JA Resorts & Hotels has strengthened its international presence with a strategic entry into the UK market, adding two iconic Scottish heritage properties to its portfolio. The acquisition of Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, a historic 240-acre estate on the outskirts of Glasgow, and The Bruntsfield, a charming boutique hotel in the heart of Edinburgh, marks a key milestone in the group’s global expansion.
Mar Hall and The Bruntsfield will join JA Resorts & Hotels expanding collection of boutique resorts and lifestyle hotels in Dubai and the Maldives, supporting the brand’s repositioning as a globally minded, destination-led, experience-focused hospitality group. With a legacy stretching over 40 years, JA Resorts & Hotels – part of the prestigious Dutco Group – is a homegrown heritage Dubai brand renowned for its warm, authentic service and a guest-first philosophy that champions meaningful, real-world experiences. Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort: Originally designed and built in 1828 by Sir Robert Smirke, the architect of London’s British Museum, the resort is a historic 5-star hotel set within a 240-acre estate on the banks of the River Clyde. In 2024, Mar Hall was acquired by Dutco Group and underwent a refurbishment worth over £25 million before officially re-opening in May 2025, marking one of Scotland’s most significant and anticipated hotel renovations in recent years. Mar Hall now houses 74 beautifully restored guest rooms and suites, two restaurants, two bars and an enticing collection of grand public spaces including a sweeping staircase, 22-seater private cinema, Gaming Room and Billiards Room. The Bruntsfield: Tucked in Edinburgh’s historic city centre, The Bruntsfield is a charming boutique townhouse hotel just a short stroll from iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Princes Street Gardens. Built as a Baronial-style residence on Borough Muir in 1861, the hotel boasts an impressive heritage. Following a £1 million refurbishment, the hotel now features 72 stylish rooms, a vibrant restaurant and bar, a heated secret garden and spacious event facilities – all with sustainability at heart, holding a Gold Green Tourism accreditation. Under new ownership by the Dutco Group from 2024, The Bruntsfield is poised for further investment, with upcoming plans to enhance its guest rooms, dining offering and event spaces, reinforcing its appeal for both business and leisure travellers. Dutco Group Chairman Ahmed Baker said: "Our journey as a brand has been both dynamic and deeply personal. “Since opening JA Hatta Fort Hotel and JA Beach Hotel in 1981, we’ve proudly evolved – not just in our properties, but in the scope and spirit of the company itself. As a homegrown brand rooted in Dubai’s hospitality heritage, it is especially meaningful to see our growth extend internationally in ways that remain true to who we are. This next chapter reflects our ongoing commitment to creating thoughtful, destination led hospitality experiences that resonate across cultures and geographies.”