With a multi-million-pound renovation underway, Align Partners, on behalf of Dutco, continues the repositioning of Mar Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa Resort into a luxury five-star Scottish destination with the appointment of a team of senior industry experts across the resort.
The luxury Scottish five-star resort has appointed a new Executive Head Chef, Head Pastry Chef, Head Concierge, Head of Maintenance, Head of Golf, and Head Greenkeeper.
Elevating the culinary offering at the resort, Executive Head Chef Tony Tapia joins the hotel with a wealth of experience having worked in several 3 AA Rosette restaurants, and alongside industry icons, Rick Stein and Michel Roux Jr. Tony is known for his creativity which he will bring to life in new menus that seek to transform the food offering at Mar Hall and elevate the dining experience.
Tony is joined by new Head Pastry Chef, Louise Campbell. Originally from Manchester, Louise has worked in Scotland for 30 years refining her skills in collaboration with industry experts, including executive chef Michael Mizzen at Hilton Glasgow when it was the city’s first five-star hotel. Having worked at Mar Hall over a decade ago, Louise was inspired to return by the ongoing investment and the opportunity to elevate the afternoon tea and banqueting offerings using seasonal ingredients and meticulous skill.
Unlocking incredible guest experiences at the hotel, award-winning Alan McDougall has been appointed Head Concierge. He holds the current role of Chairman of the Society of The Golden Keys of Great Britain & The Commonwealth and brings his renowned passion for meeting and exceeding guests’ expectations to Mar Hall.
Mar Hall is also investing in the grounds across the estate, including its championship 18-hole golf course, as it appoints new Head Greenkeeper, Andrew Eckford, who brings his 13 years of experience in greenkeeping at Cameron House, and professional golfer, Christopher McQueen, who joins as Head of Golf following his extensive experience at Gleddoch Resort and Spa and Trump Turnberry Resort.
Significant investments and improvements to the golf course are now underway at the resort. All bunkers have been repaired with a total sand replacement, while the greens have undergone an aeration process, which will be continuously top-dressed throughout the year along with the fairways. Other upgrades include a new automated irrigation system and a new fertilization and disease control process to protect the grounds, while 12 new golf buggies have been purchased, to ensure a five-star guest experience in line with corporate and golf society expectations.
On the meeting and events side, a new dedicated wedding and events team has been created that will be led by Commercial Manager, Fiona Gallagher, who has been promoted from within. She will ensure all enquiries are handled promptly, professionally and seamlessly to guarantee both guests and organisers achieve their event objectives.
In addition, Mar Hall has invested in a new ultra-fast WiFi network, providing connectivity for seamless business events and individual guest needs. Renovation works have also commenced on the Marquee, with its spectacular views over the River Clyde and rolling Old-Kilpatrick hills. This makeover will transform the event space and deliver a new kitchen to cater for up to 300 guests.
David Webster, operations director at Align Partners, the investment and asset management team leading the transformation at the hotel, said: “While we seek planning permission to achieve the complete redevelopment across the resort, we are significantly investing in both our product and our people to ensure the guest experience is elevated to a five-star luxury hospitality experience.
“From culinary and events to golf and activities, we have appointed some of the most renowned names within their respective fields to help us deliver our vision for Mar Hall as a world-class destination resort, and we are incredibly excited for guests to experience the new proposition.”
Mar Hall Hotel, Golf & Spa remains open for business. The resort recently released CGIs of its brand-new luxury gym and leisure facilities, which reopened this month, and the revamped pool and leisure suite which are set to open from the end of April.
