Latest news with #DutcoGroup
The Herald Scotland
4 hours ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Dubai firm acquires two Scottish 'heritage' hotels
JA Resorts & Hotels said the additions support its repositioning as a "globally minded, destination-led, experience-focused hospitality group". The acquisitions mark a significant milestone for JA Resorts & Hotels and its parent company, Dutco Group, representing the brand's entry into the UK market. JA Resorts & Hotels said Mar Hall and The Bruntsfield were chosen for their "strong heritage and deep connection to their Scottish settings". READ MORE: Originally designed and built in 1828 by Sir Robert Smirke, the architect of London's British Museum, Mar Hall Golf & Spa 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 in excess of £25 million before officially re-opening in May 2025. 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. Tucked in Edinburgh's historic city centre, The Bruntsfield is a 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 underwent a £1 million refurbishment, which was completed in 2022. It now features 72 rooms, a restaurant and bar, a heated secret garden and spacious event facilities. 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. The Bruntsfield is a boutique townhouse hotel in Edinburgh (Image: PR handout) Speaking of the expansion into the UK, Chairman of Dutco Group, 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.' Speaking of the growth, CEO of JA Resorts & Hotels, Ralph Porciani said: 'As someone who grew up in Dumbarton and studied and worked in Scotland throughout my early career, I've long seen the country's allure as a key international destination. The addition of these two iconic hotels marks an exciting step for JA Resorts & Hotels and reflect the global confidence in the Scottish market. We look forward to preserving the unique history and character of these heritage hotels, whilst implementing JA's global brand standards and service philosophy.' Speaking of joining the JA portfolio, Andy Roger, Resort Director of Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, said: 'We have always admired how JA Resorts & Hotels embraces the unique personality of each of its destinations, blending local culture, cuisine, and genuine service. Joining their portfolio feels like a natural fit for Mar Hall, following our extensive 2025 renovation – and we are excited for what is to come.' Speaking of joining the JA portfolio, Alistair Bruce, General Manager of The Bruntsfield, said: 'The Bruntsfield has always had a strong sense of place and connection to the local community, and we are proud of the character and heritage our hotel represents. JA Resorts & Hotels' thoughtful approach to hospitality and their respect for individuality aligns perfectly with our vision. We are delighted to be part of a brand that values authenticity and is committed to investing in our continued evolution.'
Arabian Business
5 hours ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
JA Resorts & Hotels makes UK debut with two Scottish heritage hotels
JA Resorts & Hotels, the heritage UAE-born hospitality brand and part of Dutco Group, has entered the UK market with the addition of two historic properties to its management portfolio, Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort in Glasgow and The Bruntsfield in Edinburgh. The move marks a major milestone in the brand's global growth strategy, bringing its destination-led hospitality to the UK while preserving the character and heritage of each property. Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort is set within a 240-acre estate on the banks of the River Clyde, Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort was originally designed in 1828 by Sir Robert Smirke, architect of London's British Museum. View this post on Instagram A post shared by JA Resorts & Hotels (@jaresorts) Acquired by Dutco Group in 2024, the property underwent a restoration exceeding £25 million before reopening in May 2025. The resort now features 74 restored rooms and suites, two restaurants, two bars, a 22-seat private cinema, gaming room, billiards room, and grand public spaces. The Bruntsfield is located in Edinburgh's historic city centre, The Bruntsfield is a boutique townhouse hotel built in 1861. It sits near landmarks including Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile, and Princes Street Gardens. The hotel completed a £1 million refurbishment in 2022 and offers 72 rooms, a restaurant and bar, a heated secret garden, and event spaces. Holding Gold Green Tourism accreditation, the property was acquired by Dutco Group in 2024 and is set for further investment to enhance guest rooms, dining, and events facilities. Chairman of Dutco Group, Ahmed Baker, said: 'As a homegrown brand rooted in Dubai's hospitality heritage, it is meaningful to see our growth extend internationally while staying true to who we are. This next chapter reflects our commitment to creating thoughtful, destination-led hospitality experiences that resonate across cultures.' JA Resorts & Hotels CEO Ralph Porciani said: 'The addition of these two iconic hotels marks an exciting step for JA Resorts & Hotels and reflects the global confidence in the Scottish market. We will preserve their history and character while implementing JA's brand standards and service philosophy.' Andy Roger, Resort Director of Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, said: 'We have always admired how JA Resorts & Hotels embraces the unique personality of each of its destinations, blending local culture, cuisine, and genuine service. Joining their portfolio feels like a natural fit for Mar Hall, following our extensive 2025 renovation – and we are excited for what is to come.' Alistair Bruce, General Manager of The Bruntsfield, added: 'The Bruntsfield has always had a strong sense of place and connection to the local community, and we are proud of the character and heritage our hotel represents. JA Resorts & Hotels' thoughtful approach to hospitality and their respect for individuality aligns perfectly with our vision. We are delighted to be part of a brand that values authenticity and is committed to investing in our continued evolution.'
Scotsman
a day ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Dubai-based hotel group adds two Scottish hotels to portfolio
Two luxury hotels have been acquired by a Dubai-based group - as it expands into the Scottish market. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort located just outside Glasgow, and The Bruntsfield – a boutique hotel in the heart of Edinburgh, have both been acquired by Dubai-based JA Resorts & Hotels. The acquisitions are the first for the group in the UK market - with the group so far focusing on Dubai, the Maldives and the Seychelles. Speaking of the expansion into the UK, Chairman of Dutco Group, Ahmed Baker, sais: 'Our journey as a brand has been both dynamic and deeply personal. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad '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.' Located close to Glasgow, Mar Hall underwent a £25 million refurbishment works after being acquired by JA Resorts & Hotels parent group - Dutco Group in 2024. It re-opened in May 2025. Speaking of joining the JA portfolio, Andy Roger, Resort Director of Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, said: 'We have always admired how JA Resorts & Hotels embraces the unique personality of each of its destinations, blending local culture, cuisine, and genuine service. Joining their portfolio feels like a natural fit for Mar Hall, following our extensive 2025 renovation – and we are excited for what is to come.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Alistair Bruce, Ralph Porciani and Andy Roger outside Mar Hall | JA Resorts & Hotels Boutique hotel, The Bruntsfield, has also recently undergone £1 million transformation. It too was acquired by Dutco Group in 2024. Speaking of joining the JA portfolio, Alistair Bruce, General Manager of The Bruntsfield, said: 'The Bruntsfield has always had a strong sense of place and connection to the local community, and we are proud of the character and heritage our hotel represents. 'JA Resorts & Hotels' thoughtful approach to hospitality and their respect for individuality aligns perfectly with our vision. We are delighted to be part of a brand that values authenticity and is committed to investing in our continued evolution.' According to CEO of JA Resorts & Hotels, Ralph Porciani, the move into the Scottish market is a personal one. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad He said: 'As someone who grew up in Dumbarton and studied and worked in Scotland throughout my early career, I've long seen the country's allure as a key international destination. The addition of these two iconic hotels marks an exciting step for JA Resorts & Hotels and reflect the global confidence in the Scottish market. 'We look forward to preserving the unique history and character of these heritage hotels, whilst implementing JA's global brand standards and service philosophy.'
The National
a day ago
- Business
- The National
Two historic Scottish hotels bought by Dubai firm
JA Resorts and Hotels has taken over the historic 240-acre estate Mar Hall Golf and Spa Resort, located just outside Glasgow, and the boutique hotel The Bruntsfield, based in the heart of Edinburgh. Part of the Dutco Group, JA Resorts and Hotels has hotels in Dubai, Maldives, and Seychelles, and said Mar Hall and The Bruntsfield were chosen for their 'strong heritage' and deep connection to their Scottish settings. Originally designed and built in 1828 by Sir Robert Smirke, best known as the architect behind London's British Museum, Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort is a historic 5-star hotel set within a 240-acre estate on the banks of the River Clyde. READ MORE: 'I still miss him': Nicola Sturgeon opens up about former mentor Alex Salmond Mar Hall was bought by Dutco Group and underwent an extensive £25 million refurbishment before re-opening in May 2025. The Bruntsfield, located on the Royal Mile, and Princes Street Gardens, was built as a Baronial-style residence on Borough Muir in 1861. The Dutco Group bought The Bruntsfield in 2024 and its 72 rooms underwent a £1m upgrade along with its restaurant and bar in 2022. UK Chair of Dutco Group, Ahmed Baker, said: '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.' Andy Roger, resort director of Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, said: 'We have always admired how JA Resorts & Hotels embraces the unique personality of each of its destinations, blending local culture, cuisine, and genuine service.' Meanwhile, Alistair Bruce, general manager of The Bruntsfield, added: 'The Bruntsfield has always had a strong sense of place and connection to the local community, and we are proud of the character and heritage our hotel represents. 'JA Resorts & Hotels' thoughtful approach to hospitality and their respect for individuality aligns perfectly with our vision.'
The National
a day ago
- Business
- The National
Dubai's JA Resorts & Hotels makes UK debut with two heritage properties in Scotland
Dubai's JA Resorts & Hotels has taken over the management of two heritage hotels in Scotland, marking the homegrown hospitality brand's entry into the UK. The first property, Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort, is a historic 97-hectare estate outside Glasgow, while The Bruntsfield is a boutique hotel in the heart of Edinburgh. Part of the prestigious Dutco Group, JA Resorts & Hotels operates hotels across Dubai and in the Maldives, including some of the oldest hotels in the UAE – JA Hatta Fort Hotel and JA Beach Hotel, which opened in 1981. Originally designed and built in 1828 by Sir Robert Smirke, the architect of London's British Museum, Mar Hall Golf & Spa Resort is a historic five-star hotel set within a 97-hectare estate on the banks of the River Clyde. Dutco Group acquired the property last year and officially re-opened it in May following a £25 million ($33.6 million) refurbishment. The resort features 74 restored guest rooms and suites, two restaurants, two bars, as well as a 22-seater private cinema, gaming room and billiards room. The Bruntsfield, meanwhile, is located in Edinburgh's historic city centre and is a short walk from landmarks such as the Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Mile and Princes Street Gardens. The boutique hotel was originally built as a Baronial-style residence on Borough Muir in 1861. The property underwent an extensive £1 million refurbishment in 2022, and was acquired by the Dutco Group last year. It features 72 rooms, a restaurant and bar, a heated secret garden, as well as spacious event facilities. The hotel holds a Gold Green Tourism accreditation for its focus on sustainability. '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," said Ahmed Baker, the chairman of Dutco Group. "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.'
