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Six luxury hotels for your next links golf getaway

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A collection of hotels which blend old-world charm and modern luxury at some of the UK’s most iconic golf destinations

The Old Course, North Berwick, Portrush…and the Royals – Troon, Dornoch and County Down. Some of the world’s most storied golf courses.

Marine & Lawn is a collection of hotels and resorts that sit alongside these courses, a rarefied portfolio of grand, historic buildings immersed in the story of golf and as much a part of the landscape as the links turf itself. 

Each hotel is full of character and old-world charm – think wood panelling, button back sofas and antique brass fittings, blended with modern luxury; beautiful spa spaces, plush bedding, fine dining using locally sourced ingredients.  

Rooms are decorated in jewel colours, greens and blues reflecting the majestic landscapes outside. The décor is exuberant and timeless – no taupe minimalism here, spaces feel joyous and made for revelry and conviviality. 

The collection of hotels is coherent, reflecting the same sense of style, glamour and standards of service, but each has its own unique character, rooted in the history of the landscape. 

Rusacks, St Andrews 

A St Andrews institution since the 1887. The world’s first purpose-built golf hotel and THE place to stay for discerning travellers wanting to immerse themselves in the lore of the home of golf. 

It’s a short putt away from Old Tom Morris’s most famous Links, and stands as a monument to the history of the game. Patterned wallpaper, rich leather armchairsand vintage light fittings create a warm ambiance with a unique character. 

Rusacks Hotel standing proud over the Home of Golf | Source: Marine & Lawn
Rusacks Hotel standing proud over the Home of Golf | Source: Marine & Lawn

18 is Rusacks’ famous rooftop restaurant with unparalleled views over the Old Course and West Sands beach. Its glorious wood-panelled bar is the perfect place to savour a glass of single-malt as the sun sets on the Auld Grey Toun.  

Slieve Donard, County Down 

The red-brick icon of Victorian architecture, Slieve Donard stands sentry between the mountains of Mourne and Dumdrum Bay, buttressed against the fairways of Royal County Down Golf Club. Its grand heritage echoes today through its rich interiors and classic styling.  

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Slieve Donard Hotel interior at County Down | Source Marine & Lawn
Slieve Donard Hotel at County Down | Source: Marine & Lawn

Named after Slieve Donard’s architect, J.J. Farrall’s restaurant sits at the heart of the hotel. Savour the best produce from Ireland’s larder in 19th century splendour, or retire to the Wolf Bar for a cocktail and plate of local oysters. 

The hotel’s historic architecture hides state-of-the-art wellness facilities including a beautiful pool with mountain views. The ESPA-led spa offers a range of restorative treatments and there is also a sauna, gym and fitness studio. 

Marine Troon, Ayrshire 

Marine Troon’s monumental views take in the Isle of Arran, Ailsa Craig and the steely waters of the Firth of Clyde. The legendary Royal Troon Golf Club, nine-time host of The Open, is right next door.

The hotel’s maritime history is echoed through paintings of brigantines and galleons and sculpted lamps featuring brass shells and leaping fish. Bedrooms feature bespoke wallpaper and more nods to the coastal location.

Inside the bespoke interior of Marine Troon | Source: Marine & Lawn

Some overlook the sea and some the fairways of Royal Troon. Dine at The Rabbit, a beautiful airy space which overlooks its namesake, Royal Troon’s notoriously difficult par-3 17th hole.  

The wellness centre has an indoor pool overlooking the coastline as well as a steam room and hot tub, gym and squash court, plus a rejuvenating Ishga-led spa. 

Marine North Berwick, North Berwick 

An extensive and painstaking renovation has brought this historic 1875 hotel back to its former glory, inspired by its unique golfing heritage and the glamour of the golden age of travel.

Panoramic views take in Bass Rock, the Firth of Forth and the famous West Links golf course. Decadent spaces like the sultry Bass Rock Bar encourage guests to linger. Try authentic Italian cuisine made with the best Scottish produce in The Lawn restaurant. 

A look at Marine North Berwick standing over North Berwick | Source: Marine & Lawn
A look at Marine North Berwick standing over North Berwick | Source: Marine & Lawn

Like all Marine & lawn properties, complimentary golf bag storage is available, as is golf club hire, and in partnership with Ship Stciks you can ship you own clubs door-to-door to and from the hotel.

The Concierge team will also happily arrange your tee-time at one of the many excellent courses on this stretch of East Lothian coast. 

Dornoch Station, Dornoch 

Any golfer who has made the pilgrimage north to Royal Dornoch will speak with hushed reverence about the legendary links. Mere steps from the golf course, Dornoch Station is a glorious reward for any adventurous golfer who arrives at this wild and windswept outpost of the Scottish Highlands. 

The rugged beauty of the landscape can be felt within the wood-panelled rooms strewn with greenery and the earthy, natural tones in the guest rooms. The décor is plush with touches of classic Scottish glamour. Many bedrooms have views out over the Dornoch Firth. 

Like all Marine & Lawn resorts, families are made more than welcome and are perfectly located to get kids off screens and back into nature. There are a host of activities for kids at Dornoch Station, from days out on the golden sands of Dornoch Beach to bike hire, horse riding and dolphin-spotting. 

Portrush Adelphi, Portrush 

The newest addition to the Marine & Lawn collection, the Portrush Adelphi was completely renovated and reopened in time for the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush. 

A more boutique-style property with just 34 rooms, the Adelphi still reflects the Marine & Lawn signature style of uniquely designed interiors with a strong sense of place and deep respect for the local landscape. 

Portrush Adelphi's boutique decor | Source: Marine & Lawn
Portrush Adelphi’s boutique decor | Source: Marine & Lawn

The Red Sail Bar & Restaurant is open for lunch, dinner and afternoon tea with an Italian-leaning menu using local ingredients in dishes like Northern Irish chuck steak burger, or Jamesons whiskey cured salmon. 

Royal Portrush Golf Club is just down the road and Giant’s Causeway is 5 miles to the west, making this an ideal spot to explore this beautiful part of Northern Ireland’s north coast. 

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NOW HAVE YOUR SAY

Have you stayed in a Marine & Lawn hotel before? If so, how did you find the experience? Which golf course would you choose to play out of the listed? Let us know by leaving a comment or by getting in touch with us on X!

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About the author

Max Mcvittie

A bit of a late bloomer to the game of golf, Max fell in love with the sport when he attended Saturday coaching sessions down at his local golf club after being inspired by friends and family members.

Max has remained a member of Eden Golf Club in Carlisle for a number of years now as he looks to get his handicap down into single figures. Most of his golfing career has been spent battling a permanent slice off the tee, which has led to some ugly rounds.

Having studied at the University of Sunderland, Max is starting out his dream career in sports journalism. During his time at university, he picked up valuable work experience at Reach PLC, BBC Radio Cumbria and GiveMeSport, whilst also getting work published in the Teesside Live. He also spent time working at a local weekly newspaper, Eskdale and Liddesdale Advertiser, as a general news reporter partially covering some local sport just north of the border in Langholm.

Max has just started his journey with the NCG working as the assistant equipment editor. He looks forwarded to reviewing the latest golf equipment, taking up an interest in reviews when buying his first golf club, a Cleveland RTX wedge.

With his bag not going under too many changes throughout the last few years, Max carries an M3 driver, Titleist GT3 Fairway Wood, M2 hybrid, a set of M2 irons, Callaway Jaws wedges and a TaylorMade Spider putter. And yes, Max is a bit of a self-proclaimed TaylorMade fan boy.

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