1 Night, 2 Rounds
Set in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Macdonald Spey Valley Championship Resort is a cracking option for a Scottish Highlands golf break with plenty going on off the course too. You're based in Aviemore, so you get that rare mix of mountain scenery, proper resort facilities and easy access to bars, restaurants and outdoor activities.
The headline act is the Dave Thomas-designed Spey Valley Championship Golf Course. From the medal tees it tips out at 7,118 yards, so it's no pushover, but it's not set up to batter the average golfer either. Fairways are generally generous, the views are spectacular and the challenge comes from smart course management rather than losing a sleeve of balls every other hole.
Accommodation is just five minutes from the first tee and includes the 4-star Macdonald Aviemore Hotel, the 4-star Macdonald Highlands Hotel plus around 90 villas, chalets and apartments for groups who want extra space. Voted as one of the best golf resorts in Scotland, Spey Valley is a tidy choice for couples, mates' trips, societies and families who want a Highland base where golf is the main event, but not the only one.
Who is this for?
Groups who want a Highlands base with a proper championship course, easy logistics and enough on-site facilities to keep non-golfers happy too.
Who is it best for?
Mixed-ability trips, societies and couples who value scenery and variety, and want a course that tests good players without frightening everyone else.
* Where applicable, the relevant promotions will be applied during the booking process. T&Cs may apply.
1 Night, 1 Round
1 Night, 2 Rounds
2 Nights, 2 Rounds
3 Nights, 2 Rounds
3 Nights, 3 Rounds
Spey Valley has matured over the years, and is being tipped for recognition among the top Scottish courses. The signature hole is undoubtedly the par-5 fifth hole; measuring 641 yards, it is unlikely that even the longest out there will be having a go at the green. It is reasonable to view Spey Valley as a hidden Gem in the Scottish Highlands, but it seems unlikely that it will remain that way.
As you would expect from Dave Thomas, this is a ‘proper' golf course, and accompanied by the vivid purple heather and towering peaks of the Cairngorms National Park, it becomes a truly awesome place.
| Par | 72 |
|---|---|
| Designed by | Dave Thomas |
| Opened for play | 2006 |
| Blue | 7,118 yards | SSS 75 |
|---|---|---|
| White | 7,017 yards | SSS 75 |
| Yellow | 6,653 yards | SSS 73 |
| Red | 5,924 yards | SSS 76 |
At Aviemore Resort you've got two 4-star hotel options, the Macdonald Highlands Hotel and the Macdonald Aviemore Hotel, plus villas, chalets and apartments if you want more space for a bigger group. Both hotels work well for golf trips, comfortable rooms, good facilities and a straightforward base that keeps you close to the course.
The Highlands Hotel leans into a contemporary style while still feeling like a proper Highland stay. Rooms are well appointed, and the public areas have been designed to make the most of the mountain views. After 18 holes, the resort facilities do a lot of the heavy lifting. The Vital Beauty Spa offers a menu of wellness and beauty treatments for men and women, from hot stone therapy to bridal packages, and there's also a modern gym with the latest fitness kit and a swimming pool if you like to keep moving between rounds.
Food and drink is easy on site. Aspects Restaurant is the signature dining spot, focusing on local produce and seasonal Scottish dishes. The kitchen does a good job with estate game, fresh fish and Highland beef, and it's the kind of menu that works whether you're celebrating a good round or drowning your sorrows after a bad one. For a post-round dram, The Laggan whisky and cocktail bar is well worth a look, with over 100 single malts, including more than 60 from Speyside, so you won't struggle to find a favourite. Even seasoned connoisseurs will find something new to try.
If you fancy a change of pace, Aviemore is set up for the outdoors. You've got watersports and winter sports nearby, plus the Cairngorm Funicular for big Highland views when the weather plays ball. The funicular is Scotland's highest mountain railway, and on a clear day the views stretch across the Highlands in every direction. And if craft beer is your thing, Cairngorm Brewery is close enough for a tasting, ideal if your group likes to mix in something different after golf. Their Black Gold beer has a strong local following and is worth trying if you're a fan of darker ales.
Between the golf, the spa, the dining and the sheer range of activities on offer, the resort gives you plenty of reasons to stay on site, but Aviemore town is close enough if you want to explore further. It's a proper base for a Highland break that combines quality golf with everything else the Cairngorms have to offer.
How to get to Macdonald Aviemore Highlands Resort & Spey Valley Golf Course
Macdonald Aviemore Highlands Resort & Spey Valley Golf Course is located 30 miles south east of Inverness off the A9.
Address: Aviemore Centre, Aviemore, Highlands, Scotland, PH22 1PN
Robert (Bob)
✓16 Oct 2019
Have used this hotel for many years now and has never failed to deliver in all aspects. Although the staff are obviously very stretched from the reception staff,to waiters to bar staff,to a man & woman they couldn't have been more helpful and polite.I As a place for a short break it ticked all of boxes.
Frank
✓24 Jun 2019
Restaurant food was in general slightly overcooked but nevertheless quite tasty. Bar food and drink prices were far too high. Rooms were spacious and clean enough but could do with a spruce-up.
William
✓6 Jun 2019
Very quiet. Staff helpful and friendly. Food at dinners poor, not acceptable. On an order of pork belly the waiter suggested we might want a side as well. Quite right. The offering was meager.
Stephen
✓4 Jun 2019
Our deal was for 2 rounds; dinner, bed and breakfast. The menu for dinner was laughable. What was served was even funnier. I was served one fish cake and some lettuce for my main. Others were given one chicken breast and two pieces of asparagus. It’s clear that Macdonald/YGT were saving money. Just don’t offer dinner in the price and then we know where we stand. A joke of a meal and a shame on the staff who were all fantastic, especially Ben at the golf course who was excellent. Fantastic staff let down by mad business decision.
Stewart
✓15 Jan 2015
Spey Valley is a magnificent golf course, with fantastic scenery and a test for all golfers. The new clubhouse is only 6 months old is small compared to other courses but the facilities within the are fantastic.
The Aviemore Highlands Hotel was great too, with the guestroom and meal both very good. Really good value for money.
Overall I would give the trip 8/10. I would have given it 9 but it rained all day Monday!
I would certainly recommend YourGolfTravel
to friends.
Robert (Bob)
✓16 Oct 2019
As above with our accommodation,we have played Spey Valley many times and the course as always was well presented in first class condition.It's a long course for our group as none of us are big hitters,but having said that the course and it's location make for a great experience.The scenery is exceptional. The pro shop and club house staff again were first class,and although we weren't allowed buggies on the course for our first round they pulled out the stops and allowed us the use of buggies for round two. So all in all would highly recommend.
Frank
✓24 Jun 2019
The party of eight all enjoyed three rounds on the course, but the higher handicappers found the yellow tees at about 6800 yards too long as they were hitting woods at greens for their second shots on almost every par 4. Using the green tees at 5900 yards for two rounds didn't give the low handicappers any big advantage as other bunkers came into play for them, and these rounds were our most competitive. The longish walks between greens and next tees when added to the 250 yard walks from the 1st green to the 2nd tee and to reach the 18th tee at the end is a bit tough on old legs, so fortunately we were aware of this and had buggies which removed this otherwise tiresome chore. Would definitely recommend playing this course.I should add, the highlands views are spectacular on every hole.
William
✓6 Jun 2019
Good experience, but first round was in the rain. There is no toilet facility on the course that we could see. The cart paths need some work.
Stephen
✓4 Jun 2019
The tees were very close to the front of the tee which had really long grass right in front of the tee boxes, clearly set up by someone who has never played golf. We had to play preferred lies on the second day as the fairways were bare in many places with uneven cutting causing issues in places where the ball should be easily playable. A nice layout but let down by poor quality maintenance.
Check-in from 4pm | Check-out from 11am
7-10am
Casual
Aspects
Yes
Yes
£50 plus discretionary
There are 5 bars on site
There is complimentary car parking
