Why Marine Troon golf hotel is the perfect wild swim and spa spot

Against the crashing backdrop of the Firth of Clyde, Marine Troon hotel strikes an imposing silhouette; a commanding red-brick property perched on the divide between land and sea. Surrounded by grasses and dunes, its location is impeccably placed for the adjacent golf course. And not just any golf course, but the illustrious Royal Troon.

Royal Troon Golf Club, frequent host of The Open Championship, is deservedly admired. Its famed ‘Postage Stamp’ eighth hole provides ample challenge for those wanting to test their skills, while blustery winter mornings with the wind rushing off the ocean offer further opposition for those so inclined. Yet with a climate relatively mild for Scotland, stunning vistas, and varied nature, golfer or not, it’s well worth a visit. Seabirds throng the tideline and surrounding dunes, and if your feet follow the charmingly-named Smugglers Path you’ll find yourself tracing the shore before winding through grasses and dunes, across manicured turf, and back to the tranquility of Marine Troon. You understand why Queen Elizabeth II bestowed it with the ‘Royal’ title — the only golf course she honoured during her reign.Golfing aside, I’m visiting to try a challenge of a different kind — to experience Marine Troon’s first Adventure Weekend. A relaxing mixture of yoga, breathwork, coastal walks, and nutritious fare is going to be juxtaposed with an immersion in the Firth. The weekend is to foster resilience and community, embracing the mental and physical health benefits of cold water swimming. Having twice braved the wild waters, I can report that the experience brings an unexpected rush of joy and vitality and is well worth the wade into the ocean’s icy embrace. And, I’m relieved to discover, is followed by a much-needed sauna. A chance to thaw, and commune with fellow adventurers in the hotel’s enchanting spa.

Spacious and bright, one entirely-glass wall of the heated pool area overlooks the expansive lawn and vista across to the Isle of Arran. An ample hot tub, steam room, and sauna provide varied opportunities to relax, with a separate gym and weights room for those looking for a more high-energy pastime. As for the wider hotel? One of a collection of Marine & Lawn properties, Marine Troon’s appeal is its blend of old-world charm and contemporary luxury. Bringing together its location’s rich golfing heritage with modern comfort and style, sporting touches and Scottish culture abound. Entering through grand revolving wooden doors, the property unfurls around you, its elegant entrance providing tantalising glimpses into The Seal Bar and restaurant, The Rabbit. The Seal Bar, overlooking and named for Royal Troon’s opening hole, is a relaxed spot for elevated pub classics, light bites, coffees, teas, and evening cocktails. The Rabbit, also overlooking its namesake, Hole 17, is the hotel’s more traditional restaurant, offering seasonal Scottish fare, robust Sunday roasts, and quintessentially British afternoon teas.

Both spaces embrace the property’s inherently elegant architecture and high ceilings, with expansive windows making the most of the wraparound view. The interiors strike a welcoming balance between old and new, through intense pigments, vivid colours, and varied textures. Bright tiles add a clean element, while antique wooden furniture lends a lustrous patina. Sophisticated hues and repeated tones create continuity across the ground floor, with coastal cerulean, indigo, or navy offset by vintage rugs and patterned wallpaper. Upstairs, bedrooms are compact but comfortable, with refined touches from gilt picture frames and rich wooden side tables, to marble bathrooms. Cream and light blue wallpaper lends a lighter feel, paired with richly patterned vintage carpets. Avoiding dusty clichés, rooms have a fresh and contemporary appeal, with tartan and marine paintings adding a comforting touch of tradition.

For golfing enthusiasts the location is already a popular one and hard to beat but, for non-golfers, the lure of Troon’s Scottish shore is still worth exploring. Whether joining the next Adventure Weekend, with breathwork and cold swim expert Sophie Hellyer on-site to guide you through the experience, or visiting to enjoy the tranquil spa and refined seasonal food, I’d recommend a visit. Test your mettle in the salty sea, before dashing back up the beach to the luxurious and tranquil cocoon of Marine Troon.

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