Scotland’s luxury hospitality scene has entered a new chapter with the official reopening of Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, following a £20 million renovation. Just ten minutes from Glasgow International Airport and set within 240 acres of ancient woodland, the five-star estate is positioning itself as one of the UK’s most significant country house transformations in recent years.
A Heritage Estate Reimagined
Designed in the early 19th century by architect Sir Robert Smirke for Major General Robert Walter Stuart, the 11th Lord Blantyre, Mar Hall has long been admired for its stately architecture and views across the River Clyde and Kilpatrick Hills. The renovation has preserved this heritage while introducing a new design language that blends history with a contemporary, storytelling aesthetic.
The relaunch includes 74 refurbished rooms and suites across seven categories, two new restaurants, two bars, and a variety of communal and private spaces. Future developments will see the addition of a private 22-seat cinema, Gaming Room, and Billiards Room, ensuring the resort continues to evolve.
Rooms & Suites with Character
The redesigned rooms and suites reflect Mar Hall’s character through thoughtful details. Classic Rooms provide a cosy, restful retreat, while Grand Suites evoke the feel of private residences, complete with separate lounges, pianos, or pool tables. Spa Garden Suites offer outdoor space with private gardens, connecting guests directly to the surrounding nature. Interiors emphasise quiet luxury through a mix of four-poster beds, locally inspired artworks, and a palette of soft tones and textures.
The Gallery: Social Heart of the Estate
At the centre of the hotel, The Gallery has been reintroduced as a vibrant social hub. Featuring a marble-topped bar, casual seating, and a grand piano with a storied past, the space serves as both a gathering point and a stage for Mar Hall’s signature Afternoon Tea. Created by award-winning Executive Pastry Chef Szilard Szentesi, the menu pairs delicate pastries and savouries with an extensive list of loose-leaf teas.
Dining & Cocktails with a Scottish Accent
Mar Hall’s culinary offering has been significantly enhanced. The Dining Room, led by Executive Chef Tony Tapia, showcases seasonal menus rooted in Scottish produce, with dishes such as “West Coast Cullen” alongside inventive creations like tableside “Spicy Raw Beef Tartare.” Designed as a destination restaurant for both guests and locals, it highlights Scotland’s place in Europe’s evolving fine dining landscape.
The new Slàinte Bar (pronounced “slanche”) celebrates Scotland’s tradition of toasting “to good health.” Under the direction of Head Mixologist Chris Mullen, the cocktail program blends theatre with heritage.
The Library: A Space for Reflection
Nestled in the quieter corners of the mansion, The Library offers sweeping views across the Clyde Estuary and Kilpatrick Hills. Designed as an intimate retreat, it provides guests with a contemplative environment surrounded by books, armchairs, and understated Scottish charm.
Wellness, Sport & Adventure
The newly updated spa connects discreetly to the main house via a covered walkway and offers six treatment rooms, a 20-metre swimming pool, steam rooms, and saunas. Signature treatments, such as The Hebridean Hideout and Scottish Luxury Spa & Dine Indulgence, combine locally inspired therapies with dining experiences, positioning the spa as a destination in itself.
For sport and adventure, the resort features an 18-hole championship golf course, falconry, archery, axe-throwing, and clay pigeon shooting. Off-road 4×4 experiences and helicopter tours showcase Scotland’s dramatic landscapes, while cycling and hiking trails connect guests to the estate’s woodland. Curated whisky tours and personalised itineraries provide further cultural immersion.
Looking Ahead
The reopening signals the start of an ambitious new era for Mar Hall, with plans already underway for private woodland lodges, expanded spa facilities, and upgrades to the golf clubhouse.
With nightly rates starting from £300 for a Classic Room, Mar Hall is positioning itself as one of Scotland’s most compelling new openings in 2025, an estate that respects its history while embracing a bold new identity.
