Luxury hotel acquired out of administration by Dubai-based firm

Mar Hall Hotel Golf and Spa Resort, a luxury hotel in Renfrewshire, has been acquired out of administration by Dubai-based Dutco Group in a deal supported by Align Partners. Following the deal, an investment package of £15 million has been committed to expand and upgrade the property, with the aim of establishing it as an international leisure destination.

The 240-acre site fell into administration in August 2023, after having seen its trade significantly impacted by COVID-19. Despite this, the hotel continued trading on a business-as-usual basis while a buyer was sought following the appointment of Andrew Dolliver, Kris Aspin and Luke Charleton of EY-Parthenon as joint administrators.

The joint administrators have subsequently secured a sale of the business to Dutco Group, which owns and operates the JA line of luxury hotels in Dubai, Seychelles and Maldives, as well as the Marriot brand in the USA.

Joint administrator Kris Aspin said that the business has generated “an exceptional level of interest […] from around the world,” which he said underlined “the attractiveness of premium Scottish hospitality assets and Mar Hall’s significant potential.“

Dutco Group teamed up on the deal with Align Partners, which has undertaken a series of hospitality acquisitions, including refurbishments of Formby Hall Golf Resort & Spa in Liverpool, The Morrison Dublin, Curio Collection by Hilton and Powerscourt House & Gardens in Enniskerry.

Dutco Group Chief Executive Nelson Gibb said: “This is our first hotel acquisition in Scotland, which is recognised as a world-class destination for hospitality. This deal is testament to our confidence in Mar Hall and what we believe we can achieve through targeted and creative investment.”

Align Partners Managing Director Chris King added: “Mar Hall has strong fundamentals, which made this hotel a solid proposition for us. In addition to its physical assets, its striking setting, coupled with its previous reputation for excellence, position it well for redevelopment.”

“Our vision is to ensure it reaches its full potential and can compete with Scotland’s best 5-star hotels, restoring its luxury country club reputation.”

Mar Hall dates back to 1826 and first opened as a hotel in 2004, with the acquisition representing the first sale of Mar Hall in close to 20 years. The site features a five-star hotel, mature 18-hole championship golf course, swimming pool, spa and gym.

In a statement, Dutco Group and Align Partners said they would embark on a £15 million investment into the business, in an effort to rival "world-class resorts such as Cameron House and Gleneagles.” The new owners plan to commence refurbishment in early 2024 and are already in discussions with architects and interior designers.

Plans for the expansion of the hotel include refurbished hotel rooms and public spaces, revitalised spa facilities and new woodland lodges.


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