cozy and casual Manor Inn. Popular with families and groups are the spacious condos with fully-equipped kitchens. The resort is in the final stages of room renovations and improvements and will have completed work on every guestroom in The Carolina and Holly Inn by April.
Pinehurst offers much more than golf – there’s tennis, cycling, swimming and workouts, yoga instruction and treatments at the resort’s award-winning spa. Opened in 2002 in a new building that blends seamlessly with the resort’s historic architecture, the 31,000-square foot spa continues Pinehurst’s healing legacy. The spa features 28 treatment rooms and an array of therapies incorporating local ingredients such as pine and honey. Hydrotherapy is available in the Tranquility Room lap pool and Pinehurst recently introduced cryotherapy to soothe aching muscles and rejuvenate the entire body. The spa also includes a Fitness Center that never closes.
Pinehurst is 71 miles from Raleigh-Durham International Airport and eight carriers provide service from around the US. The resort offers a shuttle service to and from the airport. Moore County Airport, serving corporate and private aircraft, is just five miles from Pinehurst Resort.
