Barbados is a golfer’s paradise.
Best known for its hospitable and welcoming people, stunning sandy beaches and tropical wildlife, golf has played a huge role in this beautiful island’s heritage.
It is thought that the sport was first played on the island during the late 18th century During the British global expansion, where members of the army and navy were first stationed on the island.
Since then, Barbados has established itself as one of the most unique hotspots in the world for golf, with Apes Hill, standing out as one of Barbados’ gems.
The course is nestled into the Caribbean island’s rich jungle just 13km north of Bridgetown at around about 1000ft above sea level. It is possibly one of the most unique and picturesque golf courses in the world.
The club describes its courses as ‘unforgettable’, and having played a couple of rounds on both its Championship Course and its par three nine-hole track, I can safely say I haven’t been able to stop talking about it.
The Apes Hill resort in Barbados is one of the most astounding and visually appealing golf courses in the Carribean
The course is situated 1000ft above sea level on 475 acres of land that used to be a sugar plantation
The defining feature of this stunning golf club is its setting. Designed by legendary architect Ron Kirby, Apes Hill’s Championship Course feels like a swirling links track that is set in the heart of the Caribbean jungle.
You’ll find yourself traversing undulating fairways, sharp doglegs and raised greens, all while being surrounded by bearded fig trees, rich jungle and some unique wildlife, including Barbados’ Green Monkeys, tropical birds and the occasional mongoose!
In April, former Masters champion Ian Woosnam, the ambassador for the course, hosted the Legends Tour at Apes Hill – the first time the tour has returned to Barbados in 15 years.
‘Ron [Kirby] has left an indelible mark on the place with a fantastic design on a spectacular piece of land – and you get these amazing panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea,’ Woosnam says, speaking on the golf course.
But there is something on offer for everyone at Apes Hill. While golf is the main draw, guests staying in one of the resort’s beautiful villas can indulge in a ton of activities. Guests can bring their rackets and head out for a hit on the club’s paddle or tennis courts.
Apes Hill also offers a range of wellness programmes from sunrise yoga in the jungle to pilates overlooking the platinum West Coast.
There is also a state-of-the-art fitness suite, and in the coming years, Apes Hill are planning to build an on-site wellness spa, as well as a beach club.
So what makes Apes Hill just so special?
The defining feature of this stunning golf club is its setting. Designed by legendary architect Ron Kirby, Apes Hill’s Championship Course feels like a swirling links track that is set in the heart of the Caribbean jungle
The courses
One of the Championship Course’s greatest assets is just how diverse each hole is, which makes it a thoroughly enjoyable challenge that tests every element of your game.
Situated across 500 acres of Waterhall and The Sugar Spring plantations, players will move through ravines, climb up ridges and have to contend with churning winds coming off the Atlantic during the front nine. Because of the undulating terrain, I often found I was playing my ball above or below my feet, which again added to the challenge and enjoyment of the course.
Each hole comes with four tees, meaning that players of all ages and handicaps can play to their ability. At its longest distance, the black tees stretch the course to 7,041 yards in length, meaning it plays to about the same length as many courses you’ll find on the pro tours.
The front nine weaves its way around some of the resort’s premium villas, and culminates in what’s been dubbed ‘Barbados’ Amen Corner’ – its 12th, 13th and 14th holes, which are simply a delight to play. They have been masterfully crafted to take into account the changing topography of Apes Hill. It begins with a raised tee box on the par three 12th hole, which challenges players to drop a wedge shot from around 130 yards out onto a sunken green. In the distance, you’ll be able to marvel at the icy caps of waves crashing against the shore of the Barbadian coastline.
Next is the stunning par four 13th. It’s a narrow tee shot to start but opens up as you move down the fairway. A raised green sits up on the left side of the hill and is protected by a deep gorge, meaning a hooked approach shot will be punished.
Lastly, my favourite hole, the par four 14th. It presents another narrow tee shot, with the fairway rolling around from right to left up to a raised green. But what is magical about this hole is the dense jungle that wraps around the fairway. A network of towering palm trees sprawl up the left side. On the right is a thick brush of bearded fig trees which wrap their way around a raised green. From here, the course provides yet another breathtaking view of the coastline. I tapped in my putt on the green and couldn’t help but stop for a moment to take in the view.
The final four holes equally prove to be a challenging test and include the also iconic par three 16th. Unlike the other Caribbean islands that were formed on a volcanic fault line, Barbados is situated on formed coral reefs and limestone deposits. You’ll find outcroppings of captivating coral rock situated througout your journey around Apes Hill.
One of the Championship Course’s greatest assets is just how diverse each and every hole is.
Perhaps the standout holes on this course are it’s 12th, 13th and 14th holes. The 12th (pictured) sees players trike the ball over a ravine and onto a sunken green
The 13th hole weaves around from right to left, with players having to avoid a big ravine on the left side of the fairway
The 14th hole was my favourite on the course, boasting a dog leg around to the left, up towards a raised green
The views from the top of 14 are just sensational. Players can tap in their putts and spend a moment taking in the fresh air blowing off the ocean
From the back tees, players are forced to hit in from around 200 yards across a lake onto the green, which sits ahead of a cave. It is arguably one of the coolest natural features I’ve ever seen on a golf course and blends seamlessly in with the aesthetic of Apes Hill so well.
I said this golf course was unique, right? Well, not many golf courses in the world boast a 19th hole – and no, I’m not talking about the bar.
Did your match end in a tie? No matter. After coming off the par-five 18th, you have the option to settle the game on the par three 19th, a 100-yard hole that requires players to land their ball on an island green on the lake just behind the clubhouse.
It’s a superb and innovative addition and one that you’ll have a lot of fun playing as well as watching too, as you catch up with friends after your round with an ice-cold rum punch in the bar that overlooks the green.
The par three course, known as Little Apes, follows in suit of the Championship Course. Every hole is unique in its own way, with Apes Hill having also built replicas of some of the most iconic holes in the world into this superb track.
One of those includes the 12th at Augusta, with Apes Hill also installing its very own version of Rae’s Creek in front of the green.
It is a fantastic place for golfers of all levels and ages to hone in on their approach play and putting.
And like the Championship Course, you’ll be able to soak up some stunning views out across the island and the resort.
The 16th hole is another beautiful hole. Unlike the other Caribbean islands that were formed on a volcanic fault line, Barbados, as an island, is situated on formed coral reefs and limestone deposits. You’ll find outcroppings of captivating coral rock situated around Apes Hill
The 16th also features one of the coolest natural features I have ever seen on a golf course, the cave at the back of the green
And finish off your round on the iconic 19th hole in front of the club house, which features an island green that’s around 100 yards out from the tee box
The Performance facility
Speaking of practising, Apes Hill’s state-of-the-art performance centre is a one-of-a-kind facility, where golfers can seek out lessons, hit balls on the range and get fitted for clubs.
Jody Addison is the club pro and possesses an outstanding breadth of knowledge about the game, having worked in some of the world’s most iconic courses, from the UK to Australia.
For any level of player, the services on offer here are next to none. Jody provided us with a coaching seminar and showcased how he uses the performance centre’s high-speed camera systems to analyse the different attributes of a person’s swing. From there, he can adapt and tailor his advice to help players improve.
It is an excellent facility that is both a great place to warm up before your round or spend an afternoon, working on your skills.
Speaking of practising, Apes Hill’s state-of-the-art performance centre is a one-of-a-kind facility, where golfers can seek out lessons, hit balls on the range and get fitted for clubs
You can also take advantage of the club’s state of the art putting lab, which features high-spec cameras to help you get the ball in the hole
Sustainability
Another point to note about Apes Hill is the golf club’s dedication and commitment to sustainability. Back in 2023, Apes Hill was crowned the World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility and it’s easy to see why.
The course superintendent Ed Paskins has done a outstanding job in cultivating and protecting the land that this track is built on. Ed and his staff have seeded a selection of drought-tolerant grasses, including Zorro Zoysia, on the course. Meanwhile, the fairways are watered using a 58million gallon rainwater reservoir situated on the property. The grass, combined with Apes Hills unique irrigation system, helps to reduce the course’s water consumption.
Less chemicals and fertilizers are also required for this grass, while hundreds of fruit and vegetable trees have been planted across the course. Many of those are harvested for produce which is used in the restaurant.
The course has also partnered with local farmers, providing locals with 77 acres of land around Apes Hill to cultivate, while one of Ed’s most exciting installations are his beehives. Bees help to promote pollination of the fruit trees dotted around the course, which include cherry, soursop and breadfruit trees.
Apes Hill’s commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop there. Back at their state-of-the-art luxury villas, rainwater collection tanks are used to irrigate each villa’s garden. The villas are also all constructed with sustainability in mind in order to save energy and help keep emissions down.
Back in 2023, Apes Hill was crowned the World’s Best Eco-Friendly Golf Facility and it’s easy to see why
The course superintendent Ed Paskins has done a simply outstanding job in cultivating and protecting the land that this track is built on
Staff use very little fertilisers and chemicals on the land and have been planting a ton of fruit trees and fauna indigenous to the island of Barbados
The Villas and restaurant
There are a number of ways guests can stay at Apes Hill, from purchasing their own villa to renting one of the Hill Top or Courtyard Villas around the resort.
During our time at Apes Hill, we stayed in one of the Hill Top Villas. They are situated next to the par-three course and a stone’s throw from the main restaurant.
The villas are fully kitted out with absolutely everything you could possibly need. From a stunning kitchen area, complete with state-of-the-art units, to an al-fresco living space that includes its own infinity pool on the terrace, this is the ultimate place to relax.
The Courtyard Villas are located on the golf course and provide an outstanding view of both the 18th hole and the coastline down towards the eastern side of the island.
The Courtyard Villas are situated on two floors, with each coming with a private infinity pool, kitchen, and stunning outdoor living space.
While guests are able to cook for themselves, there are a number of dining options available at Apes Hill. Perhaps the coolest is the dine-in option, where guests can hire one of the resort’s professional chefs for an evening who will cater for your tastes in the comfort of your own villa.
This was a thoroughly unique and brilliant experience, with the resort’s chefs showcasing their exceptional culinary knowledge of both Caribbean and world cuisine.
I also really enjoyed the wide range of food available at Apes Hill’s 20th Hole restaurant. From breakfast to dinner, I found myself lost for choice with the stunning array of dishes on offer.
Combining Caribbean delights with international delicacies, the 20th Hole restaurant is a sublime place to enjoy a meal.
The Hill Top villas are an outstanding place to relax and enjoy dinner with friends and family
Each villa at Apes Hill has been decorated to an emmaculate standard, featuring plush interiors and state-of-the-art appliances
And the 20th Hole restaurant provides a sensational blend of both Caribbean and international cuisines
For a resort of this sublime quality, Apes Hill doesn’t grandstand. It is unpretentious, knowing of its class but at the same time is modest and quietly goes about its core business of making sure its guests are happy
The final word
For a resort of this sublime quality, Apes Hill doesn’t grandstand. It is unpretentious, knowing of its class but at the same time is modest and quietly goes about its core business of making sure its guests are having an excellent stay.
What stood out for me the most was just how welcoming and friendly the staff at the resort were. Their approachability elevated our stay to the next level and that made Apes Hill just a simply wonderful place to stay and play golf.
