Tongues have been wagging about various revamps at Old Course Hotel lately — some are design-led, others are reimagining the guest experience… I’m here for the innovative new Kohler Waters Spa
This post was written in collaboration with Old Course Hotel and Kohler Waters Spa
Old Course Hotel’s iconic yellow façade belies an elegant interior, anchored by the hotel’s centuries-long golf history and idyllic coastal setting in St Andrews. The resort is owned by Wisconsin-based luxury hospitality group, Kohler Co. and when David Kohler took over as CEO in 2022, he set about giving Scotland’s ‘home of golf’ a series of carefully considered upgrades.
The Original Road Hole Restaurant and Bar have been redesigned to maximise views of the Old Course, one of the most famous golf courses in the world, as well as the beautiful West Sands beach. The Deck, a stylish rooftop venue, was actualised by Glasgow-based OCCA Design in 2024 and again makes the most of these stunning views.
The grand lobby has had a complete aesthetic revamp too. My eye can’t help being drawn to Graham Baxter’s huge ‘View from the Old Course Hotel’ painting, which has occupied the space since 1995. A nice nod to provenance amongst the grandeur.
Brand-new Herb’s coffee shop epitomises the modern bistro: frosted casement windows, elegant linen café curtains, mid-century dining chairs, a perfectly polished bar. This place is distinctly European and fit for the marbled walkways of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan.
In the bedrooms, earthy throws by Bute Fabrics are woven with the colours of the fairways and hallways are filled with bespoke fragrances by North Berwick-based Laura Thomas Co.
The fourth-floor carpets draw inspiration from their breathtaking coastal surroundings with a palette of rich burgundies, sandy tones and delicate touches of sky blue. Guests can take home exclusive ANTA homeware, which matches the design. “Everything has been designed to complement the landscape,” says Ellen Reith, brand marketing manager for Old Course Hotel. “Working with local high-end brands and artists connects us to Scotland and lets us show off homegrown talent.”
What I’m most interested in, though, is the shiny new Kohler Waters Spa, which re-opened last September after a five-month renovation.
The Kohler Waters Spa
I can smell the Kohler Waters Spa before I see it. Scents of citrus and wood lead me through the low-lit entrance and onto a pure-white poolside. Warm air caresses my skin, and I feel my nervous system begin to reset.
The sun-drenched room is buzzy but calm: one couple breaststrokes their way up the crystal-blue 20-metre pool, a group of friends chat hushedly with a fizz in hand, while a pregnant woman snoozes on a soft boucle chair behind them.
In the neighbouring thermal suite is a huge jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, cold plunge and two experience showers. The newest addition to the award-winning Kohler Waters Spa is the KLAFS-designed snow and sauna cabin, which comprises one heated sauna and an enclosed icy chamber chilled to around -10°C to 3°C. “This is Scotland’s most advanced contrast therapy experience,” says Ellen. “All of this is to celebrate ‘coorie’, the Scottish art of finding warmth, comfort and sanctuary.”
The Kohler Waters Spa ‘Summer Radiance Ritual’ package
For two hours, I saunter from swimming pool to cold plunge to jacuzzi, before trying the 50-minute full-body brushing massage, which is part of the Summer Radiance Ritual package (£160 per person). The firm pressure I requested was made relaxing by a nourishing skin oil treatment — its calming lavender scent lingers until I fall asleep that night.
The Espuro foam steam room experience (an immersive wellness ritual that makes caring for your skin fun) is also included in the package. Coconut and ginger-infused foam falls from the ceiling and fills the room to about waist height. I rub the luxurious product into my skin and emerge squeaky clean.
The Kohler Waters Spa Café
I tie off my trip with lunch in the purpose-built Spa Café. The roast chicken ramen I order is light and cleansing, just as I’d expect from a wellness-focused kitchen: dark, perfectly seasoned broth hides egg noodles and roasted chicken, while bok choi, spring onions and a soft-boiled egg add pleasing pops of colour.
The café is an intimate and bright space. Quite fancy, too, but there’s no need to dress up here. Guests sit in their fluffy white robes, with slightly flushed cheeks after their treatments. Comfort is king here, and feeling well is all that matters.
Plan your visit to Kohler Waters Spa
Old Course Hotel also hosts an array of spa days. Golden Hour Escape is a calming twilight experience (£99), Runner’s Recovery eases tired muscles (£170) and Indulge is ideal for celebrations (£185, with fizz on arrival).
Events and packages are new for 2026. These bespoke wellness experiences celebrate all aspects of health and wellbeing. From seasonal yoga to expert talks, these are perfect for learning new skills, rediscovering passions or connecting with like-minded people.
Keep an eye out for seasonal Floating Sound Meditation sessions where guests drift weightlessly on the pool surface, serenaded by sounds from Himalayan singing bowls (24th September and 19th November).
The Slow & Restore Retreat is a one-night escape centred around guided yoga and meditation with restorative spa rituals and invigorating cold water sea dips led by Rosanne Nieboer (21st to 22nd November).
Old Course Hotel
Old Station Road
St Andrews
Fife
KY16 9SP
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