Just ten minutes from Glasgow Airport you can find a picture perfect Scottish estate that’s been reimagined for the modern traveller. Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, a five-star heritage retreat nestled in 240 acres of woodland, has officially reopened its doors following a dramatic £20 million renovation, and it’s everything you’d want from a country escape with a contemporary twist.
From its original design by Sir Robert Smirke to its latest transformation by Dutco Group, Mar Hall is no ordinary manor house. This new chapter blends its stately history with whimsical storytelling and genuine warmth. The newly unveiled 74 guest rooms and suites come in seven room categories, and each has been thoughtfully styled to reflect the hotel’s character-rich past while offering every modern comfort. You can expect four-poster beds, locally inspired artwork, and rich textures throughout. For a truly memorable visit, guests can opt for a Spa Garden Suite with private outdoor space, or one of the palatial Grand Suites, where you might find a grand piano or pool table waiting.
The communal spaces have also received a complete refresh. The heart of the hotel is The Gallery, an inviting hub with a champagne bar, reading nooks, and a grand piano with a rich musical history. Here, guests can also enjoy Afternoon Tea curated by award-winning Executive Pastry Chef Szilard Szentesi, featuring dainty pastries, savoury bites, and a menu of teas and bubbly that would impress even the estate’s most illustrious former guests. For something a little more spirited, The Slàinte Bar offers a cocktail experience rooted in Scottish culture. Its been designed with flair and a bit of theatre, where Head Mixologist Chris Mullen’s creations blend local ingredients with global technique. Signature drinks include The 180, a floral twist on the whisky sour honouring Mar Hall’s 180-year history.
The culinary offerings are also getting rave reviews. The Dining Room, led by Executive Chef Tony Tapia, is making waves on Glasgow’s fine dining scene. Menus are seasonal and produce-led, with highlights like the tableside-served Spicy Raw Beef Tartare and a refined twist on the classic West Coast Cullen. For those who prefer quieter moments, The Library offers sweeping views of the Kilpatrick Hills and Clyde Estuary, ideal for reflection, reading, or simply sipping a dram in peace.
Adventure seekers can embrace the estate’s sprawling grounds with a round on the 18-hole championship golf course, or more adrenaline-fuelled pursuits like 4×4 excursions, falconry, archery, and axe-throwing. If you’re looking for something truly unforgettable, you can even take to the skies with a private helicopter tour over the Highlands. After all that excitement who wouldn’t need a little self care? The newly enhanced Mar Hall Spa is discreetly connected to the main house and features six treatment rooms, a 20-metre pool, saunas and steam rooms, plus bespoke therapies.
This is one venue that shows no sign of slowing down. Future plans are already underway for private woodland lodges, expanded wellness offerings, and enhancements to the golf clubhouse, making it very clear that Mar Hall is not just reliving its glory days, it’s completely redefining them.