Mar Hall is magical for local and Middle East travellers.
Summer is always a great time to escape the heat, and the United Kingdom has become a firm favourite for many Middle Eastern travellers. Spend a few days wandering through London or the Scottish countryside, and you’re bound to spot a few familiar faces – sometimes even members of the Royal Family. This summer, I followed the same path, and spent the night at Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort in Glasgow.
Located just 10 minutes from Glasgow International Airport in Bishopton, Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort is set within 240 acres of ancient woodland, with sweeping views of the River Clyde. You arrive via a long, tree-lined driveway that leads up to a Victorian mansion.
First impressions
The history here runs deep. Designed in the early 19th century by Sir Robert Smirke, the estate was originally the home of Major General Robert Walter Stuart. Since then, it has changed ownership several times – including a £20 million transformation, marking one of Scotland’s most significant hotel renovations in recent years. The aim was to blend historic grandeur with whimsical, storytelling design and a warm, welcoming experience.
From the outside, the building looked dark and castle-like, but the interior surprised me with warmth and colour. The entrance featured pink carpeting on a sweeping staircase, a statement chandelier preserved from the home’s original owners, and arched bronze-toned walls lined with glass-encased candles and green palms.
The reception area revealed black-and-white chequered marble floors and wood-panelled walls. Plush, eclectic seating – burnt orange armchairs, flashes of turquoise – added vibrancy, while a circular geometric chandelier injected a modern edge. A golden-framed mirror crowned a classic fireplace, and the wooden check-in counter felt perfectly in line with the estate’s heritage.
The route then led into a corridor with a sudden change of scenery: bright, patterned orange wallpaper and dark green panelling, with the same black-and-white tiled floors continuing from reception. The lift was carpeted in navy and burnt orange patterns, making even the short ride feel like part of the experience.
Rooms and suites
We unlocked the white wooden door to our Lake View Room, Clyde. Inside, the walls were painted a soft grey-blue, dotted with framed artworks. A tall wooden wardrobe offered generous storage, followed by a marble-topped wooden desk paired with a denim-blue chair.
The first seating nook featured two single velvet armchairs in deep orange, placed by a window dressed in heavy brown curtains and white panelled shutters. Outside, the view included the manicured golf course, the river, and hills in the distance. It called for a relaxed sit-in with good music and a steaming cup of karak chai.
The canopy king bed featured a wooden base, a turquoise tufted headboard, and a matching marble-topped ledge holding a stack of books. A small settee at the foot echoed the corridor’s patterned wallpaper. Side tables in marble and wood stood either side, with hanging lamps in soft, balloon-shaped glass.
The bathroom continued the indulgence, painted in powdery mauve. A double marble vanity stretched along one wall, fitted with brass fixtures. The flooring featured black-and-white mosaic tiles. Through a frosted glass door, the shower area revealed a brass rain and hand shower.
Restaurants and bars
The Gallery space had peach-pink walls, gilded mirrors, floral carpets, powder-blue seating, marble-topped tables, and champagne bars. It was an inviting mix of historic charm and artistic flair. Think Enid Sinclair meets Wednesday Addams.
For dinner, The Dining Room showcased seasonal Scottish flavours. Highlights included the West Coast Cullen and spicy raw beef tartare, served table side. The restaurant also served halal food, making it an excellent choice for Middle Eastern travellers.
The Library was a hideout within the property. This secluded space allowed guests to let the room’s quiet charm wash over them. With plenty of cosy spots to relax in and a view of the hills outside, it felt intentionally intimate.
Facilities
Adventure seekers staying at Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort could try falconry, pigeon shooting, axe throwing, and archery, or head off on 4x4 drives and helicopter tours. For something more serene, cycling and hiking trails wound through the estate. A covered walkway linked the main hotel to the spa, where guests would find a 20-metre swimming pool, saunas, steam rooms, and six treatment rooms – making the property an ideal countryside escape.
In the future, Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort plan to add a 22-person private cinema, a gaming room, and a billiards room. Outdoors, there was a championship 18-hole golf course, swings, fountains, and cosy terraces. One outdoor lounge even nodded to the UAE with its flag – a subtle connection to Mar Hall’s new ownership. The property had become part of JA Resorts and Hotels, a homegrown Dubai heritage hospitality brand.
Verdict
Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort achieved what many historic hotels struggled with – honouring its past while feeling exciting and contemporary. For travellers from the UAE or Middle East, it offered the kind of personalised luxury and spacious comfort we were used to at home, but with a distinctly Scottish soul. The rooms were large, and the experiences ranged from relaxing to adventurous. With its countryside elegance, it was a refreshing change of scenery. So, if you were planning your next escape to Scotland, Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort was well worth a stop. From the green landscapes to the relaxing spa, every moment there was unforgettable.
GO: Visit www.marhall.com for more information.