WMWNEWSGLOBAL / Exclusive August 2025 Summer / Apes Hill Barbados, St James in Barbados / By Plamena Manolova / Publisher LLM Reporters / Editing Press Release Wmwnewsglobal

Picture this: you are standing at the highest point of Barbados at 1000ft above sea level, you look west to the glistening Caribbean Sea, you look east and it’s the tumultuous Atlantic Ocean. The breeze is gentle and the March sun is shyly peeking through the clouds.

You are surrounded by 475 acres of unspoiled natural green terrain and palm groves which is the home of Apes Hill.

Resort

Apes Hill is a golf resort best known for its ‘must-play’ golf course which is an 18-hole par-71, world-class golf course

Apes Hill is a golf resort best known for its ‘must-play’ golf course which is an 18-hole, par-71, world-class golf course designed by the late US golf course architect, Ron Kirby. Apes Hill is also home of the globally renowned Legends Tour tournament hosted by Ian Woosnam. Although golf is at the spotlight, the resort prides itself for its various sustainability initiatives as well building a strong community amongst its residents.

During my stay, I was taken on a buggy tour across the resort – its hilly nature makes for an interesting ride. I learned about the irrigation system of the golf course and how all the rainwater is collected in a reservoir, also situated with the resort, as well as other sustainable initiatives like the electric-powered golf carts, and Zorro Zoysia grass which is renowned for its environmental benefits.

On the tour I was also shown the tree that gave Barbados its name – the Bearded Fig Tree – which is seen all over the island. The tale is that when the Portuguese saw the tree, they called it ‘Los Barbados’ which translates to ‘The Bearded One’. I also learned that the golf course was designed so that the existing trees would be left untouched.

The resort is an encouraging reminder that luxury, nature and innovation can live in harmony. Sustainability takes precedence here. From the 60 acres dedicated to farming livestock, 40 beehives, large vegetable gardens, and fruit trees such as passion fruit, lime tree, banana trees, the resort continuously shows its commitment to preserving biodiversity.

Apart from its focus on sustainability, the garden and the on-site organic farm are, of course, used to provide fresh, first-class cuisine served at the two restaurants of the resort.

Villa

Hill Top Villa is spacious with four double bedrooms

The resort currently offers two types of villas for hire – Hill Top Villas and Courtyard Villas, however, there are various real estate properties as well as land for private homes to be built.

I was welcomed at the Hill Top Villa in the probably the most traditional way you’d expect – with a rum punch in hand!

The villa is spacious with four double bedrooms, each offering an ensuite bathroom with bathtub and shower, as well as a walk in closet.

Two of the villas are facing the courtyard where the pool and outdoor lounge area is. The pool area is equipped with pool essentials – a cocktail shaker, a blender, ice bucket and multiple fridges waiting to be filled with your favourite holiday tipples. The courtyard offers both a large dining setting as well as lounge.

Through the gliding doors of the courtyard you are back inside where the kitchen and living room areas are. The villa’s living area is bright with front and back walls made entirely of glass.

The kitchen is fully equipped with a large kitchen island, oven, fridge and all the cooking essentials you might need. The villa also has its own utility room with washing machine and tumble drier.

Food and drink

The 20th Hole Restaurant is set on the western side of the resort with views of the Platinum West Coast

The 20th Hole, as well as Noisy Cricket, are situated at the club house of the resort near the bonus finisher 19th Hole of the course. The 20th Hole Restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch. This al fresco restaurant is set on the western side of the resort with views of the Platinum West Coast.

The setting is casual and golf attire is not a must, although most people lunching there would have just finished a game. The breakfast menu is abundant and designed to keep you full for the duration of your game. Items such as the power breakfast bowl featuring quinoa and sweet potatoes, or the selection of juices and smoothies with the same ‘power up’ names and protein powders, will keep you well nourished for the day.

The all-day menu offers small bites, salads and sandwiches mostly featuring local fish or seafood. The table’s favourites were the shrimp tacos and the grilled mahi mahi salad.

Speaking of the mahi mahi, this certainly is a must-try at dinner at the restaurant, Noisy Cricket. The restaurant is on the second floor of the club house, situated on the balcony with views of the Caribbean Sea. The blackened mahi mahi is a local delight and a must try, served on a bed of rice and a sprinkle of watermelon.

The resort also offers private in-villa dining where the private chefs will prepare meals to your taste paired with various wines perfectly selected for the meal.

We enjoyed a tuna tartare and a blackened Barracuda for our mains in the comfort of our villa.

To do: Within the resort

The golf course is large and welcomes golfers of all levels

The golf, of course, takes priority over everything else, but the resort has so much more to offer. The course is large and welcomes golfers of all levels although it is preferred by more experienced golfers due to the difficulty of some holes.

Apart from the golf course, the resort has its own golf training centre.With its state-of-the-art facilities such as video analyses, putting mat, coaching bays and PGA-certified expert golf coaches, the centre is great for golfers of all experiences.

For those who want to take a break from golf, the resort boasts eight Padel courts, tennis courts with on-site coaches to help improve your technique in either sport. The vast greenery and the resort’s unique location also make it a perfect spot for hiking trips and nature trails. The Gully hike is a walking trail that takes you through the back of the resort where you really feel like you are trekking through a beautiful unspoilt jungle.

Other activities such as on-site fishing experiences will be sure to keep anyone busy. The resort also offers various programmes focused on mindfulness such as clay making and yoga.

To do: Outside the resort

Bathsheba, on the east coast of Barbados, is beautiful and well worth a visit

If you are looking to explore the island, the resort can organise various activities, but my personal favourite was the East Coast Tour.

The tour explores the local part of the islands, those that have stayed untouched from time and time ago and where local people enjoy the slow island life up in the hills. If you are lucky enough you can ask for one of the most knowledgeable guides I have ever met – Ronnie Carrington.

Ronnie is a local guide and photographer who taught us all about the history, different architectural styles of this area, the local life, the plantations and food.

The tour ends with a visit to the Bathsheba region, where the rugged Atlantic Ocean meets the dramatic cliff of the region. Bathsheba is the main finishing village on this side of the island at Saint-Joseph parish. It’s far away from the glamorous resorts and it attracts visitors for its beautiful nature and dramatic coastline.

For the nights where you may fancy exploring the areas nearer Apes Hills, and maybe dining outside of the resort, you are only a short 20-minute drive from the renowned QP restaurant with its live music and stunning cliff-edge location. Or for a more casual, but equally delicious, dining is the Sea Shed tucked in Mullins Bay.

Factbox

3-bedroom Courtyard Villa with pool (sleeps up to 6 pax) from USD$ 1323 per night
4-bedroom Hilltop Villa with pool (sleeps up to 8 pax) from USD$ 2576 per night
BA flights are available from London Gatwick and London Heathrow on regular and daily basis during high season.

Address: Apes Hill, Saint James, Barbados
Email: info@apeshill.com
Website: apeshill.com