Marine Troon Ayrshire

WHERE AND WHY

Overlooking Royal Troon, this hotel is a favourite with golfers. It’s supremely elegant, functional and has glorious sea views over to the Isle of Arran.

Our room, one of 89, was opulent yet quirky with patterned wallpaper, heavy curtains and subdued lighting. The heavily patterned carpet shouldn’t work with the walls, but it did.

There were cute contrasts too. The old style dial-up telephone and the high-spec Nespresso coffee machine showed style and necessity had been considered.

There was also a well stocked mini-bar with snacks and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

Toiletries were from high-end maker Floris and a nice touch was the Arran Aromatics calming mist left on your pillow.

The bed was huge and positioned just-so to enable you to prop yourself up and gaze out the window at the crashing waves.

ON THE MENU

Cosy bar area The Seal, named after Royal Troon’s opening hole, is perfect for hunkering down in as the Scottish weather does its worst.

With comfy couches and big leather wing-backed chairs it is just the place to enjoy a pre-dinner drink.

It’s available for all-day dining too – the menu features bites such as beer-battered haddock and mushy peas, and the Troon cheeseburger with Monterey Jack cheese. Both of these options were £15.

Dinner is a grander affair in The Rabbit. A sensational spot with botanical wallpaper, cane and tartan chairs, and deep blue velvet booths. Windows open on to Hole 17.

Led by Masterchef alumni Derek Johnstone and Sagar Massey, the haggis bon bons, Macsweens of course, with Arran mustard (£5), were perfect, as were the Scottish mussels, jalapeno, garlic, cream and cider (£12.50). The pork belly with black onion and bacon jam (£22) is also worth a mention.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE

Guests have access to the spa which boasts a pool overlooking the coast. A full body massage costs from £80.

Then there’s the putting green or explore one of the 50 nearby courses.

WAKE-UP CALL

Doubles from £159, B&B. marineandlawn.com