1 Night, 1 Round
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
Geof
✓9 May 2026
Alan
✓2 May 2026
Nice hotel near centre of Aviemore, room was good, very quiet when we were there, food was ok, dinner reasonable choice for a limited menu, breakfast buffet style again it was good.
Andrew
✓17 Apr 2026
Absolutely ideal for the purpose of the stay.
Geraldine
✓14 Oct 2025
Staff members were friendly, polite and professional.
Graham
✓14 Sep 2025
The hotel is a maze but rooms and restaurant very good. Short walk into town.
Alistair
✓3 Jun 2025
Enjoyed our stay in this hotel Not as plush as used to be. Will need makeover in next couple of years. £7 plus a pint across whole resort Is a bit steep The fish and sports bar is not same standard as rest. Also sports bar that dors not show Champions league final ?. Feels like im complaing but i would stay again
Alasdair
✓31 Mar 2025
Really good hotel great value and very friendly staff Corridors a wee bit tired but perfectly acceptable Very clean
Sean
✓17 Oct 2024
Stephen
✓5 Sep 2023
Enjoyable overnight stay
Ross
✓2 May 2023
The hotel complex is exactly that! Complex to find your way to the correct hotel of the many from Macdonald hotels on site. The room was small twin but comfortable for the night. Swimming pool was jam packed with families and no designated swimming lanes allocated. Steam room was good. The food at night was decent - you only get 1 course for your £25 allocation, but it was a good burger. Breakfast was buffet and plentiful.
Geof
✓9 May 2026
Alan
✓2 May 2026
Location is superb stunning backdrop to a great course, I am knocking on a bit now so it was quite long for me, buggy recommend,condition was great, greens were well kept and played well bunkers had plenty of sand fairways were on the whole quite wide and in good condition, some nice holes with water hazards, would play it again.
Andrew
✓17 Apr 2026
Quality deal. Highly recommended. Friendly and obliging staff. Course marked down, minimally, as it is early in the season and greens need a bit of growth (but that’s on us going at this time). Superb course layout but, word of caution, try and avoid the ‘heather😬’
Geraldine
✓14 Oct 2025
Fabulous views. Interesting holes. Greens recently cored and very sandy but not surprising at this time of year.
Graham
✓14 Sep 2025
The course was in great condition. Scenery stunning. Long course, with distances between some greens and tees making a buggy essential.
Alistair
✓3 Jun 2025
Enjoyed the course. Is a long trek All the buggies booked out both days Will book earlier next time
Alasdair
✓31 Mar 2025
BRILLIANT golf course. Great design and fantastic condition for March in the Highlands. Greens were true and good condition. Despite heavy rain course held up very well. Staff VERY friendly and club-house cosy and welcoming
Sean
✓17 Oct 2024
Course closed on the first day due to bad weather. Opened on second day, long course but very nice, greens had been treated so were not great but that's just course management as they need to be done sometime.
Stephen
✓5 Sep 2023
Tough track in the wind , group enjoyed the course, would recommend buggies , for your rounds beautiful scenery course in great shape 👍⛳️⛳️⛳️⛳️⛳️
Ross
✓2 May 2023
Really good course, long and challenging. If you’re a high handicapper then you’ll need lots of balls and good fortune. The practice facilities are very good. The pro shop staff very helpful and a good laugh. The buggy was a definite purchase and worth the £40. One of the best inland courses in Scotland - no doubt.
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
