Adventurous Journeys (AJ) Capital Partners announced today that it has acquired the Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa in North Berwick, Scotland. The 83-key hotel will undergo extensive renovations starting in fall 2020. Once completed in spring 2021, the reimagined hotel will debut with 89- keys, two food and beverage concepts, expansive meeting and event space and an indoor-outdoor spa and fitness center.
“Our team is humbled by the opportunity to create a distinct and inspiring hospitality experience along Scotland’s historic Golf Coast,” said Eric Hassberger, Partner and Chief Operating Officer at AJ Capital Partners. “We look forward to welcoming golf and leisure travelers alike to both the Rusacks Hotel in St Andrews and the Marine Hotel in North Berwick, and pairing these two incredible destinations to deliver unforgettable experiences for generations to come.”
Situated in the quaint seaside town of North Berwick, the hotel overlooks the 16th hole of the historic West Links course at North Berwick Golf Club and boasts scenic views of the Firth of Forth and Bass Rock. The Marine Hotel & Spa is ideally located just minutes from the renowned Muirfield golf club, as well as a range of prestigious courses including Archerfield Links, The Renaissance Club and the Gullane Golf Club. The destination is 24 miles from the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, offering visitors a variety of transportation options to and from cities throughout the United Kingdom.
Design throughout the Marine Hotel & Spa will take inspiration from the Scottish coast’s world-renowned golf courses and notable figures, with nods to the charming community of North Berwick and the hotel’s stunning seaside location. Guests can anticipate textured materials, luscious patterns and timeless furniture that reference the tailored experience of golf, local lore and Scottish traditions. The hotel will undergo complete exterior and interior renovations of the existing guest rooms; two food and beverage concepts; 13,500 square foot spa and fitness center; and more than 6,000 square feet of meeting and event space.
“North Berwick is positioned in the midst of some of the most distinguished golf institutions in the world, and we are honored to bring our unique take on hospitality to this iconic destination,” said Phillip Allen, AJ Capital Partners Chief Development Officer for International Markets. “We look forward to building upon our recent acquisitions in the United Kingdom and continuing to provide a memorable and differentiated experience for friends and visitors from across the globe.”
This marks the third acquisition by AJ Capital from the Macdonald Hotels & Resorts portfolio. The Marine Hotel was owned by companies controlled by the Macdonald family and managed by Macdonald Hotels. AJ Capital recently acquired the Randolph Hotel in Oxford, England, which will join the Graduate Hotels® collection next summer, and the Rusacks Hotel in St Andrews, which will be renovated and reopened in time for the 150th Open Championship in July 2021.
