Barbados was George Washington’s only trip abroad: the future U.S. president spent six weeks on the island with his half-brother Lawrence, who was seeking relief from tuberculosis. Today, Barbados remains known for its balmy climate—and for its golf.
Apes Hill Barbados, a new addition to GOLF’s list of the Top 100 Golf Resorts in the World, sits about 1,000 feet above sea level across roughly 475 acres of lush, rain-forest-covered bluffs. The resort overlooks both the Atlantic and Caribbean coasts.
The centerpiece is a championship course designed by the late Ron Kirby. The layout follows the terrain beautifully, moving over ravines and around forested gullies, with coral caves as a backdrop. Holes travel along ridgelines and tumble toward the water, where the rain forest meets the sea.
Apes Hill takes its name from Barbados green monkeys, playful primates with fur the color of cocktail olives. Like George Washington, they are not native to the island; they arrived on ships from West Africa about 350 years ago. Today they are beloved symbols of Barbados, and they can also be spotted at Apes Hill, playing in the trees along the course.
The golf at Apes Hill delivers what you want from a tropical resort: entertaining play, impeccable conditioning and striking panoramas. The par-3 12th is a highlight, a long downhill one-shot hole with turquoise water in the distance. The layout also includes a bonus par-3 19th with an island green—an ideal place to settle a bet, though it is worth playing even when nothing is at stake.
Former Masters champion Ian Woosnam is an Apes Hill brand ambassador and a seasonal resident. He also hosts Barbados Legends, an annual event in which amateurs play tournament rounds alongside professionals.
Off the course, guests can unwind at the resort’s beach club on the island’s quiet northwest shore. Activities include nature hikes, catamaran cruises, dining ranging from casual to refined, padel, tennis and assorted water sports.
Two years ago, the resort opened Little Apes, a nine-hole, par-27 course. It is ideal for children and newcomers to golf, while its thoughtful design can still challenge more experienced players. You can play in flip-flops with a cocktail in hand, or take the round seriously and test your lofted irons.
Keeping score is optional. But if you choose to count your strokes, follow George Washington’s example and do not embellish the result. Save the inventions for stories at the bar.
By Josh Sens for GOLF.com.
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