Macdonald Spey Valley Championship Resort

The Macdonald Spey Valley Resort is set within a scenic, magical part of the Scottish Highlands, in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.

Renowned golf course architect Dave Thomas was commissioned to build in one of the most picturesque locations on offer in Scotland. To match his brief, he has created the Spey Valley Championship Golf Course, a layout that is challenging, particularly at 7,118 yards from the medal tees, but is not so difficult that the average golfer cannot enjoy the stunning scenery.

Accommodation consists of the 4-star Macdonald Aviemore Hotel, the Highlands Hotel and around 90 Villas, Chalets and Apartments, all of which are located just 5 minutes from the golf course. Voted as one of the best golf resorts in Scotland the Macdonald Spey Valley Resort is a perfect option for a golf break in the Scottish Highlands.

Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
2 rounds at Spey Valley Golf Course

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Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
2 rounds at Spey Valley Golf Course

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1 round at Spey Valley Golf Course

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Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
2 rounds at Spey Valley Golf Course

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Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
2 rounds at Spey Valley Golf Course

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Dinner, Bed and Breakfast
2 rounds at Spey Valley Golf Course
1 round at Boat Of Garten Golf Club (Boat Of Garten Golf Club)

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Spey Valley Championship Golf Course

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.

Course Information
Par	72
Designed by	Dave Thomas
Opened for play	2006

Tees
Blue	7,118 yards	SSS 75
White	7,017 yards	SSS 75
Yellow	6,653 yards	SSS 73
Red	5,924 yards	SSS 76

Accommodation at Macdonald Spey Valley Championship Resort

At the Aviemore Resort, there are two excellent hotels to choose from; accommodation is available in either the 4* Macdonald Highlands Hotel or the 4* Macdonald Aviemore Hotel, both of which are firm favourites with our golf experts.

The Macdonald Highland Hotel offers its patrons the customs and service of a top Scottish venue and has been tastefully designed and furnished in a contemporary, stylish fashion.

Guests are guaranteed the best in comfort and convenience as a base to experience all that Aviemore resort and its surroundings have to offer.

With all that is on offer in Aviemore, a reliable and comfortable base is crucial to recover from the exertion of all the activities, and the Macdonald Aviemore Highland Resort provides just that.

Aviemore can leave you feeling a bit worn out, so take advantage of the Vital Beauty Spa, which offers a full range of wellness and beauty treatments for both men and women. From hot stone therapy to special bridal packages, allow the specially trained staff at the spa to pamper properly. For the more active, there is a state-of-the-art gym, with the latest in fitness technology, and an excellent swimming pool.

The resort is famous for its outdoor activities including golf, watersports, and winter sports or ascend the mountain on the Cairngorm Funicular, Scotland's highest mountain railway.

Dining options include the Aspects Restaurant, the sophisticated signature restaurant for the best in local cuisine. Maybe enjoy a night-cap in The Laggan, whisky and cocktail bar, with 100 single malts on offer, including over 60 from the Speyside area, even the connoisseur will be spoiled for choice.

Cairngorm Brewery's Black Gold beer has recently been voted the best in Scotland. Visit the brewery to try it for yourself...

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

Features

Indoor Swimming Pool
Spa
Massage
Beauty Salon
Gymnasium
Walking
Championship Standard Course

Macdonald Spey Valley Championship Resort
PH22 1PN
Get directions

Hotel reviews
Golf Reviews

8.0

Very Good

Overall Rating for Macdonald Spey Valley Championship Resort

Staff

9.0

Location

8.6

Room comfort

8.4

Facilities

8.0

Quality of bars & restaurants

7.8

Value for money

8.2

Reviews

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Excellent
Very good
Good
Average
Poor

8.0

Very Good

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

Alistair – Reviewed 3 Jun 2025

8.0

Very Good

Really good hotel great value and very friendly staff Corridors a wee bit tired but perfectly acceptable Very clean

Alasdair – Reviewed 31 Mar 2025

8.0

Very Good

Sean – Reviewed 17 Oct 2024

Excellent

Enjoyable overnight stay

Stephen – Reviewed 5 Sep 2023

8.0

Very Good

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.

Ross – Reviewed 2 May 2023

8.0

Very Good

fantastic beds, great staff

Mark – Reviewed 5 Sep 2022

Excellent

Excellent food

Richard – Reviewed 22 Jun 2022

8.0

Very Good

Hotel was lovely, room was very good and staff courteous and professional. Only downside was dinner in Giovannis was very poor. Breakfast was very good so overall experience was very good

Keith – Reviewed 5 Jun 2022

8.0

Very Good

Iain – Reviewed 1 Jun 2022

8.0

Very Good

James – Reviewed 24 May 2022

6.0

Good

This wasn’t the week we originally planned to go but because of over booking we had to go a week later which was inconvenient when we arrived at the hotel they couldn’t tell us where we were staying, we got to the right hotel eventually after being sent on wild goose chase to be honest food wasn’t very good and we wouldn’t be keen to go back

Martin – Reviewed 13 May 2022

Excellent

Room was very nice staff very friendly food was great

Gerald – Reviewed 3 May 2022

8.0

Very Good

There was a problem when we arrived as the list of attendees was of the Fairmont 2022 and 7 had called off from this trip. That was sorted quickly by myself and reception and the hotel, staff and the meal were first class

Stewart – Reviewed 27 Apr 2022

8.0

Very Good

Both golf course and hotel were excellent for the money we paid. Bed covers were a touch heavy but apart from that everything was good. The only issue you we had was the lack of clarity about WHERE our accommodation was. The booking said Accommodation: Macdonald Spey Valley Championship Resort (Macdonald Spey Valley Championship Resort 4*) which we assumed was the closest Macdonalds to the course. However our room was in the HIGHLANDS resort some 7 minutes drive away. Easily sorted but the deatail coil be clearer for the next time.

Kay – Reviewed 6 Apr 2022

8.0

Very Good

Checked in early. Rooms were ready on arrival which was a big help. Staff were efficient, courteous and friendly. Rooms were on the small side but adequate for our stay. Meals in the restaurant were good as were the waiting staff.

Woodford – Reviewed 20 Oct 2021

Excellent

Good stay good excellent staff professional only downside rooms were very small not much room for 2 beds

Scott – Reviewed 9 Oct 2021

Excellent

Nice location very clean and friendly staff

Roy – Reviewed 7 Oct 2021

8.0

Very Good

The hotel was nice but at the time of booking, our accommodation was named as the MacDonald Spey Valley Resort but the actual hotel we stayed at was the Aviemore Highland Hotel. This was where we wanted to be but it would have been much less confusing if the correct hotel name was used in the first instance. Out-with that, the hotel was nice, staff were very polite and helpful throughout. Would definitely visit the hotel and course again in the future.

Gary – Reviewed 7 Oct 2021

8.0

Very Good

David – Reviewed 29 Sep 2021

6.0

Good

The Morlich hotel was okay. I was with a group of 12 golfers who all had little moans & groans with the biggest moan being we had to eat dinner in separate hotel (Highland Hotel) but at least the food was good there. Breakfast was in the Morlich & was okay. Rooms were clean & tidy as you would expect these days. Overall value for money was good.

Iain – Reviewed 28 Sep 2021

Excellent

Hotel was great as were the staff, but the info supplied by YGT was poor - the place listed on the reservation didn’t actually exist so cue running around Aviemore to try and find the right one as no one at any of the McDonald hotels would answer the phone! Once we found the right place the staff couldn’t have been more helpful.

Alistair – Reviewed 31 Aug 2021

8.0

Very Good

Hotel was to far from other things to do,also was to dear for drinks etc.

James – Reviewed 20 Aug 2021

8.0

Very Good

Everything was as we expected. Rooms comfortable, food good and staff very helpful. Covid restrictions meant we had to probably wait a bit on occasions but otherwise fine...

David – Reviewed 19 Jul 2021

6.0

Good

Room and bathroom on the small side. Restaurant ambience is poor but the saving grace was the quality of food was good

Clive – Reviewed 5 Jul 2021

8.0

Very Good

Nice room and friendly staff

John – Reviewed 21 Oct 2020

Excellent

Hotel staff were excellent and attentive. Evening meal and breakfast both very good.

Ian – Reviewed 7 Oct 2020

8.0

Very Good

The hotel was very comfortable and the food good The hotel a bit dated and sprawling but a pleasant experience during these difficult times

Mike – Reviewed 6 Oct 2020

Excellent

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.

Robert (Bob) – Reviewed 16 Oct 2019

6.0

Good

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.

Frank – Reviewed 24 Jun 2019

6.0

Good

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.

William – Reviewed 6 Jun 2019

4.0

Average

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.

Stephen – Reviewed 4 Jun 2019

8.0

Very Good

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.

Stewart – Reviewed 15 Jan 2015

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8.6

Very Good

Overall Rating for All courses

Condition overall

8.2

Condition of greens

8.2

Speed of round

Slow About right Quick

Facilities

8.2

Value for money

8.6

Difficulty

Easy Average Hard

Reviews

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8.0

Very Good

Enjoyed the course. Is a long trek All the buggies booked out both days Will book earlier next time

Alistair – Reviewed 3 Jun 2025

Excellent

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

Alasdair – Reviewed 31 Mar 2025

8.0

Very Good

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.

Sean – Reviewed 17 Oct 2024

Excellent

Tough track in the wind , group enjoyed the course, would recommend buggies , for your rounds beautiful scenery course in great shape 👍⛳️⛳️⛳️⛳️⛳️

Stephen – Reviewed 5 Sep 2023

Excellent

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.

Ross – Reviewed 2 May 2023

8.0

Very Good

an expected challenge. Lovely environment.

Mark – Reviewed 5 Sep 2022

Excellent

Fantastic course just right for length difficulty , greens great

Richard – Reviewed 22 Jun 2022

Excellent

Lovely set out course, but not quite at its peak, they said it was probably another couple of weeks till right as they were behind schedule due to weather( late snow)so will be back😊

Keith – Reviewed 5 Jun 2022

8.0

Very Good

Iain – Reviewed 1 Jun 2022

Excellent

James – Reviewed 24 May 2022

8.0

Very Good

When we arrived my name was not on bookings even though I had proof this happened on both occasions there seemed to be a mix up somewhere that was very unsatisfactory, also the course felt quite long with quite longish walks between some holes but the course itself is very picturesque but on the whole our visit wasn’t the best, wouldn’t go back…

Martin – Reviewed 13 May 2022

4.0

Average

Coarse was not good fairways hardly any grass and solid was the same with the greens would not recommend any of my friends to go there.unfortunately on your side Harry you forgot to actually book the golf a d bulgiest.

Gerald – Reviewed 3 May 2022

Excellent

The course was very good, with many long par 4's but fair. Greens were good and fast. Out of the 20 golfers who attended I did not hear a bad word about the course as they all said they enjoyed it. Another successful outing due to Yourgolftravel, Macdonald Hotels and Spey Valley GC.

Stewart – Reviewed 27 Apr 2022

8.0

Very Good

Great location along the Spey river. Nice layout. Condition not fantastic but we are just emerging from snow on the course so pretty good considering. Played it twice and will return!

Kay – Reviewed 6 Apr 2022

8.0

Very Good

We thoroughly enjoyed our two rounds at Spey Valley despite the course being longer than we’re used to. Electric carts were not in use but trolleys were provided. The course was in very good condition and David and his team made us feel very welcome, thank you.

Woodford – Reviewed 20 Oct 2021

Excellent

Excellent professional very friendly and accommodates us to tee off early

Scott – Reviewed 9 Oct 2021

Excellent

Good golf course great condition, just stay out the Heather as its tough,

Roy – Reviewed 7 Oct 2021

Excellent

I would suggest that YGT recommend/include buggies for this course as there are several treks between green and tee that are very long. Our round time was 4 hrs+ both days but that was mainly due to the length of the course and the thickness of the heather when we missed the generous fairways :-). The course was very well maintained and pretty fair from a difficulty perspective. Once you missed fairway however, the heather/rough was slightly over the top in difficulty. Very good warm-up facilities including a chipping green. Friendly and helpful staff throughout.

Gary – Reviewed 7 Oct 2021

8.0

Very Good

David – Reviewed 29 Sep 2021

8.0

Very Good

The course was in good condition, greens were a bit slow compared to previous year but course as ever a good challenge with the wind both days making all holes tricky. Good weather did help with not a drop of rain to worry about but delighted we got the buggies as this is a long walk both on course & from Green to Tee especially 1st to 2nd & 17th to 18th. We all enjoyed (smile with gritted teeth) the challenge of 136 slope rating of yellow tees.

Iain – Reviewed 28 Sep 2021

6.0

Good

Long, challenging course with vey penal rough - go off line and the heather just swallows up your ball. Tatty tee boxes and bunkers infested with grass. Tatty fairways in places. Limited club house and almost non existent pro shop. Very expensive buggies. Decent warm up and practice facilities. First day was a slog and the shot saver booklet was of limited help. Second day was far more enjoyable as we realised that positioning the ball from the tee was vital even for a mid handicapper. Happy to have played it but doubt I’ll ever go back.

Alistair – Reviewed 31 Aug 2021

8.0

Very Good

Enjoyed the weeked

James – Reviewed 20 Aug 2021

Excellent

Friendly welcoming staff although I felt the club house was a little on the small side,course was excellent and greens in great condition,some very long walks between holes so a buggy would help next time,scenery was superb,a lot of blind shots with tight fairways,we will be back.

David – Reviewed 1 Aug 2021

Excellent

I put average on difficulty.....suggest playing off the yellow tees unless you are very low. Superb views, tough but fair layout and the weather was just fantastic - wall to wall sunshine! There is a lot of walking between holes esp 1 to 2 (500 yds) then back from 17 to 18, so a buggy is suggested unless you are reasonably fit.

David – Reviewed 19 Jul 2021

6.0

Good

Tee time had not been confirmed but the staff were excellent to sort out new tee times

Clive – Reviewed 5 Jul 2021

Excellent

Stunning scenery and great course

John – Reviewed 21 Oct 2020

Excellent

Great course and a must play for golfers of all abilities. Great views of the surrounding hills/countryside from almost every tee and green

Ian – Reviewed 7 Oct 2020

Excellent

The course was in fantastic condition given that it had been closed the previous day due to flooding The setting is fantastic and is really a great test Enjoyed playing here and will be back

Mike – Reviewed 6 Oct 2020

Excellent

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.

Robert (Bob) – Reviewed 16 Oct 2019

8.0

Very Good

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.

Frank – Reviewed 24 Jun 2019

8.0

Very Good

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.

William – Reviewed 6 Jun 2019

4.0

Average

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.

Stephen – Reviewed 4 Jun 2019

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