A GOLFER’S PARADISE – APES HILL BARBADOS

It may have only reopened its championship course late last year, but Apes Hill Barbados is fast becoming one of the most celebrated venues in golf.

Positioned 1,000ft above sea level with jaw-dropping views over the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, Apes Hill has gone from strength to strength since being purchased by Canadian tycoon Glenn Chamandy in 2019.

Spearheading this renaissance is the work of renowned golf architect Ron Kirby, whose impressive portfolio includes one of Ireland’s most spectacular layouts at Old Head Golf Links. His redesign of the original Apes Hill course has been dubbed a ‘Caribbean Masterpiece’, with four teeing options ranging from 5,033 to a little over 7,000 yards to suit golfers of any ability level.

Fast earning a reputation as a bucket-list venue, Kirby has blessed Apes Hill with a number of memorable holes. After a gentle opening – that includes a thrilling risk-reward short par 4 at the second – the layout begins to bare its teeth with some dramatic tee shots adding to the challenge and a run of holes on the inward nine that serves up some incredible vistas, especially from the 12th to the 15^th.

Apes Hill’s signature hole arrives in the form of a stunning par three at 16. Named the ‘Cave Hole’, it spans over 200 yards from the back tees with the Atlantic sitting behind you and the Caribbean Sea in front. With palm trees, coral rocks and water to counter as you navigate a safe path to the green, the hole is infused with the DNA of Barbados.

At the heart of Kirby’s renovation is Apes Hill’s commitment to nature preservation and sustainability, with great care taken to use environmentally friendly and responsible grasses. Fairways have been re-laid with drought-tolerant turf Zorro Zoysia and the greens with Bermuda grass, TifEagle. Resort-wide irrigation will be aided by a newly-constructed reservoir that can hold up to 58 million gallons of rainwater, while hundreds of trees, fruits and vegetables have been planted around the property, facilitating a specially crafted ‘farm to fork’ initiative.

Even after the successful reopening of the acclaimed course, development continues to turn Apes Hill into the complete golfing package. An island-style 19th hole – inspired by the iconic 17th at TPC Sawgrass – will bring another element of fun, while a state-of-the-art Performance Centre is already being hailed as one of the best in the world since opening in January.

The venue is also in the process of adding a number of facilities, such as a fun par-three layout – with holes ranging from 95 to 150 yards – which will be perfect for both those looking to work on their short games and families who do not want to take on the full 18 holes.

Meanwhile, a modern and contemporary clubhouse is set to complement the beauty of its natural surroundings, with recreational facilities including nature-hiking trails, a racquet centre for tennis lovers, fitness and padel courts along with a health club.

A thriving real-estate project is also underway with a phased opening throughout 2023. Properties start at around £1.5million but are diverse enough to suit a hefty range of budgets and buyers. While a home amidst the natural beauty of the Caribbean is an aspiration for many, Apes Hill Barbados promises to make that dream a reality.

Email – info@apeshill.com

Tel – +1 246 538-0590

Apes Hill, Saint James, Barbados