Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort has announced its latest string of senior appointments as part of its multi-million-pound redevelopment as new owners continue to bring its ambitious plans to life.
The new appointments will elevate the food and beverage offering at Mar Hall ensuring unparalleled luxury at the five-star destination, with an acclaimed Executive Pastry Chef, Director of Food and Beverage, an expert Head Mixologist, and Director of Sales among its appointments.
With an international reputation as a high-end dessert chef and chocolatier, Hungarian-born Szilard Szentesi joins Mar Hall as Executive Pastry Chef, bringing a wealth of experience that will transform the dessert offering for guests. With previous senior roles across luxury establishments such as St Andrews Links, The Gleneagles Hotel, and Cameron House, and with several accolades to his name, including the prestigious International Valrhona Cercle V challenge for the UK in 2023 and several Salon Culinaire medals, Szilard joins the hotel with a passion to create the most exquisite menus of any luxury hotel in Scotland.
Photo: Szilard Szentesi, Executive Pastry Chef
In addition to desserts, Szilard’s expertise will also transform Mar Hall’s Afternoon Tea experience, where his creativity and focus on the finest local ingredients will set a new standard in luxury dining. Guests can expect unique and indulgent creations that celebrate Scotland’s larder, ensuring Mar Hall’s Afternoon Tea becomes a must-visit culinary experience for both locals and visitors. His dedication to using sustainable, local produce guarantees a dessert and Afternoon Tea offering that reflects the resort’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Alongside Szilard, Jessica McKechnie joins the resort as Pastry Chef de Partie. Having worked with Szilard for three years, the rising star has followed in her mentor’s footsteps, winning ‘Dessert Chef of The Year’ at the prestigious Master Chefs of Great Britain Awards, where she also recently graduated from the programme.
Jessica’s skills and innovative approach will help elevate Mar Hall’s dessert & Afternoon Tea offerings to new heights, under the expert eye of the Executive Pastry Chef, to bring an incredible experience for all those dining at Mar Hall.
Beyond the kitchen, the resort also announces the appointment of Vicky Black as Director of Food & Beverage, bringing extensive expertise in managing high-profile food and beverage operations. In her new role at Mar Hall, she will oversee all food and beverage services across the resort, including leisure dining, conferences, and events. Her leadership will ensure that the resort delivers a seamless, world-class experience to all its guests, further enhancing its reputation for exceptional hospitality.
Chris Mullen has been appointed as Head Mixologist. Drawing on a wealth of experience in crafting bespoke cocktail offerings for luxury venues, Chris brings a sophisticated touch to the resort’s bars. His visionary approach will see a new menu that celebrates Scotland’s finest spirits, local distilleries, and rare whiskies, in addition to premium zero-alcohol options. Chris’s immersive, theatre-style cocktail experiences will be a central feature across Mar Hall, inviting guests to indulge in a premium beverage offering that reflects the opulence of the resort’s rich history, paired with exceptional hospitality.
In addition to senior appointments across the food and beverage offering, Mar Hall has appointed a new Director of Sales, Janette Napier, who joins with 35 years of experience within Scotland’s hotel sector, including Cameron House, Fonab Castle, and The Gleneagles Hotel. Janette is poised to attract an international clientele to the resort, with her appointment further solidifying Mar Hall’s reputation as a world-class destination for both leisure, corporate, and incentive guests.
Joe Gallacher, General Manager at Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, said: “As we continue with the redevelopment of the resort, our focus remains on enhancing both our product and our team to offer an unparalleled five-star luxury experience. From world-class culinary offerings to bespoke events and exceptional leisure activities, we are working with the best in the industry to bring our vision for Mar Hall to life, and we are excited to share this journey with our guests.”
From early 2025, Mar Hall will unveil a series of transformative upgrades designed to elevate the guest experience and enhance the resort’s offerings. These will include a stunning new arrival and reception area, reimagined bar and restaurant spaces, and beautifully redesigned rooms and suites throughout the estate. Guests can also look forward to a dedicated screening room and thoughtfully curated spaces that reflect timeless elegance while embracing the tranquillity of the woodland setting.
In addition, the resort will introduce 30 luxurious woodland lodges, seamlessly blending rustic charm with modern comfort, nestled within the estate’s serene natural surroundings. The lodges will add 48 bedrooms to the resort, making Mar Hall an ideal destination for large corporate events, international group stays, and weddings.
The expansion will also feature a brand-new spa with a stunning spa garden, complete with an outdoor pool, inviting relaxation year-round. These enhancements mark a new chapter for Mar Hall, creating a sustainable and luxurious escape that celebrates both history and modern sophistication.
For more information or to experience Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, email reservations@marhall.com, or explore our offerings and book your stay at www.marhall.com.