First look at Scotland’s reimagined Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort

The historic Scottish estate property will reopen in the spring following a £15 million transformation that includes the introduction of a 24-seat private cinema, a gaming room and a billiards room

One of Scotland’s most established heritage hotels, Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, will reopen in the spring after undergoing a £15 million (about AU$30.8 million) renovation. The five-star resort sits on a 240-acre estate overlooking the River Clyde, just ten minutes from Glasgow International Airport. Its history goes back to 1828, when the building was designed by Sir Robert Smirke, the architect behind London’s British Museum. The property opened as a luxury hotel in 2004 and has since hosted celebrities and high-profile guests including Beyoncé, Kylie Minogue, Brad Pitt and Harry Styles. 

Mar Hall’s new chapter follows the 2024 acquisition by Dubai-based Dutco Group, with the renovation led by investment firm Align Partners and design by Glasgow-based studio Graven. The comprehensive redevelopment includes the redesign of all 74 guest rooms, eight Junior Suites and three Grand Suites. Room sizes range from 25 to 115 square metres, with new interiors featuring soft curves, botanical wallpapers, rich colour palettes and bespoke ensuite bathrooms. Public areas including the main entrance, reception, restaurant, bar, Long Gallery and private events spaces are also being fully updated.

New facilities will include a 24-seat private cinema, a gaming room, and a billiards room. A newly designed Members’ Lounge will offer a private retreat for hotel members, styled as a traditional library with dark blue walls, warm lighting and an open fireplace. The bar and restaurant are being redesigned to reflect a modern take on Victorian aesthetics, with the bar overlooking the River Clyde and the dining room offering views over the Kilpatrick Hills. A private dining room has also been added for special occasions and celebrations.

The hotel’s spa and wellness offering is being expanded, with a refurbished 20-metre indoor pool, new PRIMAL gym equipment, saunas, steam rooms, and additional treatment areas. The surrounding landscape is also being reimagined, with the restoration of historic fountain pools, the creation of new maze gardens, a fire pit area and an alfresco reading room. Sustainability has been prioritised through the planting of native species, new bee gardens and wildlife viewing zones.

Mar Hall will reopen in the northern hemisphere spring, with room rates starting from £245 (around AU$505 per night). 

marhall.com