Britain’s most luxurious spa hotel in 2026 has beaches, a legendary golf course and the only spa of its kind in the UK

The summer holidays might be over, but for those of us with some annual leave left, there’s still plenty of time for a trip. And if you’re looking for ultimate luxury without having to hop on a flight, a wee weekend in bonnie Scotland might just be the answer.

A Scottish establishment just topped Time Out’s 2026 ranking of the best hotels in the UK, but if that wasn’t proof enough that the Scots have got luxury stays down to a science, well, you don’t just have to take our word for it. That’s because the AA has just unveiled the winners of its Hospitality Awards 2026, and one of Fife’s swankiest stays has scored a prize.

Old Course Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa in St Andrews was crowned AA Spa Hotel of the Year at the annual awards ceremony, which took place this week. 

If you fancy playing a round on the site where golf was first invented 600 years ago, this place is perfect. St Andrews, known as the home of the sport, is steeped in history and golfing tradition, and the hotel is right next door to the most famous (and oldest – hence the name) course in the world.

Golf clubs and carts aren’t the only things on offer at the Old Course Hotel, though. It’s also home to a recently refurbished spa complete with a ‘snow and sauna cabin’ and the UK’s first espuro foam steam room, inspired by traditional hammam treatments. 

The 175-room hotel also has five restaurants to choose from and is less than a 10-minute drive from West Sands Beach, a two-mile-long stretch of uninterrupted golden sand. Yep, sounds pretty glorious to us too. 

Did you see that this walking route between the Scottish Borders and Northumberland is one of the world's best experiences in 2027?

Plus: how to explore West Scotland – one of Britain’s most beautiful regions – for just £2.